Well first off, Polaris did only sell them as a race use only, this was to excuse them from any liability having to do with EPA standards and the risk of an operator getting hurt. These skis were not only available to racers only or polaris team members, back in the day IF you could find one, that was the challenge. the 2002 was the first year of production sales followed thru to i believe 2005. most skis you see or hear of are 2002 -2004. There are a few lingering around brand new still in crates. The fact of the matter is Polaris got out of the watercraft industry, therefore the low production numbers and availability to get replacement parts make them rare. here in north America, (including you) there are still a bunch of octanes around. Most Polaris power sports dealers can still find limited parts if needed, and sites like this make obtaining info easier too.
moving on, The octane that you speak of (a 2003) was the 2nd year off the production line. Most of the bugs (issues) were worked out by the 03 launch plus a few upgrades from the factory, ALL octanes have the 777 engine along with a solas stainless mag pump also a aluminum shortened handpole. in conjunction with a Factory (brand) tunable water cooled exhaust. These skis came off the production line with 100 hp. it was the fastest "production" ski of its time, If you want to get into specifics read into the "octane woes" sticky here on the octane section.
Lastly- 5500 is a bit steep for a clean new shaped octane, they were expensive back in their prime and still are. most guys sell them in the 3 to 4k range based on use and shape.
