mhiggi02

Hi. I live in coastal central FL (Cocoa Beach) and will be using my ski primarily in salt water in the intra-coastal waterway (some decent chop at times). I'm looking for a used Yamaha or Seadoo 3-seater that will pull a kid or two on a tube and will also be fun to ride solo. I'm a big guy (240 lbs) FYI. I've read here about the pros/cons of closed loop cooling for salt-water use and keep going back and forth on preferred brand. I've got a budget of $4K. Any thoughts/ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Michael

Outlaw

I can comment on the Seadoo side of your question. I can't think of any cons, or downsides to using closed loop cooling, only good things. First with open loop cooling in salt water useage you are pushing sea water thru your engines internals, which is bad if you don't flush it out after every ride. I have seen several posts on here relating to Yamaha engine failure due to letting the ski sit and corroding the engine right into the cylinder. Unlike outboard engines they are not self draining. Now there is some sea water that lays in the exhaust but that is insignifigant compared to the engine. Seadoo has long been receiving accolades for it's closed loop cooling in salt water environments. I have personally used Seadoo PWC's for over 5 years now in Salt and brackish water with outstanding results. I got used to liquid cooling with anti-freeze in Skidoo snowmobiles since 1985 with out ever any problems. Even Yamaha snowmobiles use it, as that is the only way to cool them down by using heat exchangers. You would think they would also do it in their PWC's.

For $4k you can find RXT's and GTX's three seaters anywhere from 2004 to 2005.

I am sure the Yamaha guys will debate my post. But think about it do you want salt water running thru your engine? not me. It is not worth the chance.

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2006 RXT with RIVA STAGE THREE KIT 295 HP

2009 RXT-IS 255 HP

2008 GTX 215 HP



Land Rocket - 2003 Z06 Corvette, Chevy

Ernest T

Yamaha's open loop system will give you years of service, if properly flushed. Like Outlaw says, if you leave salt water in the system, it will not last long. However, don't get the idea that SeaDoo skis are maintenance free, cause the same thing will happen to them if you don't do the maintenance.

Here is post from another Floridian who put 1800 hours on a rental Yamaha VX in salt water, before it showed any problems. And the problem was related to carbon build-up not corrosion from the salt. He did do a fresh water flush after the skis were ridden at the end of the day (takes about 5 minutes). So if you are willing to do that, you will have few problems. 1800 hrs vx tear down report - PWCToday

Bottom line if you are willing to do the proper maintenance, for $4000 you can buy a nice used Yamaha VX or FX. I saw a very clean Yamaha VX with 70 hours sell just down the street from me for $4000 with a nice aluminum trailer, just last week.

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2008 Yamaha FX HO Cruiser
2010 Hurricane Sundeck 2100

mhiggi02

Thank you both for your input and thoughtful replies. Any thoughts on either of these skis:

2006 Sea Doo/Bombardier Gti, West Palm Beach FL - 99838563 - Pwc-traderonline.com

Yamaha XL1200 Limited Jet Ski Ready to GO!

Thanks!
Michael

Outlaw

The Seadoo will get better gas mileage, won't use expensive two stroke oil, has closed loop cooling, isn't a rebuilt engine, is better for the environment, no oil injection pump to maintain and is fuel injected.

Good luck with your purchase

__________________
2006 RXT with RIVA STAGE THREE KIT 295 HP

2009 RXT-IS 255 HP

2008 GTX 215 HP



Land Rocket - 2003 Z06 Corvette, Chevy

Ernest T

+1..............

__________________
2008 Yamaha FX HO Cruiser
2010 Hurricane Sundeck 2100