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Name:	wareagle_97 -	Reply
Subject:	Advice on 1997 Sea Doo GTX
Date:	6/7/2009 12:06:57 AM

I'm looking at a 1997 Sea Doo GTX to possibly purchase. I do not know the hours on the boat nor have I put it in the water to check out. Does anyone have any advice/recommendation on the 1997 GTX? Is it easy or hard to track down parts for this model? Do any mechanics on the lake specialize in Sea Doos?

Any and all help appreciated.

Name:	lakngulf -	Reply
Subject:	Advice on 1997 Sea Doo GTX
Date:	6/7/2009 8:17:12 AM

I still have an ancient 1995 SPX that looks about as rundown as I do, but runs great (I better say that quietly or it may not crank this morning). Terry in Central and Hicks Marine on County 2 do great work on Sea Doo's.

Now for the bad news. I bought another one a couple of years back, it gave trouble. It may be running great somewhere today, but I just gave it to the mechanic after several tries to get it right. Your purchase will probably be a hit or miss thing, but if you are as mechanically challenged as I am, then you are on the right track to be sure you have service nearby.

Name:	Little Talisi -	Reply
Subject:	Advice on 1997 Sea Doo GTX
Date:	6/7/2009 8:31:20 AM

As posted, you are taking a chance on the 1997. Everywhere you check the expected life of most PWC's is around ten years. You will find some that are from as far back as 92 and 93 that are still running and performing well. But like most watercraft, you will often hear, "Well it cranked yesterday".

Name:	BigFoot -	Reply
Subject:	Advice on 1997 Sea Doo GTX
Date:	6/7/2009 9:33:21 AM

I have a '99 sea-doo GTX RFI that runs as great now as when it was new. The only problem I have had is that the rectifier is part of a 'planned obsolescence' scheme by seadoo--will only last 12-18 months. I had gone through 3 of those until I found a great solution at Willie's Cycles (Camp Hill). He told me about a Harley rectifier he had in stock that would do the trick...more capacity and much longer lasting. It has been in for 3 years and works like a charm. Now that I have blabbed too much, I better go see him Monday and get one more to put on reserve. I have done a lot of reading online about sea-doos(pwc forums) and find that many seadoo owners were unhappy but there are a band of dedicated owners like myself who really like them...as someone said above...hit or miss...good luck!

Name:	Ulysses E. McGill -	Reply
Subject:	Advice on 1997 Sea Doo GTX
Date:	6/7/2009 9:48:59 AM

I had a 96 XP and a 97 GTX. They are very fun to ride, but I was always doing minor repairs to keep them running. If you are mechanically inclined and plan to ride close to home, I'd say go for it. Also, the older machines are much less stable on the water than the newer ones (which is what makes them so fun). They roll over very easy and it takes practice getting back on in the water....I've been thinking of finding another mid 90s machine again for this very reason.

If you want a more stable and reliable machine, I'd look for something from 2000 or newer and stay with Yamaha. I have a 2000 and a 2004 Yamaha (both 2 stroke) and they have never needed anything more than adding gas, oil, and changing spark plugs during the summer (I pull the battery then drain & fog the engine for storage). If you plan to have someone else do most of your mechanical work, this route will probably cost you less money over the next 2-3 years.

Name:	wareagle_97 -	Reply
Subject:	Thanks
Date:	6/11/2009 6:53:07 PM

Thanks for all the help.

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