Looking to buy my first Sea-doo

[BurlyLemar]

new member here just reading through posts trying to learn some stuff. Never owned a sea doo before (lots of fishing boats) I am looking to purchase something used for this summer up at my trailer and have about $7500 cad to spend. So I'm obviously looking at older models, is there certain years/models/engines that I should avoid? Are parts and service still available for 20+ year old machines? I am fairly handy with mechanic work, and maintence stuff I just don't want to buy something that I can't get parts for anymore. I have a compression tester I will take when I go to look at buying, is there any other things I should be looking for other than obvious damage to hull or rusted engine components? Thanks for your time, Cheers!

 

[mikidymac]

ke a look at.. Buying a Used Seadoo

I prefer the simple carburetor 2-stroke seadoo. If you can't work on them or don't want to get your hands dirty don't bother and buy a newer 4-stroke.

 

[BurlyLemar]

Thanks, I was looking for a thread similar to that, I'm going to check out a 2000 xp 951cc this weekend. That gives me a idea of a few things to look for

 

[mikidymac]

The 2000 XP is a great and fun ski, I have a 2001.
That being said, you need to know that the 951 engine is high power and highly stressed. They are done at about 200 hours and the crank typically blows out the cases. Everything has to be perfect on them, carbs/Fuel system, compression, maintenance and never any water ingestion.

Do not buy it if something is off or it doesn't run perfectly. "Needs a battery", "Needs a starter", "needs carbs rebuilt", are your cue to run away.

 

[BurlyLemar]

Good to know, the owner claims it needs nothing, battery is getting a little old but still works. Says the motor was rebuilt (has dealer service records for all work done) and has about 40 hours on since.
My second choice I was considering was a 787cc engine one I believe. Are those a little more stable than the 951cc?

 

[mikidymac]

The hull determines the stability not the engine.

The 787 is a more robust and reliable engine in my opinion.

The 1997+ XP hull is damn fun but if you are riding two adults or are less than athletic it can be tippy and a handful. For stability the GTX 3-seater is hard to beat and for a stable 2-seater look at the GSX and RX hulls.

 

[BurlyLemar]

Oh I was refering to the 787cc being more reliable when I mentioned stable, not the overall watercraft. Maybe I will stay away from ones with the 951cc if they are know to grenade themselves

 

[mikidymac]

If your just getting into these the 720 is the most reliable and easiest to work on then the 787 in my opinion.

The 580 is also but down on power.

 

[Mraw]

What are you looking to do with your ski? If you are looking for a nice cruiser look at 3 seat gtx or 2 seat rx. A playful but somewhat stable 2 seater, go gsx. A somewhat stable fun hard turning ski, go 1998+ xp (in my opinion the 97 xp is a bit underpowered) A super light weight playful ski, go xp, highly recommend one with a 787, tons of fun.

As far as engine options it depends on what you want. If you are just looking for a reliable ski and don't care about hole shot or top speed as much, then go 720 or below. All skis are fun, no matter what HP they have. However I highly recommend a 787 xp(x4 hull) , 951 gsx limited, 951 xp (the ones with the shock seat). Tons of fun, leap out of the water, easy to whip around.

 

[Legacy37]

My 97 GTIs are stable for 2, fun, will do just shy of 50 mph. They have the 717 which I hear is reliable ....I did Just buy an engine for 1....as the crank seals were leaking....I probably could have run it another season and helped control mosquitos

 

[BurlyLemar]

I mainly want it for just cruising around the small lake up at my trailer, I would definitely take reliability over performance, top speed or acceleration are not really my goals, just something to have some fun on

 

[mikidymac]

I mainly want it for just cruising around the small lake up at my trailer, I would definitely take reliability over performance, top speed or acceleration are not really my goals, just something to have some fun on

720 engine ski has your name on it. Either SPX, XP, GTI, GTX, GS or GSI would all work.

 

[noviceskier]

If you want something fun with the 720, the HX is a contender to fill that position! haha

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

If you want something fun with the 720, the HX is a contender to fill that position! haha

the HX is a work out. lol

 

[mikidymac]

Oh the HX........ I wanted one since I first saw one in 1996. And I finally got one and did a full restoration as seen in my signature. It’s an awesome ski and turns on a dime. That being said it’s kind of a one trick pony. It’s really unstable, only does about 45 mph, is a single rider ski and is a wet ride. Although I liked it, I just never took it out and nobody wanted to ride it. For long rides and rough water I took my 2001 XP that was way faster, more stable, rode smoother and turned just as good. If it was smooth water my 96’ XP was faster, turned just as good and just stupid fun. Being 6’3”, 200 lbs also wasn’t the most comfortable on the HX. Regrettably the HX was sold last year and the only ski I have let go and don’t regret it. Your mileage may vary.

 

[Legacy37]

Oh the HX........ I wanted one since I first saw one in 1996. And I finally got one and did a full restoration as seen in my signature. It’s an awesome ski and turns on a dime. That being said it’s kind of a one trick pony. It’s really unstable, only does about 45 mph, is a single rider ski and is a wet ride. Although I liked it, I just never took it out and nobody wanted to ride it. For long rides and rough water I took my 2001 XP that was way faster, more stable, rode smoother and turned just as good. If it was smooth water my 96’ XP was faster, turned just as good and just stupid fun. Being 6’3”, 200 lbs also wasn’t the most comfortable on the HX. Regrettably the HX was sold last year and the only ski I have let go and don’t regret it. Your mileage may vary.

So the 96 XP isn’t good in rough water?

 

[brushneckmatt]

The 96 XP is probably the best ski they ever made, smaller hull and 787 engine. Approx. 110 hp. Great fun for 1 person. If you are going to be riding with 2 people or having multiple people use the ski you should look at the GTX or GTI models. They are more stable and can ride 2 people easily. They come with the reliable 717 and 787 engines as well. Do your homework though. Check the compression and bring a battery just in case. Good luck.

 

[mikidymac]

So the 96 XP isn’t good in rough water?

It’s a punishing ride in rough water and beats you up pretty bad. But it is the most fun ski you will ever ride. If you have a lot of rough water and distance to cover you would be better off with a 1997+ XP, GSX, RX or 3-seater.

For just stupid fun, smile on your face the entire time it’s hard to beat a 787 XP/SPX.