Help Please? - PWC Forum: The best hang-out for Personal WaterCraft enthusiasts

Golfman530 · 08-30-2011, 10:12 PM

Hello, I am a newby when it comes to being on the water and PWC's. I am looking to buy a PWC preferably used. I am looking for either a Yamaha or a Seadoo. I know I do not want the smallest most basic models of either company such as the GTI 130 or the VX series. I also do not want the most expensive or the fastest. I am just looking for something that will get me over 55 mph. I am looking for a 3 seater for sure and also something that would work well to take pasengers out on and do pull sports such as tubing and skiing. The most important aspect for me is reliability. I do not want a PWC that is breaking down and has to spend a lot of time in the shop. I have done some research and I have a couple of questions. Do Seadoo's only use premium fuel? Also, I know Seadoo is the only brand to offer a closed looped cooling system. I know they brag about how important it is but how important is it really? Is it a major selling feature of the doo's or is the Yamaha open looped system just fine? I plan on using the PWC on calm rivers and also in the Great Lakes if that helps. I basically want a great family PWC that is reliable and offers above average speed for times when I want to ride alone. Also thought I should add that I want a 4 stroke, newer model year.

Any suggestions???

Thank you so much!

YamaDoo · 08-30-2011, 11:25 PM

If you'll be riding in freshwater only you don't really need the closed loop cooling system but it is nice to have. Sounds like you need a powerful middle of the line machine such as:

SeaDoo GTR-striking new GTI hull with the original RXP 215 engine. This would be my personal choice.

Yamaha VXR

or

Kawasaki STX-15f. Don't let this machine fool you, even though it is Kawi's entry level ski it's by no means a dud. They were at one time the flagship until the Ultra 250 came out in 2007. They do 61 out of the box, are simple, and very reliable. Plus since it's a older model you can get a great price on one such as $8k. Can't beat that for a new machine.

Outlaw · 08-31-2011, 07:31 AM

I see you are looking for a good used ski, well that eliminates the Seadoo GTR which is a 2012 model and is supercharged and a higher speed ski then you suggested. That also eliminates the Yamaha VXR as you stated you did not want the VX series, which is a bit of a stretch for a three seater and a bouncy ride. I can't comment about the Kawasaki except to say they have the lowest market share and was not one of the brands you liked.

My recomendation is a Seadoo GTX 155, very dependable 4 stroke, big three seater, big storage compartment, great for tubing and affordable as a pre-owned ski. The reason I know so much about this ski is because I own the supercharged version the 2008 GTX 215. My ski runs out at 67 mph, the 155 would run out at 61 mph, it offers a very good ride and handling, we just got back from vacation in Ocean City MD, where we took out my RXT and the GTX tubing, the GTX handled towing one of the biggest tubes made, the Airhead Storm which is a 114 " wide three person upright tube (couch lol) with three people sitting on it , a driver and a spotter with absolutely effortless ease. Now some people will say thats illegal but we were in sheltered waters and had the RXT close by for any problems if needed. with this tube we used a bridle that clipped to the tow/tie down rings so as not to stress the upper single hook. We easily towed it at 30 mph, the turns were a little tricky but no problem. As far as premium fuel goes yes it is recomended for optimum performance but not manditory, most marinas sell 89 octane which is fine the ECU adjusts the timing to compensate for lower octanes especially on non supercharged models. Closed loop cooling is good to have in saltwater. I have seen a post on here about a Yamaha VX with 53 hours and 8 years old have a hole in the engine with impacted salt from sitting with salt water in it, with closed loop cooling that wouldn't have happend due to no sea water near the engine internals, it uses anti-freeze and water just as some closed loop marine boat engines. Lastly when you purchase a jet ski you are not only buying the ski, but the company who made it, and the dealer who services it. Seadoo has one of the best dealer networks available. My GTX 215 has 35 hours on it with ZERO problems, and it is driven hard. I will enclose a pic or two of mine.

By the way that is Yamaha VX cruiser in the background see how much smaller it is. Thats with no one on it...

I am selling my 2008 GTX 215 for 8200.00 if that helps w/ 35 hours. Gettin somethin new next year if it sells. The GTX 155 should be about 800.00 less

Battscrew · 08-31-2011, 09:53 AM

Tough choices, was recently having to make similar choices. Was looking at a pair of Seadoo wake 155 at a dealer but could not get to a price. Did end up getting (2009 new) yamaha fxsho and fzs. Really did not want the supercharger but the money I saved will more than pay for the extra gas. Everyone keeps telling me they are solid and low maintenance.
And holy crap are they fun.

Golfman530 · 08-31-2011, 02:49 PM

Thanks guys. I appreciate your posts and insight. I have to say I am leaning more towards a Seadoo right now especially since you said it can still use regular gas. Has anyone ever had experience with the Wake models from Seadoo? They look perfect for tow sports and I know it has 2 different engine types. I think that this model is right up at the top of my list. Also, I know Seadoo is the only company to offer the braking system in their newer models. I have only been on older model Seadoos without the break. Does the brake really make that much of a difference compared to say a Yamaha or an older model Seadoo?

Outlaw · 08-31-2011, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Golfman530

Thanks guys. I appreciate your posts and insight. I have to say I am leaning more towards a Seadoo right now especially since you said it can still use regular gas. Has anyone ever had experience with the Wake models from Seadoo? They look perfect for tow sports and I know it has 2 different engine types. I think that this model is right up at the top of my list. Also, I know Seadoo is the only company to offer the braking system in their newer models. I have only been on older model Seadoos without the break. Does the brake really make that much of a difference compared to say a Yamaha or an older model Seadoo?

I own a 2009 RXT-iS 255 with the brake and I controls. Yes it makes a difference as I own both. The brake is most effective at scrubbing off speed at high speeds when emergency manuvers are needed. i.e. stopping distance is shortened. But it is not a good idea to just slam on the brakes and hope for the best. What it does very effectively is reduce your speed quickly then easing off the brake and back on throttle so you can turn out of the way. Reason being you have no effective steering when on the brake, just straight line stopping. So to avoid an accident you apply the brakes until you feel like you can let off and steer with throttle to avoid an obstacle if you can't stop in time. I have never used the wake models but they would be ideal for water sports. They also have water ballast tanks that you can fill and empty. When full it will produce a bigger wake for wake boarding.

Here is pic of the brake engaging at 69 mph.

Golfman530 · 08-31-2011, 03:22 PM

Thanks for the information. The pic almost looks like a Yamaha with the water shooting up behind like a tail. I can really see how and why it would be very helpful to have the break. My biggest concern with getting a Seadoo before this post was the fact that I thought they could only run on premium gas and I heard from a couple people that they are not as reliable as Yamaha's. After learning that these things are not true, I think I have made my decision to go with a Seadoo.