Newbie buying a (little) jet boat

[cincy_cosmo]

I know...another newbie thread.....

I'm looking to buy a used boat in the next few weeks/months per 'the committee's' request (aka my family). I know from friends experiences to think SMALL when buying a first boat.

I've been thinking of nailing a mid 90's Seadoo Speedster, Regal Rush or other brand twin engine jet boat. They seem easy to tow, should be easy to launch. I've ridden in one before and they seemed a blast.

The 'missions' of said boat would be day trips to lakes, camping with it on weekends near lakes, and maybe a trip to the great lakes to explore shorelines (find lighthouses). It may be called upon to ocasionally land at the shoreline instead of docks so we can explore park areas.

Now come my concerns:
How sensitive are these little things to weight distribution? I weigh 250, my wife, 110, my kids each around 100? Is the boat gonna run lopsided? Do they have trim tabs or can the jets be adjusted?

Are they as easy to own as I think they are? Does a family of four fit OK (even though they claim to seat four)? How likely are the jet intakes to get clogged? Are they a good first boat or am I going in over my head?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Newbie buying a (little) jet boat

#1 a seadoo is a "sea don't" pass on them. if you are looking at a jet boat, Yamaha. still they are not the most fuel efficient boats on the water. an outboard with trim & tilt will serve just as well, and not take up valuable floor space with the engine. also remember each kid is going to want to bring a friend. your family will do best in a 17-18 foot bowrider.

 

[tmh]

Re: Newbie buying a (little) jet boat

Well, "small" is a relative term i guess, but I think I know the type you're talking about. First thing, they are far more a big, fat PWC (JetSki) than your typical boat operationally. There are newer ones (Seadoo,Yamaha) that are true bowriders 21'-23' or so and not cheap, but this isn't what you're talking about i don't think. the older ones were NOT designed to compete with pleasure boats or even speedboats....more a whole new catagory.

The older "speedster" type boats are for bombing around having fun on protected waters. You'd be unable to "cruise around" some of the areas you discussed without beating the heck out of all riders - doubt your wife would like that much. Greal lakes? forget it except on very calm days OR if you want a more dangerous thrill ride. Those boats are just NOT designed for cruising in ANY level of comfort. You'd get air on any decent wake or wave...fun, until the crash landing!

For having fun though.....I'd love one. Yes, easy to trailer, launch, etc. Pretty simple to maintain (like a PWC more than a boat). Fast, SHARP turns, etc. FUN!!!! Likely OK for pulling tube/skiers in calm water, not so good in chop. 100 lb Kids....maybe 12-14 yrs old? They'd love the thrill. Wife? um.....may be scared or just get sick of it REAL fast.

So...I'd say you need to limit what you expect to use one for OR get a totally different type of boat (19' bowrider with I/O or OB engine for example). TONS of these around.

 

[bigmacfan]

Re: Newbie buying a (little) jet boat

I used to have a 1996 Speedster....LOVED that boat!!! They are a blast. Here's the scoop on seating 4. In 1996, the Challenger and Sportser had spotter seats to seat the 4th person, but the speedster didn't add it until 1997. The bow/sun seats on these can't be used above idle speed. I actually would suggest a 1998-2000 era. This is when the Speedsters went from 14.5' to 16.5' and have four seats that are arranged in two rows of 2 seats. This is also when they increased the twins to 100 hp each.

I am impressed with the new Yamahas, but that isn't what you are looking for in your post. The later 90's speedsters are awesome and lots of fun! Easy to trailer, maneuver, and run.

A great forum that will tell you everything you want to know about these boats and more is www.jetboating.net

 

[aerwin]

Re: Newbie buying a (little) jet boat

I was going to buy one also but I am glad I got the regular bow rider, alot more room, power, saftey and no 2 stroke to deal with.

 

[bigmacfan]

Re: Newbie buying a (little) jet boat

I would beg to differ on the more power for a regular bowrider comment. Those speedsters will FLY!! They will run upper 50's easy. Agile, fast, and like a go cart on the water.

I had to sell my Speedy when moving to a lake that doesn't allow jet drive engines. However, if that weren't the case, I'd be jet boat all the way!!!

 

[cincy_cosmo]

Re: Newbie buying a (little) jet boat

I appreciate the comments, especially about using a Speedster on rough waters. My kids (both teens) last night saw pictures of a SeaDoo Speedster and thought it looked a little small to be comfortable in for more than an hour. So I'm off looking for bowriders, but have yet to find one in my area that is an outboard.