Might buy 2005 Utopia

[lashk]

I'm looking at buying a 2005 185 Utopia to replace my sportster. I need a bigger boat. Any feedback about performance, reliability and economy would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Sikiguya]

There are a lot of threads on this issue. Biggest one is the engine. You are dealing with a merc engine. If it isn't in tip top shape, you are looking at a major expense on it. I would recommend you go one more year and look at 2006 Utopia 205s. It really isn't that much heavier of a boat and you will be happy with the twin engine performance. Good luck!

 

[lashk]

There are a lot of threads on this issue. Biggest one is the engine. You are dealing with a merc engine. If it isn't in tip top shape, you are looking at a major expense on it. I would recommend you go one more year and look at 2006 Utopia 205s. It really isn't that much heavier of a boat and you will be happy with the twin engine performance. Good luck!

I called a local dealer on the way home from work and he told me to stay away from the Merc 240hp engine but the 250hp Optimax was better. Does this sound right?

 

[Dr Honda]

I called a local dealer on the way home from work and he told me to stay away from the Merc 240hp engine but the 250hp Optimax was better. Does this sound right?

Yes and no...

Optimax is a merc (Johnson/bombardier) engine. But the part where he says stay way... is right.

I've said this time and time again, so I'm going to sumerize...

1) Merc engine is expensive to replace/repaire
2) SeaDoo dealers won't work on them
3) Merc dealers don't want to work on them
4) the pump parts are almost impossible to get. When you find them... bend over.
5) The gear box oil change is beyond most home mechanics.


Do a quick search if you want more details.


OK... I'm going to say it... The merc drive system for SeaDoo is like Hitler for Germany. They almost don't even want to admit to it happening. :cheers:

 

[lashk]

Well, it just so happens the engine in this boat is not the original. They told me that when they repossesed the boat the engine was not running and for 8k they put a new engine in it. Hmmm, guess I'll pass on this one.

 

[Dr Honda]

Well, it just so happens the engine in this boat is not the original. They told me that when they repossesed the boat the engine was not running and for 8k they put a new engine in it. Hmmm, guess I'll pass on this one.

I'm not going to stereotype... but people who don't have the $$$ to keep paying for a toy, don't have the $$$ to maintain it. I won't touch a repo unless it's cheap. (doesn't sound like it's going to be) Oh... and on top of that... they normally know it's getting repo'ed... so they beat on it out of spite.

The 8K thing sounds like they are pulling your chain, but I would expect a dealer to charge $4k to do a merc engine swap. ($3500 for the engine, $500 labor and misc) But this is one huge reason I say to stay away from it. With the way a boat depreciates, it gets to the point where a new engine is worth more than the boat can be sold for. (as a runner)

But if the engine was smoked... I would say the pump is going to be in the same condition. Last time I saw a good, rebuilt pump for one of the Merc boats... it was $1700.


RUN!!!!!!