Seadoo vs....

[ironexecutioner]

I am very interested in purchasing a boat. I was pointed toward the sea doo models and told they are a good option if using it in fresh water and salt water because it does not run the water through the engine. My purchase of a boat would be with the intent of watersports (mainly tubing, perhaps skiing and wakeboarding) and leisure use. Not a big fisher.

I am concerned with maintenance. I have heard many people say that after the purchase is when the expenses add up. I am curious as to what I could expect in this area. I don't mind spending money, just like to be prepared. I am going to use it primarily in fresh water, but would like to know what kind of a difference it would make if used in salt water from time to time?

Am I looking at an appropriate boat for my wishes? What other boats/models would be recommended for what I want, perhaps that have good track records in regards to reliability? How do sea doo boats compare to a yamaha or sea ray? I am aware that I will probably receive a bias based on the forum, and that is fine. If you can be unbiased thats great but if at least provided with facts and a bunch of opinions I should be able to weed out bias.

I know this is a loaded post but I have wanted a boat for years and want to take the steps to pulling that trigger.. In an Educated fashion.

 

[Craigmri]

First of all welcome to the forum!!

One thing you need to realize right off the bat is boats are nothing like cars. What do I mean by this? We pretty much have the automobile perfected. They're extremely reliable, the quality and refinement are incredible and they are very inexpensive to maintain and repair. Boats on the other hand(no matter the brand) are far less reliable, require more maintenance and are very expensive relatively.

Once you've accepted this and are ready to jump in with both feet you have so many choices out there. As for brands and propulsion type, before you make a decision you really need to try a Jet boat Vs. a Stern Drive boat. Dont let a Seadoo forum or Sea Ray forum form your opinion for you. You need to see for yourself. Only then will you know your getting the right boat.

Craig

 

[ironexecutioner]

Thanks for the reply! I know this could be difficult, but can you provide me with a reasonable annual estimate of cost to own a boat as far as maintenance? $500? $1000? $2000? Just some idea is what I am looking for. Could you provide me with some examples of a couple stern drive boat brands I should consider? I would like to attempt to research the differences. Is a jet boat more reliable than a stern boat? Vice versa? Less expensive to repair when required? More/Less up front cost? I do appreciate the information. I just needed to pick a spot to start researching..

First of all welcome to the forum!!

One thing you need to realize right off the bat is boats are nothing like cars. What do I mean by this? We pretty much have the automobile perfected. They're extremely reliable, the quality and refinement are incredible and they are very inexpensive to maintain and repair. Boats on the other hand(no matter the brand) are far less reliable, require more maintenance and are very expensive relatively.

Once you've accepted this and are ready to jump in with both feet you have so many choices out there. As for brands and propulsion type, before you make a decision you really need to try a Jet boat Vs. a Stern Drive boat. Dont let a Seadoo forum or Sea Ray forum form your opinion for you. You need to see for yourself. Only then will you know your getting the right boat.

Craig

 

[Sikiguya]

Ironexecutioner,

You must explain your username!! But welcome! Glad you found this forum. I go to the other forum for entertainment. For everyone, he is looking at a Yamaha 212 and is wanting some feedback.

This one is awesome if you want to know anything and everything about jet boat. Your questions is somewhat subjective....because I have spend a good amount of money on accessories and such. But so far, the only problem is when I sucked up a transom strap into my impeller due to some inconsiderate fools....I had to spend some money on that. I am not as mechanically inclined nor do I have the time to do some of these things myself. If you are like me, you will probably spend more than some of these guys who does some pretty awesome work on their boat. Just visit these threads and you will find a lot of helpful info. Again..WELCOME!

 

[ironexecutioner]

Accessories are not my concern. Its more the recurring maintenance I am worried with. I haven't formed an opinion of a specific brand yet, the yamaha dealership just happened to be the closest to my house for me to visit I plan to visit a seadoo dealership tomorrow or tuesday. How long have you owned your boat?

Username is one I created long ago. Had to do with muscle cars as that is my current hobby. Kind of from an inside joke. Thanks!

Ironexecutioner,

You must explain your username!! But welcome! Glad you found this forum. I go to the other forum for entertainment. For everyone, he is looking at a Yamaha 212 and is wanting some feedback.

This one is awesome if you want to know anything and everything about jet boat. Your questions is somewhat subjective....because I have spend a good amount of money on accessories and such. But so far, the only problem is when I sucked up a transom strap into my impeller due to some inconsiderate fools....I had to spend some money on that. I am not as mechanically inclined nor do I have the time to do some of these things myself. If you are like me, you will probably spend more than some of these guys who does some pretty awesome work on their boat. Just visit these threads and you will find a lot of helpful info. Again..WELCOME!

 

[rookie101]

The only real advantage the Yamaha has is the rear swim platform. If Sea-Doo would come up with a 195 Challenger with twin 155 engines and a Yamaha type of swim platform there would be a new boat in my garage before my wife even had time to ask why I needed a new boat.............:rofl:

I've used both the Yamaha AR230 (best friend has one), my brother in-laws Challenger 180, and my Utopia. The Yamaha tends to have nicer finishing than the older Sea-Doo's and that awesome swim platform, but that's about it. The Doo's tend to be much faster if that's important to you, and low speed handling on the Doo is night and day better than the Yam. The Doo also has the added advantage of closed loop cooling and don't seem to be near as sensitive to weeds as the Yam. My buddy is constantly removing the clean out plugs on his AR to pull weeds out. I have only ever experienced cavitation on the Utopia once, and a quick back up maneuver cleared it in the first try.

Try and arrange an on water test of a Sea-Doo and then compare it to any other boat. You won't be disappointed.

Aaron:cheers:

 

[ironexecutioner]

Do you have a recommendation of a specific model I should look at?

 

[Sikiguya]

For a direct comparison to the 212...It's either the Utopia 205 or the Challenger 200?...with the twin 155 engines. If you are concern with maintance cost...you don't want the supercharged engine which require a complete rebuild every 100 hours.

 

[scooper77515]

More info on the musclecar history and user name...

see avatar :cheers: