foundation

Hi Bob,
I never got to experience the stock impellers on my ex-97. When I bought it it already had Skat Trak 14.5/22 impellers on it, and that seems to be the pitch everyone likes on the 97. I don't recall the stock pitch (it is probably posted here somewhere), but the Skats are the poop. With a tightly sealed driveline and those impellers, the 14.5 foot Speedster leaps out of the hole.
Wide open on a fairly smooth lake, my boat would hit 50mph (GPS) easily. 50 in a boat that small is plenty. We never used it on the ocean, simply because we didn't live close enough for me to pull it all the way there. It really isn't large enough to use comfortably in heavy chop- it porpoises badly and will beat your eyes out on a rough lake.

Hello,
Thank you very much for the feedback.
I have taken the '97 speedster 3 times on our river (Wailua River) since the last communication.
It did get vegetation stuck three times. The last two times we moved the shift lever forward and backward while reving the engine and got the obstruction out of the impellers.
I do not know if this is the recommended way the factory suggests but it worked.
Of course, if this technique harms the engine I will not do it again. Any comments?
By the way, I 'needed' to see how fast the speedster will go on our smooth river and it registered 55 mph on the speedometer. The true speed is probably different but we sure had fun going at top speed.
Again, thanks to all of the members that offered their suggestions.
Bob (on Kauai)

Hey guys, I'm totally new to boating. I'm selling my motorcycle and a guy offered to trade me his 96 Speedster. I wish there was an hour meter on these things. Anyway he said he's owned it since 98 and only takes it out 1 or 2 times a year. From what I can tell they are worth about the same ammount. I've decided to do the trade this weekend. I guess what I'm asking is, Is there anything that I really need to know. Again I've never owned or had friends that have owned boats at all. I've got a couple of friends that have seadoo's PWC's but other than that no body. I'm really excited about this experience I'm going to have.

Sup hirvy, and welcome!
Appears you are like we all were once- new to boating. I would recommend that since you have never operated a boat of any kind, that you find out what requirements your state has in regard to recreational boating. They should have a guide for the rules of the water.. Check to see what certification you need before hitting the water. Jetboats are alot of fun, and handle a great deal differently than a normal prop boat.
First things first- ALWAYS do a complete check of things before you ever leave your driveway: will the boat start?, got gas?, oil?, life vests for everyone in the boat?, trailer tires aired up?.... the list is longer than these items, but you get my drift.
Since you have never operated a boat like this, I recommend once you do get to the water, take it somewhere away from everyone and get a feel for it. Like I already said- a jetboat is an animal all its own, and handles differently than a normal boat. The first thing you need to know is that if the engines arent running, you have absolutely NO steering control at all , just like a PWC, so be careful. Start out slow and get a feel for the controls. The second thing you need to know is that if everything is just right, your boat will SCREAM, and will turn on a dime. The steering will be very responsive. Turns at speed will be fun, but can injure passengers if they arent ready for them.
I could go on and on--- one important thing to remember is: TAKE YOUR TIME getting used to your new toy. Don't rush into running wide open until you know exactly how to handle it. Also, don't let others at the ramp rush you in or out of the water. Take your time- it's your money and boat, not theirs. Docking and getting back on the trailer were the 2 hardest things I found getting used to. Be careful, have fun, and ask more questions while you're here!

Hirvy and Triggerman, thanks for the question and information.
Like hirvy I just bought a 1997 Speedster. I also own a PWC with pontoon custom fit on the ski (for safety because I also work with youths). I have not used the boat yet (need to transfer registration). If it is like my PWC I'll be very happy.
I live on the island of Kauai in Hawaii and more than half the island cannot be seen unless you have a boat and not a PWC (illegal around many areas of the island).
I cannot wait to drive my own craft (instead of on a large boat with many people) around the isolated parts of the island.
We are trying to develop a vacation rental that has boats, PWCs and automobiles anytime for personal use. From all the friendly people I read in the Sea-Doo chats this might be the best place for a vacation. (Besides, the Travel and Leisure survey rated our island #2 in the world.)
Take care all.
Bob

I'm with you Bob. My 97 was like a salad shooter if we ever got in weeds. Never a problem.
Unfortunately, I haven't seen anything for the older ROTAX powered craft as far as aftermarket grates for the intakes.

Hello Triggerman,
Thanks for your input about the weeds and impeller.
I just bought a used 1997 Sea-Doo speedster. I am still waiting on the title transfer but dreaming about using it soon.
My question is the impeller. Is it a good idea to put new 'high performance' impellers.
How fast do you think your boat does 'wide open'. Have you used it on the ocean (as opposed to a smooth lake). My regular email address is classic@aloha.net.
Thank you very much for your time and attention to this email.
Bob

Hello All Sea-Doo members,
I am new to Sea-Doo sportboats.  I live on the island of Kauai in Hawaii working with youths in videography and water sports.  (Check out our website we are trying to construct with our youths here: www.foundationhawaii.itcstore.com)
I would like to hear (email:classic@aloha.net) from Sea-Doo SportBoat members about their maintainance suggestions for operating the boat in salt water.  I was told to use Royal Purple 2 cycle oil for the boat and a PWC.  Obviously I am a novice in boating.
I bought this particular boat because of the safety and twin engine (speed is needed) and legally registered as a Boat.  PWC's are not legal for some of the things we want to do.
We are thinking of time-share, vacation renting our 5 bd room 2bath house that includes the boat and a  Pwc with pontoons (safety) and jeep suv.  I would like to do this because--riding on the ocean around our island is DA BEST.  Kauai was voted as the #2 island in the world by Travel and Leisure visitors to the island.
Being a former surfer (now 60 years old) I am looking forward to filming very large waves for our visitors and public viewing from a viewing angle never before used to show the excitement of surfing and what the jet boat will do.
Any ideas or comments?
Bob
Kauai Classic Foundation

Hi Bob, I just sold my Speedster 97....I live in Australia. i used the Speedster for "tow surfing' among other things....and thought I might be able to give you an insight into some of the doo's and doont's! The most important don't :NEVER turn your engines off whilst you are out in the surf....the lanyard recievers are old and will tend to play up only when the biggest wave you have ever seen is approaching!! This happened to me and I had to hang over the front and "dog paddle" as fast as I could out the back. Spray plenty of seadoo lube (spray can) down the choke stick to lubricate the throttle cable....you can also remove the throttle to inspect the cable conditions underneath. There is a neutral switch that engages under the throttle which you should be aware of.....it limits revs on the engines whilst in nuetral. When the button gets stuck.....the computer will think it's in nuetral and limit your acceleration to the pace of a fast swimming duck! Inspect the switch (push in and out and make sure it moves freely), lubricate with seadoo lube. Keep spare spark plugs in boat at all times. A vibrating engine that is not operating properly will USUALLY mean that you will either have weed or a bag stuck in your intake/impeller, or you have blown a plug. You can clear most weed/ bags by placing in reverse and pulling weedless intake lever or slowly accelerating until it sucks itself through. That is not the normal way to clear, but if your in the surf you don't want to turn your engine off (unless you have to replace a plug)!
I always flushed each engine for three minutes at 3000rpm's after salt water use.....at the two and a half minutes back throttle off and spray seadoo lube into the carberetta via the small hole in the black air cleaner until the engine chokes on it. Use the straw thats provided with the can to angle your spray. If you can get it to turn off through spraying thats good....if not, turn off when you here it choking. This will get the good stuff into the carbie. Then remove spark plugs and place leads on grounding device at back of engine, spray lube into each cylinder for 5 seconds. Tap start button to lubricate piston (should crank twice). Those motors will love you as much as you love them!
Scott from "down under"

Aloha 2003speedster,
Thanks for the reply 'brah'. Stoked you wrote. (Enough of the surf lingo).
I could not find the picture of your wave from the boat. Why did you sell the boat? I think you 'nailed it' by telling me about the neutral switch. Now I have to find it. Can you describe where it is?
Do you surf? What about photos and videos?
If you check the website the youths I work with are construction you will see when we do here.
Keep in touch. (email: classic@aloha.net)
Bob Sato
Kauai Classic

Just to update what I found durning the carb rebuild. There was a sand like substance blocking 80% of the fuel filters in the carbs.

Did the rebuild and all works but have the final water test this weekend.

Mase

Just a post to let anyone know the final resolution.

The Carb rebuild took care of the problem and now the engine will go to 6,000 rpm without any problem.

Have 10 hours on the rebuild and no fouled plugs!!!

Hello,
I am glad to hear of your success with the engine.
I think I am having the same problem with a newly purchase used 1997 speedster (twin engines).
The starboard engine with up to a certain RPM even at full throttle.
Did you use an overhaul kit to fix your carbs.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Bob on Kauai