First post. Looking to buy 99 Speedster SK.

[BTH]

First I would like to say so far from what I've read this is a great forum. This may have been addressed already in other topics but I am brand new to the jet boat seen so here it goes. I've found a 99 speedster sk for $3200. Have yet to see it in person. Plan to drive to Kansas city next Saturday to take a look. In the mean time what types of questions should I ask the owner outside of maintenance and winterization. I've read about doing the compression tests and taking it for a spin on the water. What else should I be looking for outside of this? I've built several drag racing and circle track motors in my day but I have no idea where to even start on a rotary engine.

Thanks for any and all advice.

Matt

 

[Phildoo]

Yep, a compression test is a good idea before buying, should be around 150 per cylinder and no more than 10lb difference. 3200 seems like a good deal but the sk's have the smaller engines I believe. Look inside the jets for wear around the wear rings also and the impellers. If they are dinged up then it will need those replaced. Being a 99, expect it to not be perfect, but any problems can be solved on this forum. Lot of knowledgeable people on here.
As long as you are not afraid to turn a wrench, they make a great hobby and are a lot of fun!
Good Luck.

 

[BTH]

Don't expect perfection, just want to make sure I know what I need to look for. This will be our first boat and we have two kids 8 and 4 so this thing should be just right according to my better half. Personally I would love to have the twin 110's:drool5: but I know my wife well enough to say she won't like the 110's. I love to tinker with things and view myself as a pretty good mechanic, but as mentioned in my previous post I know absolutely nothing about jet boats. If it had a prop and a normal connecting rod engine I wouldn't be so nervous.

So do you think that $3200 is a fair price? It includes a boat cover, bimini top, life jackets, 1999 Shore Lander trailer and a Sony CD Player. Owner states it has a few light scratches and nicks but nothing that needs to be addressed, decals are also a bit faded. Speedometer does not work. So barring it operates well on the water, the compression is good and the impellers aren't messed up how much would be a good counter offer?

Thanks again and this is a wonderful forum. I'm learning so much! I've wanted a Sea Doo since I was a teenager and now my dream may finally come true! We are excited!!

 

[Phildoo]

Considering where your at and the time of year you should have some wiggle room on the price..but that depends entirely on how bad the owner wants to get rid of it.
I bought my boat last year, never owning a seadoo before either, I now know it inside and out with all the help from the great guys on this forum. Any problems can be handled here.
..and kids LOVE these boats, especially when you do a 180 at full throttle..

 

[Phildoo]

Even if its time to replace the rings and impellers, they arent much..rings are 35 each and impellers are 25 with exchange.
You can get everything you need from SBT.

 

[BTH]

Sounds great. Speaking of 180's the kids and I were watching some video of Speedsters. There were a few 180's and my oldest said "WOW"!:hurray:

 

[RFoster130]

$3200 is a good deal on that boat if it is in good shape. Like mentioned, compression test is a must. i personally would never buy a boat without a water test. Take it out for a good bit and let it get to full temp. Test every button and function.

If the owner wont take it out, tell him its only worth $2000.

 

[BTH]

So far no response from the owner. Maybe it's too good to be true kind of deal. Found it on Craigslist. Thanks everyone!

 

[Phildoo]

Damn. That sucks but keep looking. Good buys are out there, especially this time of year!!

 

[BTH]

Update

Got a response it's a scam no doubt. It was removed from craigslist on Tuesday got a response on Wednesday at 2:25 a.m. Stated (engine) not engines were in great shape, and the oil was changed twice a year. Yeah right! Might have been suckered if not for you good people and all the information on this forum. Our search will continue.

 

[RFoster130]

Keep looking, there are good deals out there.

 

[Dr Honda]

Yes... the deals are out there. BUT... over the next 4~5 months... prices will be high. The best time to buy is late summer to early winter. This is end of season, and people who are thinking of upgrading, or they just don't want to winterize a boat will dump them.

An SK this time of year (assuming it's in good condition) is worth +$6k. At the end of the season, you can get it for $4500.