Yahooligan

As the subject says, I'm going to be looking at a 1994 Wave Raider in a couple of days and would like some input on what problem areas there are and what to look for.

I'm told it looks and runs like new inside and out, from what I've read the 701cc 62T engine is pretty strong and reliable as well.

Also, any idea how it would compare to a 1992/1993 Kawasaki 750 SS? Ride and performance wise. My sister has the Kawasaki and I've ridden it, so I'm curious to know how they compare.

Thanks!

98yota

Welcome to the forum! I've ridden a 94 WaveRaider with the 701 and it was very fun to ride. I also own a 93 WaveBlaster with the 701 and it pulls very hard. The 701 is a very reliable and has great power. The WaveRaider is not as stable as newer skis but you will learn to like the handling.

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1993 Yamaha WaveBlaster 701
1989 Yamaha WaveJammer 500

Yahooligan

Well, I pulled the trigger on it and now it's sitting on a trailer next to my house. I got an awesome deal, everything works and the engine and engine compartment look brand new. I seriously doubt the ski has more than 50-100 hours on it. Even the hoses are still clean and supple, no cracking or anything. The hull paint isn't perfect, it's a little faded and the gelcoat has cracked/peeled a little in the foot wells but the digital display works 100% and doesn't look like it was left uncovered in the sun.

Too dark for pics, I'll take some tomorrow. I was shocked when he opened the engine cover, it literally couldn't look any newer in there.

98yota

Your going to enjoy your new ski, they are a lot of fun! Definately put some pictures up.

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1993 Yamaha WaveBlaster 701
1989 Yamaha WaveJammer 500

Yahooligan

Here's a link to the pics. The more I look at the engine and compartment, the more I think it was ridden maybe once or twice in its life. Sucker starts right up no problem. Whether it has 10 hours or 100 hours, is there any sort of maintenance I should do or anything I should check before I start putting hours on it? It is 18 years old, afterall. I've checked the hoses and rubber parts, nothing is dried out or cracking.

Does it have some sort of vacuum-based sump/bilge? I see something mounted to the bottom of the hull below the shaft with some hoses attached. Wondering what I should check or look for if I were to partially fill the hull with water to test it.

1994 Yamaha WaveRaider 700 - Visionary Photos | SmugMug

Any idea what this is for?



It connects to the back/bottom of the digital display.

Ernest T

The hose from the display helps to keep the display from fogging. It doesn't connect to anything.

Most of the older model Yamaha skis have a syphon type of bilge pump, which runs off the pump. Therefore, the system only works when the engine is running. There should be a strainer over the end of the hose. You can test it by filling the bilge with some water (over the level of the strainer), then start the ski while running it on the hose, and most of the water should be pumped out.

Check the oil and cooling lines and it sounds like you are ready to put it in the water.

Have Fun!

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2008 Yamaha FX HO Cruiser
2010 Hurricane Sundeck 2100

Yahooligan

Ah, cool. Good to know about the display hose. Does the siphon pump dump out the rear by the nozzle? Just wondering if watching the water level in the bilge is the only way to tell if it's working or not.

Thanks for the info, can't wait to get it on the water!

Yahooligan

Hooray for the internet, I just found the FSM in PDF format. This is excellent, I should be able to answer most of my own questions now. haha

Ernest T

Yes the bilge siphon hose ties in right at the nozzle. On the hose you may see a difference in the amount of water coming out of the nozzle if it is pulling water out of the bilge, but will depend on hose pressure.

http://www.boats.net/parts/search/Ya...ECK/parts.html

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2008 Yamaha FX HO Cruiser
2010 Hurricane Sundeck 2100

Yahooligan

Thanks for the diagram, based on that it looks like the siphoning is done by waterflow from the impeller while it's in the water since the siphon tip is in the jet's water stream. Having the garden hose connected and the engine running wouldn't, and didn't, do squat.

Something I noticed is that the fuel tank/system holds pressure. I'm assuming it has a check-valve to prevent a vacuum in the tank but prevent venting to the atmosphere? Any chance of it building too much pressure and causing the tank or a line to burst? Seemed to be about the same amount of pressure as my gas can when left sitting without much fuel in it.