PRE 08 vs. 08+ SUPPERJET

[Gski251]

Who has ridden a pre 08 and an 08+ superjet? I haven't yet had the opportunity to ride the new hull. I would like to hear feedback on the handling differences. I have a stock '99 but contemplating getting an 08+ for the "improved" handling. More and more of my friends are getting the new SXRs, so I would like to improve the handling in an attempt to keep up with them when carving around the lake. I won't switch to an SXR; I love the playfulness of the superjet. I looked into adding sponsons and such, but I feel like it would be better to buy a newer SJ rather than attempt to match it with my 99.

 

[yamanube]

The new SJ is way better than the old (with or without tubbies) for carving and high speeds. I'd say comparable to an SXR but more nimble and playful. It sounds like exactly what you are looking for. IMO there is no better rec/lake boat.

 

[Mike W]

Here is my .02. Had pre 08 Superjet’s since 2005 or so. Bought a 08 about 2-3 years ago and couldn’t get used to how “squirrelly” it was cruising around the lake. Sold it and went back to a pre 08 round nose. If you’re riding surf, perhaps it’s the way to go.

 

[Baja 252]

We have an 08. When we got it it has the funky handling and wander people talk about. We added Pro Watercraft sponsons and a Worx 228 grate and 100% of the funny handling stuff went away. Now it rides like it's on rails, handles more like our SXR, but lighter and more playful. The sponsons keep the nose from digging in so you can go faster and turn sharper in rough water.

 

[Gski251]

Here is my .02. Had pre 08 Superjet’s since 2005 or so. Bought a 08 about 2-3 years ago and couldn’t get used to how “squirrelly” it was cruising around the lake. Sold it and went back to a pre 08 round nose. If you’re riding surf, perhaps it’s the way to go.

More "squirrelly" than the pre 08? Interesting... Was it stock?

 

[Big Kahuna]

The built in tubbies make the ski walk from side to side at slower speed. This gives you the squirrely feel to it. But get on the gas ant attack turns, it goes away.

 

[SXIPro]

I still think for just playing around, not running buoys, the pre-08 has a more predictable, forgiving, fun ride. I much prefer the 'old style' hull, myself. The 2013 I rode would just huck me off for no good reason. Kinda like an Fx1, but worse.

 

[Big Kahuna]

I still think for just playing around, not running buoys, the pre-08 has a more predictable, forgiving, fun ride. I much prefer the 'old style' hull, myself. The 2013 I rode would just huck me off for no good reason. Kinda like an Fx1, but worse.

They are tough to ride, it likes to be ridden hard and you got to be in shape to really get it to dig in and turn......

 

[Mike W]

More "squirrelly" than the pre 08? Interesting... Was it stock?

BK pretty much summed it up. The built in tubbies gave the hull a “teardrop” shape which made the rear end walk at slower/cruising speeds. Made it feel “squirrelly” to me. The pre 08 hulls didn’t do that.

 

[freshfit]

BK pretty much summed it up. The built in tubbies gave the hull a “teardrop” shape which made the rear end walk at slower/cruising speeds. Made it feel “squirrelly” to me. The pre 08 hulls didn’t do that.

I found that the more time i got in the tray the more the "squirrelliness" went away. I think its more about how you position your weight in the boat. For the first month or so I struggled with feeling like i was about to be tossed out of the tray, but now I'm very happy with my 2015. It rides on rails and is IMO as good in the corners as my buddy's SXR.

 

[yamanube]

I found the 2008 hull to be significantly more stable and predictable at speed than the previous. The harder you push it, the better it rides and like @freshfit said, it is a bit sensitive to body position, too much nose pressure can make it move around a bit in a straight line.

 

[Gski251]

We have an 08. When we got it it has the funky handling and wander people talk about. We added Pro Watercraft sponsons and a Worx 228 grate and 100% of the funny handling stuff went away. Now it rides like it's on rails, handles more like our SXR, but lighter and more playful. The sponsons keep the nose from digging in so you can go faster and turn sharper in rough water.

That's weird; why would adding sponsons over the existing pre-molded sponsons on the 08+ improve the rear-end wander?

 

[Gski251]

It sounds like the overall consensus would be to bump up to a 08+ rather than try to add sponsons by Tom. Majority of you say the 08+ improves when riding it hard and through corners which is what I am looking for.

 

[Big Kahuna]

It just depends on what type of riding you are wanting to do.

 

[ride4life]

I think 08+ rides much better. Handles rough water good but not as good a sxr. Will turn hard when you want it to. Still a light and playfull ski. Great all around rec ski.

 

[Zeus87]

I went from a 91' with a piped 61x that had sponsons, intake, 9/15 impeller and finned ride plate to a brand new 15' superjet last year.

The so called "chine" is real, but after riding it for a few hours It went away (riding position) for the most part. Now after putting the prowatercraft plate under it, I couldn't be happier. The chine is gone and it rides on rails. My buddy that bought the 91' has been looking to upgrade to the newer hull after riding my 15' for 5 minutes.

Now with that being said, if tubbies change the riding experience like many have said, it's a much more cost effective approach to get what sounds to be a very similar ride.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[yamanube]

The 96-07 turns better with front sponsons but will never be as good as the 08+. There is more going on than just front sponsons, it has deeper chines, the pump is set back and the rear of the hull is more narrow.

 

[mthomps]

I have way more time on pre 08 mainly SN. Rode 08+ enough to know that it is awesome and super forgiving for aggressive riding.

The pre 08 is like a magic 2x4 though, i donno.

 

[Bboy701]

Both ski's are awesome, but I personally like the 08+ better. That is once the steering is sorted out.

 

[Gski251]

Both ski's are awesome, but I personally like the 08+ better. That is once the steering is sorted out.

Care to elaborate on the steering?