Does anyone regret buying a super charged (SC) boat over a naturally aspirated (NA) boat? Why or why not?

[Ronnie]

I just read that the Yamaha SC powered boats don’t always start on the first attempt when cold. I’m just curious if there are other things I should consider when deciding on purchasing a SC or NA powered Waverunner.

I’m already taking into account the difference in cost and gas, the hard start thing doesn’t seem to be an issue for most owners but I’m on the fence about it. Waverunners are expensive, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect them to start and stay running on the first attempt every time.

 

[haknslash]

Eh it’s a non-issue IMO. I’d guess 2 trips out of 10 to the lake it might do it. It’s not like it’s not going to crank. If it really bothers you just crank it on the trailer before pulling away and get it over with.

Used waverunners are not too expensive compared to new. I’d likely never buy a new PWC ever again. They are wayyy overpriced for a couch that floats.

 

[Ronnie]

Eh it’s a non-issue IMO. I’d guess 2 trips out of 10 to the lake it might do it. It’s not like it’s not going to crank. If it really bothers you just crank it on the trailer before pulling away and get it over with.

Used waverunners are not too expensive compared to new. I’d likely never buy a new PWC ever again. They are wayyy overpriced for a couch that floats.

Good point on starting on the trailer, I usually do that now before I leave my driveway. Nothing like towing to the water only to find at the water toy won’t start. I agree, most new PWCs are overpriced but that’s the nature of the market in general, Yamaha’s vx line has been the best selling/most in demand for several years now and the pandemic has made pricing for new and used PWCs even worse. If I want the latest features on my floating love seats, especially the gp1800, I have to go new.

 

[Brad460]

This is the first time the words “Supercharger” and “regret” have ever been used in the same sentence..They naturally don’t go together..like water and oil.

 

[Ronnie]

This is the first time the words “Supercharger” and “regret” have ever been used in the same sentence..They naturally don’t go together..like water and oil.

What about a mechanic, specifically my mechanic, saying “I regret to inform you that the Supercharger failed and it will cost you a lot of money to fix.”?

 

[Crob83]

What about a mechanic, specifically my mechanic, saying “I regret to inform you that the Supercharger failed and it will cost you a lot of money to fix.”?

Than put a BOV on it for around $250 and don't worry about it

 

[1WetBoat]

The supercharger "clutch" is a serviceable item, but the horror stories with superchargers on these are not always what they seem. Most of the stock wave runners have their supercharger clutches last several hundred hours. Folks start to upgrade their skis and then the supercharger clutch gives out. Granted, I cant speak to the boats, but since the boats aren't ragged on as badly as wave runners I suspect the [HASH=5600]#of[/HASH] failures is minimal. The clutch can be rebuilt easily with the rebuild kits out there from Yamaha.

I have a GP1800R and have never had a cold start issue whether on the trailer or in the water. My gas consumption is the same as the non-supercharged people I ride with. If I'm constantly going full throttle then yes, I can see the difference.

 

[jdkaeser]

My boat starts first time every time. Maybe not the first time after being in storage for the winter but that's it. If you were going to leave the craft on the water I would go NA. Not many places have premium fuel on the water and good quality octane boosters are not cheap! That's the biggest PIA in my opinion. I would add a Fizzle Factory blow off valve kit to help save the SC clutch, on my list for this winter to do! Riva also sells a clutch shaft upgrade kit that has upgraded parts and bearings and an end oil feed for like $450 bucks. So for under $800 you could minimize most causes of failure especially if you leave the rest of the motor stock. All that being said, you cannot replace the smiles you have from the supercharger! When you hammer it and everyone slides around in their seats = Pure Joy!