Need advice on first PWC

[Buzzballer]

Hello everyone.

I have been skimming through the forums for some time now and I was hoping you guys could give me some advice. I would like to purchase my first PWC but I cant figure out what is a good model to look at. I'm looking to spend between $4500-$6000 on a used unit, which seems to place me looking at a 2005-2006 model. I would like to find a 3 seater that is fairly powerful and maneuverable. One of the areas we boat in is around a number of rivers that have some decent current so the ability to go upstream and have some agility would be great. Occasionally i would also like to use it to tow some one on a wake board so a tow point is key. I'm newer to PWC's but I have some experience with larger boats and RHIB's. 4 Stroke is a must and I am not afraid of superchargers or turbos if that matters.

Any ideas? Thanks very much in advance.

 

[PeterC4]

If you can move to 2008 Sea Doo introduced the S3 Hull which is an all around very good handling hull in my view. The GTX 155 of that year was decently powered. I believe it was 2009 when IBR was introduced on the more powerful models. IBR was a real advancement in my view and you might want to see if you can squeeze in a newer model with IBR. Good luck.

 

[greenhornet2]

2016 plus 3 up spark would work for you in rivers. You can find those for around 5k with very few hours. Can pull a wakeboarder from what I've heard, good power to weight ratio as long as you don't have the need for speed to go above 50mph. 50 is fast on the spark. maneuverability is incredible on them. No supercharger maintenance. Just a though if you want a newer ski. I have 2, love them. You can add the extended VTS for $200 if you want to do tail stands

 

[Buzzballer]

Hey guys thank you for chiming in. I have looked at the new Sparks a few times but usually only the trick one, which seems to have mixed reviews. But I should look in to the 3 up spark.

Pete the IBR system looks pretty impressive. I will take a look in to it. Its kind of tough to sort through the SEADOO models between years. It seems like a lot of model designations.

Thanks

 

[greenhornet2]

You can make any 2017+ spark with IBR into the TRIXX very easily. Both of mine I have added the extended VTS too (myself, takes about 30-45 minutes), the 2 up I have I added the step wedges which I found unnecessary, I also don't think the handle bars are necessary especially considering the cost of around $600. My 2 up handles just like a TRIXX and will spin even easier when I remove the sponsons. You can do just about all the same with the 3up it just takes a little more body English to get it to slide. cheap money and tons of fun. most will still have a factory extended warranty, I would recommend 2016 or newer they had the updated driveshaft. Just don't start them, run them in shallow water, plastic wear ring (which can be upgraded). That goes for any jet drive though really. I just picked up the 3up I have for $5300, 2017 30hrs. Probably could have found cheaper if I waited but I wanted it now to pull the kids on a tube.

 

[PeterC4]

If you look around you may be able to find something with IBR. I highly recommend it, as it simplifies and improves basic operation. A spark is an option; but its lighter and slower and in choppier waters it will be a little more "rugged". You will feel that in simple cruising - but its an option. The S3 and related hulls are very good in that even in modestly choppy water, you actually can stay quite dry. I'm convinced at 7k, you will be able to get something with IBR, maybe a 2011 like my Avitar, a 155 GTX since sold. That went for about 8k to my friend on a trade with the dealer so I saved the sales tax on that amount too. (Thats 13% in Ontario). Anyway, look around, as I think you could buy a new model with 7k.

 

[greenhornet2]

for sure the spark is a rougher ride if you are cruising at 40mph. I wouldn't want to do a long ride in rough waters. I spend 85% of my time spinning around doing tail stands and such playing with tricks. I don't wouldn't call the spark "slow" it has plenty of power and gets to 40mph fast but it does not have the top speed the bigger machines do 51mph is all I get. But on the spark 50mph feels like 65. It is a completely different type of ride and much more fuel efficient than anything else if that's a factor. It was for me. On 8 gallons I am getting an all day ride, more than I can take personally as we are switching off person to person to go play. If you want a go fast super comfy ride a spark is not for you. It is made to play. If you know anybody with one ride one. If you are close to me in NE CT you can take mine for a spin.

 

[mikidymac]

The spark is good but keep in mind it's and entry lever ski. If you are going used with your budget I would look at the larger skis with more features and better rough water handling.