Sea Doo Sportster - maintenance?

[Fast Rider]

Hey guys. Makin my first few posts here. Have read a lot of good info using the search feature, but have also had some trouble finding some specifics I'm looking for.

I picked up a 98 Sportster 14'. Cosmetically the boat was in real good shape (fresh water use only). I test drove it for about a half hour and it ran great. Got it for $2500 with trailer. Does this seem like a decent deal?

I'm somewhat mechanically inclined, and work on snowmobiles a lot so I thought this boat would be a good buy since it's basically a snowmobile motor. I like to keep my stuff in good running order, always performing routine and preventative maintenance.

A few things I'm looking for:


Does this boat have the 720 motor?

What are some general maintenance tips I should perform on a yearly (or more frequent?) basis? Are there oils to change or places to grease?

What are the best cleaners to remove the water stains on the side of the hull?

Any info you guys can provide is much appreciated. I want to do anything I can to keep this boat looking great and running at the top of its game to last me many more years on the water.

 

[cheappc]

In my humble opinion you got a great deal! I paid $1700 for mine and its a 1995, and they told me that was a good deal.... It will be easier for you to find parts for your boat and so forth, so to me it would have been wiser to buy a 96 or later (I learned this after I bought my boat lol)...

Show us pictures!

 

[Dr Honda]

You got a very good deal. Since spring is on us... that boat could sell for $3500 to $4k.

Yes... it has the 720 engine in it. The only regular maintenance is proper winterizing. Along with that, you will grease the PTO (it's under the gray cover behind the engine) check the oil in the pump, change the filter on the oil injection, and check the oil lines for cracks and leaks.

Since you just bought the boat... you should probably check them out.

Post up a few pics of the new toy.

 

[Fast Rider]

Here you go boys...

Here's a few pics for you guys. I climbed under the hull this afternoon and found a spot where the paint has been chipped away from the fiberglass (see pic, pretty much the only damage to the hull). What is the best way to repair this and how urgent is it? Will the fiberglass get soft? I'm moving in 3 wks and would love to use the boat a time or 2 before then. And fix it when I arrive at my destination. It is next to what I think is referred to as the 'ride plate'.

I will grease the PTO (just standard grease or a special type?) The gray cover looks to be easy to remove, will there be a zerk underneath the cover?

Oil injection filter replacement seems pretty self explanatory as it looks like an inline filter. All lines look good. Fuel lines do not appear to be the bad gray lines I have read about.

I would like to even change the oil in the pump rather than check it as I am unsure if it's ever been changed. IS it just as easy to check it as changing it? I suppose I could always check the color (what is it supposed to be?). Does anyone have any step by step instructions on doing this? Maybe even some pics as I'm unsure of a lot of the terminology with these boats since it's new to me. Thanks guys!

 

[cheappc]

wow it looks great! It even has a radio huh? I see a radio antenna....wow great ...good for you..

I believe the little scrapes on the bottom is nothing, but I dont know anything so lt seadooya or dr. honda tell you instead!

 

[Fast Rider]

Thanks for the kind words!
Well there is a cd player, with 2 speakers on the sides of the bench seat. I cannot pic up any radio stations on the cd player, so I'm gonna guess it is an antenna intended for a marine band type cb radio. And that's the type of radio you're referring to as well? There are a few holes that have been drilled in the console next to the steering wheel, and I'm guessing the original owner decided to keep the radio rather than sell it with the boat.

 

[cheappc]

OK NOOB question, what is PTO? i see that a lot....

 

[Dr Honda]

OK NOOB question, what is PTO? i see that a lot....

Power Take-Off


It's the "flywheel" on your engine that the drive shaft slides into. If you don't keep it greased, you will rip the splines out of it. I'm sure Seadooya greased you up when he worked on your pump.