Moving to Micronesia, which ski to bring???

[ghetdjc320]

My wife an I will be moving to Micronesia this next year and I want to bring one of my skis with me. I've already got shipping figured out but can't decide which to bring. I have a 96 XP and a 2001 GTX. Both are in great shape with rebuilt carbs and have been excellently maintained. They are sitting on a double trailer so the plan is to sell one ski along with the double trailer then use some of those funds to ship the other ski and do a bit of work on it before it ships. I'll make sure either ski is in mint condition before I ship it. I've thought about trading in for a newer 4-stroke but since there are absolutely no local dealers or shops I'll have to do all the work myself and I'm much more comfortable with these 2 engines. Let me know what you would recommend and why. Also, what work would you do on a ski that will never see a shop again? I can still order parts as needed and have them shipped but there is very little in the way of machine shops or specialty shops over there.

Thanks!

 

[ghetdjc320]

Riding will be mostly within the reef no more than 5 miles arround from where we will live. 50% lite chop, 25% glass and 25% waves is about what I figure.

 

[Matt Braley]

I think the 96XP is the answer to all the world's problems but they are not very good for 2up riding. If you ride by yourself mostly then I'd say 96XP but if you have folks wanting to hop on there with you then I'd go with the bigger one.

 

[soccerdad]

I think the 96XP is the answer to all the world's problems .

Matt- you should send one from your stable to N. Korea. Let that a$$ ride it. He would forget all about missles and destroying the world.

Oh, and +1 on matts answer.

 

[mikidymac]

That is a hard one.... The GTX would be my choice with any ocean riding at all but since yours is a 2001 I assume it is a 951 and I wouldn't want that engine in any area that is hard to get parts. I would sell them both and get a nice clean 97'-2000' GTI or 96'-97' GTX. Great in the ocean and much more reliable.

 

[Cliff787]

Whatever the choice ski is.

I would LOVE to see pictures posted on this thread of the riding spots in Micronesia!

My personal choice between the two available is the 3 seater because there are two of you. So the XP wouldn't be easy to re-board in deep water if you fall off. But it would be heck of fun to carve and jump those waves(that's what I would be doing!).

But the GTX of course. You can do backflips off the back and it'd be just fine!

But the great point that mikidymac makes with the '96 GTX is actually the best choice! More reliable with the 787 motor, enough power in the surf and stability in the chop.

I just want to see pics or videos of that gorgeous water!

 

[WhiskeyD]

XP all the way. 3 seaters are boring unless they are 4 stroke and boosted

 

[Mickirig1]

Our 2000 GTI's are great with one person on them. I stay right beside people with one person ski's.

 

[ghetdjc320]

Thanks for all the input. The wife an I have no problems riding the XP but it's obviously more fun to be on it by yourself. The GTX is a smooth ski that I found surprisingly agile given its size. It does have the 951 engine but it is carbureted instead of the DI system that I've heard is very troublesome. I've had both skis for several years and both have been very reliable but the GTX was very well maintained before I got it so its is in better shape than the XP overall. Engine compartment is squeaky clean and it's never been in salt water. Either way I go I intend to do a rebuild before I ship it over there. I don't really want to get a different ski because I already know these 2 skis well and feel comfortable working on them. I also know their history ever since I've owned them. I'd be a little nervous about getting another ski I know nothing about then shipping it to the other side of the world. I'm leaning a bit toward the GTX given it has a larger tank and slightly better range. Though the thought has crossed my mind to sell them both and get a spark (I would never even consider this while living in the states but the fuel economy is nice considering gas is 3.80/gallon here and there is no premium fuel). As far as places to ride: they are amazing. Plenty of small volcanic islands with printine beaches and sand bars inside the lagoon. Ill be sure to post pics but we are a few months out from the move.

 

[mikidymac]

Given your intended use of exploring islands I would only consider the GTX. And ship a few cases of fogging oil with it.