11 replies to this topic

[Goody]

I am new to the boating market and was thinking of buying a sportster SCIC but had a couple of ?s to ask. 1. what is the advantage to a seadoo over a regular I/O, everyone tells me to buy the I/O instead of the sportster. 2. Which would be the better purchase the 4tech or the SCIC 3. How many skiers will either be able to pull. 3. Should I purchase one with a tower as I have a very active son who loves to ski and would probally like wake boarding

[jpeezy]

I am new to the boating market and was thinking of buying a sportster SCIC but had a couple of ?s to ask. 1. what is the advantage to a seadoo over a regular I/O, everyone tells me to buy the I/O instead of the sportster. 2. Which would be the better purchase the 4tech or the SCIC 3. How many skiers will either be able to pull. 3. Should I purchase one with a tower as I have a very active son who loves to ski and would probally like wake boarding

Get the SCIC with the wake tower. You only live once. lol

jpeezy

[stevenh]

I am new to the boating market and was thinking of buying a sportster SCIC but had a couple of ?s to ask. 1. what is the advantage to a seadoo over a regular I/O, everyone tells me to buy the I/O instead of the sportster. 2. Which would be the better purchase the 4tech or the SCIC 3. How many skiers will either be able to pull. 3. Should I purchase one with a tower as I have a very active son who loves to ski and would probally like wake boarding

I would get the SCIC. It will pull a single ski no problem. The regular 4-tec sportster can as well, but not with much to spare. The SCIC will top out over 60MPH, the regular 4-tec won't break 50.

Let's see IO vs Jet, here is my take:

Jet Pros: Acceleration (way quicker out of the hole, the SCIC will get on a plane faster than you can count). Turning, the jet will litterally turn circles around any prop boat, and it can do so at full throttle. Clearance, the jet can run (slowly) in two feet of water, no prop to catch.

Jet Cons: Sucking stuff up, you will and it's a pain. If you are boating in very weedy conditions, the IO might be a better option. Lower top speed, with the same HP, an IO will probalby go faster on the top end. Low speed handling can also be a bit more interesting in a Jet, you have to have throttle to turn since most standard jets have no rudder.

I am sure folks will chime in with more opinions. Having driven both kinds of boats, I would have a very hard time purchasing an IO, the Jets handle much better and are much more fun to drive!

Steve

[thumper]

for me it is simple

no prop = no prob

in the uk for the same money as a scic i could only get a searay 180 bowrider or equivalent about 115hp - no contest

you will need at least a mercruiser 5.0litre with a bravo 3 stern drive to match the performance of the scic - and the scic burns less than half the fuel - and you will probably need to change to lower pitch propellers to increase low end torque for deep water starts - however

the scic planes in under 2 secs - i weigh 196lb and my scic pulls me up skiing in about the same time - you wont get that with a i/o

with what you have said re your son - go for the scic with the tower

get floats or noodles fitted to your tow ropes - keep away from weedy places and you wont have a problem

the sportster has more pace than the challenger - but the sprtster can only seat 4 people

[thumper]

oh yeh and heres something else

i have had several boats, all have been new and all i had modified in some shape or form for them to do waht i wanted - the scic is the first and only boat i have owned that i havent had to modify - thats not to say i wont - but i didnt need to and theres a big difference -

it does everything it supposed to staright out of the box!

[tda3]

Since I own a Speedster and not a Sportster, I'm only gonna weigh in on your first question.

I think the real answer to your question about which type of boat to buy lies in the answer to questions like:

- What do I intend to use the boat for?
- How long do I plan to keep the boat?
- How many people will be going with me?
- Will I be boating in calm or rough water?
- How much storage on the boat will I need?

There's a multitude of questions that you need to answer. Each of us here have our own prejudices, so seeking out opinions like you have is a good first step in the right direction. The more questions you ask and the more answers you get will bring to light that every boat is a compromise.

For folks that boat in lakes, slow speed handling is typically not an issue. But if you boat in coastal waters, wind & tide can make launching, retrieving, and docking very tricky for any boat, but a jet boat will be a real handful – even for an experienced skipper. Just ask me how I know.

For rough water, you want a hull with more deadrise (the angle or “V� the hull has) that extends all the way to the transom. This allows the hull to slice through waves versus pounding. A Sportster or Speedster hull does an ok job, but it will pound you to death in 2’+ seas/swells. The downside is that a true deep “V� (24 degrees or more of deadrise at the stern) is more “tender� when sitting still – that is, the hull tends to roll from side-to-side. Flatter hulls, like jon boats, are more stable.

Speaking of hulls….depending on the type of boating you do, you may want a boat whose hull has more freeboard (the distance from the waterline to the upper portion of the hull known as the gunwale). Not only does this give you more protection from water spray, but tends to give some folks a more “secure� feeling. For us Sea-Dooers, we like that go-kart like feeling of being close to the water. For some, it’s an issue.

And don't forget the spouse in this equation. Unless you like to do all the work, having a boat your spouse feels comfortable piloting can be a very big decision point. What if you become ill and she has to get you back to the dock? Is the boat you picked out something she can't/won't handle?

Most jet boats don’t have any provision for being able to “trim� the boat. IOW, the angle with which the hull runs at is fixed. With propped boats, the engine is used to bring the bow up or down at any given speed. To me, the lack of trim adjustment is the greatest weakness of my Speedster.

As pointed out, with propped boats, you need to be careful of your water depth. It’s an issue for jet boats, but to a much lesser degree which makes beaching a no brainer.

Generally, jet drives are less efficient than props. Sure, my Speedster will haul ass, but it also drinks a lot of fuel. Jet boats tend to be lighter which off-sets the inefficiency. But go to a heavier hull and the scale tips in the direction of the prop.

I personally wouldn't rule out a propped boat. If it's the best fit for you & your family with the least amount of compromise, then go for it. If jet drive is the cat's meow, then have at it. Me? I really like my Speedster. Its fun, easy to take care of and I can store it in my garage. I wish it had more storage space and the capability of being trimmed to alleviate the porpoising at certain speeds/water conditions. But for us, it’s the right boat for now.

The right boat is the boat that’s right FOR YOU. Good luck in your search!

Tom

[jpeezy]

Since I own a Speedster and not a Sportster, I'm only gonna weigh in on your first question.

I think the real answer to your question about which type of boat to buy lies in the answer to questions like:

- What do I intend to use the boat for?
- How long do I plan to keep the boat?
- How many people will be going with me?
- Will I be boating in calm or rough water?
- How much storage on the boat will I need?

There's a multitude of questions that you need to answer. Each of us here have our own prejudices, so seeking out opinions like you have is a good first step in the right direction. The more questions you ask and the more answers you get will bring to light that every boat is a compromise.

For folks that boat in lakes, slow speed handling is typically not an issue. But if you boat in coastal waters, wind & tide can make launching, retrieving, and docking very tricky for any boat, but a jet boat will be a real handful – even for an experienced skipper. Just ask me how I know.

For rough water, you want a hull with more deadrise (the angle or “V� the hull has) that extends all the way to the transom. This allows the hull to slice through waves versus pounding. A Sportster or Speedster hull does an ok job, but it will pound you to death in 2’+ seas/swells. The downside is that a true deep “V� (24 degrees or more of deadrise at the stern) is more “tender� when sitting still – that is, the hull tends to roll from side-to-side. Flatter hulls, like jon boats, are more stable.

Speaking of hulls….depending on the type of boating you do, you may want a boat whose hull has more freeboard (the distance from the waterline to the upper portion of the hull known as the gunwale). Not only does this give you more protection from water spray, but tends to give some folks a more “secure� feeling. For us Sea-Dooers, we like that go-kart like feeling of being close to the water. For some, it’s an issue.

And don't forget the spouse in this equation. Unless you like to do all the work, having a boat your spouse feels comfortable piloting can be a very big decision point. What if you become ill and she has to get you back to the dock? Is the boat you picked out something she can't/won't handle?

Most jet boats don’t have any provision for being able to “trim� the boat. IOW, the angle with which the hull runs at is fixed. With propped boats, the engine is used to bring the bow up or down at any given speed. To me, the lack of trim adjustment is the greatest weakness of my Speedster.

As pointed out, with propped boats, you need to be careful of your water depth. It’s an issue for jet boats, but to a much lesser degree which makes beaching a no brainer.

Generally, jet drives are less efficient than props. Sure, my Speedster will haul ass, but it also drinks a lot of fuel. Jet boats tend to be lighter which off-sets the inefficiency. But go to a heavier hull and the scale tips in the direction of the prop.

I personally wouldn't rule out a propped boat. If it's the best fit for you & your family with the least amount of compromise, then go for it. If jet drive is the cat's meow, then have at it. Me? I really like my Speedster. Its fun, easy to take care of and I can store it in my garage. I wish it had more storage space and the capability of being trimmed to alleviate the porpoising at certain speeds/water conditions. But for us, it’s the right boat for now.

The right boat is the boat that’s right FOR YOU. Good luck in your search!

Tom

Wow, that was a great post!

jpeezy

[Kevin Leclair]

Since I own a Speedster and not a Sportster, I'm only gonna weigh in on your first question.

I think the real answer to your question about which type of boat to buy lies in the answer to questions like:

- What do I intend to use the boat for?
- How long do I plan to keep the boat?
- How many people will be going with me?
- Will I be boating in calm or rough water?
- How much storage on the boat will I need?

There's a multitude of questions that you need to answer.  Each of us here have our own prejudices, so seeking out opinions like you have is a good first step in the right direction.  The more questions you ask and the more answers you get will bring to light that every boat is a compromise. 

For folks that boat in lakes, slow speed handling is typically not an issue.  But if you boat in coastal waters, wind & tide can make launching, retrieving, and docking very tricky for any boat, but a jet boat will be a real handful – even for an experienced skipper.  Just ask me how I know.

For rough water, you want a hull with more deadrise (the angle or “Vâ€� the hull has) that extends all the way to the transom.  This allows the hull to slice through waves versus pounding.  A Sportster or Speedster hull does an ok job, but it will pound you to death in 2’+ seas/swells.  The downside is that a true deep “Vâ€� (24 degrees or more of deadrise at the stern) is more “tenderâ€� when sitting still – that is, the hull tends to roll from side-to-side.  Flatter hulls, like jon boats, are more stable.

Speaking of hulls….depending on the type of boating you do, you may want a boat whose hull has more freeboard (the distance from the waterline to the upper portion of the hull known as the gunwale).  Not only does this give you more protection from water spray, but tends to give some folks a more “secureâ€� feeling.  For us Sea-Dooers, we like that go-kart like feeling of being close to the water.  For some, it’s an issue.

And don't forget the spouse in this equation.  Unless you like to do all the work, having a boat your spouse feels comfortable piloting can be a very big decision point.  What if you become ill and she has to get you back to the dock?  Is the boat you picked out something she can't/won't handle?

Most jet boats don’t have any provision for being able to “trimâ€� the boat.  IOW, the angle with which the hull runs at is fixed.  With propped boats, the engine is used to bring the bow up or down at any given speed.  To me, the lack of trim adjustment is the greatest weakness of my Speedster. 

As pointed out, with propped boats, you need to be careful of your water depth.  It’s an issue for jet boats, but to a much lesser degree which makes beaching a no brainer.

Generally, jet drives are less efficient than props.  Sure, my Speedster will haul ass, but it also drinks a lot of fuel.  Jet boats tend to be lighter which off-sets the inefficiency.  But go to a heavier hull and the scale tips in the direction of the prop. 

I personally wouldn't rule out a propped boat.  If it's the best fit for you & your family with the least amount of compromise, then go for it.  If jet drive is the cat's meow, then have at it.  Me?  I really like my Speedster.  Its fun, easy to take care of and I can store it in my garage.  I wish it had more storage space and the capability of being trimmed to alleviate the porpoising at certain speeds/water conditions.  But for us, it’s the right boat for now.

The right boat is the boat that’s right FOR YOU.  Good luck in your search! 

Tom

Wow, that was a great post!

jpeezy

Ditto, excellent post!

[thumper]

tom

ever considered a career in marine sales?

[Goody]

Since I own a Speedster and not a Sportster, I'm only gonna weigh in on your first question.

I think the real answer to your question about which type of boat to buy lies in the answer to questions like:

- What do I intend to use the boat for?
- How long do I plan to keep the boat?
- How many people will be going with me?
- Will I be boating in calm or rough water?
- How much storage on the boat will I need?

There's a multitude of questions that you need to answer. Each of us here have our own prejudices, so seeking out opinions like you have is a good first step in the right direction. The more questions you ask and the more answers you get will bring to light that every boat is a compromise.

For folks that boat in lakes, slow speed handling is typically not an issue. But if you boat in coastal waters, wind & tide can make launching, retrieving, and docking very tricky for any boat, but a jet boat will be a real handful – even for an experienced skipper. Just ask me how I know.

For rough water, you want a hull with more deadrise (the angle or “V� the hull has) that extends all the way to the transom. This allows the hull to slice through waves versus pounding. A Sportster or Speedster hull does an ok job, but it will pound you to death in 2’+ seas/swells. The downside is that a true deep “V� (24 degrees or more of deadrise at the stern) is more “tender� when sitting still – that is, the hull tends to roll from side-to-side. Flatter hulls, like jon boats, are more stable.

Speaking of hulls….depending on the type of boating you do, you may want a boat whose hull has more freeboard (the distance from the waterline to the upper portion of the hull known as the gunwale). Not only does this give you more protection from water spray, but tends to give some folks a more “secure� feeling. For us Sea-Dooers, we like that go-kart like feeling of being close to the water. For some, it’s an issue.

And don't forget the spouse in this equation. Unless you like to do all the work, having a boat your spouse feels comfortable piloting can be a very big decision point. What if you become ill and she has to get you back to the dock? Is the boat you picked out something she can't/won't handle?

Most jet boats don’t have any provision for being able to “trim� the boat. IOW, the angle with which the hull runs at is fixed. With propped boats, the engine is used to bring the bow up or down at any given speed. To me, the lack of trim adjustment is the greatest weakness of my Speedster.

As pointed out, with propped boats, you need to be careful of your water depth. It’s an issue for jet boats, but to a much lesser degree which makes beaching a no brainer.

Generally, jet drives are less efficient than props. Sure, my Speedster will haul ass, but it also drinks a lot of fuel. Jet boats tend to be lighter which off-sets the inefficiency. But go to a heavier hull and the scale tips in the direction of the prop.

I personally wouldn't rule out a propped boat. If it's the best fit for you & your family with the least amount of compromise, then go for it. If jet drive is the cat's meow, then have at it. Me? I really like my Speedster. Its fun, easy to take care of and I can store it in my garage. I wish it had more storage space and the capability of being trimmed to alleviate the porpoising at certain speeds/water conditions. But for us, it’s the right boat for now.

The right boat is the boat that’s right FOR YOU. Good luck in your search!

Tom

Thanks for the great response, he are some of the answers to your questions. I'll be using the boat on a small lake that I have a cottage on in Vermont. Space is not a issue as i will always be close to the cottage. And as for the number of people that will be carrying, I was thing of buying a used pontoon boat to haul a group with. I will most likely use the boat for skiing in tubing, as my kids are young I think that I would like to keep it for some time. The water is always pretty calm so roughness is not a issue. It is a clean lake so the weed issue is not a problem.

Goody

[tda3]

tom

ever considered a career in marine sales?

To be honest - yes. Only one problem....

I'm too chickensh*t to give up my decent paying job.

Sometimes I wish this place would just lay me off. Then I'd have the kick in the ass to go do what I'd enjoy doing and can share my passion & experience.

It's hell gettin' old.

Tom

[gofast]

I am new to the boating market and was thinking of buying a sportster SCIC but had a couple of ?s to ask. 1. what is the advantage to a seadoo over a regular I/O, everyone tells me to buy the I/O instead of the sportster. 2. Which would be the better purchase the 4tech or the SCIC 3. How many skiers will either be able to pull. 3. Should I purchase one with a tower as I have a very active son who loves to ski and would probally like wake boarding

Having owned both i can say this about that. Most i/o boats have larger cockpit space. however they draw more water.the i/o usally has a deeper v ,better ride in chop .The jet boat is flatter ,fun to slide around ,quick turning.Main thing for me ,with kids around -no prop. I know - turn off motor when boarding,but accidents do happen.For me i'm having a ball with the sportster scic. Plus it takes 10 years off you at the dock You really only need the tower if you want serious air time,or just like the look.If your pocket is deep enough get the scic. you cant argue with 215 ponies.