98 replies to this topic

[Phonsie]

There we go. More Chicago representation.

[Wildpiguk]

Hi Everyone - nice to meet and greet,

Picked up my DOO yesterday - first time for a powerboat of any sort - usually a long distance sea-kayaker!

I "think" it is a 2001 Speedster - not sure - maybe someone could let me know how to find out - especially as I want to purchase some Hydro-turf mats.

It has the Merc V6 EFi 240 M2 - hasn't been used at all for 2 years and has only 50 hours on the clock - fresh water use only.

So - it goes for a service on Tuesday next week

My First problem was that the seat in the bow came loose while towing the boat back and is presumably now gracing the roadside somewhere in worcestershire - wasn't expecting that! Dohhhh.

So does anyone know how I locate I replacement? I can't seem to get the official parts list up on the Seadoo site.

Second - I am going to Hydro-Turf as currently the poor girl is naked. I would also like to cover the seats - as they are looking a bit sad.

Thirdly - what is the best hull cleaner you guys would recommend?

Fourthly - does anyone have an opinion on the best boat cover for storage and towing?


Phewwww - thanks - sorry if I have abused my first post - but summers are shorter and colder in the UK - so keen to get going!

Take care

[jonw9]

Hmm, UK? I am not sure if most places I am familiar with ships internationally.

For the seat, you may be best served to check eBay or something.

First: I use this place locally, and have the part list online: http://www.ccsport.c.....20Sport Boats

I also frequent Parker Yamaha ( parkeryamaha.com)

I will leave to you to check if the can ship parts to you.

Perhaps posting some pictures, or links can assist us in IDing your boat.

Second: I am not sure what the question is. I order my turf, but it hasn't shipped yet. Recovering the seats may be a cheaper option then buying new ones. You would probably be best to check local places.

Third: Hull cleaner, you mean interior or exterior? Outside I just use some generic "boat wash". Interior is a bit harder, and I use Meguires spray and a nylon brush to clean the rough interior. http://www.westmarin...amp;classNum=34

Some people use a Mr. Clean "Magic Eraser" on the floor and seats. I have never tried this.

Fourthly: I have an OEM cover for storage, but this will be quite expensive to replace. I don't tow with a cover, because it is hard on the cover and the boat.

[jonw9]

I just saw this on a television show: http://www.duplicolo...ucts/vinyl.html

Vinyl paint. They painted the interior seats of a car (cloth and vinyl sides).

This may work to "refresh" the seats color. This is assuming the seats aren't cracked. This may be something I would consider to even out the splotchy yellow on my seats.

[Wildpiguk]

I just saw this on a television show: http://www.duplicolo...ucts/vinyl.html

Vinyl paint. They painted the interior seats of a car (cloth and vinyl sides).

This may work to "refresh" the seats color. This is assuming the seats aren't cracked. This may be something I would consider to even out the splotchy yellow on my seats.

Hi Jonw9

Thanks for your posts - excellent.

The OEM seats are hugely expensive as spares and I can't find anyone else who makes them - not only that but they will probably take up to 3 weeks to arrive.

BUT no worries about the seats - I ripped one apart and they are quite simple to make. I've ripped the others apart as well and used them as templates. Ditto with the other padded areas.

I've already routed out some duplicate plastic for base and sides, shaped some hi-density foam blocks and glued, just now vacuum sealed the seats with their padding foam prior to covering. Total cost per seat so far - about $5.00

Haven't chosen a suitable marine material yet for the covers but will do that next week - might have a look at backing some HydroTurf material with some ripstop - that will then fit with the Hydroturf mats.

I just generally want to get the boat into tiptop shape before using it in anger. Any hints and tips are welcome.
So cleaning - polishing inside and outside as much as possible.

I've ordered one of the Poppy covers - should arrive in a couple of weeks.

I'll post some of the pics of the boat, as she was before I started pulling her apart, tomorrow - if you think that would help identify the year.

Thank you

[jonw9]

Also, there should be a hull identification number (HIN) back underneath the step. Mine is in the upper right. This number tells various information about the boat, including the year.

I believe the last 2 numbers are the year of manufacture.

If you post it here, there may be more deciphering possible.

[Wildpiguk]

Also, there should be a hull identification number (HIN) back underneath the step. Mine is in the upper right. This number tells various information about the boat, including the year.

I believe the last 2 numbers are the year of manufacture.

If you post it here, there may be more deciphering possible.

Hi Jonw9

Yup the last three numbers are 001 - so I think that rounds up the investigation side of things!

Looked at a JetSki HydroTurf seat cover - should be no problem making new covers for the speedster.

I'll post some pics when done!

Thanks again

[ssmedt]

Hi Jonw9

Yup the last three numbers are 001 - so I think that rounds up the investigation side of things!

Looked at a JetSki HydroTurf seat cover - should be no problem making new covers for the speedster.

I'll post some pics when done!

Thanks again

welcome to the site! as for the name the pics will help but i don't think that it is a "speedster" the speedster was tipically a 14.5 ft boat and that size boat did not come with the merc engine; how long is your doo? but the naming of these sea doo can get confusing; as i have a 2001 challenger; and most people think of a challenger to be either 18ft long or 20 ft long but my "challenger" is small only 14.5ft

[frontwheelrider]

hey, Brad here

im from Alberta, Canada

no DOO yet, but i am hoping to get something this summer, which is why i joined!!

[rookie101]

hey, Brad here

im from Alberta, Canada

no DOO yet, but i am hoping to get something this summer, which is why i joined!!

What part of Alberta, and what sort of Doo are you looking to pick up?

Aaron

[Wildpiguk]

welcome to the site! as for the name the pics will help but i don't think that it is a "speedster" the speedster was tipically a 14.5 ft boat and that size boat did not come with the merc engine; how long is your doo? but the naming of these sea doo can get confusing; as i have a 2001 challenger; and most people think of a challenger to be either 18ft long or 20 ft long but my "challenger" is small only 14.5ft

Hi ssmedt

Nope it is a speedster alright - got the logo's and everything.

The boat is 16'6 long - seats 5 - one in the prow.
Engine is a 6 cylinder mercruiser m2 240 hp

The operators guide with it - puts it in the same family as the challenger 1800/2000 - they are both bigger at 17 plus and 19 plus feet.

It weighs in at 1710lb and with a 40 gallon tank

[frontwheelrider]

What part of Alberta, and what sort of Doo are you looking to pick up?

Aaron

camrose
and i am not sure yet, i am still looking, so far ive checked out some speedsters and sportsters

[poconoeagle]

Hi all. New guy here from the poconos via 21 year stint in fla. Just bought old friends '97 twin speedster. hid it in other friends driveway so the mz. dont know yet about my boat fetish!

Gene

[Kevin Leclair]

Welcome to the website Gene!

[ssmedt]

Hi all. New guy here from the poconos via 21 year stint in fla. Just bought old friends '97 twin speedster. hid it in other friends driveway so the mz. dont know yet about my boat fetish!

Gene

welcome to the site; that is a fun boat; my challenger is the same size with the same engine configuration and it is a blast. haha just break it to the mz gently

[redbeard]

Hello, I'm Rick I don't have a boat yet nor have I ever owned one but I'm hoping to get one in the next few months and from the researching I've done I think the seadoos will suit me best. I came here to learn more.

When I get a boat lake lanier will be my main lake but sometimes I might go up to lake hartwell.

[amontanez]

Hello,
I'm Alfonso writing from Rochester NY. I just put a deposit on a Challenger 180. I think I got a good deal. $16,295 2008 challenger 180 and has five year warranty on the engine, is this a good deal. Any suggestions. Great website for info on Seadoo boats.

[ssmedt]

Hello, I'm Rick I don't have a boat yet nor have I ever owned one but I'm hoping to get one in the next few months and from the researching I've done I think the seadoos will suit me best. I came here to learn more.

When I get a boat lake lanier will be my main lake but sometimes I might go up to lake hartwell.

Welcome Rick, I live in the same area; I boat on Oconee and Lanier but I have never been to hartwell. What are you wanting to do with your boat and how many people do you want to put on it? also if you planning on going to lanier on the weekend; unless you get out there at 7am and just sit in cocktail cove all day; I would not recomend one of the 14.5ft boats like i have because with all the waves that the house boats and cabin crusers make I don't think i would survive Lanier during the weekend; but my boat is awesome on Lanier during the week when there is nobody up at the lake

Hello,
I'm Alfonso writing from Rochester NY. I just put a deposit on a Challenger 180. I think I got a good deal. $16,295 2008 challenger 180 and has five year warranty on the engine, is this a good deal. Any suggestions. Great website for info on Seadoo boats.

Welcome Alfonso; congrats on the purchase; sounds like a good deal to me and always nice to have the warranty. I am sure you will have a lot of fun with the new boat!

[hd_ryder1964]

Hi... I'm Randy out of Greenville South Carolina, new to boating, I figured a Sportster might be a good way to intoduce myself to the sport. I found an 04' in North Carolina in decent condition and I hope to take my maiden voyage on Lake Jocasee this weekend.
Any near Upstate South Carolina or Western North Carolina/Georgia that might be intrested in a weekend on the water give me a shout!
I wanted to say thanks for all the information.... I have a lot to learn!!!
Randy

[ssmedt]

Hi... I'm Randy out of Greenville South Carolina, new to boating, I figured a Sportster might be a good way to intoduce myself to the sport. I found an 04' in North Carolina in decent condition and I hope to take my maiden voyage on Lake Jocasee this weekend.
Any near Upstate South Carolina or Western North Carolina/Georgia that might be intrested in a weekend on the water give me a shout!
I wanted to say thanks for all the information.... I have a lot to learn!!!
Randy

welcome to the site; make sure you take some pics and have a good time out on the water!