Top Speed

[Johnny1]

Hey guys,

I just bought a 96 GTI. Its in great shape and seems to run great, with two people on it it struggles to take off i was wondering if thats normal? It has a new impeller and wear ring. How fast are these models? It feels like maybe 45ish? I'd love to make it faster if you guys want to throw any ideas for making it faster my way that would be great. Thanks!

 

[Dennis]

45 mph is about all she'll do.

DAWG

 

[Dr Honda]

If it's struggling to take off with a new ring and impeller... you need a new carbon seal. Upper 40's is about right... but it should take off without any issues with 2 on it.

 

[Johnny1]

Ok..What exactly is the carbon seal? If it is going to be me alone on the ski most of the time is it something i can live with for now or do i need to fix it right away?

 

[rotaxrule1]

When you say it has a hard time taking off with 2, is it revving up and moving out of the water slowly or does it seem to be bogging while coming out of the water?

 

[Johnny1]

Its revving up and moving out of the water slowly..

No Bogging. It revs up and i have to hold it at about 4k rpm ( Maybe higher) for a few seconds..and then it will take off. Once it takes off..its perfect.

 

[rotaxrule1]

That sounds a bit like how my 97 gtx is acting. I was told that cavitation might be happening and the carbon seal might be bad, just as DR Honda mentioned. This supposedly allows air from the hull to form bubbles behind the impeller and cause water flow issues. (if I understand correctly, I am new to learn the workings of this stuff) One thing I can tell you, I used to have a 96 GTI. It had the 85 HP 720 motor and it never revved to 4000+ RPM until it was on top of the water, and when it did rev up, it pulled pretty well whether I had 1 2 or 3 people on it. Anyway, hope that helps a bit.