1 reply to this topic

[Ron K]

I mentioned I bought a Speedster 160. (2001) it's practioally show room condiion. A couple questions.

1. It seems to have the (sounds like common) gas gauge problem. Says empty and it's not. I'll get it filled before I put it in my lake and will see how it read then.

2. Is there way to check "hours" on the motor? Has to be low - but curious.


I installed the bimini I ordered from Overtones. I had read the specs (width of the boat and ordered one someonoe said was to big. (90") and really it worked out perfectly. I mounted it on the outside of the rails and REALLY like how it mounts, lays flat, aluminum doesn't bind or bend. It was really easy to put together and installed. (alone 1 person). I taped it in place for some prelim testing and viewing how it looks. Got in and to see how the head room felt etc. Then drilled (scarey) and mounted.

I then spent the afternoon detailing it. (q-tips) to get into the nooks and crannys to really clean out the hard to access spaces like in front of the two storage areas in front of heml and passenger.
Replaced a couple blown fuses (12v port and radio) and all looks great except fuel gauge says empty.

If the fuel gauge is broken - or has problems as I've heard many times on here, does that mean the oil warning won't work either?

Also I think I read use regular octaine fuel?
And is it really a good idea to use that Quicksilver (40.00 a gallon) synth oil? The original owner said he always used it. The stickers on it say to use it. (but don't they always want you to use their stuff).
But seems I should continue with the same stuff?

Took it for a water test before picking it up - it was ok - but not much fun ono <40 degree water on a 45 degree day at speed... the wind was like a knife.

One last question. "winterize for next year" - I've always owned jetski's (for the past... 20+ years)
and every winter my winterizing consisted of "running it out of the water for 20 seconds" to BLOW out any water. (leaving it sit all winter.) nothing else done. I'm in Michigan - HARD FREEZES - below 0 f.
And never a problem with any of my (well Kawa jetskis). Can the same be done with this boat? Take it out - sart it - put it in gear and glow it out for 8-10 seconds?

Or must it have more done? This it the Merc 250 m2
I'll post some pics next nice sunny day - cold has returned, so I may not put it in the lake until end of next week = (

[Kevin Leclair]

Ron,

Congrats on your new doo.

1. It is likely you are having issues with your fuel baffle. When we had our 160 Speedster the fuel gauge quit working all together and it was the fuel baffle that had gone bad.

2. These boats had no hour meters on them so you have no way of knowing but a dealer should be able to hook something up to the engine and determine the approximate number of hours.

Would like to see some pics of the bimini installed, do you have any you can post up here?