Raiden

So im about to go to the boat show in a few weeks, ive been researching both Yamaha and Sea Doo products. Both dealers are near me so it boils down to the best product in my mind. So it will be used 90% of the time in salt water, so im thinking the Sea Doo closed loop is a good idea for salt water... But if you flush out the Yami, that should be no problem. So here are my two choices for the boat show to look at:
Sea Doo GTX S 155 and the Yamaha FX SHO Cruiser

Yes one is super charged, the Yami dealer only brings in SHO skis no HO models. But im told the Yami engines are bullet proof, even in salt water, IF you flush them after every use. They are used at most rental places with a good track record.

So here it is, FX SHO Cruiser or GTX S 155.

Ernest T

Its a toss up. If you are looking at 2012 models both skis have some new features and there just aren't many "real world" rider reports.

The 2012 SHO is even bigger than last years model. I suspect that it will be a more stable ride in rough water than the SeaDoo. It is a less complex design, so less stuff to break (example: mechanical trim versus electric trim on the SeaDoo, open loop cooling versus closed loop, less electronic sensors, no suspension system, etc.) The SHO has considerably more storage space than the SeaDoo. It will also be around 10 mph faster than the SeaDoo. Probably, the biggest disadvantage is that the SHO will burn significantly more fuel.

The SeaDoo is more comfortable for the driver. I really like the new design that lets you tuck your knees closer to the ski. The suspension is good for light chop (especially for your passenger), but may actually be a disadvantage in rough water. Riders have reported that it bottoms out in rough stuff and could make your ride more unstable. Its adjustable now, so if there is a way to lock it down, this may not be a concern. You get more features with the SeaDoo (more electronic monitoring systems, braking system, the electronic throttle control system is more complex and offers more features). The closed loop cooling gives you salt water advantages if you are lazy about maintenance, but also makes the ski more difficult to winterize and maintain if you happen to be a do-it-yourselfer.

If speed, storage space, and ease of maintenance are important to you go with the Yamaha. If comfort, fuel economy, and features are important then its the SeaDoo. It may come down to which dealer you like best at the boat show, or which one gives you the best deal and warranty.

A better comparison would be between the SeaDoo GTX S 155 and a Yamaha FX HO Cruiser, which are closer as to performance (actually the FX HO would still be at least 5 mph faster) and fuel economy. In that comparison I'd chose the Yamaha hands down (fuel economy, storage space, and the ability to do my own maintenance are paramount for me). On the other hand, if I were comparing the Yamaha SHO and the SeaDoo GTX 260 (and money was not a factor), I'd go with the SeaDoo all day.

Disclaimer: I'm a Yamaha owner.

__________________
2008 Yamaha FX HO Cruiser
2010 Hurricane Sundeck 2100

Raiden

Thanks Ernest, this is my first ski and of course you do your research first, then question your findings. That is about where I am now, I was leaning towards the Yamaha based on maintenance, performance, general reliability. Cleaning out the salt water is part of owning a ski, maintenance indeed is important, when I talked to the dealer he said he sells them and never sees them again. So I went the the service dept and asked about ski maintenance and how often he see's them back. Almost never, oil and plugs. HUM. Sea Doo did not give me the same warm fuzzy feeling when I talked to their service dept.
Its to bad they dont have the FX HO Cruiser, the dealer said he cant sell the HO models.
I think ill try another Yamaha dealer and see if they have any FX HO Cruiser's. That was what I was looking for anyway. But if all I can get is the SHO, so be it. Sea Doo is of course offering all models.

Pete33

I was at the boat show in Atlantic City and Yamaha had all modules there for sample. I like the FX HO the best. Not crazy about about Seadoos or superchargers. I dont need 300hp for what I use it for. I am all for the FX HO. It is awesome and has great features.

Blackarps

Picking which brand to buy is more personal preference than anything. Just like cars, the owners of them will tell you what they like most because they have it. Now not everybody is like this but its generally how things are.

Is there any reason you want such a big ski? Long trips on the ocean?

The models I'd look at are the GTR 215 by Sea-Doo and the FX SHO or VXR/VXS by Yamaha. I don't want to confuse you or steer you away from your picks but those skis are cheaper and a lot more fun in short distances. If you need the suspension and nicer seating for the long trips, you're in the right model area.

I'm not 100% sure but I think the Sea-Doo's at this day in time get better gas mileage (Sea-Doos also have ECO mode for even better gas consumption) but they do run high octane gas which can get expensive.

Raiden

The reason I was looking for a big ski like the FX HO Cruiser was its going to be in the the open ocean 90% of the time., so ill be looking at some good size waves during the afternoons and early evenings. Plus I was figuring it would be more comfortable for long trips out the the islands. Add to that I was figuring on using for fishing, so I have some extra room for gear and comfort. So its all about comfort. I went through this exact issue when I purchased my quad, what brand to buy. Only to find out they are all good. Some have different features than others. The boat show is next weekend so im curious what the different dealers will be offering to get you to buy. I know Yamaha Canada is offering a 3 year warranty or 400 off the MSRP(easy decision, warranty). Sea Doo has not made their boat show specials known yet.
Thanks for all your advise, its much appreciated. Ill get this figured out yet.

Blackarps

Fair enough. I don't think you can really go wrong with either brand. I haven't heard much about the suspension from first-hand owners so I don't really have any say in that but I do know that the Sea-Doo's are a step ahead of Yamahas when it comes to electronics such as the brake and gauges in the dash (they display a lot more information).


Good luck finding out what you want!

Pete33

Atlantic City boat show, 2012 FX HO $12,499. Deal is $500 off at show ($12,000) 4 year warrenty, $0 dest/delv charge, $29.95 for fire extingusher. They did have Yami, Kawi, and Seadoo there. The Seadoos looked very sweet leather seats but I dont know much about them and heard maintenance was hight and required.

Raiden

I was just at the local sea doo dealer, $14,300 Cdn for a GTX S 155, the boat show deal is 5 year warranty, plus a discount off the ski and trailer. Likely there is some wiggle room there. I looked at the ski it looks like a nice ride. I like the layout of the boat, looks simple and easy to drive.
I think Sea Doo may be the way to go, has all the features im looking for and to turbo charger to worry about. Might cost a bit more for maintenance but that is the price you pay.

Jerz

Cool... I just checked it out... looks like a NICE ride! I think it boils down to personal preference and I cannot wait to get my FXHO... suits me perfectly. I'll be installing a Garmin GPSmap 431s on mine to make sure I don't get lost and in case I want to have a go at fishing.