3 replies to this topic

[marker227]

I've never owned a boat in my life...but I have driven and been in a few Sea Doo's before. I'm from NJ.

My first concern is what type of boat? Is there a particular year, make, and model should I be looking for? I have found a few 97 Sportster Sea Doos for a fair price. Under 3k sounds good for me.

I also have a few restrictions on storage. Ultimately the boat w/ trailer can't exceed 19' x 8'.9". I don't mind a small boat at all actually if it's a jet boat.

I don't really have any idea of how much power I will want. I think if the boat goes 40 mph I think that's good? As long as it's decent, I'm happy. I don't need 60 mph speeds....

I want to hop around on other peoples wakes while enjoying the sun and water.

I think my budget is around 2500 or less. I would love to get a 90's Jet Boat for 2100 though with trailer. If I have to, I will spend a little more.

Do all SeaDoo's come with speakers built into the boat? I like that accessory. I would like to come with 4 seat as well if possible...


Please bare with me. I'm a little new .



Thanks!

[ssmedt]

with that type of budget i would think that you are looking at a 95 96 or 97 speedster/challenger that might need a little TLC; i have seen some nice speedsters on craigslist for 3500-4000 but usually the ones in the 2000-3000 are a little rough; what are you looking to do with the boat other then just cruse around? do you want to tow a tube or a water skier or wake boarder? these older small boats do not come with a stero but it is not hard to install one yourself (i did) if you want some sound. I love my twin engine challenger (14.5 ft long) and my twin 717cc engines are plenty powerful to pull whatevery i want. if you can give us a little more info on how you want to use the boat and how many people you will normally have on it. Have fun with the hunt

[marker227]

I don't plan on tubing or towing anyone.

Is one 800cc engine enough?

I might be able to spend $3400 if the boat doesn't need too much TLC. Maybe it's wise to spend around 3k to get one that doesn't need "fixing up"?

Mostly it'll be myself and one other person. Maybe even 3. But I would like to be able to seat 4 just in case.

If I can, I'd like it to have night running lights as well. And the stereo built-in is also a plus.

Can you attach a sun canopy to these older models?

If something should break or the engine needs a tuneup where do I go?.... I have marinas around me in Lake Hopatcong NJ.

http://cgi.ebay.com/...e=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Looks perfect.

Edited by marker227, 29 August 2009 - 11:17 AM.

[ssmedt]

well i have never driven a single engine but for what you want to do with the boat i would think that it would do; i would make sure you see the boat first and have a compression test done; with the boat being 10+ years old you don't want to get something that has not been taken care of; and you never now when you might find something good; i found mine in december;

Yes you can have an after-maket canopy installed and these small boats do have lights for night riding but do not come with an OEM stero installed but as i said before it is not too hard to install one yourself