Island Hop - PWC Forum: The best hang-out for Personal WaterCraft enthusiasts

indosurf · 10-18-2011, 08:49 PM

Hello all, my first post

I was wondering if it would be possible to take a 3 seater from one caribbean island to another.

It would be in 3-4 foot atlantic swells/chop for a distance of 30 miles

1. Possible?
2. Average speed?
3. Fuel consumption?
4. Dangers? ( going solo in clear weather, life vest, gps, marine radio)

indosurf · 10-19-2011, 03:39 PM

Any input would be much appreciated.......I gotta get off of this beach-less rock I am currently stuck on

Ernest T · 10-19-2011, 07:26 PM

1. Totally possible. 30 miles is nothing
2. Speed will depend on conditions and model of ski. Open water racers on the big stable Kaw skis would be very lucky to manage 45-50 mph in 2-3 ft. seas. On my FX HO I'd guess I could manage 25-30 mph without getting tossed or too banged up.
3. Depends on the ski. Figure 7-10 gph at 30 mph for the bigger skis.
4. File a float plan with the coast guard, have a good waterproof GPS and VHS radio, have a ditch bag. An inflatable raft would be a definite consideration if you are riding alone......danger level is high if you do it alone.

indosurf · 10-19-2011, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ernest T

1. Totally possible. 30 miles is nothing
2. Speed will depend on conditions and model of ski. Open water racers on the big stable Kaw skis would be very lucky to manage 45-50 mph in 2-3 ft. seas. On my FX HO I'd guess I could manage 25-30 mph without getting tossed or too banged up.
3. Depends on the ski. Figure 7-10 gph at 30 mph for the bigger skis.
4. File a float plan with the coast guard, have a good waterproof GPS and VHS radio, have a ditch bag. An inflatable raft would be a definite consideration if you are riding alone......danger level is high if you do it alone.

Ahh man, thats great news

I have a 4-5k budget. I was thinking about a used Sea-Doo with closed loop cooling and non-supercharged.
What do you think?

indosurf · 10-20-2011, 06:54 PM

Can anyone recommend a good ski for the above mentioned?

My budget is $5000
Fuel is also a consideration as it is $7 a gallon here

Thanks

Ernest T · 10-21-2011, 08:36 AM

You will want a 4 stroke for the reliability. A used Yamaha FX would be nice and stable, gets very good fuel economy, normally aspirated and reliable, and can be found in great shape for $5000. A Yamaha FX HO would be faster, but you will have a hard time finding a used one for under $6000. Those are the Yamaha models I'd look at. Don't know about which SeaDoos to recommend.

indosurf · 10-21-2011, 08:53 AM

Thanks for your help. Yea, I am new to pwc, and really have no clue. I guess I am looking for a closed loop boat, that is good on gas, but more importantly good in the ocean. So the ocean racers all use kawasakis? Are they good boats?

Ernest T · 10-21-2011, 12:02 PM

The big Kaw skis are the best ride in rough water. Unfortunately, the are not known for their reliability, and they are pretty big gas guzzlers. I wouldn't recommend one unless you are a good mechanic. Send a PM to Outlaw for a recommendation for a SeaDoo model.

Outlaw · 10-21-2011, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by indosurf

Ahh man, thats great news

I have a 4-5k budget. I was thinking about a used Sea-Doo with closed loop cooling and non-supercharged.
What do you think?

Hey, so you are in the market for a used Seadoo closed loop 4-stroke. Best bang for the buck would be a GTX 155 three seater. They are normally aspirated and get decent fuel mileage, especially at mid range throttle. very dependable as well. You can pick one up here in the states in the model years 2006 or 2007 for around what your budget allows. Right now is the best time to buy one as it the seasons end. It also has a huge storage compartment for all your gear. It is bigger and heavier than the GTI's. I own the GTX215 which is the supercharged version and it hasn't skipped a beat in 34 hours.

indosurf · 10-22-2011, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outlaw

Hey, so you are in the market for a used Seadoo closed loop 4-stroke. Best bang for the buck would be a GTX 155 three seater. They are normally aspirated and get decent fuel mileage, especially at mid range throttle. very dependable as well. You can pick one up here in the states in the model years 2006 or 2007 for around what your budget allows. Right now is the best time to buy one as it the seasons end. It also has a huge storage compartment for all your gear. It is bigger and heavier than the GTI's. I own the GTX215 which is the supercharged version and it hasn't skipped a beat in 34 hours.

Looked at a 2008 GTX155 online......nice!!

Not bad taste for a zo6 driver. Rather my 03 Mustang cobra though