Model Advice

[kicker]

You don't need to break the bank on a comp tool. Lots of guys hear use a harbour freight one and they do work. They may not be 100% accurate and not last for 1000 comp tests, but it will be a good indicator tool. Primarily your looking for the difference between the 2 cylinders. If I get low readings on both, I always dbl check with another gauge before I tear down the motor.

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[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

Agreed, the Harbor Freight gauge with the short hose (about 12 inches?) works just fine. I have heard there was a batch of those that were incorrectly configured with the schraeder valve installed at the gauge head, so if the one you pick up doesn't have the valve at the cylinder head it's not going to give the correct measurement.

Always test a new gauge against a known good standard, if the reading is out of cailbration the cylinder could still be fine. Say for instance you buy a new gauge and test the compression of two different cylinders and they both read 60psi on a motor that runs well, probably that gauge is defective. But if one cylinder measures 150psi and the other measures 20psi, the second cylinder is most likely damaged and the gauge is fine.

And, avoid dropping your gauge head on the ground, they can be damaged that way.

My compression gauge I've had 30 years or more and it's still dead-nuts reliable, no idea of the brand anymore. I've repaired it a several times by replacing the o-rings that seal the top of the threaded fittings b/c they were torn, or rotted and fell off.

 

[TSmith]

Thanks, I'm going to pick one up tomorrow. Been reading here and other forums how to do the test. Lot's of good info.

I did water test the 02 GTX RFI this afternoon/evening. It started ok, even though the info panel was showing low voltage. Guy said it was last years battery, so probably just needs a new one. Little disappointed in the performance though. I didn't have a GPS unit, but both the analog and digital speedo showed the boat to only be going 35-37 mph at WOT and at about 6200 rpms. The speed seems low. Guess the gauges could be off, but it didn't feel like it was any faster than 35 or so to me. Tried with just me and with my 14 yo daughter riding with me, pretty much the same. Seems like I read somewhere on here that the RPMS should be a good deal higher, but I could be mistaken.

I passed on the ski, as it wasn't as clean as he had led me to believe, and with the performance issue and the price I just didn't want to take the chance.

For future information though, is there a good way to get some really bad mildew stains off of the vinyl seats without fading them? This one has a nice blue seat with no rips or tears, but it was covered in black mildew stains. I just didn't know if that was easy to clean or not. I've used 3m vinyl cleaner on my boat seats, but they've never seen anything as bad as this was.

Going to look at a couple of GTI's tomorrow and going to test a 2006 GTI 130 4-stroke at the lake on Saturday.

 

[blairwill4]

Agreed, the Harbor Freight gauge with the short hose (about 12 inches?) works just fine. I have heard there was a batch of those that were incorrectly configured with the schraeder valve installed at the gauge head, so if the one you pick up doesn't have the valve at the cylinder head it's not going to give the correct measurement.

I have 3 of those damn things last summer before I figured out it was missing a valve.

 

[blairwill4]

As cheap as they are a brand new seat cover for just a basic is usually 60 or less depending on model. Then a box of stainless staples and voila! Not hard to do at all.

 

[kicker]

For future information though, is there a good way to get some really bad mildew stains off of the vinyl seats without fading them? This one has a nice blue seat with no rips or tears, but it was covered in black mildew stains. I just didn't know if that was easy to clean or not. I've used 3m vinyl cleaner on my boat seats, but they've never seen anything as bad as this was.

Going to look at a couple of GTI's tomorrow and going to test a 2006 GTI 130 4-stroke at the lake on Saturday.

I think you made the right call on that ski. I dont think it was the battery, I'll bet that it was the rectifier, or a combo of both.

It is tough to get the mildew out, cause the mildew gets into the vinyl fairly deep. Most anything you use will take a portion of whatever gloss is left on the seat. Guys have said lighter fluid works well, but cant say if it takes the finish off. Spray 9 works, but mix it with half water and dont let it sit too long, it should get the majority of the mildew out with damaging the finish.

If that does not work you have to just go with harsher chemicals, lacquer thinner, chlorine, etc. If the finish gets worn off give it a wipe with "Wipe New" it will bring the shine right back. Works on handle bar covers, rubrails etc.

Usually on Black Friday you can get 1/2 price seat covers, if you can wait till then.

 

[TSmith]

Well, I made a purchase today. Bought a 2006 GTI SE 130 with 153 hours on it. Got it for what I think is a good deal. Ski is in great shape. Had recently had a tuneup. Some bumps and scrapes but everything works as it should. Too choppy on the lake today to judge much about top speed, but did get her up to about 45 with a bit of throttle left. Very good acceleration.

Know it's not a two stroke, so I'll post any questions about this one on the other side. Just wanted to thank everyone here for all the help and advice. I'm still looking for a second ski, and since the first purchase stretched the budget a bit, may be looking for a bit older one. There was a 97 GTX Posted near here last week. I may see what that one looks like. They were asking $1750. Seemed like a pretty good deal.

Thanks again Guys. I'll be updating my profile and posting some pics tomorrow night.

 

[kicker]

Congrats on your purchase, sounds like a nice ski. Enjoy

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[TSmith]

OK, still looking for a second ski. Saw an ad today for a 2007 GS with a new motor that has 1 year on it. He's asking $1,500 for the ski and has a double trailer he's selling for $600. I have a single trailer I might trade with him to sweeten the deal. Here's my question. I know nothing of the gs, but it looks way smaller than anything I've looked at so far. I assume it's pretty much a 1 person ski? Might be nice to have an agile one to play with now that we have one bigger one. What do you guys think, if it's in good shape is that a decent price for that ski?

Thanks again. Tony

 

[kicker]

I think the year or model is posted wrong. They didn't make a GS in 2007. Can u post the ad or a picture of the ski.

It might be a 1997 with the 720.
I think they made a GSI in 07 with a 787 RFI but it would not be small, its a 3 seater.

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[TSmith]

Here's a link to the ad (if it works). It's not exactly local to me here in Birmingham, but might be worth a drive if it turns out to be a good deal.

http://nashville.craigslist.org/boa/4439647433.html

 

[TSmith]

my bad, I went back and read my post and I'm the one who said '07 when I should have said '97. BIG difference! I knew all along it was '97, just let my fingers get ahead of my brain. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[kicker]

I think its on the top end of the price scale for that ski. If it was in a bit better shape I might consider it.

I am not a big fan of the 720 motors in the GS hull, its a bit underpowered. IMO. On the plus side, It is a dependable motor.

I would hold out for a 787 powered GS hull ski, the fun factor doubles.


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