5 replies to this topic

[nzirbel]

I am looking to buy a 1997-2000 Speedster and was wondering if you guys could give me help in what to look for. I have owned a few skis but new to the boat thing. Are the twin 85hp engines better than the twin 110hp motors? Is any one year better than another? Other than seat vinyl is there any other common problems to look out for?
Thanks in advance for your help guys and with any luck I'l be 'DOOin it soon!
Nick

[thumper]

if it was me i would buy the newest boat i could afford - it also depends on the way it has been handled etc etc, i would also go for the highest power option aswell - making these boats go faster can be an expensive hobby so its better to start off with the best you can afford - if it has the 'buds' system the dealer or whoever is selling it will be able to show you a detailed history of the boat and how its been handled. - good luck with it

[LandLord]

I am looking to buy a 1997-2000 Speedster and was wondering if you guys could give me help in what to look for. I have owned a few skis but new to the boat thing. Are the twin 85hp engines better than the twin 110hp motors? Is any one year better than another? Other than seat vinyl is there any other common problems to look out for?
Thanks in advance for your help guys and with any luck I'l be 'DOOin it soon!
Nick

I agree with Thumper. ALWAYS try to avoid buying a used boat; including a jet boat.

It is always possible to buy a "new" left-over previous year model new from a dealer looking to just get it off his lot. They are always willing to discount a leftover boat just to move it. That is how I bought my first jet boat and have been delighted with it. I also trust it since I am the original owner.

While I might buy a used car . . . a used boat is a totally different animal. I do not trust used boats. Your simply buying someone elses headaches and problems.

Good luck, you should consider carefully before buying USED. No matter what the seller claims; there is always a reason a used boat is on the market - and it's not always "I just want a bigger boat".

I further agree with the fact that you should probably buy as much horsepower as you can afford and handle in advance instead of trying to "tweak" it afterwards. Even the entry level jet-boats are quite fast. Faster than you are probably used to.

These boats seem to getter better every year - slowly as BRP improves - slowly.

[Kev077]

I also own a few skis, but I am buying a 2006 speedster. This is my first boat. I have operated plenty, and family has boats but never had one of my own. My uncle bought a used ski boat and has had nothing but problems. I would try and get something new, so you also get the warranty. Sea doo is giving away and extra 2 years warranty this year as a promotional offer, as long as you buy before March 31, and also you can add one more year to that for a total of four years. I am getting all four years. I hope I never need it, but with a boat, you never know what could happen.

[nzirbel]

Well if I could afford a new one, I wouldn't have to ask advise on what to look for in a used one. There are some great deals to be had in the used market. I'm trying to hold out for a 98-99 Speedster SK and would like to know what goes wrong with them or if there are obvious things to look for when looking at them.
Thanks
Nick

[nzirbel]

Sorry guys, didn't mean to come off sounding like a tool there. Just trying to say there's quite a bit of money (and a wife) between me and a new boat. Just bought a (hopefully) descent 1999 Speedster SK. Picking it up this weekend.
Thanks for your help
Nick