Help on choosing best PWC for me!

[apreni]

First of all, hi to everyone and thanks for taking the time to help me.
After debating for so long between a motorcycle and a pwc, I decided to go for the PWC since I live in FL right next to the water... I really find the website help tool useless "chose 4 pics, and we help you choose what matches you"..
So I decided to get some from the experts!!! I am looking to spend between $8000 - $12000 and only for a 2011 or 2012 model. I will basically use it to get in the water with the wife, spearfish sometimes, but mostly family and fun. I would like the pwc to look sleek and of course have lots of power, I might take three people sometimes and even TUBING, but not wake-boarding and extreme sports like that, nor solo riding. If I go for max budget it should be worth it every penny, lol...
Any suggestions ??? Thanks, Roni.

 

[El Toro 33809]

Welcome to the forum. There are quite a few members here from your area. In regards to your question, I have the older 2-stroke models so I really can't suggest a model for you, but have 2 things to say: 1) all the newer models will have lots of power; 2) if you are going to pull a tube, get a 3-seat model.

Good luck in your search. This is a good time if year to be a buyer.

 

[Coastiejoe]

I have a 2009 RXT-X. It has 255 hp and runs fantastic. It will handle anything you put in it in regards to people and so far anything behind it. I have pulled two skiers with zero issue. Yes it is illegal, but in this case, the guy that was pulling them broke down so I had three on the seat and two on skis behind me. No issues at all. The machine is a monster.

The newer model has the electric brake and electric reverse, if I was upgrading I would buy a ski with those features.

The GTX hulls ride smoother and are dryer than the RXT hulls. Basically one rides like a caddy and one like a BMW.

 

[kicker]

I am a 2 stroke guy myself, but have had the pleasure of riding my sisters 2012 GTI's, one is a 130 and the other the 150 hp. These machines would be in your price range and will do all you have described. I am not a big fan of the super chargers (i don't like anything that I dont think I can fix myself) on the higher end machines, and it doesn't sound like you have a huge need for the extra 10 mph. There is a ton of power there and very stable and safe, brakes, reverse, back step etc. To be honest, you can hardly tell the difference between the 130 and 155 hp I am not sure why, my opinion would be its not worth the extra $1200 plus tax for the 150 hp. The other thing you might want to consider is to research the reliability of whatever model you are looking at, especially if your gonna consider a super charged ski.

Just my thoughts, good luck and happy shopping.

 

[Coastiejoe]

I would agree if the difference is only 15hp then I would not get the supercharger. But in my case, I am at 255hp. So for me, the supercharger is worth it. Every 100 hours you need to rebuild it at 300 ish dollars. Worth every penny to me as once I squeeze the throttle I smile like a 12 year old kid.

 

[apreni]

Thanks for the replies guys... LOL at Coastieoe. Btw I didnt mention that I want the intelligent suspension too. For now I am thinking between GTX S 155, GTI Limited 155, and GTR 215. Its really hard when you are new to Seadoo and their technology, I have not had a jet ski in years... It seems that GTX S 155 is the only from the other two that has the intelligent suspension, but I might be wrong. I would like the PWC to ride smooth even on high speed and not perfect conditions.. I am not going to jump waves but I don't want a dead horse either LOL... As I said sometimes I will be getting our friends " a couple" with us for fun, so maybe one on the third seat, and one on the inflammable pulling him/her. Should I got for the 2011 or 12? Is there any difference on technology or design on these three PWCs from 2011 to 2012??? Help me guys, I am anxious to make a decision. Thanks again!! Roni.