New to stand ups - Advice please

shockwave538

shockwave538

Location
Lake Anna, VA
Hi. I have a couple 900STS's that are good for taking out with the kids and going on long cruises with some buddies, but I have quickly realized in <2 months of ski ownership that I'll be bored soon. Regardless of my wife's eye rolling, I think a stand up is just what I need. I'm 6'3", 210 lb, in good shape. (not excellent shape, so no backflips for me just yet!) I'm looking for something that is ready to ride and will move me around well, but doesn't necessarily have go like a rocket (though I'm not afraid of speed). I'm trying to stay around $1500 or less, and I can upgrade to mods or another ski later on if needed.

1) What are some good options that would work well, and some things I should stay away from? My understanding is 550 or smaller will be no good for me, 650 may work if running well or has some mods, and 700+ should be fine.

2) What are some specific things I should look for when checking out an old ski, or warning signs to walk away?

3) Anyone know of some groups or individuals that ride on Lake Anna? Haven't seen any out here yet, and would like to meet up sometime. Even better, I'd like to try riding one of these things before I buy one, but I'm pretty sure if I can't I'll be happy with one anyway and pick it up fairly quick. Already reaching the limit of what my STS can do.
 
TheCoz43

TheCoz43

Jet Surfer
Location
Pismo Beach, CA
The first one seems like it has a lot of upgrades, group k motor and other nice mods.

The second one doesn't have much.

Usually you can find 650 sx's in the 700-1000 range. The first one may be worth a little more with the extras.

Do a compression test make sure both cylinders are even. Listen while it is running to the pump area to see if you hear a clanging sound. The pump wear ring could be bulged. But if these were truely fresh water only they should be fine. The first one had a new prop so hopefully they checked the wear ring.

We started riding the kawi 650 for a first ski. It was a good learner, but the 701 super jet is a better ski. Little more pricy, but you can upgrade the motor and pump. Then switch the set up over to an aftermarket hull when ready.
 
Dalton

Dalton

Location
Wisconsin
If you can get your hands on any superjet it'll save you the hassle of upgrading to a superjet later, which you will. If a superjet isn't a possibility you'll have fun on the 650sx and it'll do everything you need it to for a long time. $1500 is overpriced though, in my area they usually run between $700-1000.
 
Bobert540

Bobert540

Site Supporter
Location
Rockford,MI
I had a 650sx as my first ski. It was ok to learn on but after I rode a SJ, I sold the 650sx and bought a SN SJ. You should be able to find a 94-95 701 SN SJ in the $1500 range.
 
shockwave538

shockwave538

Location
Lake Anna, VA
Turned out the PJS was sold, bummer. Why the heck can't people delete their postings once sold? Not like it's more complicated than making the listing! Instead, have my eye on a slightly modded 750sx, stock 750sxi (fingers crossed) and the upgraded 650sx above.

If a poster says the ski runs good but only needs carb or choke cleaned, then what can I do to make sure that's it? I pick up mechanics well, but am definitely still learning. I'm gonna check compression, do a good look at prop/ring, inspect hoses/cables/interior, test with a good battery if needed, and check for good charging voltage. Can the carb be so gummed that I can't at least run it briefly with some starting fluid? As long as I can get a good response out of the motor, I can clean/rebuild and tune a carb. I would really like to water test it and be running it the day after I get it, but at a minimum I want to know I can get it running fine with the low cost and effort of a carb rebuild.

What could the rough running symptoms of a dirty choke or carb be hiding?
 
Quinc

Quinc

Buy a Superjet
Location
California
Needs carb work is usually slang for something worse. Or they have no idea what is wrong with it. As long as compression is good you should be able to easily fix most things. Make sure and bring a battery and your own tools too. Most of the time you get "oh the battery is dead but it ran great last season..." once you do get a ski I would pull the engine and everything out, do a leak down test, check the torque on all the bolts, replace the fuel and water lines etc etc
 
550/440

550/440

Maybe I'll get it all the way around NEXT time....
Location
Arizona!
Get a Superjet, they are a great hull that is fairly versatile and new rider friendly as well.
 
shockwave538

shockwave538

Location
Lake Anna, VA
Finally! Just picked up a nice '90 Superjet with a '95 701 installed, plus a few handling/body mods. Initial trial showed promise, can't wait to wear myself out tomorrow!

How good does the siphon action bilge pump work, that uses force from the water flowing? Should I install a bilge pump? At some point I'd like to try submerging and other tricks, but not just yet. And what techniques have people tried to get a little bit of storage on a Superjet?
 
Quinc

Quinc

Buy a Superjet
Location
California
The bilge works great, just make sure and ride in a straight line for a 100yards or so after you sub it. If the hood seal is in rough shape you will want to replace that, and you should deff get an electric bilge.
 
550/440

550/440

Maybe I'll get it all the way around NEXT time....
Location
Arizona!
Siphon bilge is... OK at best. One sub every 3-4 minutes and you might be OK. I recommend an electric bilge for sure. Squares take on a lot of water when subbing.
 
shockwave538

shockwave538

Location
Lake Anna, VA
Should have not beat myself up like that for 2 hours straight when I had to work last night. Still sore today. But it was worth it! Think this will be the death of me, but at least I'll go out smiling!

What can I do to keep the bow from bouncing so much. Water was fairly calm, but as I went faster, the nose just bounced more. Tried shifting as much weight forward as possible, but didn't kill it all the way. Ski has an extended ride plate shimmed down to help minimize porpoising. The bounces also made it hard to give it the throttle needed to keep stable in turns. I gotta figure out how to fix this!
 
All stock 701

All stock 701

Location
Pasadena, MD
Ride ride and ride some more. Nothing will help anymore than the plate and shimming that is already done. More weight on your front leg will help.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom