Sea Doo DUers... tips for a "new" old Sea Doo owner?

[Dennis Donovan]

I'm 54 going on 16 , so I bought this 1997 Sea Doo SPX (almost everything rebuilt). First time owner of a PWC (but have ridden several in the past). I'm going to take the NYS PWC online course this week.

Any do's or don'ts I should be aware of?

[Boxerfan]

1. Stay away from the fishermen & swimmers.

I really hate the 2 stroke ring ding drone on a day I'm trying to relax.

They are a lot of fun but try to avoid annoying others.

[Dennis Donovan]

4. Agreed. I have a 40' Silverton AC that, the weekend before last, attracted assholes...

...on their PWC's wanting to jump my wake (and getting within feet of my transom). I'm not going to be a dick to others on the water.

[flamin lib]

2. There is NO stearing without throttle. When you turn the handlebars be sure

to apply power or it goes straight.

[Dennis Donovan]

3. Isn't there a rudder "add-on" for the older skis?

I think I read about it recently. But, good point to remember. Thanks!

[flamin lib]

7. Yes and newer pwcs are required to have rudders.

But the rudder is not very effecient compared to the jet thrust. Just be aware.

[asiliveandbreathe]

5. Two people cannot disembark from the same side, at the same time....have fun...

[Dennis Donovan]

6. Yup! No passengers yet though...

...but when I do have a passenger, my goal will be to make it so neither of us have to swim.

[asiliveandbreathe]

8. I am laughing..a trip to Laughlin some years back and rented a ski-doo - we were on

the Colorado river...until we were in it... my husband wasn't watching as the young fellow was helping me from the ski-doo, he decided at the same time, to step off from the same side...I looked up from the water and asked if anyone got a picture..a very funny, fond memory..

[PJMcK]

9. Two suggestions

First and obvious, always wear your personal flotation device. Not only is it the law in some jurisdictions, safety should always come first on the water.

Second, consider investing in a waterproof handheld VHF transceiver in the event you're away from shore and need assistance. Again, safety first.

After nearly 50 years of sailing boats from 8' to 50', I've seen lots of frightening things on the water. The worst are nearly always because of foolishness or stupidity.

Enjoy your new toy! She's a nice looking craft. Let us know how she and you take to one another.

[Dennis Donovan]

10. Life jackets are my priority - my Dad died in a boating accident 51 yrs ago

But, it always needs to be underscored (I've seen several boats go by the marina with pups *not* wearing life jackets. Makes me cringe!)😖

As far as comm goes, I bought a waterproof satchel to put my phone and wallet into. But, it makes sense to have a waterproof vhf radio as a backup. PWC's have notorious reputations for upping and quitting (especially a 22 yr old one )

[SharonAnn]

11. I had one of these. Very maneuverable but also very "tippable".

It's a lot of fun but I really don't recommend a second person on it. I know it's sold as a 2-person ski but but it's very hard to keep upright with a second person on it.

Practice getting back on when you've fallen off. You may need to do this frequently.

I preferred the "3-seater" version, GTS or GTX. Good for 2 person rides, easy handling, never tipped one over and rode them for 9 years.

[Dennis Donovan]

12. That's what the previous owner told me...

Owner: "It's a 2 seater"

Me: "That's fine. I hate passengers anyway"

Owner: "Good because you'll lose them.'

[Brother Buzz]

13. Was it converted to 4 stroke when it was rebuilt?

[Dennis Donovan]

14. It's oil injected - no mixing involved.

The guy I bought it off off is a Ski tech and this was rebuilt as is - it was 4 stroke as originally built?

[Brother Buzz]

16. Good

I have a HUGE problem with the two stroke engines.

[Dennis Donovan]

18. It's a major PIA. Too much oil smoky ride...

I *think* 1997 was the first year for oil injection on the Sea Doo line?

[Ohiogal]

15. We had one of these when my boys were teenagers

They were loads of fun, but everyone who advises about easily tippable is right on. Klutz that I am, I tipped it over many a time trying to get on the dang thing.

Wear a Life jacket, follow the rules of the lake you're in, and have fun!

[Dennis Donovan]

17. During my pre-purchase test runs, it became clear that slowing down was essential...

...before changing course. I wasn't spilled until I came back to the dock and the owner's 8 yr old daughter grabbed it from the dock and whoop! I went into the water!