2005 sugar sand oasis need feedback prior to purchase anyone?

[Votaw305]

asking $14,500 with trailer 110 hours merc optimax 250 jetboat 23'

 

[bucks448]

I'm not familiar with that boat, but it seems a bit high for what it is. For comparison, here's a similar 2-stroke yamaha http://sarasota.craigslist.org/bod/4535237113.html

 

[Votaw305]

asking $14,500 with trailer 110 hours merc 250 jetboat 23'

thanks....it seemed a bit high...the one key element is the boat is 20 mins from the house on the sacandoga lake in upstate ,ny so getting it here is easy

the link is http://albany.craigslist.org/boa/4548274060.html would be interested in any thoughts...i understand that the comapny that makes the haul is out of business too

 

[bucks448]

I'd be less concerned about the hull than the engine. I'm not sure how readily repairable the engine is, but it seems clean and lake owned (not saltwater).

 

[Ronnie]

I had an 03 seadoo challenger x with the same engine and pump. IMHO that was a great performing setup for the 2200 lb 20 foot boat I had it in. I didn't have any trouble controlling it at low speeds even in reverse. The acceleration was better than my previous sx230ho or my current 242ls but it did burn through gas faster as well. If it has an optimax engine you can get the optional gauges/system for more telemetry like an hour meter, you, etc.

I'm not a big fan of two strokes anymore but if I was looking for a used jet boat this one would be on my short list.

 

[Ronnie]

If you do inspect it in person take a good look at the intake grate, my x20 had a surge grate on it which the times attached to via a hinge on the leading edge of the grate. This allowed the tines to fold up into the intake tunnel so that any vegetation would simply flow into and get chopped up by the impeller instead of getting stuck causing cavitation. The problems were that it would let more than just veg in (big rocks would go through and get stuck in the pump too). Moreover the tines would sometimes break off and cause damage to the pump and impeller (if removing a rope is difficult removing a stuck tine can be next to impossible). Mercury released several fixed grates as a solution and solas made the only aftermarket impeller that I know of which really helped acceleration. In summary, test drive it, don't just run it on the trailer.

 

[farrelltravis]

I think the price is reasonable. The price isn't high, but it isn't low either. I used to have a 2004 Sugar Sand Tango. I loved that thing. We used and abused it and it kept ticking. The Mercury jet drive ran like a champ. If Sugar Sand still made jet boats today, I wouldn't have the Yamaha.

Good luck!

 

[spaz1868]

Anyone else concerned about the blurry photos? Then it cleared up when they were taking pics of the engine. Maybe the interior is not in great shape? I'm just sayin'.

 

[farrelltravis]

I would be concerned about the blurry photos, but I wouldn't be buying a boat without seeing it in person. So, although they are concerning, I wouldn't not go look at it because of the blurry phots.

 

[ar240owner]

It looks nice to me !!

 

[JC6275]

Looks pretty good to me, $14,900 is at the top of the book value. I would say it's a starting point for negotiation of a final price. We all know $$$$$ talks. If it needs a good cleaning then I'm sure @SuperJetDan would give you some detailing secrets and pointers. That guy can make a chevette look like a Rolls Royce!! LOL. Good luck