Single or Dual Engines?

[yama0918]

I am looking to buy a Seadoo boat between 1997 and 2000. All the boats starting in 2000 have a single engine. What are the advantages or disadvantages between buying a model with two standard (jet ski) engines compared to one larger engine. I have removed and rebuilt jet ski engines so I would think there would be an advantage to that.

Would having one larger engine be more fuel effecient?

What are the main differences between the Challenger 1800, Sportster 1800 and Speedster?

 

[cjb]

I am looking to buy a Seadoo boat between 1997 and 2000. All the boats starting in 2000 have a single engine. What are the advantages or disadvantages between buying a model with two standard (jet ski) engines compared to one larger engine. I have removed and rebuilt jet ski engines so I would think there would be an advantage to that.

Would having one larger engine be more fuel effecient?

What are the main differences between the Challenger 1800, Sportster 1800 and Speedster?

In the water with an old boat, two is always better than one. You have double the chance to get home. With that said, the twin engines Seadoo’s should be rename double trouble. Is double the cost to maintain. If something breaks in one engine chances are the other one is about to go too so things will need to be fixed in pairs. If you want the boat for a lake with no real danger then go for a single engine but if you are in the ocean like me two engines are a must.

 

[yama0918]

In the water with an old boat, two is always better than one. You have double the chance to get home. With that said, the twin engines Seadoo’s should be rename double trouble. Is double the cost to maintain. If something breaks in one engine chances are the other one is about to go too so things will need to be fixed in pairs. If you want the boat for a lake with no real danger then go for a single engine but if you are in the ocean like me two engines are a must.

I would only be using it on a lake. I have a 1997 Yamaha Exciter now and I like the Seadoo's better. Do you know anything about the reliability on the single engines?

 

[ski33]

if you want trouble free then get a sportster 150 the 155 non supercharged.
but only in the later years but worth it for reliability.

 

[cjb]

I would only be using it on a lake. I have a 1997 Yamaha Exciter now and I like the Seadoo's better. Do you know anything about the reliability on the single engines?

You should be ok with a single then. Just make sure you get a boat that has the 787 engine with 110hp. Some older boats have a smaller 717 with 80hp whish is a great engine but in my opinion lacks power for even a 14ft boat.

The 787 is great engine easy to work on and parts are available.

 

[yama0918]

You should be ok with a single then. Just make sure you get a boat that has the 787 engine with 110hp. Some older boats have a smaller 717 with 80hp whish is a great engine but in my opinion lacks power for even a 14ft boat.

The 787 is great engine easy to work on and parts are available.

I am looking to stay about the $5000 price range. I have actually looked at a couple of 97 Challenger 1800's like the one in your picture. I would prefer the 17' to 18' size with 7 or 8 seats.

I've worked on the 787 engine. That is what I had in my 97 XP.

 

[harley2rde]

my 97 speedster with 2 717 does 58 mph with 4 adults on it . jumps out of water very fast and beets most jet skies . oh did i admit to overweight on my boat . no . 650 lbs max . ps : got mine for free . owner couldn't fix dess system .

 

[yama0918]

my 97 speedster with 2 717 does 58 mph with 4 adults on it . jumps out of water very fast and beets most jet skies . oh did i admit to overweight on my boat . no . 650 lbs max . ps : got mine for free . owner couldn't fix dess system .

I am thinking about a 97 challenger 1800 with two 787 engines.

 

[roneagan@cfl.rr.com]

I love my dual engine sportster.. It's a blast to drive..

 

[richiegtt]

I am looking to buy a Seadoo boat between 1997 and 2000. All the boats starting in 2000 have a single engine. What are the advantages or disadvantages between buying a model with two standard (jet ski) engines compared to one larger engine. I have removed and rebuilt jet ski engines so I would think there would be an advantage to that.

Would having one larger engine be more fuel effecient?

What are the main differences between the Challenger 1800, Sportster 1800 and Speedster?

The best thing about the 1997 two engine speedster over the previous two engine models is that it was the first year it came with two hull intakes one for each engine instead of one for two engines.If you get an obstruction in one of the intakes which happens with jet boats,you can get back home with the other engine . If you have a one engine model you are stuck out there.I have experienced the above situation and was very happy i had the 1997 2 engine speedster,

 

[jords]

yea there will always be the debate of which is better 1 or 2......The reason I went for 2 was that I believe the engines dont work as hard as a single.Its true twice as many things to go wrong etc etc.....A rod finally went in mine and its safe to say that the crank and bearings were stock. The pistons were std bore and the bearings were FAG, this boat is almost 15 years old. I have been in the single sportster and meh it was basically the same but my speedster felt more stable, maybe due to even weight on both sides don't know......

 

[CypherAZ]

The best thing about the 1997 two engine speedster over the previous two engine models is that it was the first year it came with two hull intakes one for each engine instead of one for two engines.If you get an obstruction in one of the intakes which happens with jet boats,you can get back home with the other engine . If you have a one engine model you are stuck out there.I have experienced the above situation and was very happy i had the 1997 2 engine speedster,

my 96' has 2 intakes