Buying pair of 98 and 99 GTX Limited?

[Willy.Fire]

Hi I have been searching for a pwc for well over a month now and Im pretty much set on buying a 98 and 99 GTX limited pair on trailer. These will be for our family to use (3 kids) and will be our 1st sea-doos. Anyways I thought I would check with some experts here on what to look for when I go look and possibly buy. Here are some details.
Previous owner owned for 9 years and is a mechanic he said they have not seen water for 3 years and over the course of 9 years only around 10 times. He has started them every spring and winter and said has winterized every year. Always stored inside this year when starting he found 1 to have bad solenoid and starter so this needs replaced. the other one runs fine. Hours are 150ish and 160ish 2 new batteries this june and compression in june on both were 140ish. Exterior is in good shape just dusty from sitting in garage. Price is really good but I wont be able to do a water test unfortunately so this scares me. I will do compression test is there anything else I need to worry about? Should I stay clear of them since they have sat so long with out being on the water? Im scared when i get them out I will find more things wrong? Thanks for any input and if I end up with them im sure I will be here for help on what I need to do to make these as reliable as I can for our family to use.

 

[mikidymac]

First off those are great skis.
Being these are your first skis with one not even running I would avoid them. You are going to want ones you can test ride.
These things especially the ones you are looking at with the 951 engined San eat thousands of dollars if not perfect.

 

[Willy.Fire]

This is what worries me. We dont have thousands to throw at them I can do general maintenance myself but when it comes to engine rebuilds and other major problems id be paying. What would you recommend then? Ive searched alot and these and a pair of 99 Yamahas have been all I can find so far. I have also been looking for a 06ish 4 stroke gti but cant find anything at our $4000 budget ):

 

[Coastiejoe]

A generic rule is, 2-strokes often need a top end done around the 200 hour mark.

No being able to test them and one not starting lowers the value.

You really need to buy them with the assumption that you will need an engine or engine work. Any other way is a gamble.

Also, if they have Grey Tempo fuel lines, these will need replaced as well as other work because of the lines.

 

[mikidymac]

For reliable 2 strokes it is hard to beat the seadoo GTI with the 720 engine.
We can help you through general maintenance but I wouldn't by anything you can't test ride.
The 4 strokes are more reliable but as you are finding more expensive and harder to work on.

 

[Willy.Fire]

Thanks again for the input. One of the 1st I looked at was a 02 GTI but couldn't get a good feeling from the seller and it was not kept as clean as I would have liked to see. Ill keep searching.

 

[Willy.Fire]

I would like to ask one more time before i decide today if Im going tomorrow or not. If I can somehow get him to agree on letting me take them to the lake what do I look for in the 10-15 min ride? I have not rode one since the 90's. On another note other single GTXs around are asking only about $500 less then what Id be picking these up for so the price is what keeps me thinking about them. If no water test like mentioned I will pass.

 

[mikidymac]

The big unknown of the GTX's you are looking at is the one that can't be started. You can't even test the compression on it either with a bad starter. That brings the value of that ski down to about $500 if it is in good clean condition. A new starter and solenoid is going to set you back about $250.
Next is the hours, at 140-160 you are getting up there in the life of a 951 seadoo. Typically they go 200 hours before needing a full rebuild so you are getting close.
Third is even if they are perfect and everything is as he says you are going to have to do a full service on them including fuel system rebuild, oil system maintenance and pump oil. This will run about $250 each ski if you do the labor.

All of this should be factored into the price.

Here is a link to my check list for buying a used ski... http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?72990-Things-to-look-for-when-buying-a-used-SeaDoo

For the test ride..
1. It should start immediately.
2. Should accelerate with no flat spots or "clutch slipping" feel.
3. Should never cut out or bog.
4. All gauges should work.
5. Should idle good and restart without having to give it gas.
6. Remove seat and check for leaks. A little wetness and drops of water are normal, there should be no standing water or flooding.
7. Controls should operate smoothe and easy.

 

[Willy.Fire]

Once again I appreciate your reply. Thanks for the link great info there. Ive been searching in circles and my head hurts. With a $4000 budget from my wife its been tough. Another option I have thought of was to try the small seadoo boats as maybe that would be a better option for our family of 5. Our daughter has paralysis so might be better for her to have boat seats to sit in. Ive considered shopping across border North Dakota and area but have found it tough to search online not knowing where to look.

 

[TLH101]

You might try looking at mid to late '90s GTS and GTI 3 seaters. They are great skis for a first ski, and usually, relatively cheap to repair and maintain. Look for one with a 657, 720, or 782 engine. They are also reasonable to purchase a pair. They are not "hot rods" though.
I have a '97 GTS that I picked up cheap and after a couple hundred bucks of routine maintenance, and some elbow grease, it's in nice shape now.
Before:

After:

 

[Willy.Fire]

$1000 can get me this. Says its running fine. 99 GTI. 15Hours on rebuild. No water test once again

 

[TLH101]

Pending a good compression check and no serious damage, looks to me like a good deal. Appears it has been setting for a long time, so will likely need the carb rebuilt, and the oil system flushed. Also if still has grey fuel lines they will need replacing. Use the check list posted above. If it passes the checklist, with only needing the repairs I mentioned, it's a good deal.
Basically the same as my machine, but 2 years newer, with a bit better riding hull. I'm in mine, after the above repairs, for about $1000-$1100, and I feel like it was real bargain. If it was near me, I would likely snatch it up.

 

[mikidymac]

If that 99' GTI checks out those are perfect entry level family skis.

 

[tobytd]

quick note 98 is a single coil & 99 is a double - - no parts swapping to test

 

[Mickirig1]

I have 2 -- 2000 GTI's Great starter ski's. Very stable, they call them floating couches.The 717 engine lasts a long time. You can get repair manuals off the Internet. You just need to be able to wrench repairs. They don't need repaired a lot, but do need some work at times. We can help you with problems. Maybe have a friend you can bribe with rides and outings to help you. Most of it is just straight up wrenching and a little skill and logic. Getting the family out on the water is a great family adventure. The skills they learn will stay with them for life.

 

[Willy.Fire]

Just came across a 97 challenger in good shape close to where I live. Time to research these. Yes I spent a month this summer where I grew up spending most days at the beach watching people launch watercrafts all day. I told my wife Im not going back next summer without something to get us on the water. The GTI is starting to turn into a nightmare the guy isn't being to cooperative and basically saying 1st come 1st served and isn't bothering answering anymore questions. And its not a short drive away 6 hours ):

 

[mikidymac]

Skip it. Not the guy you want to buy from with that attitude.
Plus you have a long time to shop for the perfect ski till next spring.

 

[TLH101]

Got to agree with mikidymac, there are a ton of those GTS & GTIs around, and with patience, and time you will find the right one. Keep a close eye on Craigslist in the towns surrounding your area. I "kissed a lot of frogs" before I found a good deal. I have seen several since. They are out there.