23 replies to this topic

[Kevin Leclair]

Hey man,

I was wondering if you can help me..  I need to make a decision by the end of this week whether to get a 4-tec or a speedster.  I'm really concerned about the gas for a 2-stoke, maint. and banning of 2 strokes.  Should I worry at all?  People keep telling me that 2 strokes need to be rebuilt every few years..

Can not make a decision!

thanks man..
j

[tiggerman]

Hey man,

I was wondering if you can help me..  I need to make a decision by the end of this week whether to get a 4-tec or a speedster.  I'm really concerned about the gas for a 2-stoke, maint. and banning of 2 strokes.  Should I worry at all?  People keep telling me that 2 strokes need to be rebuilt every few years..

Can not make a decision!

thanks man..
j

Welcome!
To be honest, it depends on what you want to doo with your boat. If you have several folks who will be going along, the larger Speedster or Challenger is the ticket. The Sportster 4-TEC is one of the shorties, I believe- it should be the same hull as an early model Speedster, at 14.5 feet long. The new Speedster is around 19.5 feet or so. If I had to doo it again, I would get the larger vessel over the Speedster I have now. Are you looking at new or used?
As far as rebuilding every few years, that is absolutely not true. My engines are 7 years old, and never been rebuilt AFAIK. They smoke a little when started, but nothing major. I'm not really concerned about a ban on 2 strokes.

[suppoz]

thanks for the response.

I've been offered a 2003 brand new speedster for $15,900. Or, I can get a 2004 new Sportster 4-tec for 14,649. The speedster seems like a fantastic price, but I'm so new that I really don't know what to do.

I look forward to your thoughts.

J

[Kevin Leclair]

If that is a legit price and the Speedster is in excellent condition then I would definitely go with the Speedster no questions aked...

[suppoz]

yes, legit brand new unregistered 2003. $15,900 I'm just worried about the gas mileage. The 4-tec will give you 250+ for a tank, and I don't know what the speedster will do...

[tiggerman]

If that is a legit price and the Speedster is in excellent condition then I would definitely go with the Speedster no questions aked...

Ditto.... is this a dealer or an individual offering it?

[suppoz]

it's my dealer

[Kevin Leclair]

Well grab the digital camera, snap some pics and let us have a look...

[suppoz]

I'd love to tkae pics, but the next time i venture over there it'll prolly be to buy. Is there anything that I should be looking at specifically? Like mentioned above. It's brand new, and never has been in the water. I wouldn't expect there to be any problems, would you?

[Kevin Leclair]

There shouldn't be if it is brand new but I would still check the gelcote real thoroughly for any imperfections, check the tines under the boat and just peak in at the impeller to make sure. Also test drive it first just to be sure of everything!

[tiggerman]

It's a leftover from last year? Look at it really good-- has it been outside all this time?

[suppoz]

sweet... what about spending a day on the lake? How much does that generally run you in fuel costs?

[Kevin Leclair]

It really depends on if you are boating "hard" the entire time, tubing, skiing, wakeboarding, etc. Usually cost me about $30 to fill up with 87 octance. I have even gone 2 days of boating without filling up, like I said it just depends how you are using the boat during that time.

Try this review, http://seadoosportbo...wtopic_361.html, it should give you a lot more information. I know the review says it is for a 2000 Speedster but it is pretty much an identical boat other than the colors and decals.

[tiggerman]

yes, legit brand new unregistered 2003. $15,900 I'm just worried about the gas mileage. The 4-tec will give you 250+ for a tank, and I don't know what the speedster will do...

Gas mileage...... no such thing with these guys..... some or more "economic" than others, but you're not going to run around wide-open all day in any of them. We're talking gallons per hour here!!

[suppoz]

i think I have to doo it... speedster it is!

Super big thanks to the both of you! I'll be letting you know the status of the boat ASAP.

joel

[tiggerman]

i think I have to doo it... speedster it is!

Super big thanks to the both of you! I'll be letting you know the status of the boat ASAP.

joel

Gahlee.... it's been 2 days already..... you bought that thing yet?

[suppoz]

hahaha.. I went there last night! Sat in the boat.. hung out with the boat.. got a feel for the dealer.. and just couldn't doo it just yet! I'm going back on Saturday.

Couple of reasons. They are getting out of the Sea Doo line. They won't be servicing them any longer either. Seemed really pushy too.

I forgot to take the damn camera for you two. It's either going to be this or the 4-tec. I'll know by saturday though. Thanks for checking up!
Joel

[tiggerman]

I forgot to take the damn camera for you two.

I'm hurt......

[Kevin Leclair]

I forgot to take the damn camera for you two.

I'm hurt......

Me too...

[suppoz]

k.. done. Well, I ended up buying the 4-tec. This dealer seemed to be a little shady. They couldn't answer basic questions about the boat, as well as the ability to service it. They are getting out of the sea doo line as well.

I went to another place that I'd been looking at and spent a couple of hours with the sales guy (who knew what he was talking about). Picked up a 2004 4-tec for $13,500.

Review:
Amazing. Spent all day in the water yesterday. Still in the break-in stage, so I couldn't go truly nuts, but spent the day at 3/4 throt., and practiced the amazing turning ability. The wife and I had a blast.

I'm still pretty nervous about pulling up to the dock and my slow driving will take some time to get used to. Trying to pull up to land during the day to find a nice beach to relax on was totally out of the question. I was too afraid of running aground. Thoughs things will come in time..

Is there anything I should do when pulling it out of fresh water? I see people that flush out their jetskis when they pull them out, but the manual reads that it's not necessary to do. Any tips from you guys on anything would be helpful..

Best,

Joel