-
This site contains eBay affiliate links for which Sea-Doo Forum may be compensated.
Speedster vs sportster
- Thread starter LSaupe
- Start date
- Status
Larry, this sounds like a loaded question...you need to be more specific on the years you are interested in to compare. Other wise this thread could be about 200 posts long....
Karl
Karl
LSaupe
New Member
Thanks for the replies. From the sounds of the replies I imagine that the specs change quite a bit by year.
Looking for used (mid to late 90's I guess). Havent started looking yet, but only have about 5K to work with, so assume this would be the general vintage of boat.
I know very little about these SeaDoo boats.
Is there a used boat inspection checklist somewhere (what to look for when checking out a used boat)? My first thought is maybe a compression test and visual inspection of the pump, but I may be missing quite a bit.
Also, do these have any wood in the substructure that I need to be concerned about for moisture (such as stringers and core) or is this non-wood based?
Any thoughts here are greatly appreciated.
Larry S.
Looking for used (mid to late 90's I guess). Havent started looking yet, but only have about 5K to work with, so assume this would be the general vintage of boat.
I know very little about these SeaDoo boats.
Is there a used boat inspection checklist somewhere (what to look for when checking out a used boat)? My first thought is maybe a compression test and visual inspection of the pump, but I may be missing quite a bit.
Also, do these have any wood in the substructure that I need to be concerned about for moisture (such as stringers and core) or is this non-wood based?
Any thoughts here are greatly appreciated.
Larry S.
Larry,
I just checked to see where you live - small world, we have a place up on lake Sacandaga. Where will you be doing your boating? I see there is a Lake Galway.
I picked up a 97 Speedster the end of last year.
Will this be your first boat?
Are you mechanically handy?
What do you want to do on your boat? Fish, ski, wake board, sun, etc.
These questions will help the folks here guide you on your journey.
The main difference in the 96 models: Speedster has two motors and the Sportster has one. Keep in mind these are two stroke motors Rotax 717. The hull in the same 14.6 long and 85" wide. Speedster dry weight is 1247lbs and the Sportster is 946lbs, both hold 4 people. I do believe that the hulls are all fiberglass - no wooden stringers that I know of - others will chime in if I'm wrong.
Do a compression test (140lbs), inspect the pump impeller/wear ring, and do a sea trial.
Read here as much as you can and check out Snipes Korner:
http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?t=4151;
I just checked to see where you live - small world, we have a place up on lake Sacandaga. Where will you be doing your boating? I see there is a Lake Galway.
I picked up a 97 Speedster the end of last year.
Will this be your first boat?
Are you mechanically handy?
What do you want to do on your boat? Fish, ski, wake board, sun, etc.
These questions will help the folks here guide you on your journey.
The main difference in the 96 models: Speedster has two motors and the Sportster has one. Keep in mind these are two stroke motors Rotax 717. The hull in the same 14.6 long and 85" wide. Speedster dry weight is 1247lbs and the Sportster is 946lbs, both hold 4 people. I do believe that the hulls are all fiberglass - no wooden stringers that I know of - others will chime in if I'm wrong.
Do a compression test (140lbs), inspect the pump impeller/wear ring, and do a sea trial.
Read here as much as you can and check out Snipes Korner:
http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?t=4151;
LSaupe
New Member
Hi RobertV:
Thanks for the reply and input.
This will not be my first boat. I have had a few outboards (and still have one, a Hydrostream with V-6 OMC). Did have a waverunner for a while.
Yes, quite familiar with 2 strokes and boats in general. I don't mind a project if I can get one reasonable enough.
The boat would be for practical fun. Cruising, tubing etc. Most load would be two aldults and two children. (usually half of that). From what I have seen these boats fit that bill real nice.
I leave near Great Sacandaga Lake and would spend most of the time there and Speculator (Lake Pleasant) and Saratoga Lake. Many "targets" await as well a few feet below the surface (in Great Sacandaga) for outdrives so am a real fan of the jet drive.
Galway lake is a nice lake, but non-power only unfortunately.
Been looking through some want adds. I like the '97 with the added spotter seat. Have you been happy with yours?
Larry S.
Thanks for the reply and input.
This will not be my first boat. I have had a few outboards (and still have one, a Hydrostream with V-6 OMC). Did have a waverunner for a while.
Yes, quite familiar with 2 strokes and boats in general. I don't mind a project if I can get one reasonable enough.
The boat would be for practical fun. Cruising, tubing etc. Most load would be two aldults and two children. (usually half of that). From what I have seen these boats fit that bill real nice.
I leave near Great Sacandaga Lake and would spend most of the time there and Speculator (Lake Pleasant) and Saratoga Lake. Many "targets" await as well a few feet below the surface (in Great Sacandaga) for outdrives so am a real fan of the jet drive.
Galway lake is a nice lake, but non-power only unfortunately.
Been looking through some want adds. I like the '97 with the added spotter seat. Have you been happy with yours?
Larry S.
Larry,
I hear you about Sacandaga, we have been boating up there for four years now.
I can not comment on the 97 Speedster because it is new to me, I'm sure it will be a blast. I like that you can get a rebuilt long block for around $700. Makes it easy and cheap to rebuild if needed.
I hear you about Sacandaga, we have been boating up there for four years now.
I can not comment on the 97 Speedster because it is new to me, I'm sure it will be a blast. I like that you can get a rebuilt long block for around $700. Makes it easy and cheap to rebuild if needed.
nautiquelfe
New Member
Hi Lsaupe, I'd like to share a bit of my experience in buying a sea-doo jet boat. I just bought mine last week after spending 6 weeks scouring the web looking for the best buy available. I spent countless hours on Ebay, Boattrader, many locals of Craiglist, and of course Seadooforum.com. If your flexible on the model and are willing to travel you will have more opportunity for a good deal. I set out w/ a maximum purchase price of $4500 and was looking for a bargain, so I targeted boats that were solid but needing a good clean-up or possibly some engine work. In the end I got a 98 speedster w/ a bad starboard engine for $3k. Even after a new engine I should come in under my limit. Be patient and you'll find what your looking for. Good luck!!
Last edited by a moderator:
- Status
Similar threads
