Staying Dry a Possibility?

[jimbo3946]

Hi All,

I'm looking at trading my old toy (85 corvette, anybody ineredted? ) for a new toy that floats. My one "hard stop" is that it fit in my 19' deep garage on the trailer. I really like the speedster, and figure it'll fit in my envelope, but lack of any wind protection seems like it will be a very wet ride. Living in the northeast, think it would cut my boating season real short. Does anybody make an aftermarket windshield? Any other sea doo options that would fit? I'm looking to ctuise with the missues, take kids wakebording, tubing, etc. Budget is in $8K range...

Appreciate any words of wisdom!

Thanks
Jim

 

[fearthisinc]

Well first welcome to the site.. I am fairly new to the site myself and completely new to the world of boating.. I opted for the Sea Doo speedster 150.. i bought it brand new mostly for the comfort of having a warranty and also beign a first time boater I figured it would be safer bet as I know nothing of working on boats and whatnot.. I also opted for a jet boat for the main reason that it is very easy to launch and load and also can be taken in 1 foot of water.. obviously your not "supposed" to be drivinging in 1 foot of water but comforting to know that i can go in that shallow of water so i dont have to worry much about running aground... the boat will definately fit in your garage without a problem but keep in mind that their are more boats out there that will fit.. but the speedster is definately fun.. as for keeping dry i have to be honest.. i have had the boat out 3 or 4 times already and really i dont get that wet.. you get sprayed here and there but i havnt been soaked.. and i have only had water come over the bow twice and it was just a little water.. so for the most part you dont really get that wet.. for me anyway its just at the slower speeds of like 20-25 that you get sprayed if you hit the water the right way.. but if the sun is out trust me you dry off pretty quick.. I have yet to see anyone fit a windshield onto the speedster.. when i was searching older threads i know that there were a couple of guys looking to fit one on but no updates on any success stories..

 

[suprajake]

I have a 95 Sportster that I took out a few weekends last year when I got it before tearing the engine apart. Never really got wet, just splashed a little here or there. Usually at full speed you stay almost bone dry, and if you're moving that fast water won't stay on you long anyways.

 

[thack]

I hate to state the obvious but you are getting a boat? Windshields mostly keep the wind out of your eyes. You can always have something custom made.
Also choppy water/high wind is where you will get the most water in your boat.

 

[huttcraft]

I think you'll find that the Speedster 150 is a wet boat no matter how you slice it. If you want the boat for touring you'd probably be better served by either a bigger SeaDoo or another design.

In my experience when it's rough I get a lot of spray over the bow at most speeds, and if I have three or more adults in the boat the effect is more severe. If I have an adult in the rear-facing seat I'll occasionally ship a large wave or boat wake right over the bow, half-filling the cockpit with water. On the whole it's a far wetter boat than I anticipated when I bought it: hence sealed cockpit, scuppers, no carpet and so on.

That said it's a pleasure to drive, versatile and reasonably fast. On my shallow lake (maybe even more "Northeast") it does everything we want. Good luck!

Dave

 

[timhood]

You could get a 180 Challenger in your garage, because they come on a trailer with a folding tongue. If you have a full 19' in your garage you would be able to just squeeze it in with a few inches to spare on either end. (Put a little padding on the back wall to help you know when you've gone far enough. ). The 180 has windshields and is pretty dry from the windshields aft. The bow area will get some splash/spray, particularly if you hit a wave or wake and aren't on plane. If you cut power and nose down into a wave, you'll get water over the bow and the front riders will get wet. But, any boat that will fit in your garage will have riders getting at least some amount of water, depending on conditions.

 

[pro10is]

I have yet to see a Speedster 150 windshield but I bet anyone who comes up with one will make more than a few bucks selling them.

The small Speedsters can be a bit wet in choppy water but I bought a Speedster 150 much for the same reason I bought a motorcycle, to be less insulated from the environment and thus enjoy it more. I had several large boats with full windshields. Yea I was high and dry, and totally bored. The Speedster 150 is more like an amazing amusement park ride, a thrill a minute but not necessarily for the squeamish. I love being so close to the water and not so isolated from it. I never get really wet but I do get sprayed now and then.

There are however a few key things you can do to stay more comfortable. You can buy a 1.5mm 100% stretch wetsuit shirt like the NeoSport XSPAN. This will keep you nice and warm even if you get wet. And to help with the wind get a nice pair of sunglass goggles like the 7-Eye Churada Sunglasses. With only these two items you won't care that much about having a windshield anymore because you'll be a lot more comfortable.

 

[jimbo3946]

Thanks for all the replies. I solved the staying dry problem - found a challenger 180 a guy at work is selling! I can add folding tongue to trailer and shoehorn it into garage with 3 in to spare!! I'm excited about the challenger - it's a 2000, one owner, 120 hrs on engine, freshwater only, garaged. He might even consider a trade for my corvette!!! Things are looking good!

Thanks to all for your input. I'll let you know when I get it!!!

 

[RFoster130]

Awesome deal. Make sure to come back.

 

[voodoo]

Ask for an old oil bottle, take a safe boating class online - free, you will be back for silly things, keep water bottles and snacks for your kids.

 

[jimbo3946]

Old oil bottle? Yep, taking boating course and making rest of family take it, too! Free? Found PA required course for $35 + $10 for PA certificate. Can I get this for free?? That would be cool.

 

[voodoo]

The old bottle so you can use the same without mixing brands to make gel in the lines - this causes many to think the OEM oiling is messed up, visit --> w*w*w.boat-ed.com/getting_certified.htm <-- I hope I do not get in trouble for posting this link.