Leviathan

I am considering purchasing either a pair of 08 GP1300R's or 01 RXX and have even considered the Kawasaki Ultra 150. I'm looking at carrying them in a short bed truck utilizing the Jettrax 75D double carrier, so they need to be under 117 inches in length. What are the pro's / con's of these make and models when compared side by side, performance, maint., ride comfort, longevity, ect...

Ernest T

The GP1300 is fuel injected versus carbs on the other 2.....more modern technology and less trouble. The GP will also give you a better rough water ride than the other 2. Both the SeaDoo and the Yamaha are fast....both close to 65+ mph. I know little about the Kaw as to speed. The Yamaha will be more reliable just from a stand point of age.....can't really compare skis that are 8 years apart in age. Kaw has always had the worst reliability ratings of any ski other than Polaris.

Bad news is that all are 2 strokes. Longevity of a 2 stroke is maybe 1/5 to 1/10 that of a 4 stroke. 2 stroke skis are old technology. Most 2 stroke skis will start showing signs of needing a top end rebuild around 200-300 hours, while guys are putting 2000 hours on 4 stroke skis with nothing more than routine maintenance. You have to really do your homework before buying a 2 stroke ski: compression check, and test ride are absolutely mandatory, or join the many "I just bought a ski and it runs like crap" posters on this and other sites. The GP 1300 is a nice ride, but a known fuel hog.

On a side note, I've only seen 1 Jettrax system....it may have been a different brand, but the guy ended up scraping the back end of his ski pretty badly trying to put his ski in on a shallow ramp, so be careful with that system.

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2008 Yamaha FX HO Cruiser
2010 Hurricane Sundeck 2100

Leviathan

Ernest,

Thanks for the perspective. I own a '06 Yamaha 110 VX Deluxe and a '11 Seadoo Wake 155. I love the 4 strokes but I'm trying to tow a tent trailer (Starcraft 36RT) toy hauler with dirt bikes (KTM 4 strokes) and I'd like to haul two PWC on the truck carrier (Jettrax system). California has some awesome high mountain lakes adjacent to dozens of dirt bike trail systems. I wanted to combine the two. I haven't found any 4 strokes under 117 inches that fit the bill so I'm looking at the GP's, Sea doo's and Kawasaki's (not my 1st or 2nd choice).

The longevity of the 2 strokes is a concern. Any thoughts on on compact 4 strokes????

Ernest T

I see your problem. A 4 stroke ski would be too long and probably too heavy when towing all that stuff. I would go with the GPs if they check out.

I know of no 4 stroke that would be short enough.

A pair of pre 2000 GP 800s might be another choice if you can find them.

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2008 Yamaha FX HO Cruiser
2010 Hurricane Sundeck 2100

Leviathan

Ernest,

The Seadoo RXP 215HP (2007) almost fits the bill, 120" in length and within the weight rating. I've heard the RXP had some issues with its turbo, is there any truth to this or does it have other issues. I found a pair in my backyard with 12 & 16 hours respectively. Asking price is $6,000.00 for the pair with trailer.

Your thoughts

Ernest T

The problem with the turbo has to do with the ceramic washers on the original units. It's recommended that they be replaced before the 100 hour mark when the failure rate goes up, with stainless steel washers. Once you do that, you have a good ski.

For more specifics on that model ski, send a PM to Outlaw. He knows the SeaDoo line, and I think he owns that model. $6000 sounds like a REALLY good deal for 2 of those skis, and I know you will be happier with 4 strokes in the long run if you can make them fit on your lift system.....just be sure you have some depth of water under the back of the ski when you drop them in.

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2008 Yamaha FX HO Cruiser
2010 Hurricane Sundeck 2100

Leviathan

Ernest,

I've looked at the 04-05 GP 800's and the 07-08 GP1300's. Looks like the same haul for both boats with a weight difference of about 65 pounds. What is the average fuel consumption for each of these models. How many hours of continued use before their respective tanks run dry?? Anything else that I might be missing about these two before I get serous?

I appreciate all your guidance....

John

YamaDoo

Yes the GP800 and GP1200r are the same hull with a different motor. I own a GP1200r and it's not very fuel efficient but I still love it. Handles excellent, is good in the chop, and very stable. In about 2 hours of riding I burn about half a tank. So I'd say about 4 hours to clear out a full tank. They have a 15.9 gallon fuel capacity.

I noticed you mentioned a Sea-Doo RXX? These are very limited production race skis that were made only in 2001. They are fast but high maintenance, requiring a new top end rebuild every 25 hours. The regular RX would be a much more practical choice if longevity is a concern.

As far as the Kawasaki Ultra 150s go, they are quick but not the best handling machine.

Ernest T

Figures I've seen for the GP 1300 are around 17 gph at WOT fuel consumption. Of course you will get better mileage with just average riding. I'd say you would burn more fuel than YamaDoo gets with his 1200.......maybe around 3.5 hours on a tank (it has the same 15.9 gal tank).

The GP 800 will get better mileage, but I don't know how much better. A guess would be 5 hours on a tank. Of course you also give up 10+ mph with the GP 800 compared to the 1300.

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2008 Yamaha FX HO Cruiser
2010 Hurricane Sundeck 2100

Leviathan

Hey guys, I'm seriously considering a 2007 Sea Doo RXP. Length & weight along with the longevity of a 4 stroke, I think meets the ticket. Question is, how does the 07 RXP perform? Any thoughts.......