1995 Sea Doo speadster

[dzimkin]

i am about to drive 3 hours to check out and perhaps purchase a 1995 sea doo speedster. its looks clean and owner says it runs. last time a had a jet boat it was a yamaha exciter and 1 one of the engines lost its compression so i am a bit concerned based on past history. its on land right now. owner wants $3,500 firm. says he can crank engines but has no way of running engines on dry land. pretty sure my yamaha came with a spliter and you could run a garden hose thru on dry land but that was a long time ago and cant recall detail.. any ideas how to test this prior to purchasing since im not from area where boat is located? some advise and your time is greatly appreciated.

 

[Sidarousmg]

I'm not very familiar with the older 2-stroke seadoo's, but the 4-stroke like my challenger have a flush port, but you can't run them out of water for more than a minute or so before the carbon ring starts to overheat (normally cooled by water flow when in the water). i would certainly recommend finding a body of water close to the boat's location and actually test drive it. just because the engines turn out of the water, doesn't mean the boat will run properly in water.

 

[1WetBoat]

I would be weary of a seller saying they cant test. Apart from the carbon rings which is a valid concern, I would ask to test in the water. That is a long drive for you to buy a vessel that when you get home it doesn't run right.

 

[Beachbummer]

If it starts and runs like he says that's a decent price. You can start the boat No water for 20 seconds and still have some test, so "Can't run it at home" is not a good excuse at all. As other s stated Water test or assume it has many problems and factor in your price/decision.