5 replies to this topic

[fialoe]

Hi All,
I live in Dublin and am about to purchase a 2000 Speedster with Twin 110hp's. Can anybody help me with the following questions. I know they are basic but I am new to boating and have two left hands!
Are they good for salt water and what should be done to keep them in good condition?
What are the most common problems when running and am I likely to get stranded?
What is fuel economy like?
What should I look out for before I purchase?
Any other info you feel would help me I would dearly appreciate.
Are they nice to ski from?
Thanks,
B

[padfor]

I bought a 1998 Speedster with twin 110 Rotax engines this summer, for my wife; she did not like piloting my large cruiser. It goes very fast and does not like to go at moderate speeds. Above 20 mph and below 7 mph is fine. It gets on plane in less than 2 seconds. At speed it burns about 7 gallons per hour (short term guessitimate). It is a rocket. Salt water is not good for any engine. The boat is not to be left in the water and must be flushed when you take it out of the salt water. I understand that the engines are good for about 300 hours, but htat is because they are typically driven hard. It handles well, but backing is like backing a trailer, with steering going the opposite way you wish to go.

Even though it is twin engine you have only one shifter. Both engines are in neutral, forward or reverse. You cannot steer with the transmissions as with twins in a larger boat. It sodes have special low speed handling so it is easy to manage at low speeds.

Everyone loves the boat. Be sure to read the owner's manual and purchase a shop manual (available on ebay). These boats are not like other boats and take special knowledge to operate and maintain.

I have had a problem with the electrical system, but believe it is in the DESS key. I will put the boat in the shop this week to confirm.

I amy sell the boat, but only because it is faster than my wife wanted. She wanted a boat for short trips around the marina and to play with the grandkids. She bought the Speedster because it was a great looking boat. She may get a slower boat.

these are my observations from owning the boat for a month and putting about twelve hours on it.

[fialoe]

Thanks a million for quite a detailed response. I only received your response out of 51 replies so I am extremely grateful. The one I have chosen I just found out will have a brand new mercury engine with approx 220hp as opposed to the twin Rotax so again any further comments from anyone would be very much appreciated. I really need help !!!

[Serbmarine]

Who are you buying the boat from? It is a good idea to try and get a service history and/or maintenance records before you decide to purchase. While the speedster has been a pretty solid machine it is always nice to know you aren’t inheriting someone else’s nightmare. If it is possible a compression check is always a nice piece of information as well.

If or when you decide to buy: The Speedster is a great boat, my biggest suggestion would be maintenance, especially if the boat will be used in saltwater. It is very important to flush the engine after use, it is also a good idea to hose down the pump with fresh water and occasionally spray down the engine and pump with SeaDoo lube (or comparable) anti-corrosion spray.

You should have plenty of power to pull skiers or tubers. If you are a first time boater (or jetboater) take it slow around the docks until you get the hang of handling. Once you get the hang of it you will have no problem.

Perhaps the biggest problem with first timer dooers is sucking debris through the jet pump, just try to keep an eye out for floating debris and try your best to avoid it.

Great to have some new folks joining the Seadoo community, hope you are able to get on the water soon!

[fialoe]

Thanks for that advice. The water is salt but it is a tidal river so there will be lots to suck up if I am not careful. The boat I have bought won't be ready for another 4 weeks as they are putting a new V6 Mercury in it. This they say will come with a three year warranty which is what I like the most.
Are manuals readily available?

[Serbmarine]

You can order factory orginial owners manuals from any Seadoo dealer (don't let the dealer rip you off, they buy them from Seadoo for 1 cent) and a service manual for $80-100 dollars. Also check around online, every once and again you can find an online version.....