11 replies to this topic

[vwDavid]

Hi Guys. I have been browsing your site all afternoon. I recently returned from summer vacation to the family cabin on the lake. Watching all the boating activity made me green with envy for my yunger years when a boat was readily at hand.

Now I want my own and after considering PWCs and other bowriders/ I/O type boats I think these sport boats are the ticket for me.

Two thinks I am limited on, tow vehicle and cash.

So, I am looking at the smaller sportboats and the older ones. I like the idea of a 15-16 ft boat with twin engines. Its hard to get online info about the older models, so, I don't really know what to look for. What about model lines or years to avoid?

I am thinking somethign between 1997 and perhaps 2002. Like I said 14-16 foot twin engine. For a 2004 model, the 4-Tec looks pretty good. Hard to find any prices online though.

I'm from Vancouver, BC. Not much in the classified adds this week. I think your sub-move movie got me hooked. I gots to be doing that next summer.

cheers. -D

[tiggerman]

So, I am looking at the smaller sportboats and the older ones. I like the idea of a 15-16 ft boat with twin engines. Its hard to get online info about the older models, so, I don't really know what to look for. What about model lines or years to avoid?

I am thinking somethign between 1997 and perhaps 2002. Like I said 14-16 foot twin engine. For a 2004 model, the 4-Tec looks pretty good. Hard to find any prices online though.

Welcome to the board!
I can only speak from my own experience on this one. I have the 14.5 foot Speedster, built in 1997 and going strong ever since. I have done minor maintenance/repair on it and it has never let me down. It has the twins weighing in at 85 HP each, and a 27 gallon feedbag for those ponies.
Not alot of space unless there are 2-3 people on board. Any more than that and you'll be crowded. It handles well and rides nicely in calm to mildly choppy water. Heavy chop makes for a wild bucking ride.
Things to watch out for: worn out engines- take a compression tester or a mechanic with you when you look. This applies to ALL engines. Don't be fooled by the good looks of a freshly waxed Doo.... Hull damage: cracks,patches, blisters in the gelcoat can mean $$$$ down the road. Try before you buy-- don't jump into the first thing you see and don't be too eager. It's your money and be sure it's well spent. There are lots of boats out there waiting for you. Beware of the scam artist, especially on eBay..........

[vwDavid]

Is there a histroical model line comparo out there. the current speedster is not a twin. Which years was it a twin?

[tiggerman]

Is there a histroical model line comparo out there. the current speedster is not a twin. Which years was it a twin?

The current 200 Speedster is a twin with a pair of 155 HP Rotax 4 strokes, the 160 Speedster has the 240EFI Mercury Jetdrive..... 95, 96,97,98,99 were twin Rotax 2 strokes. 2000-up 160 Speedsters were Merc powered singles I believe.

[Doooer]

Hi Guys. I have been browsing your site all afternoon. I recently returned from summer vacation to the family cabin on the lake. Watching all the boating activity made me green with envy for my yunger years when a boat was readily at hand.

Now I want my own and after considering PWCs and other bowriders/ I/O type boats I think these sport boats are the ticket for me.

Two thinks I am limited on, tow vehicle and cash.

So, I am looking at the smaller sportboats and the older ones. I like the idea of a 15-16 ft boat with twin engines. Its hard to get online info about the older models, so, I don't really know what to look for. What about model lines or years to avoid?

I am thinking somethign between 1997 and perhaps 2002. Like I said 14-16 foot twin engine. For a 2004 model, the 4-Tec looks pretty good. Hard to find any prices online though.

I'm from Vancouver, BC. Not much in the classified adds this week. I think your sub-move movie got me hooked. I gots to be doing that next summer.

cheers. -D

vw,

You might try www.trader.ca to get an idea of CDN asking prices. You can go to Boats and do a search for Sea-Doo...plenty for sale both private and dealers. Most are in Ontario. You might also check out groups.msn.com/canuckjetboat. It's a local, mostly Ontario group but there used to be a couple members from BC.

As to size, IMHO buy the biggest and newest you can afford. That way you won't get the two footitis for a couple of years. The smaller boats generally give a harsher ride, so if you're on a small inland lake you'll have a blast, but if you intend to go on ocean waters (even English Bay if you're in the Vancouver area) you'll get bounced around a lot. Trust me...that gets old really fast with the wife.

Personally, I wouldn't go under 16 feet. I live on a lake that's approx. 25 x 25 miles and can get very choppy on weekends with 35 to 60 foot cruisers. I used to own a 15 foot runabout that didn't get launched under such conditions. I've installed trim tabs on my '02 Speedster and have been able to handle steady 3 foot waves ever since. But I've seen guys on smaller lakes with the 14.5 having an absolute blast.

Take your time and do your research into what's available and what you can afford. Best time to buy, even in BC where the season is much longer, is within the next two or three months.

[Bob86ZZ4]

I have a '96 Speedster, bought it new. Love it. Only a couple of minor mechanical problems with it. I think the new 14' Chalenger is the same engine setup isn't it? I like having the small boat. I had a 17' inboard/outdrive before this boat and like this one much better. My brother has a 2 yrs old Glastron 17' i/o and he has had many problems. I told him to buy a Doo but he just wouldn't listen.

[vwDavid]

Hi Guys, I found the following ad in my local area:

!! MUST SELL !!
14.5' SEADOO_Speedster '98, twin rotax engine, yellow & white, exc condition, low hours, 2nd owner, 6 speaker stereo system with CD, c/w galv trailer, cover, tubes, ski ropes, life jackets all included, $9500 obo.

Keep in mind this is CDN dollars, so the price is more like 7K obo USD.

What kind of boat is this? I don't see any talk about 14.5' twin engine speedsters on these forums. They are all 16' or 18'. Is this add correct?

[vwDavid]

I'd also like to start a list on what to look for in a used sport boat.

Engine:
condition of engine bay
compression test
oil change log
hours of use


Boat Outside:
hull damage
noticable repair marks
corrosion
salt water usage

Inside:
running gear corrosion
operation of electricals
condition of seats


Please add to my list

[tiggerman]

Hi Guys, I found the following ad in my local area:

!! MUST SELL !!
14.5' SEADOO_Speedster '98, twin rotax engine, yellow & white, exc condition, low hours, 2nd owner, 6 speaker stereo system with CD, c/w galv trailer, cover, tubes, ski ropes, life jackets all included, $9500 obo.

Keep in mind this is CDN dollars, so the price is more like 7K obo USD.

What kind of boat is this? I don't see any talk about 14.5' twin engine speedsters on these forums. They are all 16' or 18'. Is this add correct?

The ad is correct. '95 thru '98 Speedsters were 14.5 feet long, as mine is. They are all lumped in with the Speedster 160 posts here. The $7000 USD is a little high, more like a retail figure. I paid $5000 USD for my '97 a year ago.

[tiggerman]

I'd also like to start a list on what to look for in a used sport boat.

Engine:
condition of engine bay
compression test
oil change log
hours of use


Boat Outside:
hull damage
noticable repair marks
corrosion
salt water usage

Inside:
running gear corrosion
operation of electricals
condition of seats


Please add to my list

Good list, not much room for additions! Anyone else?

[vwDavid]

How much HP do the twins in the 1998 have? Same as 1997? Are they oil injected or deo you have to mix the fuel? Is 160 hours average, young or old? How often should the oil change interval be?

What is the dry weight of the 1998?

Anywhere where I can download the owners manual?

Any comments on twins versus single drive? Twins have the potential of twice the repair bills for everything and twice the work.

[tiggerman]

How much HP do the twins in the 1998 have? Same as 1997? Are they oil injected or deo you have to mix the fuel? Is 160 hours average, young or old? How often should the oil change interval be?

What is the dry weight of the 1998?

Anywhere where I can download the owners manual?

Any comments on twins versus single drive? Twins have the potential of twice the repair bills for everything and twice the work.

1. The 1998 should have twin 110 HP Rotax...the '97 had twin 85HP.
2. They are all oil injected except the new 4TEC 4 strokes
3. 160 hours is not too much. It is all dependent on how the previous owner/s took care of it.
4. No oil change on the 2 strokes except the jetpump oil. I doo that seasonally.
5. Weight should be about 1380 lbs....
6. The owners manual can be bought on eBay or from a dealer. I haven't seen a 1998 Speedster manual that is downloadable yet.
7. I have never had a single engine Doo, only the twin. Twins do have the potential for twice the repair bills, but I haven't seen that on mine yet. The engines could go out at the same time if you ran it out of injection oil, but how likely would that be? Two sets of plugs were cheap enough, and that's all I have done to my engines. Two fuel filters, two oil filters are cheap enough. Wear rings for the jetpumps aren't considered expensive at around $35 bucks a shot. Price a wear ring for a single Merc driven craft.....