Need Advise: Buying Used

[Gmon3y]

Guys,
First post. I've been wanting a JetBoat for years, and I've decided on buying a Seadoo. I have a very limited spending budget for a used Seadoo about 10k. I need recommendations on what years, and models I should look for. Which boats have been problem free and which models and years should I stay away from. Should I get a two stroke or four stroke. I want low maintenance. How much can I expect to spend a year on maintenance for example winterising etc....

Must do's:
1) Pull around a family of four or more Two young kids and two adults.
2) Pull an adult skier or wake boarder, intertube ect...

 

[rookie101]

With your budget unfortunately I think the four-strokes are out of your reach. With a family of four I would look at the 18' twin engine boats, or one with the Mercury, you'll get lots of gasps and "Oh the Horrors" about that, but the Merc is a good solid motor when looked after.

Timmyboy76 has had a number of the Speedsters, and Sportsters, so ask him about the individual boats and he will be able to give you lots a good first hand experience. He normally even has one for sale.

Aaron:cheers:

 

[cofcguy11]

I think Columbia Power Sports in Columbia SC has a 2005 Challenger 180 listed for 10,800. You might want to give them a try. Not really sure if the boat meets your needs or not. But the price is right. When I was in there I think they said it had 20 hours on it? But I can't remember.

 

[Dr Honda]

I agree and disagree with Rookie101

I agree when he says that the 4 stokes will be out of reach with your budget. If you do find one of the seadoo 4-strokes for that price… it will need some TLC. But then again… any used boat may need a little TLC.

I disagree with Rookie on the Merc driven boats. Yes… they are rock solid, and reliable… but when they do develop problems… it gets VERY expensive to fix… especially if you can’t do your own work. BPR (seadoo) doesn’t really support them anymore, and some Merc dealers don’t want to work on them. (other than RR the powerhead) If you stick with the Rotax drives... and get a twin engine boat… you will have more than enough power to do what you want. Not to mention… you could replace both motors for the price of a Merc replacement.

Lastly… like Rookie said… you will want to get an 18’ boat. It will probably work better for you. I have a 14.5’ boat… and I love it because I wanted a PWC that I could sit in, and not a “boat.”

Good luck :cheers: