So I'm thinking about picking up my first 96+ SJ...

[KeithKman]

You heard it. I think I'm going to sell my Camaro and get a 96+ SJ and a truck. I have never owned a stand-up before and maybe rode one 3 or 4 times (yes, I was horrible).

I own a 96XP. Has a few mods. My plan is to make that the trailer queen after I get a SJ or even sell it and mod the SJ.

So I got a few random questions, bare with me, I know some might sound really dumb, but I hardly know anything about SJ's.

- Would I fit on a SJ? I'm 6'4" and 185 pounds.

- Should I get a stock ski or get something that has been modded? If I got a modded ski, would I just be getting some else's headache?

- Should I try and stay away from salt water skis even if they have been flushed after every ride?

- Besides the usual like checking comp. in the cylinders, anything else I should check before I buy a SJ?

- What's the point of having side exhaust over rear exhaust?

- Do SJ hulls get a lot of water in them if you are just riding around and not doing subs? Would a 500GPH pump be a wise idea even if I don't plan on subbing until I get the hang of just riding around first? If so, should I get one that works off a switch mounted on the pole or get one that auto turns on after so many minutes?

- Do you have to grease any fittings like you do on Sea-Doo's?



- Last but not least, anyone got a 96+ SJ for sale on the left coast?

 

[h2odesperado]

Would I fit on a SJ? I'm 6'4" and 185 pounds.

You'll fit no problem. I'm 5'9" and almost 200 and even my 650 lugs me around.

Should I get a stock ski or get something that has been modded? If I got a modded ski, would I just be getting some else's headache?

I'd say go with a lightly modded, with basics like making sure you have a 701 motor, b pipes are a plus, and even footholds. I liked the experience of doing my own hull work, but to each his own. Modded does not necessarily mean unreliable (usually, I hope)

- What's the point of having side exhaust over rear exhaust?

Side exhaust keeps the exhaust gases out of the pump intake, which leads to cavitation/severe power loss at the pump when trying things like tailstands and monkey jumps. Side exhaust systems let the gases excape after the waterbox out of the front of the ski, so they can evacuate above the water. This does lead to a louder ski and more smoke in the face cheer

Do SJ hulls get a lot of water in them if you are just riding around and not doing subs? Would a 500GPH pump be a wise idea even if I don't plan on subbing until I get the hang of just riding around first? If so, should I get one that works off a switch mounted on the pole or get one that auto turns on after so many minutes?

I don't believe so, with my stock siphon bilge even I was trying to learn subs (somewhat weak) and the fuse on my pump was blown, and I wasn't worried about filling the hull up. If you do em good I'd imagine you'd take on a lot of water, but I'm not sure.

 

[h2odesperado]

round dos

- Should I try and stay away from salt water skis even if they have been flushed after every ride?

I don't have any experience with saltwater skis, but take into consideration the whole ski as well as the previous owners flushing tales. Inspect things like the bilge, underneath the motor, in front of the tank, looking for overall cleanliness. If an owner took good care of the whole ski theres more of a chance he was responsible about flushing and after ride care. Once again I don't have experience with salt skis, but I don't think you should count out a saltwater ski vs a freshwater, its definitely a case to case basis. I know I've seen some gross freshwater skis too. So just be a conscientious buyer.

- Besides the usual like checking comp. in the cylinders, anything else I should check before I buy a SJ?

Once again, check as many nooks and crannies of the ski as you can, to get an idea of the general care and maintenance the previous owner had. Umm, pull the plugs and rotate the coupler by hand? That way you can feel for a smooth operating pump and motor. Turning it by hand vs just listening to it cranking over can give you a better idea of the overall condition. Turn the ski on its side and inspect the leading edge of the impeller, as well as the clearances between the impeller and pump. I'm not sure what the spec is, I assume less than 3 mm? Check for any nicks in the prop as well as look for any corrosion around the pump. Also inspect the trailing edges of the prop. While a prop is only a 200 dollar purchase, (only :wink again it can give you an idea of the overall treatment of the ski. Aside from those things check out the steering and throttle cables, look for any excessive play or binding and sticking.

- Do you have to grease any fittings like you do on Sea-Doo's?

I know you can grease the midshaft housing. Its a sealed bearing, but grease is applied to keep the bearing watertight.


wow can you tell I'm wired and super bored?:cheer: :cheer: