3 replies to this topic

[Briman]

Hi all new here. I know this is the speedster site but was hoping for a little info since I couldn't find a forum for sportsters. Have a chance to buy a 96 sportster single 85 hp for around $2800 in excellent condition. Boat has low hours also. Is there anything common I should be looking for when I go look at this boat? I'm talking about maybe oil seeping from a certain spot or things to look for in the drive unit. Our family used to have boats back when I was a youngster but we nor I have ever owned a jet boat. This would be my 1st boat purchase and hopefully if we like it which I'm sure we will I'd then probably upgrade to new once my motorcycle is paid off in a year and a half. Just hoping someone here might tell me of common problems this model and year had and what to look for? Also performance wise do they pull a skier or tube pretty well and what kind of speed am I looking at? Thanks in advance, Brian

[Kevin Leclair]

Check the impeller, grates, etc. and check the boat thoroughly for stress cracks or any other areas of possible flex. I am sure some other people will have some things to throw in on this topic but those are just a few things that you should be checking.

Kevin

[Jetboat Brian]

Drive a Speedster first before you buy ....I had a new one in 95 ....and everybody who I met on the lake who had a sportster ,and then drove the twin speedster regretted not getting the twin ...Its like two different worlds....Good luck on your purchase...

[Bob86ZZ4]

Welcome to the best SeaDoo forum around. Don't worry about asking a question on a Sportster. That 85 h/p motor is the exact same one as in the Speedster of the same year. It's just that you only have one. I'm kind of with Brian on this one. The twin engine is very nice. I have never driven a Sportster so don't know how slow it would be. I raced a Challenger (single 110 h/p 800cc) back around '96-97 and it was not even close. So, I worry that the single 85 might be not fun enough. But, the price sounds pretty good for a starter boat. I think maybe you shouldn't drive a twin and just test that boat out on the water and if you like it then buy it. That way you won't know how much faster the twins are. It's like if you had only ridden a moped you wouldn't mind it, until you got on a Ninja or something. Definately try pulling up a skier too, don't take the sellers word that it will do so. Good luck and keep us posted on what you decide.