Need Used Jet Boat Recommendations

[Bolson32]

Hi All,

I'm really glad to see such an active forum. My family and I are selling our pontoon and looking for something a little easier to trailer and launch and I'm really interested in a jet boat for the lack of a prop and safety in shallow water and swimming around.

Let me start with my use case, we'll probably use it 6-10 times a year for one or two days at a time. Our "cabin" time is in Chetek, WI which has a large chain of lakes that has all of the fun that goes along with that. We mostly want to drive around, and have something nice to tube behind, and beach at the islands and sand bars. Preferably something smallish and maneuverable while seating a minimum of 5.

What are everyone's thoughts? I fully realize that I'm going to get self-validating opinions by posting here but it seems like people either love or hate jet boats. How is the maneuverability on these things? Is it better when you're used to it? Better with a dual engine?

Lastly, brand recommendations? I'm looking to spend between $5,000 and $10,000. I've looked for a bit this afternoon and something in the 18-20ft range is where I'm targeting. These are what has picqued my interest so far, the Yamaha looks to be the nicest in my novice opinion.

2003 Yamaha LS2000 with twin 1200cc - $8500
Facebook Marketplace: 2003 Yamaha Sl 2000 - Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles - Plover, Wisconsin

2001 SeaDoo Utopia w/210hp singe motor - $6995
Facebook Marketplace: 2001 Seadoo Utopia Jet Boat - Sports & Outdoors - White Bear Lake, Minnesota

2004 SugarSand w/175hp single motor - $8500
Facebook Marketplace: 2004 Sugar Sand Tango - Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles - Blaine, Minnesota

Thank you all for your time!

 

[the MfM]

I’m Kind of partial to the twin two stroke Yamaha. Cheap parts and simple to maintain. (Check the oil lines)

And it seems perfect based on your needs. That one in the link looks well taken care of and has a few extra options like the swim platform and pop up ski pylon.

The utopia is nice and would likely fit your needs as well. But the merc sport jets don’t have a great rep. Parts are hard to find and expensive. Look at the cost for a wear ring... they’re going for $500-700 on ebay for a sport jet. Vs under a hundred for a yamaha liner. You may never need to replace it though.

The sugar sand looks clean, but compared to the Yamaha and sea doo space is tight, more of a toy than a boat to cruise in. Plus it has a mercury sport jet.

 

[JetBoatPenguin]

Make sure to get a keel guard whichever one you choose.

 

[Beachbummer]

After upgrading to Fuel Injection from Carburated two stroke, I'm hesitant with the choices, but the best is likely the Yamaha. @the MfM can you give some additional feedback on any concerns with the fuel system? I would suggest big fuel/water separators as first modification to any of these boats.

 

[BlkGS]

The other thing I would look at is the Seadoo Challenger 180. It's an 18 footer with a single engine, but they're pretty decent 4tec fuel injected 4 stroke engines shared with skis, and offer decent space. They seem to go for around 10 grand.

If you dont need the space of a 20 foot 2 stroke, it's a great option.

 

[Bolson32]

The other thing I would look at is the Seadoo Challenger 180. It's an 18 footer with a single engine, but they're pretty decent 4tec fuel injected 4 stroke engines shared with skis, and offer decent space. They seem to go for around 10 grand.

If you dont need the space of a 20 foot 2 stroke, it's a great option.

Interesting, any idea what years this was available?

 

[BlkGS]

I think mid 00s on to like 2012 or so when seadoo quit making boats. You have a choice between the 155hp non supercharged, or the 210hp supercharged. The supercharged models need a rebuild of the blower every 100 hours (like 450 bucks) and want premium gas.

 

[the MfM]

I may be wrong but I don’t think seadoo ever made a four stroke challenger without a supercharger.

For 10-15k you can find nice 20’ or 23’ dual engine 4-tech Seadoo’s. Though a lot of them seem to need upholstery repairs.

 

[Bolson32]

Given my preference to keep it under $10k would it be wiser to look at at I/O instead or perhaps a smaller outboard Bowrider or Deck Boat? We really want something smaller than 18ft that's easy to dock and trailer.

We could probably get a pretty decent Bayliner with a 4-stroke outboard for that price. Since speed isn't really a concern for us the only real thing attractive about the Jet boats is the safety and beaching ability.

 

[Bolson32]

I'm not sure if anyone knows much about the Volvo Penta's but there seems to be a SHIT ton of them.

Something like this may fit the bill a bit better?

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[Beachbummer]

I/O of that vintage bring a lot of driveline problems in my experience and the maintenance is a pain. If you are looking for simplicity and utility, the outboard bowrider could be your ticket too at that price point. I'm personally biased against I/Os so that may cloud my judgement (or does it make it better?...)

 

[the MfM]

I/O of that vintage bring a lot of driveline problems in my experience and the maintenance is a pain. If you are looking for simplicity and utility, the outboard bowrider could be your ticket too at that price point. I'm personally biased against I/Os so that may cloud my judgement (or does it make it better?...)

Friends don’t let friends buy I/Os or bayliners.

 

[BlkGS]

18 foot is pretty small. If you want something smaller than that, you could get a seadoo sportster or speedster. They're pretty cheap, but have lower seating capacity. The Yamaha Excoter would be a 2 stroke option as well.

 

[Beachbummer]

Used 1996 SEA RAY 175-fives series bowlder, Palm Coast, Fl - 32164 - Boat Trader I see many like these. and fo a casual user just a few times a year in the water, simplicity is nice, and these outboards can be serviced anywhere..just keep an eye on your depth

 

[Bolson32]

18 foot is pretty small. If you want something smaller than that, you could get a seadoo sportster or speedster. They're pretty cheap, but have lower seating capacity. The Yamaha Excoter would be a 2 stroke option as well.

Maybe something like this?

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Does that seat 5? Looks like maybe only 4.

 

[Beachbummer]

Plate says that seats only 4 I recommend 18 or even 19ft if you can bear it.

 

[BlkGS]

Yeah, 15 footers dont have much room. I really would go with an 18 foot or larger. You will grow used to it, and it wont really be harder to drive. The best boat and advice is to buy your second boat first. We have a 23 foot and struggle with space for more than 6 or 7 people