Please Don't Skewer Me....!

[Jethro]

My boat search continues....

Looked at 2 very clean, very sound boats today. Would like to get others opinions. One of them was a Yamaha...PLEASE DON'T HAMMER ME....!

Boat #1 - '97 Sea Doo Sportster, 85 hp single motor, 2 cylinder, great shape, very clean, mechanically sound, 115 hrs.

Boat #2 - '99 Yamaha Exciter 135 se, single motor, 3 cylinder, great shape, very clean, mechanically sound, 135 hrs.

Boat will be used for cruising around, tubing and very limited skiing. My research has revealed that the Sea Doo is a stronger, faster running boat, topping out at near 50. The Yamaha is apparently slower, a little over 40 apparently.

I am a newbie obviously, otherwise I wouldn't be on here asking so many questions seemingly everyday..! Not sure which boat would be the wiser direction to go. Opinions and experiences would be GREATLY welcomed....!

 

[cheappc]

OK, now I do own a 95 Sportster, so Im gonna try not to be biased, but I will tell you from my experiences the pluses and negatives.

Of course the biggest plus on the sea doo is part availability. I like the fact that, first off, the engine used in the sportster is used in a lot of the sea doo ski's (1 seater, 2 seater, etc). Also a lot of parts used in the "Speedster" you can also use in the "Sportster". And so forth.

Also, the sportster hitting 50mph? wow, maybe someone can chime in here...

Im not sure about the part availability on the Yamaha Exciter?

 

[parrothd]

97 Sea Doo Sportster this boat is under powered as it is, you won't be sking much with it.. Cruising around yes, speed and water sports no..

 

[Jethro]

Ya know, I just realized that the Sportster I had been looking at prior to the one in this post, had a 130 hp motor vs. the 85 hp, so I can see that this may in fact be underpowered.

What kind of speeds can I expect with the 85 hp Sportster..?

 

[OfficerSeaDoo]

I have a 97 GTI with an 85hp 720 engine. It runs like new and will top out at 45mph with just me on it. I'm guessing you're looking at around 40mph with the Sportster. My 2001 Sportster with a 130hp 951 engine tops out at 55mph with just me in it. You're talking another 45hp, which is quite substantial.

 

[biffdotorg]

That engine in the Yamaha is a standard GP1200 engine and easily serviced. That being said, I used to Ski behind a Yamaha GP1200 and GP1200r. It can be done, but I would bet that engine in a boat may be a bit underpowered. I would guess it has a different pump with an impeller designed for that weight. (thus the slower speed)

If treated right, either boat will be fun, you will just have to check out what your local resources are for parts/service as well as forums like this for advice. Both SeadooForum.com and Yamahajetboaters are great sources for help.

Good luck!