Motor hours

[jdcooler]

Hello Everyone,
Newbie on the Forum but have been boating for many years. I own a pontoon boat & a pwc and I am looking to purchase a Sea Doo jet boat. I'm looking at a 1999 Sea Doo Sportster 1800 that is for sale. The hull is in excellent shape but the seats are faded with rips in the area of the drivers cup holder. Not a big deal since the hull and trailer are mint.
The owner claims low hours on the motors and I am inquiring if there is a hour timer/meter on the motors? I want to get an idea of hours on the motors.
They are asking $3900 for the boat and trailer which is below NADA value.
How are these boats on choppy water? We live on a 55,000 acre lake(Lake Sidney Lanier, GA) and it can get choppy in some main thoroughfares. I've heard the 14ft model is a bouncer(like a PWC) but wondering if the 18ft sportster would be more of a smoother ride?
Thanks,
Peter

 

[seadoosnipe]

Info....

This boat you are asking about is more stable in choppy water than the 14's. That's mostly because it has a heavier hull. I just put an engine in a 1800 Sportster this season and drove it. It rides out really great but you can tell it's kinda heavy.

Your motors......? The hours are maintained inside the MPEM (multi-purpose electronic module). If they were changed out, then whoever hooked it up to the MPEM programmer would only know what hours are recorded in it, rather than if a motor was changed. Sometimes, if a motor is changed out, the owner will take it and have it programmed so they can prove low hours.

If you are interested and it's still available, there is a 1800 Sportster for sale in the "Buy/sale and trade" section of the forum. It's in really great shape. Comes with a cover and nice trailer. The only issues I remember with it was the hinges in the windshields.

The boat is in Opelika Alabama. I have a link to it in my signature below. I haven't talked to him lately so it may be gone........:cheers:

 

[jdcooler]

Thanks for the Info.
I'll see if there is a local dealer in the area and have them do a once over on it. I'll also check and see if the one you recommended is still available. Alabama is our neighbor and not too far of a drive.
Would anyone know an approximate cost to redoing the interior vinyl coverings on the Seadoo.
Thanks,
Peter

 

[ablackway]

I just bought my 1998 Challenger 1800 a few weeks ago for $3000 with the same deal. Engines ran strong, but interior shot. Needs new vinyl on the seats and the boat was in a hurricane (on a lift) and the wind had picked it up and smashed it against the piling a few times so the fiberglass isn't the prettiest, but it runs great and I'm not too worried about the interior right now. That's a winter project. I think $3900 for a 99 with a better hull is a good price. I've had it out a few times and really REALLY enjoy it, even in choppier water with 6 people in it. You'll like it if the motors are strong, guaranteed.

Adam

 

[jdcooler]

Good Luck Adam on your purchase. Have you got an estimate on replacing the seat coverings?
I just want to get a ball park idea on the cost so I know what I'll be getting into. More photos I recieved reveal the seats are well faded and torn.
I know what it will cost to replace the engines when needed but upholstery covering will have to be done immediately. Knowing the cost will also determine my offering price to the seller.
I also looked at a 14ft 1996 speedster in great shape for the same price with rebuilt motors. I just think the 14ft speedster might be too small for us and bouncy on the water thats why I'm veering towards the 18ft in need of work which most of it I can do. I have already restored 3 mid 90's jet skis with no problems and resold them. The 2 cycle carbed motors are easy to work on.
Peter