Looking to buy - need some advice

[akurtz]

I've currently got a 2003 GTX-DI, which I'm looking to sell and move into a Jet Boat. My only major requirements are that
A) The boat seat at least 5 people
B) It not turn into a money pit and won't be difficult to find parts for (I've seen on some threads that older models have had parts discontinued)
C) It not weigh a ton, as I will be towing it with a Pontiac Vibe hatchback. I believe my car's towing capacity is 1500 lbs, but I don't travel very far when I launch, so if it's a little heavier, I'd live with it

Any advice is hugely appreciated

 

[Dr Honda]

I don't normally chime in on the "Advice" threds... but my advice is to not buy a boat.

I'm not being a D*** Head... but it's true.

1) Need 5 people. OK... cool... but... (see #3)

2) the only boats from SeaDoo that have full support are the '04 and newer 4-tech boats. But... even a boat that is a few years old could become a money pit, if the last owner didn't' take care of it.

3) You can't tow any of the boats that are bigger than a 14.5'... mid to early 90's if your limit is 1500 Lbs. AND... all of them are 4 seaters. The challenger has an extra seat... but it's only rated for 4 people.

The lightest boat is the 90's sportster. Dry it's 990 Lbs. But the trailer is around 350 Lbs... and it holds 27 gal of fuel, and 2 gal of oil. (about 175 Lbs full) By my calculation that 1515 Lbs.

Anything else will be more. (chalenger, add 120#, and the speedster add 200#)


With that said... yes... many of the parts for the older boats are discontinued... but any of the real mechanical parts are available. (engine and drive parts) All the controls are made by Teleflex, so you can still buy them. If you break a hatch, or loose a seat... they are almost always available on eBay. And finally... things like cup holders, handles, cleats, and lights are generic boat parts. (you can get them anywhere)

I don't want to burst your bubble... but with a small tow vehicle, you are limited.

 

[akurtz]

I realized my options were pretty limited with my vehicle, hence my post. That said, it looks like my choices are the Sportster and a mid-late 90's Challenger. Which yr did the Challenger have the 5th seat?

Thanks very much for the advice

 

[Dr Honda]

The 96-98 challenger have the rear facing jump seat right where the flame decal is on my avatar picture. They also had a very cool little storage hatch in front of it that is used as a cooler chest.

after that... the Sportster "LE", and challenger both had the jump seat... but the challenger got 2 engines, and became heavier.

 

[Phildoo]

Speedsters are rated for 5 people, but front seat is for slower speeds otherwise that person gets launched out of the boat.