Anybody have any experience with SeaDoo (or similar) personal watercraft?

Dueller · 09-01-2009, 09:19 AM

No the jet skis but the small (11'-16') jet boats? Older ones were twin engine two strokes...newer appear to be going to 4 strokes.

Went out on one last weekend and it was an absolute hoot...beat me to death but the thing would run 60mph+ and turn on dime. What about use in saltwater?

Shawn 357 · 09-01-2009, 09:31 AM

My friends had one a long time ago and that thing was a blast! Unfortunately we ended up sinking it down in Mexico in bad weather...

Just like jet skis you have to flush out the engines when used in salt water.

7T7911s · 09-01-2009, 10:49 AM

Jim;
I used to race for the local Yamaha shop on the original Waverunner 500. Mine was bored and stroked. Back in 87 it would do an easy 50 mph and pull a water skier (not legal without a spotter) I used it mostly in the ocean. I just loved jumping a 10 -12 ft roller. I was showing off in Bodega Head near the golf course one day. I would run towards the beach, do a big slide and spray the tourists. They were laughing their heads off. When they all started pointing behind me. Yep there was one BIG wave already curling. I grabbed all the gas I could
hoping to punch through the wave. It picked me and the runner up and slammed us on the beach. It took me a good 20 mins to collect all the pieces scattered along the beach. Then with the help of the tourists, I launched and limped back to the harbor. I had cracked the hull.
I just reglassed it the following weekend (just like a surfboard) slapped on some new paint and went racing.
The 2 strokes are really cheap now. But you need to check your local water ways to see if they are legal. Lake Tahoe was attempting to ban them years ago. I don't know if it passed or not. The tree huggers make it hard to enjoy the outdoors.
Check you local shops for used rentals that are now for sale. I hate the 3 seaters, You might as well drive a Bayliner.
Kenny

s_wilwerding · s_wilwerding's Garage

They gulp a lot more gas than a similar sized outboard ski boat.

fingpilot · 09-01-2009, 02:40 PM

They are prohibited in National Parks.

If you are not on one, they will be in your face all day. Nothing ruins a nice safe beach full of kids like a drunken 13 year old on a jet ski.

I do give a full standing ovation every time one sinks. You'd be amazed how much it costs to 'clean up' the enviornment after one sinks. Article in the paper up here quoted $26K for the last one that went down in Lake Shasta. Of course, no insurance. Kid's parents lost their trailer park home.

Shawn 357 · 09-01-2009, 03:22 PM

He is talking about the jet ski boats not waverunners and jet skis.