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Polaris PWC model overview and caveats
Lurking in these forums recently, I have been impressed with how helpful and courteous the members are to each other.
I have been riding a friend's 1997 Polaris SL900 and '92 SL650, and am now thinking about buying two or three Polaris of my own.
I have not been part of the watercraft scene in the past, so I have not accumulated the information over time. I know Polaris exited the PWC business circa 2003-2004, so support and parts can be a challenge, and that there are some independant companies covering a fair range of needs.
I have been having trouble getting a decent mental picture of the various Polaris models produced over the years, how they relate to each other, and which models are seen as being overall better choices, vs. those that may be more troublesome, or just less well turned out.
I have come across many snippets regarding certain Polaris models, in various model years, and how they might compare to the previous year, or another model from the same year.
Is there a place where this is all laid out?
How the Polaris model codes translate to rider capacity, performance, how the line-up evolved over time, what are the important model years for overall advancements (hull design, engine design, carburation vs. injection, etc).
I appologise if this is already posted somewhere, but I have yet to find a concise mapping of all the models Polaris produced over the years, and more importantly, how they compare to each other.
When surveying the used marketplace, I am trying to compare multiple models from multiple model years, at often wildly varying prices. Add condition and modifications, and it is hard to figure what is a good choice for me, and what is not, and what is a fair price for a given model/year.
I think I am looking for a 3 seater, and a two seater, both for large lakes and some river and channel use. Pulling tubes and waterski would be the 3 seater, plus general cruising and playing about. 2 seater would also be cruising and playing.
Max speed is not really important, about 55mph GPS or better would be sufficient. Exhaust should not be excessively loud, just to keep the lake neighbors happy.
I am looking for reliable operation, stablility on the water (at both low and high speeds), ablity to handle medium chop, cruising range, and decent throttle control in the mid-range (not just on-off power). I like the servicability of the carbourated two strokes, but don't know if injected or four strokes are also reasonable to maintain.
Thanks in advance.
Keith
I have been riding a friend's 1997 Polaris SL900 and '92 SL650, and am now thinking about buying two or three Polaris of my own.
I have not been part of the watercraft scene in the past, so I have not accumulated the information over time. I know Polaris exited the PWC business circa 2003-2004, so support and parts can be a challenge, and that there are some independant companies covering a fair range of needs.
I have been having trouble getting a decent mental picture of the various Polaris models produced over the years, how they relate to each other, and which models are seen as being overall better choices, vs. those that may be more troublesome, or just less well turned out.
I have come across many snippets regarding certain Polaris models, in various model years, and how they might compare to the previous year, or another model from the same year.
Is there a place where this is all laid out?
How the Polaris model codes translate to rider capacity, performance, how the line-up evolved over time, what are the important model years for overall advancements (hull design, engine design, carburation vs. injection, etc).
I appologise if this is already posted somewhere, but I have yet to find a concise mapping of all the models Polaris produced over the years, and more importantly, how they compare to each other.
When surveying the used marketplace, I am trying to compare multiple models from multiple model years, at often wildly varying prices. Add condition and modifications, and it is hard to figure what is a good choice for me, and what is not, and what is a fair price for a given model/year.
I think I am looking for a 3 seater, and a two seater, both for large lakes and some river and channel use. Pulling tubes and waterski would be the 3 seater, plus general cruising and playing about. 2 seater would also be cruising and playing.
Max speed is not really important, about 55mph GPS or better would be sufficient. Exhaust should not be excessively loud, just to keep the lake neighbors happy.
I am looking for reliable operation, stablility on the water (at both low and high speeds), ablity to handle medium chop, cruising range, and decent throttle control in the mid-range (not just on-off power). I like the servicability of the carbourated two strokes, but don't know if injected or four strokes are also reasonable to maintain.
Thanks in advance.
Keith
It's just that the simple stuff is easier to keep up.
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