Good day all. I'm considering getting a PWC. I/we currently have a 20ft Glasstron bowrider & i've owned boats for years & years...but never a PWC. This would be an addition to my/our "toys". I have 2 teenage girls & we always go RVing & boating for summer entertainment. However it's just so much you can do with one boat & a load of teenagers & friends that all want to tube & ski at the same time. My thinking is a PWC may make a good addition for some varied fun. I know all about the boating regulations regarding minors & PWCs so that not my question/s. My questions are regarding brands & year models, two seat vs. three & HP rateing vs. fun factor & MPGs. I'm NOT looking for new..it's more like 97-2002 years model range & maybe a three seater. Iv'e found & seen them sold on Craigslist in less than a day (models in this year range for as cheap as $1000-to-2500). So whats the scoop on these,...i need some schooling...thanks for any advice in advance
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Experienced boater, But new to PWCs wannbe buyer
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787cc......
You'll probably be best served with something running the 787cc engine. It's a twin carb motor with 100hp. It's fast but not to fast. It's used in one of the most popular 2 seaters, the XP. You can also find this engine in the 3 seat GTX, both 1997 models.
Avoid the DI (direct injected) models as a first time ski. I wouldn't recommend a 951 engine as a first time go round with teenagers either. It's a pretty fast motor......:cheers:
You'll probably be best served with something running the 787cc engine. It's a twin carb motor with 100hp. It's fast but not to fast. It's used in one of the most popular 2 seaters, the XP. You can also find this engine in the 3 seat GTX, both 1997 models.
Avoid the DI (direct injected) models as a first time ski. I wouldn't recommend a 951 engine as a first time go round with teenagers either. It's a pretty fast motor......:cheers:
I have just been through a similar change as I have 5 older kids and 19 ft Bayliner Capri. 2 summers ago I bought a 96 Seadoo GTI- 3 seater (717 motor). I paid $2200 + tax then and it was a steal--almost new. You need 3 seater if you are going to ski or tube behind it in PA since you have to have a spotter and room to take 3rd person aboard. 717 gets you 52 MPH and plenty of steam for pulling although I would go the GTX model if I did it again. Not sure about MPG, but it seems to chew up as much as my boat which is 130 HP merc. Definitely a good choice to get a ski as it gives you fun options for everyone. Only trouble is that you will want a second one very soon 
.
Go for it buddy. But watch out for engine troubles (see my other recent post). Lots of older ones start getting cranky and it gets expensive to fix 'em.
.Go for it buddy. But watch out for engine troubles (see my other recent post). Lots of older ones start getting cranky and it gets expensive to fix 'em.
I have just been through a similar change as I have 5 older kids and 19 ft Bayliner Capri. 2 summers ago I bought a 96 Seadoo GTI- 3 seater (717 motor). I paid $2200 + tax then and it was a steal--almost new. You need 3 seater if you are going to ski or tube behind it in PA since you have to have a spotter and room to take 3rd person aboard. 717 gets you 52 MPH and plenty of steam for pulling although I would go the GTX model if I did it again. Not sure about MPG, but it seems to chew up as much as my boat which is 130 HP merc. Definitely a good choice to get a ski as it gives you fun options for everyone. Only trouble is that you will want a second one very soon
Go for it buddy. But watch out for engine troubles (see my other recent post). Lots of older ones start getting cranky and it gets expensive to fix 'em.
I'm the type of person whos anal about paying anybody to fix/build anything for me. If the price is right on a 97 & up seadoo i may bite(since the 97-98 models look alot like 2007-8 models but at a fraction of the cost)....& thats what i'm looking to start out with. One i'm on the bubble on is a 02 gti listing in the dallas/ft. worth craigslist. It got loose during a storm & was bashed against the rocky shore & is beat up bad (alot of fiberglass work on the lower hull + the strakes are gone too). The seller says the engine never got dunked...but then he never ran it after the beating it took either...hmmmm. I'm thinking the asking price of $1400 is abit steep. Maybe if the motor & drive/steering is fine i'll offer $1200.
Storm damage?....
It's hard to believe that if the ski got loose and banged up pretty bad on the rocks, the engine compartment flooded too.
Sounds kinda fishy...........:cheers:
It's hard to believe that if the ski got loose and banged up pretty bad on the rocks, the engine compartment flooded too.
Sounds kinda fishy...........:cheers:
Older fella (owner) said it was on a lift & got blowed into the water(high wind) & it rode out the storm against a "sea wall" as he described it. Anyways it was there for a few hours before he reeled it in. Lots of cosmetic superficial damage to the nose, lower front hull, & rear hull (strakes missing too) I'm thinking the motor took a bath even though he said not & i didn't see a pic of the jet nozzle,..But i'm sure it took a licking too. Maybe i should punt on this one?
mcurcio1989
New Member
Your on a sea doo forum asking about brand haha. In all honesty sea doos are awesome machines and they take the cake as far as performance goes. I love the one I have. You are definately gonna want a three seater for your application. As a sea doo owner I would say that if you don't want to get one off the showroom I would recomend a yamaha. Yamaha is an excellent company and they make very reliable products. Sea doos are a blast but they are somewhat tempermental.
As far as mpg goes just start dumping your wallet out if you wanna get a pwc that is any newer than 1990. My two seater uses as much if not more than our 19' with a v8. Of course I like going fast but either way gas is not gonna be able to be a buying factor, its just bad. I like sea doo but they just aren't all that reliable of course that depends on the po to.
As far as mpg goes just start dumping your wallet out if you wanna get a pwc that is any newer than 1990. My two seater uses as much if not more than our 19' with a v8. Of course I like going fast but either way gas is not gonna be able to be a buying factor, its just bad. I like sea doo but they just aren't all that reliable of course that depends on the po to.
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Opinions appreciated....
Everyone has their opinion as to what PWC is the best. Thats "freedom of choice".......
But, the history behind Seadoo and Rotax stands for itself. Starting in 1920, Rotax began it's history in Germany. Then, in 1943 they moved their operations to Austria.
In 1962, the first Rotax engine was installed in a Ski-Doo snowmobile, a product of BRP.
In 1970, BRP and Rotax integrate.
In 1988, the first Rotax for the BRP line of Seadoo's was first used.
In 2006, Rotax celebrated selling their 6 millionth engine.
Everyone has their opinion as to what PWC is the best. Thats "freedom of choice".......
But, the history behind Seadoo and Rotax stands for itself. Starting in 1920, Rotax began it's history in Germany. Then, in 1943 they moved their operations to Austria.
In 1962, the first Rotax engine was installed in a Ski-Doo snowmobile, a product of BRP.
In 1970, BRP and Rotax integrate.
In 1988, the first Rotax for the BRP line of Seadoo's was first used.
In 2006, Rotax celebrated selling their 6 millionth engine.
mcurcio1989
New Member
I hope you didn't misunderstand me. I agree the rotax engine is an incredible piece of engineering. sea doos have incredible performance. All I am saying is that of all the various boats and other vehicles I have owned and worked on the sea doos have been by far the most problematic and hard to work on. I love to ride them but I have had some very bad experiences with them. I know that its possible that the po may have had something to do with that but I have also talked to many people who have had similar experiences with sea doos. I am not saying this trying to bash sea doos I am just saying it because i wish someone would have told me this before i bought mine. My 88 kawasaki is by far mor reliable than my 97 spx. When buying a pwc it is VERY important to take the reliability/repair factor into account because it can be very costly and time consuming. It doesn't matter how good of performance something has if you can't ever ride. That being said I do not regret buying the sea doo i still have.
Misunderstanding?......
No.................no.............I didn't misunderstand you. I believe you may have misunderstood me though. Personally, I own two Yamaha's. I have an 89 model Wave Runner and a 91 Wave Runner III. As you stated, they are easy to work on. They are also very durable.
But now, in my experience in Seadoo's, I have had no way near the problems with my Rotax's than I have my Yamaha's. The way the exhaust and water jacket come together in the older Yamaha 500 and 650 engines is a nightmare. On the other hand, the magneto is a pain to work on while in the Seadoo's.
So, their are pro's and cons' on both sides of the platform when it comes to choices. The engines I've seen most complain about in the forum are the DI (direct injected) engines. They are so hard to trouble shoot.
My idea of the last post was just to give you a little history of Rotax. And, this being a Seadoo forum, your gonna find more lovers of the Seadoo than haters. With me trying to keep and open mind and owning both models, I'd still choose the Seadoo over the Yamaha any day for reliability, performance and looks, any day of the week............
But please, feel free to say what ever you like about your personal experience. As long as you keep it clean, you might get a healthy debate going on which is better, faster, less maintenance to maintain.... that's always fun. Be prepared though, you'll practically be on your own defending your views................:cheers:
No.................no.............I didn't misunderstand you. I believe you may have misunderstood me though. Personally, I own two Yamaha's. I have an 89 model Wave Runner and a 91 Wave Runner III. As you stated, they are easy to work on. They are also very durable.
But now, in my experience in Seadoo's, I have had no way near the problems with my Rotax's than I have my Yamaha's. The way the exhaust and water jacket come together in the older Yamaha 500 and 650 engines is a nightmare. On the other hand, the magneto is a pain to work on while in the Seadoo's.
So, their are pro's and cons' on both sides of the platform when it comes to choices. The engines I've seen most complain about in the forum are the DI (direct injected) engines. They are so hard to trouble shoot.
My idea of the last post was just to give you a little history of Rotax. And, this being a Seadoo forum, your gonna find more lovers of the Seadoo than haters. With me trying to keep and open mind and owning both models, I'd still choose the Seadoo over the Yamaha any day for reliability, performance and looks, any day of the week............
But please, feel free to say what ever you like about your personal experience. As long as you keep it clean, you might get a healthy debate going on which is better, faster, less maintenance to maintain.... that's always fun. Be prepared though, you'll practically be on your own defending your views................:cheers:
Update: of sorts anyway. The older fella with the hull damaged seadoo emailed me back...he charged up the battery & it started up & ran fine. So i'm still on the bubble on this one. I have however come across 2 kawasakis STXs w/trailer. Ones a 98 900STX(toasted engine...oil injection pump?) & a running 2000 model 1100STX. They are asking $2500 for both...so how bout it...good deal or not?
mcurcio1989
New Member
Guess I did misunderstand you. I realize this is a sea doo forum and that is why I am saying this because, like I said I really wish someone would have tolds me that. Its just a word of caution. I am not the type of person who judges a brand by a couple of its models. I am just trying to be helpful and that being said I own my doo for a reason its awesome! So I really don't want to get in any brand wars hear I am justr giving my experience.
Kawa.....
I don't want to begin promoting feedback or support for anything other than Seadoo's.....but!
The 2000 Kawasaki JT1100-C1 1100 STX DI retails for about $3500 bucks in really good shape. I'd say, it had to be in excellent shape it I were going to buy it.
The 900 STX? You can get a remanufactured motor for about $1000 bucks. Of course, it doesn't come with the mag, reed valves or any other components. You'd have to buy a new oil injection pump and switch all the other gear over to your new engine. If you got this one running and it was in excellent shape, it would retail for about $2300 bucks.
So, if these babies have eye candy appeal, it might be worth it considering you spend a little money, you could have about $5000 worth of skis.........
Prices courtesy of Kelly's Blue book
Now, lets don't get in a habit of talking about Kawa's or Yamahammers......:cheers:
I don't want to begin promoting feedback or support for anything other than Seadoo's.....but!
The 2000 Kawasaki JT1100-C1 1100 STX DI retails for about $3500 bucks in really good shape. I'd say, it had to be in excellent shape it I were going to buy it.
The 900 STX? You can get a remanufactured motor for about $1000 bucks. Of course, it doesn't come with the mag, reed valves or any other components. You'd have to buy a new oil injection pump and switch all the other gear over to your new engine. If you got this one running and it was in excellent shape, it would retail for about $2300 bucks.
So, if these babies have eye candy appeal, it might be worth it considering you spend a little money, you could have about $5000 worth of skis.........
Prices courtesy of Kelly's Blue book
Now, lets don't get in a habit of talking about Kawa's or Yamahammers......:cheers:
last update: (for those who want to know)
Well i'm going with the 2 kawis...BUT i found out a a few things. First off some info on the titles were backwards,...turns out that the Running STX 1100 is a 98...Not a 2000. 2nd, the non-running STX900 is really a 2000 & not a 98 model. So they knocked off an additional $500 to make it a total of $2000 for both & the trailer. Also i'm sure now that the 900 went bad because of a faulty injection pump. So it looks as if i'm going to become a 2-cycle wrench head. Thanks for all the help...& who knows i may still wind up w/a Seadoo one of these days!
Well i'm going with the 2 kawis...BUT i found out a a few things. First off some info on the titles were backwards,...turns out that the Running STX 1100 is a 98...Not a 2000. 2nd, the non-running STX900 is really a 2000 & not a 98 model. So they knocked off an additional $500 to make it a total of $2000 for both & the trailer. Also i'm sure now that the 900 went bad because of a faulty injection pump. So it looks as if i'm going to become a 2-cycle wrench head. Thanks for all the help...& who knows i may still wind up w/a Seadoo one of these days!
Off topic?......
We have a section that is off topic. Your always welcome to come into the forum and post in the off topic section, if you have a question. Never know, we might be able to help you anyway. In some respects, a motor is a motor is a motor.........but, then again, there are somethings that are manafacturer specific.
You got a great deal it seems.............good luck!:cheers:
We have a section that is off topic. Your always welcome to come into the forum and post in the off topic section, if you have a question. Never know, we might be able to help you anyway. In some respects, a motor is a motor is a motor.........but, then again, there are somethings that are manafacturer specific.
You got a great deal it seems.............good luck!:cheers:
top_speed
New Member
I've got pwc's up the ying-yang!
My models are mostly Sea-Doo's but also get in a few Yamaha's (assorted) and Honda's F12 & F15's. Your in the price range for '00 or a tad under but hmmm... $1000 is a project boat most likely, got those too but remember you get what you pay for! -AND- remember as the sun shines (more), weather gets nicer the prices all start rolling up so now is a GREAT time to jump in!
Need a good pre-owned ski? PM-ME!
On the branding, I'm not brand specific when I sell pwc's but I can tell you if you visit a Kawasaki, Honda or Yamaha forum (I'm a member of all sorted), everybody bench marks to Seadoo like "this is as fast as a Seadoo xxx" or you'll keep up with the C-DOOOO heads with this model" etc. Yamaha engines are pretty durable but the hull handling will still make you say BRP.
-Hope this puts this thread back on track
:cheers:
Thomaswalkowiak
New Member
I've got two sea doos for sale just got the running great with many new parts and an extra ski for parts any one interested
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