7 replies to this topic

[csheldo]

I am very interested in buying (hopefully a gently) used SeaDoo--it will be used by the family to cruise the lake, swim and just get away from the crowds. Every now and then, however, I'm sure everyone will want to ski--so, my question is: will I be happy with a Sportster (DI) with the 2-stroke, 130hp or will I not get anyone up (there are 2 guys, son-in-law and son, both about 235lb.), or should I go for the 155hp in the Tec-4?
How are they on gas?
Thanks for any suggestions. Appreciate it.
Steve S.

[nookie201]

Hi, welcome,

where are you located ?.

The 4stroke is very fuel efficient.

email me if you're interested in a used 4-tec.


 

[stevenh]

I am very interested in buying (hopefully a gently) used SeaDoo--it will be used by the family to cruise the lake, swim and just get away from the crowds. Every now and then, however, I'm sure everyone will want to ski--so, my question is: will I be happy with a Sportster (DI) with the 2-stroke, 130hp or will I not get anyone up (there are 2 guys, son-in-law and son, both about 235lb.), or should I go for the 155hp in the Tec-4?
How are they on gas?
Thanks for any suggestions. Appreciate it.
Steve S.

I would go for the 155HP at least. Even with the 155HP Sportser, it can be tough to get a large solom skiier out of the water although it can be done. The Sportster is great on gas for a boat, better than the DI 130 and you don't have to deal with the smoke and oil. The DI 130 will be quite a bit less $$$ for the same model year, but I would still go for the 4-stroke. If you want to do a lot of solom skiing with >200lb folks, I would suggest looking for a 215HP Sportster or for one of the larger boats.

Steve

[R-Doo]

When you buy a boat you should buy the largest motor you can afford. With the larger motor you have the option to use less throtle, but with the smaller one, there is no option.

[csheldo]

I am very interested in buying (hopefully a gently) used SeaDoo--it will be used by the family to cruise the lake, swim and just get away from the crowds. Every now and then, however, I'm sure everyone will want to ski--so, my question is: will I be happy with a Sportster (DI) with the 2-stroke, 130hp or will I not get anyone up (there are 2 guys, son-in-law and son, both about 235lb.), or should I go for the 155hp in the Tec-4?
How are they on gas?
Thanks for any suggestions. Appreciate it.
Steve S.

I would go for the 155HP at least. Even with the 155HP Sportser, it can be tough to get a large solom skiier out of the water although it can be done. The Sportster is great on gas for a boat, better than the DI 130 and you don't have to deal with the smoke and oil. The DI 130 will be quite a bit less $$$ for the same model year, but I would still go for the 4-stroke. If you want to do a lot of solom skiing with >200lb folks, I would suggest looking for a 215HP Sportster or for one of the larger boats.

Steve

Steve,
Thanks. I think everyone will use the 2 skis, not much slalom-ing--so, I really appreciate the info--it's made a difference in what I will buy. I'm in Arizona and surprisingly (or maybe not) there aren't many of the Sporsters (or other SeaDoo boats for that matter) available on the used market.
Thanks, again.
sds

[Kevin Leclair]

A few Sportster's in Arizona.

http://www.boattrade.../6/80827756.htm
http://adcache.boatt.../3/80414983.htm
http://adcache.boatt.../6/51088516.htm
http://adcache.boatt.../0/51088750.htm

[stevenh]

I am very interested in buying (hopefully a gently) used SeaDoo--it will be used by the family to cruise the lake, swim and just get away from the crowds. Every now and then, however, I'm sure everyone will want to ski--so, my question is: will I be happy with a Sportster (DI) with the 2-stroke, 130hp or will I not get anyone up (there are 2 guys, son-in-law and son, both about 235lb.), or should I go for the 155hp in the Tec-4?
How are they on gas?
Thanks for any suggestions. Appreciate it.
Steve S.

I would go for the 155HP at least. Even with the 155HP Sportser, it can be tough to get a large solom skiier out of the water although it can be done. The Sportster is great on gas for a boat, better than the DI 130 and you don't have to deal with the smoke and oil. The DI 130 will be quite a bit less $$$ for the same model year, but I would still go for the 4-stroke. If you want to do a lot of solom skiing with >200lb folks, I would suggest looking for a 215HP Sportster or for one of the larger boats.

Steve

Steve,
Thanks. I think everyone will use the 2 skis, not much slalom-ing--so, I really appreciate the info--it's made a difference in what I will buy. I'm in Arizona and surprisingly (or maybe not) there aren't many of the Sporsters (or other SeaDoo boats for that matter) available on the used market.
Thanks, again.
sds

No problem, I had a 155HP Sportster and loved it, but I needed more room for my son and his friends. The 155HP will pull anyone up on two skiis with no problem. I was very happy with the gas use (or lack of it). My new S200 uses more fuel, but it holds a bunch of folks.

Good look shopping...

Steve

[thumper]

the go for the biggest engine you can afford is good advice - particularly for skiing with people at 235lbs - i wouldnt consider anything less than the 155hp sportster - but one thing worth remembreing is the sprtster can only hold 4 people or approx 700lbs total weight which means at 235lbs thats only three of you - if you ski you may progress quickly and want to monoski - you will need at least 200hp to monostart a 235lb skiier..