Ski Choices

[Milsy]

Hi all, I'm new to the forum (obviously) and would like your advice please. Im looking at buying my first ski and would like opinions from the following models.

What I'm looking for is a workable power, range, reliability, stability in chop etc. If you do post a reply, please include anything that would pose a problem with that particular model. The runs I'm hoping to do will be in the vicinity of of 80-100 nm round trip. I'm not very interested in turbo or super charged variants, but am open to suggestions. For the US guys, the following list might look a bit ad-hoc, but here in Oz the following models are around the 10k range which is all I want to spend.

I have investigated sounders and rack choices so am sorted there, just waiting to find the right ski.

At the moment my preferences (in order) are as follows.

2008 Kawasaki Ultra LX
2008 SeaDoo GTI SE 155
2008 Kawasaki STX 15F
2007/8 SeaDoo GTX 155
2008+ Yamaha VX Cruiser- Underpowered though?

The intended trips as follows, works out to be about 80 nm round trip off the coast of Brisbane QLD Australia.


Cheers for the input guys.

Brett.

[83Gator]

Milsy, welcome to the forum. Based on your selection, I'd look at the Kawi Ultra LX: I think it's got the largest fuel tank and the most storage of all the skis you listed. I'm not sure about the STX... Additionally, the Kawi hull is proven to handle the chop.

Whichever way you go, be sure to check this forum in the appropriate section for any "known issues" as far as performance/maintenance are concerned.

[mi-skidoo]

I have a 2007 Sea Doo GTX 155 and I find it plenty powerful for my needs and there is quite a bit of storage, more then the GTI and it has a larger swim platform to give you a bit more legroom with a fishing rig attached. When I bought it I was specifically looking for one without the hassle and expense of a SC.

[504tim]

I rode a Kawasaki ultra 250 and it was horrible in choppy waters. It was a very rough ride nit to mention its in for repairs more than its been working. I'm not sure if it's the same hull as the lx but if it is I would stay away from it.

[Milsy]

Thanks guys. I think the 250 may have a different hull shape? A few guys locally have mentioned how good a ride they give in the larger seas. The mechanical issues, are they linked with it being a 250? Its SC right? Or is it general problems that would occur across the range?

[Aquaholic6801]

The 250 is the BEST rough water hull ever built.....just the drive train was pretty much shit............seems like alot of the problems with the 250 and 260 were corrected on the 300.....

The LX and the 250 have the same hull............

If you get the LX make sure the pump has been up graded to 300 specs.....

[Milsy]

Ah ok, does the Ultra LX suffer the same drivetrain issues?

[Aquaholic6801]

Just upgrade the pump bearings set up....

[Milsy]

ok cheers, I'll do some research on it..

[JROBSON]

I do alot of offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Alabama on my 09 GTX 155. Hassle free and has plenty of storage. I just recently built my rack out of marine grade aluminum to accomidate a 98qt cooler and 3 rod holders. The ski handles rough water like a dream and I have never done anything to it except routine maintence.