Is the IS suspenion worth the money

[Diesel dog]

I am a first time buyer and I am thinking of the GTX 155, 215, & the Is 215. I would like to know if the IS makes a big difference? Is the IS a maintenance problem? Also is there a large noticeable difference between the 155 and the 215? This machine will be used primarily in the Long Island sound and the Raritan bay.

 

[red2blue]

I personally didn't like the ride of the 255iS machine. It was too high outa the water for my taste. Even when slammed to the bottom in sport I felt odd. I drive an '05 RXT with a wedge and skegs...the ride at WOT on my ski was much more predictable through the rough than the iS.

again...jmho.

 

[BadOleRoss]

There was a recent thread on here about a design flaw with the IS models being prone to sinking. It had something to do with water in the footwells and the height of the wall between the upper and lower sections. Might want to find that thread and read it before making a decision.

 

[Michael211_2000]

*Flaw, not law! LOL!

The IS suspesion must by design add weight and complexity and cost to the machine. I do not see the need for it unless maybe you have a ruptured disk in your back or something. I'd avoid the IS models, IMHO.

Now, 155hp machines aren't supercharged so you don't have that to rebuild every 100 hrs... but the supercharged 215 hp and up machines sure are alot of fun to ride when you squeeze that thottle! They have get-up-and-go to spare! But like I said, the supercharger is a wear item and has to be rebuilt periodically to keep it in good working condition, and Heaven help you if it comes apart inside your engine!!! It's a choice: Speed costs, how fast can you afford to go?

- Michael

 

[dlucas313]

I personally like the IS as that it definitely comes in handy when your speeding through some rough waters. I can only speak for myself but I've had my GTX IS 255 Ltd for about 2 months now and I love it. I definitely dont feel worn down and beatin up after riding all day, but this I will tell you. I switched out for a Kawi and a Yamaha for a day with some friends and man I was done. Yes, I would tend to agree the more gadgets the more exspensive its gonna be and definitely going to cost more money maintenance wise, but when its all said and done...I'm out on the water more than those that don't have the IS, I could be wrong as thats just my perception, but based on riding with some friends week in and week out, I'm last one saying its time to go home....I love it...

 

[Diesel dog]

Thanks for your response. I am trying to narrow down a machine for me and I am not sure the pros & cons of the machines. are there large differences between the to hull designs, 155 hp vs. 215 hp and the Is ? also the GTX have half the storage cap. ( on the water, @ 11.5' or 40' storage is always an issue)

 

[dlucas313]

I dont know too much about all the other PWCs out there as that I'm fairly new to the watercrafts. My preference for buying the GTX IS was solely based on comfort and power and not so much on storage requirements. Riding on choppy water your back takes a pounding so the IS addresses that. The power - I simply didnt want to finish last LOL, but Im sure the top end speed of either models are close enough to not make much of a difference - unless your a speed junkie. As for storage I would imagine if youre long hauling it - then that would be an issue, but there are other after market storage options to address those needs. As for the hull design I've got an 2009 IS and I think they will be changing the hull design for 2012. I was looking for an 09 new, and got lucky to find one. I did the price comparisions to the 2010 and 2011 GTX IS models and I didnt feel that spending that much for a few gadgets and 5 extra HP was a smart option, so I went with the 2009 with 0 hours. If youre shopping to save money, then you can haggle on price if you go new with a earlier model. I feel like I stole mine on price. But also be warned, if you lean on getting the IS - make sure to get an after market bilge installed. I've been reading some horror stories of some of them sinking. I'm in the process of getting one installed. (By the way thanks Micheal!!!) Good Luck!!!