Looking at 3 different skis

[brushneckmatt]

Hey guys,

I am looking at 3 different skis at the moment. All around the 1200 to 1500 range. All are said to run and ready to go. Just wanted some opinions on these models. I know I would need to do a compression test and hopefully a water run although everyone is winterizing at the moment here. The 3 models are a spotless 2000 gtx rfi, a 1997 GTX and another 1999 GTX that is red with a red hull. I am thinking it is around a 98 or 99. Just wondering if any if these I should stay away from etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again guys.

 

[Mraw]

Depending on how many hours are on it I would go with the 99 gtx. It had the 130hp 951 motor, top speed around 57. If it has around 125 hours or less I would go for it

 

[mikidymac]

In order of reliability and easy to work on in general.
#1 1997 GTX
#2 GTX RFI
#3 1999 GTX.

 

[brushneckmatt]

Nice, this exactly what I am looking for. Different opinions to help me make mine. I had a 97 GTX and it was a great ski. Leaning away from it just because I already had one but if it is the best buy then so be it. I welcome any other opinions. You guys have always been a great help. I am fairly good mechanically so not afraid to dive in if I have to.

 

[GGuillot]

I'm partial to the 97' GTX because I have one, I think the trade off with the 98' 99' GTX with the 951 is a little more mid range punch and top end speed, it's 20 hp. But...the 787 carb engine is solid, I'd say it's known for holding up better than the 951.

Forget the RFI 787, but that's me, great when they run, but can be a pain when they don't.

 

[brushneckmatt]

Ok, good to know. Got a little more info on the rfi. It has 248 hours. Runs great but doesn't hold a charge. The 97 GTX has the same charging problem. Owner thinks it's the stator and has one to throw in. I thought maybe the rectifier. Not sure on the hours. Typical craigslist seller though. Kind of a jerk and pushy for the sale. The 99 I have to call back tomorrow. Just doing my homework before I drive 40-50 miles to look at them.

 

[GGuillot]

Ok, good to know. Got a little more info on the rfi. It has 248 hours. Runs great but doesn't hold a charge. The 97 GTX has the same charging problem. Owner thinks it's the stator and has one to throw in. I thought maybe the rectifier. Not sure on the hours. Typical craigslist seller though. Kind of a jerk and pushy for the sale. The 99 I have to call back tomorrow. Just doing my homework before I drive 40-50 miles to look at them.

Compression ck is a better indication of the engine health over hours. Just something I'd consider doing on the spot if the seller will allow it before buying a running ski. Low compression can run on the trailer, but not in the water. On buying both of my skis, (as non running), I didn't do anything, couple hundred each, I went into it knowing they needed full rebuilds. I had too many people lying and unknowns in the $1200 to $1500 range so I gave up....just about everyone of them was "it just needs a starter or a battery". Or my favorite excuse I'd hear, "it runs fine....just not right now"...

Whatever you do, if it doesn't run, it's not worth much at all...assume they're lying and it'll need a rebuild.

 

[Mraw]

Compression should be 130 to 150 for the 787 ski, 120 to 135 for the 951

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

99 GTX.

 

[mikidymac]

At almost 250 hours that RFI is getting to the end of it's normal life expectancy.

 

[brushneckmatt]

Although the RFI is in great shape. I think I am out on that one thanks to information from you guys. Don't want to pull the trigger and regret it. I may just wait another week or 2 to see what else pops up. Most people don't want the bother of winterizing and storing them here. Prices seem a little higher than the last time I was looking though.

 

[etemplet]

Whatever you get you'll be working on. 20 year old ski is gonna need some attention for certain.

I really like the GTX RFI and it is a good choice.... if you can work on it yourself (the one you are looking at needs an engine). The RFI is most excellent for female ridersor non-mechanical riders. Just hit the button and the crank right up; No flooding, choke, turn the fuel on, etc... AND the stay running after being started. The thing is you buy this ski... you need to do the fuel system, replace the filters in the tank, I always send the injectors off for cleaning, troubleshooting isn't bad but you gotta know your way around a multi meter and you might want to get a Candoo Programmer which is $400. You'll need a rig to test fuel pressure as well. All in all... great skis, same handling as the 1997 GTX but... you can't beat the 1997 GTX for easiest to work on and troubleshoot.

Alls the skis you are looking at have the same hull so basically all the same ski except the 951 has more grunt down low and long legs up high. 951 is a fun ski... it's gonna burn more fuel BUT... it's got some UMPH !!! and UMPH is good. LOL

Good luck. Main problem you are gonna have is finding a good ski. Buyers always HOPE the have a good ski... lots of sellers don't have a clue that what they are selling is junk. Do a compression test and RIDE it on the water Running in the drive way doesn't prove anything to than the elecrtics are working. LOL You never iknow what the ski is gonna do in the water till you put it in the water. Good Luck !!

 

[etemplet]

I doubt everything works on all the skis so you are not comparing apples to apples always. Gauges seldom work and that is a selling point. In addition Gauges seem to be getting more and more expensive. Don't forget it costs $$ to get the seat recovered. I really believe with most mechanical things you are buying "the previous owner." If they took good care of the ski and spent money on it when needed the chances of it being a good reliable ski are more in your favor. Of course you know all this... just a reminder. LOL Good Luck !!

Side note... I"m new to skis but I restore them. I have a number of skis in the yard... but these are our personal skis. 1996/1997 GTXs.

 

[brushneckmatt]

Awesome tips guys. I expect there to be some things I need to fix and want a winter project. Went to see the 97 GTX yesterday and the guy must have sold it. Drove 40 miles and noone even answered the door and didn't see it around. Came back and it was off of CL. Oh well. What do you guys know about the 2002 GTX. Were they all DI or RFI by then? Gonna wait a bit and study more before I pull the trigger on something. This one just popped up yesterday. I am sure I will have a lot of questions moving forward. Thanks again.

 

[brushneckmatt]

Love those skis btw etemplet. I had the 97 Gtx too. Loved that ski. Only sold it because I had to at the time.

 

[etemplet]

This should help you find the models you are interested in. Great site for Seadoo stuff.

Seadoo Model Reference

The GTIs stayed with the 787 and 717 engines even in 2005. 717 is a great engine but just doesn't have enough umph for most of us unless it is in a small size hull. Good Luck.