"Best" Polaris Jetskis

[32DegH2O]

DI skis have their issues. But so do carburetors (3 of them on a triple!) and CDIs. Folks that hate on DIs frankly just most likely don't understand them.

I understand them probably as well as anyone else here...but hey, thanks for the put down...I would have expected better from a Moderator!

[Sage18]

I have had a ton of Polaris skis. Currently have 16. I have many carburetor skis 650, 750, 780, 700, 1050, 1200, and I have two of the DI's as in the msx 140's, I have two of the 4 stroke MSX 150's as well. In my opinion they all are a new learning and spending time with each one of them they all have their good qualities. They all are great skis once you learn how to work on them and fix their faults. I have great running skis in all platforms from polaris. For the OP I think the next good step up for him would be to find a well taken care of SLX 780. They are awesome skis with a little more pep than the sl700! If you have a ski with good compression to start then rebuild the carburetors and fuel lines and you would probably have a great ski for a number of years. Plus there are a bunch of SLX 780's out there for sale. Just my 2 cents

[HiPeRcO]

Please be warned that the fuel injected engines are nice, but they do have drawbacks. Namely the computer, fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator. They do fail, and cost for the computer repair is up there.

Yup. And the price of replacing a CDI and stator on carb machines is up there too. And if one is not willing or able to rebuild their carbs then thats not cheap either. Of course I'm biased towards the DI's

[xlint89]

If it were me...the 2000 or newer Virage or Virage TX for a 3 seater...the 2000 or newer SLH or SLX for a 2 seater. Stay away from the DI skis.

Just curious as to why you say to stay away?

I have always had carb'ed models until the recent purchases of the MSX 140 and the Virage TXI.

Never a problem with the MSX. Just did a preventative fuel pressure regulator fix on that one.

Virage TXI I did a fuel pump, did the pressure regulator fix, and also had the EMM fixed. Had a no start condition about 2 years ago, but wound up being the circuit breaker was corroded and not allowing full 12V to go through it. Can't blame the DI on that one.

Yes, those are expensive repairs, but the ski is very low maintenance after they were done. It's pretty quick and people really enjoy riding that one. I LOVE that 2 stroke "hit", but a lot of people do not, and they don't seem to have a problem with TXI.

Don't get me wrong, I will always have my carbed models, but I do find myself always checking up on their condition by looking at the piston wash. (not necessarily a bad thing as I can catch a potential problem early), but the average guy probably will not.

[K447]

- MSX 140 and the Virage TXI.

Never a problem with the MSX. Just did a preventative fuel pressure regulator fix on that one.

Virage TXI I did a fuel pump, did the pressure regulator fix, and also had the EMM fixed. -

Yes, those are expensive repairs, but the ski is very low maintenance after they were done. It's pretty quick and people really enjoy riding that one. I LOVE that 2 stroke "hit", but a lot of people do not, and they don't seem to have a problem with TXI.

Don't get me wrong, I will always have my carbed models, but I do find myself always checking up on their condition by looking at the piston wash. (not necessarily a bad thing as I can catch a potential problem early), but the average guy probably will not.

My experience with Ficht models is similar.

Once the few well documented items were taken care of the Ficht system just ran and ran. Just about everything else is normal Polaris PWC stuff, same as the carb models.

I like how few fuel system parts there are in the Ficht engine compartment. No external fuel filter or water separator, no choke, no fuel shut-off valve. Just two fuel hoses connecting directly between engine and fuel tank.

Many casual riders, especially novice riders, tend to prefer the smooth and linear throttle response and consistent power delivery. I also prefer the linear Ficht power response over the power surge that the carb'ed engines would typically deliver as the engine gained RPM.

No choke, no fuel shut-off valve, no special instructions (regarding the engine operation) required for a newbie to use the machine. Starts every time, hot or cold. Idle is consistent RPM and smooth. Works correctly automatically even in very cold air or very warm, no tuning or carb adjustments with seasons.

Never any exhaust smoke or unburned fuel smell. Mid-throttle fuel economy was fairly good (for a PWC).

[785 lugs]

To me it all comes down to your mechanical abilities if you can work on the older skis to keep them up and running because they all need work and maintenance
Di Skis Emm repair 400-600
Flywheel 300-500
Fuel regulator upgrade ???

carb skis
rebuild carbs 300-400.00 in parts
cdi and stator 400-600
misc ???

i still love my carbed skis and do not have any starting problems with any of them so to me that's a myth

it all comes down to how much of the repairs you can do yourself

[32DegH2O]

Just curious as to why you say to stay away?

My response is solely to what the original post stated and what was asked for. This was not about a DI debate, but some people made it out to be that.

[xlint89]

I have never had a real problem with my carb skis. The talk of hard starting or temp changes just never effected me. But I understand the workings of the fuel system.


HOWEVER..... When it came to Steph, she would have difficulties starting the ski because she never understood the choke. She would attempt to use it and give up. Then proceed to tell me it won't start. So I would question her if she tried "A", tried doing"B", and she would always say yes. I would get off my ski and fire hers up with modest cranking. To which she would tell me, it didn't work for her. I was so frustrated with this dance. Once I got the injected skis, my life got MUCH easier.

[Sage18]

"Best" Polaris Jetskis

I have never had a real problem with my carb skis. The talk of hard starting or temp changes just never effected me. But I understand the workings of the fuel system.


HOWEVER..... When it came to Steph, she would have difficulties starting the ski because she never understood the choke. She would attempt to use it and give up. Then proceed to tell me it won't start. So I would question her if she tried "A", tried doing"B", and she would always say yes. I would get off my ski and fire hers up with modest cranking. To which she would tell me, it didn't work for her. I was so frustrated with this dance. Once I got the injected skis, my life got MUCH easier.

Exact same for my wife, and once she got on the MSX HULL she was in love. Deep footwells mean less splashing on her with the ability to go over choppy water with ease, it was a perfect fit for her.

I found a super clean 04 red 140 with 120 hours for 600 that had low compression. Rebuilt it for her and she has not got on another 2 seater since.


I guess for the original post MA-Chris. Give us a bit more information, like who is riding it, what do you like about your 700, do you want easier starts, are you capable of working on these skis, do you want to learn a new platform, more riders, do you want to stick with a carbureted ski. You see there are so many differences on all these skis and we all have our opinions about what we like about each model. And yea maybe we a complicating your decision a bit but we just want to steer you in the right direction for your needs.

[absentx]

Hi all,

Long time, glad to see all the same names hanging around!

To OP MA-Chris (and I have read through the entire thread) I see that no one has suggested a domestic triple! If you like the SL 700, then I think you would love (to upgrade to) an SL900, SL1050, SLXH or SLX1050 or a 2000 to 2001 SLX1200.

The later of the models I have mentioned should have updated CDI? Others with more knowledge on that will chime in if needed.

Bottom line any of those boats will have flat hulls that are great for speed and spin outs. Super fun boats.

I will completely agree with Xlint89 though, my wife cannot cold start my SLX1050. Period. She loves it once its going though.

Mine might be kind of picky though as she is not the only one that has trouble starting it besides me. We have a very similar 96 SL900 however that starts like a breeze and is fun as hell.

[32DegH2O]

To OP MA-Chris (and I have read through the entire thread) I see that no one has suggested a domestic triple! If you like the SL 700, then I think you would love (to upgrade to) an SL900, SL1050, SLXH or SLX1050 or a 2000 to 2001 SLX1200.

Apparently ya missed my post #12

[sdlvx]

This thread kinda makes me sad, what happened to this sport? I remember when I had an SL 750 and something like an MSX seemed like a huge barge. Now an MSX looks like a small and playful ski that would be a lot of fun. Skis got so big. Fucking hippies man, give me back my two strokes.

[xlint89]

This thread kinda makes me sad, what happened to this sport? I remember when I had an SL 750 and something like an MSX seemed like a huge barge. Now an MSX looks like a small and playful ski that would be a lot of fun. Skis got so big. Fucking hippies man, give me back my two strokes.

Funny you should mention that. Years ago I was letting the engine cool down during a heat cycle on one of my skis.

A little kid was so excited when he saw it he told his dad, "look dad, a mini jet ski"