MTech305

Alright guys. I got a 2002 XL700 hull with a gp1200 engine in it.
I took it out a few days ago, and it was blowing around 15mph. It was riding okay in light chop, but once I took it out to the open ocean, it gave us a pounding.. We could only go about 15 to 20mph. We had to turn around and head back to the light chop for the rest of the day.

Today i took it out, and it was a much better day. Blowing 6-12mph. Still a little choppy, but not nearly as bad.

I was able to ride a lot better on the ocean side of the island today. Probably 1-3ft waves.
Still a little much though. I was only able to go around 30mph so i wouldnt get so beat up.

So is there ANY way possible to improve this?? Or is it just the way the hull was designed? Weight?

I tried to keep up with the 4-stroke tour groups in the waves(ocean), and I just couldnt keep up!! They glide through the waves much better..

It was a nice ride though.

I noticed that the xl700s have TINY sponsons.. They look like peices of 2x4 slapped on there..
Are there any aftermarket ones that will help with this problem??
What about a ride plate??
Anything??

What makes the 4 strokes so much better in the rough water?
They were yamaha 4 strokes.


Any help appreciated!!

Ernest T

Rough water handling is primarily related to hull design and weight of the ski. The skis that handle rough water best have a deep "V" shaped hull and are heavy. The king of rough water is the big Kawasaki 4 storkes, which have very deep hulls and weigh over 1000 lbs.

Unfortunately, there is little you can do to change the hull shape, and 2 stroke skis are considerably lighter than their 4 stroke counterparts.

As far as aftermarket ad ons to improve rough water handling, about the only thing that would make much difference would be changing the intake grate. I think R&D makes a grate for the XL700. Their grates are designed to actively scoop water unlike the stock grate which has a passive design. This results in the ski staying hooked up better in rough water, which results in less bounce. The difference would probably be noticable, but only a slight improvement in the overall handling. It is just impossible to completely overcome the light weight of the ski and the flatter hull design.

Sponsons are involved in turning the ski, and to a small extent stability, but changing them would not improve rough water handling unless you are having problems with the ski porposing. I'd also say you would notice very little improvement in changing the ride plate.

__________________
2008 Yamaha FX HO Cruiser
2010 Hurricane Sundeck 2100

MTech305

How much of a difference can I expect with a better intake grate? single bar 1200?
It wont help too much with the front end though.. Is it even worth it??


Also, are there any Yamaha sponsons that will retro fit on my xl700?
Maybe the newer 4 stroke sponsons?? Or an XLT sponson? Just something better than the stock xl700 ones. I found out that my right sponson has a bad crack in it.. Enough to let water in it.

MTech305

Anyone? Now I found out both my sponsons are cracked badly.
Will any other OEM Yamaha Sponson retro fit on my 2002 xl700 hull?
Maybe from a Gp1200? Or GP800?? Something that is an upgrade from the tiny stockers?? I want something I can find used from another model that will bolt right up to my hull with NO other modification..



Thanks!


Also, how much should the compression be on an SBT 1200 non PV??
What are the expected life span of the SBT engines?? Why does everyone consider them inferior??

Thanks!!

MTech305

Bump!!!!!!!!!

MTech305

Hey. Does anyone know if these sponsons will fit the 2002 xl700 hull?
They have four bolt holes just like the 700.
OEM FACTORY 98-05 Yamaha 2000 XL1200 Limited GP1200 XLT GP12 RH Sponson | eBay


Thanks!

MTech305

I think they will bolt right up, but I do not want to take the chance.