Spark opinions

[Vumad]

Looking for opinions on ride and reliability from people who own/ed a standup or B1 and a Spark.

My buddy currently owns a X2 and is considering the Spark. He has not liked any of my standups (650sx, SJ, SXR) but does like the X2 and B1. We've also over the years owned B2, both versions of the XP, SP, HX, GP1200. His favorites were the HX and XP, although he seems very happy with the X2. I think he'd be very happy with a 1200 B2 although we've never had one.

What sparked this conversation, pun intended, is that the X2 is just not a great surf boat as it seems impossible to have 0% water ingestion 100% of the time. After discussing the options, specifically the current market of B1, B2, Hx, etc, and the age / reliability factors, he is pretty convinced he would be happy with a spark.

Remember the context of fuel economy (more specifically ride time) and reliability, and total cost of ownership (older boats may be slightly cheaper but they all come with 20-30 year old motors) contrasted to weight / hull design for multipurpose use (surf jumping, think B2 GP1200 type of riding).

So, opinions of people who have substantial experience with both. Not just "I rode a spark once" but people who have rode the heck out of them in the surf and owned them long enough to have maintenance knowledge.

 

[Yami-Rider]

Sparks are fun for a sit down, I would take a 1100 blaster over a spark, but the fuel economy is a whole lot better on a spark. If you get really rough with a spark, the hull will fail.
I've never rode one in surf, but have seen plenty videos of them in surf.

 

[thomps33]

They are fun, but I wouldn't own one for surf riding. Get a little salt water in that engine and it's toast.

 

[Vumad]

By surf I'm talking Gulf coast FL. Max 6ft mostly straight jumping occasionally hitting the bottom. Getting rolled in the surf is possible but unlikely. My understanding is they stay pretty dry inside. We can speculate but looking for the experiences of owners.

I would take a 1100 blaster over a spark.

I was/am pushing the direction of a 1200 B2 for him but after discussing the cost of building/buying built the price was close to that of a used/new spark. The thing that pushed the discussion towards the spark is the age of the motors and the lack of production of things like the GP1200 computer (not sure if it can be deleted, but the point is parts are old) vs a new ski with a warranty.

As for the B1, he's pushing 50 and our surf is not very clean so he's looking for something a little easier to mount. He might change his mind if he gets to ride a B1 with a 701 or similar seat, although running B1 here are $2000+ and almost $3000 with a pipe. I don't think he'd need an 1100/1200 on a B1.

 

[Pro-pulsion]

A guy in our group up here rode with us in about 5-6 foot surf with his Spark. There are these little side panels close where your knees bend but lower...his blew off after a 3-4 foot jump. He saw it and grabbed it before it left the ski but the ski def took on water and it happens to be that the intake is right there behind that panel. He said he heard a thug thug thug as the water was slapping into it, partially filled his hull too. It was surprising though to see body parts just fly off with no real effort. I guess when you make a hull out of Rubbermaid lol, you shouldn't expect a lot of durability. Also tell him to consider this...BRP stops parts production on ALL skis and probably all of their powersports products after 9 years, once parts are out of stock they are NLA and at year 10 the ski is obsoleted. There's a hidden message in their old commercials which I think they stopped saying abruptly..."built for a decade of..." because after a decade it is completely non-existent to them anymore. Food for thought my friend. Tell you buddy to maybe consider the new Yamaha EX. It's heavier than the Spark by a good bit at 584 lbs dry but at least you know parts will be available from Yamaha for the next 20+ years

http://www.yamaha-motor.ca/products/details-build-price.php?model=4860&group=WV&catId=117

 

[N3vrSat1sfied]

We just picked up a spark, fun ski to play around with and chase surf boats... Not sure about surf but I'm sure it would be fun.

 

[vomitspot]

remember its just plastic

 

[WB800BLASTER]

go with a B2...... i have bone stock one that everyone rides...just keeps on going and takes a full beating.... all i do is rebuild the carbs every three or four years and new stock prop.......does not go super fast so every idiot can ride it...fun on flat and surf.....i catch crap about her all the time but i shut them up real fast when i remind them that they just borrowed her as their shet box was down again.

if want it loaded up PM me and will tell you want i did to MY b2

 

[Quinc]

What about a xp, xps, zxi, wave raider or another older/nimble couch? They take a beating, easy to find, lighter, cheaper, and probably faster.

 

[Vumad]

What about a xp, xps, zxi, wave raider or another older/nimble couch? They take a beating, easy to find, lighter, cheaper, and probably faster.

Weve owned just about everything built from the late 80s to the early 2000s amoungst the group of us. He is specifically looking at the spark. A few people i have met that ride b1, stand up, etc, have bought sparks for their wives or children. I just didnt inquire that much because no one i knew was interested in one. Im sure those people have taken the spark for plenty of runs just like i used to takeout my wifes gp1200.

Thing is, ive already pushed him hard to buy or built a 1200 b1or 1100 hx but he is very interested in havijg a motor that isnt 30 years old. One guy om FBwas all mad that i was blowing off theopinions of people who havent owned a spark. Im looking for honesty and experience with the spark so i have legit info to bring back to b2,hx,spark debate (he asked me to find reviews from our community before he buys something, but he wanted the opinions of owners)

 

[truth609]

I owned a spark and rode it in surf for 2 years. I had a b2 before that and i currently have a rockered blaster and a reaper. I put a beating on the spark, i broke the stock handlebars, replaced with a worx set up, and i broke 2 steering supports. They were inexpensive and easy to replace. The spark is SOOOOO much better in surf than a b2. Very light, nimble and easy to throw around. The b2 feels glued to the water in comparison. The spark was a great way into the sport, now that I've developed my skill set and ride the blaster and reaper, a spark feels like it has training wheels, Like a big couch. A very durable, affordable fun ski, i wouldn't steer anyone away from one, but beware that they are very easy to ride and incredibly stable (which is very boring) when compared to a smaller ski like a blaster etc.

 

[Quinc]

Can you repair the hull on a spark if it cracks or breaks? That is what I would be worried about. Or just get insurance on it.

 

[Dools]

He will be severely disappointed by the spark compared to an X2/WB1/WB2 ... have him check out a rickter mx1

 

[truth609]

You really think a guy considering a spark for a weekend ski should buy and build an mx1 instead??? Some people have successfully had hulls plastic welded, but id replace it if it were cracked. Bottom hulls are $1800 retail.

 

[Vumad]

I owned a spark and rode it in surf for 2 years. I had a b2 before that and i currently have a rockered blaster and a reaper. I put a beating on the spark, i broke the stock handlebars, replaced with a worx set up, and i broke 2 steering supports. They were inexpensive and easy to replace. The spark is SOOOOO much better in surf than a b2. Very light, nimble and easy to throw around. The b2 feels glued to the water in comparison. The spark was a great way into the sport, now that I've developed my skill set and ride the blaster and reaper, a spark feels like it has training wheels, Like a big couch. A very durable, affordable fun ski, i wouldn't steer anyone away from one, but beware that they are very easy to ride and incredibly stable (which is very boring) when compared to a smaller ski like a blaster etc.View attachment 339690

Thank you. Excellent post and it's the kind of information he is looking to hear. I'm sure he expects some issues and I think your review is right up his alley. Thanks for the picture. I think that if that is the kind of riding you wrote your review on he will be plenty satisfied.

Still happy to hear from other owners. You're the only one so far. I do have 2 friends I need to make calls to.

You really think a guy considering a spark for a weekend ski should buy and build an mx1 instead??? Some people have successfully had hulls plastic welded, but id replace it if it were cracked. Bottom hulls are $1800 retail.

Amen.

I think many people who replied skimmed my question or are too biased (I admit my bias). I currently own a running limited SJ. My B1 is apart for a hull repair but is complete. He can borrow either anytime he likes, just as I can currently show up at his house with just a text message and take his XL760 (or spark in the future) for my family to use. He's looking to replace the XL760 and X2 with something in between knowing he has full access to my blaster. (trying to convince him to keep the X2 and just sell the 760).

I'm sure he'd love a MX1. I would too. I'd love to replace my SJ with a Rickter and replace my X2 with a Trinity 800. I just misplaced that extra $45,000 I had set aside to replace my not even $6000 worth of skis. I have a B1 because I bought it for $300 and fixed it for $300. Not reasonable to say replace it with a MX1.

 

[truth609]

Glad i could help! Sounds like you got a deal on that blaster!

Thank you. Excellent post and it's the kind of information he is looking to hear. I'm sure he expects some issues and I think your review is right up his alley. Thanks for the picture. I think that if that is the kind of riding you wrote your review on he will be plenty satisfied.

Still happy to hear from other owners. You're the only one so far. I do have 2 friends I need to make calls to.



Amen.

I think many people who replied skimmed my question or are too biased (I admit my bias). I currently own a running limited SJ. My B1 is apart for a hull repair but is complete. He can borrow either anytime he likes, just as I can currently show up at his house with just a text message and take his XL760 (or spark in the future) for my family to use. He's looking to replace the XL760 and X2 with something in between knowing he has full access to my blaster. (trying to convince him to keep the X2 and just sell the 760).

I'm sure he'd love a MX1. I would too. I'd love to replace my SJ with a Rickter and replace my X2 with a Trinity 800. I just misplaced that extra $45,000 I had set aside to replace my not even $6000 worth of skis. I have a B1 because I bought it for $300 and fixed it for $300. Not reasonable to say replace it with a MX1.

 

[aero92x]

Riding Spark looks to me like...

 

[Mike Grafas]

here is my .02, I own a b1 modded and my buddy, the guy I ride with ALL the time has a spark I believe 2015 2up 90hp
I would say go with a b1 or b2
personally the spark is a very fun ski, once in sport mode. does about 50 mph but again it is all plastic
we have had his in the surf twice so far and again they are ok for nose stabs and getting air but if you land vertical you better hope its deep enough
I am also the one who works on it for him, and I work on it a lot for a 2015 that shouldn't need much, we ride in the bay but have big boat wakes, boats in the 60 foot range plowing along, so you can imagine how we beat our skis.
he can nose stab the thing pretty good but after 2 years of abuse here are the things that have gone wrong:
snapped driveshaft (not stripped splines, which is common, actually snapped the shaft in two)
broken handle bars
broken handle bar column
grenaded his pump bearings
ski takes on water slowly
fuel vented out during a hot day and stained his plastic
Now I have another friend who has a 14 or 15 as well and he just cracked the bottom deck by being an idiot and put it on his trailer too aggressive, now I'm sure there are ways to fix this but the proper way would be to get a new bottom deck for I believe $1800
Also the down fall of a spark is routine maintenance, if you want to change the oil(I believe you can do this easily with a sucker but haven't tried), spark plugs, install a bilge, wash off your motor with fresh water or just take a look inside the hull for a visual inspection you need to remove the top deck completely. once you do it a few times like I have it takes about 15 mins with the proper tools but definitely need two people to lift if up and over
I will also add winterization, you need to pull the deck off to fog the cylinders, now yes you can fog through the intake but take the risk of sticking a valve come spring time. Or you just start the ski every 2 weeks for about 30 seconds but not the ideal way to winterize
Would I ride one and enjoy it, yes, for a little while, would I ever own one, not a chance unless I plan on riding a few times a year and bring it to dealer for all work to be done
I have also heard that the warranty work is a pita to deal with, you would have to bring it to a dealer who is willing to fight for you to get the warranty work, I wouldn't try to handle with seadoo by yourself
I do know plenty of people who love them as well, again this is just my personal opinion and experience
As far as fuel economy goes, I also have a modded rn sj 701 and in the time I burn 2.5 gallons he will burn about 4-5, now granted I ride a lot of freestyle and he will go wot runs, but I wouldn't say the fuel economy is outstanding, but the one time we rode 12 miles to the surf, played in the surf for about 30 mins, and back (6 miles there and 6 miles back) and I still had about 2 gallons left in my sj, he probably had about the same

 

[Vumad]

here is my .02, I own a b1 modded and my buddy, the guy I ride with ALL the time has a spark I believe 2015 2up 90hp
I would say go with a b1 or b2
personally the spark is a very fun ski, once in sport mode. does about 50 mph but again it is all plastic
we have had his in the surf twice so far and again they are ok for nose stabs and getting air but if you land vertical you better hope its deep enough
I am also the one who works on it for him, and I work on it a lot for a 2015 that shouldn't need much, we ride in the bay but have big boat wakes, boats in the 60 foot range plowing along, so you can imagine how we beat our skis.
he can nose stab the thing pretty good but after 2 years of abuse here are the things that have gone wrong:
snapped driveshaft (not stripped splines, which is common, actually snapped the shaft in two)
broken handle bars
broken handle bar column
grenaded his pump bearings
ski takes on water slowly
fuel vented out during a hot day and stained his plastic
Now I have another friend who has a 14 or 15 as well and he just cracked the bottom deck by being an idiot and put it on his trailer too aggressive, now I'm sure there are ways to fix this but the proper way would be to get a new bottom deck for I believe $1800
Also the down fall of a spark is routine maintenance, if you want to change the oil(I believe you can do this easily with a sucker but haven't tried), spark plugs, install a bilge, wash off your motor with fresh water or just take a look inside the hull for a visual inspection you need to remove the top deck completely. once you do it a few times like I have it takes about 15 mins with the proper tools but definitely need two people to lift if up and over
I will also add winterization, you need to pull the deck off to fog the cylinders, now yes you can fog through the intake but take the risk of sticking a valve come spring time. Or you just start the ski every 2 weeks for about 30 seconds but not the ideal way to winterize
Would I ride one and enjoy it, yes, for a little while, would I ever own one, not a chance unless I plan on riding a few times a year and bring it to dealer for all work to be done
I have also heard that the warranty work is a pita to deal with, you would have to bring it to a dealer who is willing to fight for you to get the warranty work, I wouldn't try to handle with seadoo by yourself
I do know plenty of people who love them as well, again this is just my personal opinion and experience
As far as fuel economy goes, I also have a modded rn sj 701 and in the time I burn 2.5 gallons he will burn about 4-5, now granted I ride a lot of freestyle and he will go wot runs, but I wouldn't say the fuel economy is outstanding, but the one time we rode 12 miles to the surf, played in the surf for about 30 mins, and back (6 miles there and 6 miles back) and I still had about 2 gallons left in my sj, he probably had about the same

Great. Thanks. Ill forward this to him.

 

[Quinc]

here is my .02, I own a b1 modded and my buddy, the guy I ride with ALL the time has a spark I believe 2015 2up 90hp
I would say go with a b1 or b2
personally the spark is a very fun ski, once in sport mode. does about 50 mph but again it is all plastic
we have had his in the surf twice so far and again they are ok for nose stabs and getting air but if you land vertical you better hope its deep enough
I am also the one who works on it for him, and I work on it a lot for a 2015 that shouldn't need much, we ride in the bay but have big boat wakes, boats in the 60 foot range plowing along, so you can imagine how we beat our skis.
he can nose stab the thing pretty good but after 2 years of abuse here are the things that have gone wrong:
snapped driveshaft (not stripped splines, which is common, actually snapped the shaft in two)
broken handle bars
broken handle bar column
grenaded his pump bearings
ski takes on water slowly
fuel vented out during a hot day and stained his plastic
Now I have another friend who has a 14 or 15 as well and he just cracked the bottom deck by being an idiot and put it on his trailer too aggressive, now I'm sure there are ways to fix this but the proper way would be to get a new bottom deck for I believe $1800
Also the down fall of a spark is routine maintenance, if you want to change the oil(I believe you can do this easily with a sucker but haven't tried), spark plugs, install a bilge, wash off your motor with fresh water or just take a look inside the hull for a visual inspection you need to remove the top deck completely. once you do it a few times like I have it takes about 15 mins with the proper tools but definitely need two people to lift if up and over
I will also add winterization, you need to pull the deck off to fog the cylinders, now yes you can fog through the intake but take the risk of sticking a valve come spring time. Or you just start the ski every 2 weeks for about 30 seconds but not the ideal way to winterize
Would I ride one and enjoy it, yes, for a little while, would I ever own one, not a chance unless I plan on riding a few times a year and bring it to dealer for all work to be done
I have also heard that the warranty work is a pita to deal with, you would have to bring it to a dealer who is willing to fight for you to get the warranty work, I wouldn't try to handle with seadoo by yourself
I do know plenty of people who love them as well, again this is just my personal opinion and experience
As far as fuel economy goes, I also have a modded rn sj 701 and in the time I burn 2.5 gallons he will burn about 4-5, now granted I ride a lot of freestyle and he will go wot runs, but I wouldn't say the fuel economy is outstanding, but the one time we rode 12 miles to the surf, played in the surf for about 30 mins, and back (6 miles there and 6 miles back) and I still had about 2 gallons left in my sj, he probably had about the same

Looks like your buddy could benefit from the 701 flex fins and buying insurance.
http://www.x-h2o.com/index.php?threads/surf-fins.172139/#post-1851556