1 reply to this topic

[JulieG]

Hi looking to pick up a used 4-tec sportster can someone help with my initial questions? I've read all the post in this forum before posting...
I want a non supercharged 155 model. for fuel economy and price
Here's what I'm trying to find out:

What is the first year for the 4-tec in a sportster? 2003?
Have they made changes to the 4-tec motor since that first year? Were there any bugs in these first years 4tec engines that I should stay away from?

How about boat changes from the first 4-tec sportster thru 2006 are all the changes cosmetic?
Looks like they stopped the sportster in 2006 and in 2007 are calling it a speedster 150? Can you tell me any differences?

Thanks so much for any and all help!!!
Julie

[keviseeb]

Julie, essentially the Sporster 4-TEC/150 Speedster are the same since 2003 when the boat was initially introduced. There are minor changes to the final drive, exhaust location, some engine electronics, and various radio brands. The major difference is that in 2006 Sea Doo started using vinylester resin fiberglass which is supposed to be more impervious to water. The drawback is that vinylester also tends to be somewhat brittle, the 2009 front storage reflects the change necessary to keep those pesky "spider cracks" from developing. Aside from that the minor changes to the start button or the cooler no longer being insulated (that changed in 2008) are minor and don't change the fact that the hull is identical to the original. Make sure you have the boat checked out, get the B.U.D.S. report, verify hours, check engine compression, do all the stuff a smart purchaser should do!

Kevin Seeber
Kingsland Marine

Hi looking to pick up a used 4-tec sportster can someone help with my initial questions? I've read all the post in this forum before posting...
I want a non supercharged 155 model. for fuel economy and price
Here's what I'm trying to find out:

What is the first year for the 4-tec in a sportster? 2003?
Have they made changes to the 4-tec motor since that first year? Were there any bugs in these first years 4tec engines that I should stay away from?

How about boat changes from the first 4-tec sportster thru 2006 are all the changes cosmetic?
Looks like they stopped the sportster in 2006 and in 2007 are calling it a speedster 150? Can you tell me any differences?

Thanks so much for any and all help!!!
Julie