Buying a 2008 Speedster 155 HP, looking for advice

[sheardc]

Looking at a Speedster 155 hp. Hope to get a test drive this weekend.

Note I already own a a mid 90s Speedster w/ twin engines.

What should I be looking for in terms of the motor upgrade / change.
-no more 2 cycle oil, 1 less engine to deal with
-this unit has fuel injected and 2 stage cooling system
-should the performance be equal to the old boat?
-better steering?
-hope to get a compression test too.

What are key maintenance areas to address?

Winerization?

Thanks in advance for the info,

 

[Coastiejoe]

From the boat perspective, you know what you need to do as you have one. The engine system is about as different from each other as could be.

The closed loop cooling system is great as no raw water (the water you are running in) ever touches the engine. The heat exchanger and exhaust is all that really gets touched by raw water. So, you will have no corrosion or salt water concerns as far as the 155 is concerned. Also, you don't have to worry about the sand build up and what not that the 2-strokes have.

Do NOT run the engine over-full, the 4-tech engine do not like that. Keep the level between the lines. If not, it build internal pressure and you will lose performance.

Apples to apple, an identical boat that has a single vs twins, there is a 14% difference when it comes to response and fuel economy and what not. That said, you may not see a large difference and in fact an improvement as, the 155 is a larger engine and the hull configuration is improved through the years.



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[devonte007]

I have a 2004 155hp version of the boat you are looking at and I am very happy with it. Boats from 2004 on were virtually identical except for changes in the instrument cluster and different more powerful engine choices as the years went on.

Not sure exactly what you want to know... I have never owned a 2-stroke boat so I cannot give you any comparison. I do like the 4tec engine (it always starts and doesn't smoke), and the 155hp version is the most bullet-proof engine seadoo makes. If you do all the regular maintenance and winterization it should last you a very long time. Have heard of people who have over 1000 hrs on one of these engines and no issues.

Performance is good, top speed with the wind at my back and glass water is about 50mph. Expect to get upper 40's on average top speed. Fuel economy is good too, depending on how you drive.

I can also pull 2 tubes and skiers without much difficulty.

Key maintenance areas have already been touched on by Coastiejoe and generally consists of:
-change the oil regularly
-change spark plugs once a year
-replace antifreeze every 2 years
-inspect your jet pump periodically for water intrusion

As for winterization, pretty much the same as the 2-stroke version you now have. Just make sure to get raw water out of exhaust cooling system, change oil, fog motor, and grease everything up. Here is a link to an in depth discussion of winterization:
http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?55224-Winterizing-a-boat&highlight=winterization

I don't think you can go wrong by upgrading to a 4tec Speedster. Just make sure to do a good 20min water test if possible to wring out any issues. If you have any specific questions feel free to post back and we'll do what we can to get your answers.

 

[IDoSeaDoo]

I'm with everyone on the fact that the reliability and longevity of the 4tec will be much superior. The ONLY downside I can think of is you will probably lose a lot of take-off as you're going down to one pump doing all the pushing. The new boat weighs a good 200lbs more than the older ones too. My buddy had a 95 with twins and that was the most fun I ever had with a steering wheel. But I feel that the benefits of 4stroke outweigh this negative. The low noise, fuel economy/cheaper operating costs, ease of maintenance... There's so much to love. Just pray that nothing breaks on it... EVER. Parts and labor prices on these units are outrageous compared to the 2strokes.