CAVITATION??? Need help with my 97 Seadoo Sportster

[Nathan Dunnett]

Hi everyone,
Have been having quite a bit of trouble with my 97 seadoo sportster. When I have the boat in the water and it is just me it runs no trouble, but as soon as I put a couple people in it, or have the tube or water skiis trying to be pulled, the RMP seem to go up so far then the boat starts to rev real high and not really going anywhere. It just seems as thought it is sucking air. I cant pull the skiis up at all, the tube not so bad but it takes a long time to get plane if I do at all. If I dont get the throttle just right then it goes into this act and just revs and revs real high and sounds similiar to someone trying to start a car that just wont start. I am not real happy with it so far. I have been doing some research and it seems as thought maybe one of the various seals may be gone.
Would really appreciate any feedback. Thanks

 

[RFoster130]

Yep you have cavitation. Have you replaced anything in the propulsion system? I would start with the basics. How does the wear ring look? Pull the pump, replace the ring, check the impeller and reseal the pump to the hull. Then see what happens. If it still does it, I would look at the carbon seal.

 

[DEADRINGER]

got the same deal going on to make matters worse i sucked a few rocks through last trip now bolth pumps are cavitating. booo anybody know where i can get wear rings, seals and get my impellers rebuilt?

 

[RFoster130]

You can send the impeller to SBT and get a refurbished one for $60. They also sell aftermarket rings for $40. I prefer the OEM rings from the dealer or parts link here though. They run around $60