Why have a builder build it?

Location
Delaware
i have seen some hack work out of supposedly big name builders. i know i've been wrenching much longer than most, so i only trust others with what i dont know or dont have the machinery to do, which aint much.

My attitude follows this... the "happiest customers" around here are the ones getting the free poop to drum them up more business or hoping to solve an issue before selling off loses. ;)

Being in this sport (PWC) for a long time you quickly find that you need to be self-sufficient if you want to make the best out of your riding seasons. I wouldn't recommend anyone getting into skis (really any "motor vessel") if they don't like to turn a wrench or have deep pockets and patience.

So when you see the mentality changes around here questions like these come up to see others perspective.

Isn't that the point of this place in one form or another?
 

Quinc

Buy a Superjet
Location
California
I was going to have the builder do it all but it was more then I was willing to pay. Plus he was very helpful over the phone on what to check and do. So I took my time and did more work then necessary (like checking the bearing crush) to make sure it was right.
 
the other issue u run into is that different people like motors run in different ways. so with just trusting an engine builder his way may not be your way.
 

Vumad

Super Hero, with a cape!
Location
St. Pete, FL
The answer to your question is time. I can spend my free time turning wrenches and my time at the lake tuning, or I can drop my ski off to harry and have it back in 3-5 days working like a top.

You can say its easy to set things to oem specifications but those start to not apply from something as simple as putting new filters on the boat. The machine must be tuned as a package, and exact specs can not be found online. I got specs for my superjet from 2 very reputable sources and the carb setting are way off from what my ski actually needed.

Lastly, you can get specs from someone with a similar setup they claim runs "awesome" but your ski will never work "right" because some of is define "awesomely" differently. How many times have we read that someone has a 800 that hits like a 1000 compared to the friends 800, when reality one hits like an 800 and the other hits like poop. Same goes for light switchy skis because they are poorly tuned. No thanks.


Now, on the other hand, no one touches my x2 but me. I do the glass work, the engine work, tuning, paint, everything. I'd rather spend more time and money for a lesser result than send my x2 for someone. Tuning is part of the hobby, and I do that part of the hobby with my x2.

But my superjet being broken for more than a few days is absolutely unacceptable.
 

onlyFX-1

Jace Forest...BRAP!
I know when I go to Team Screams shop and see how they build and assemble engines and skis I realize why I let them do it.
When someone does something day in and day out they learn tricks and secrets to their craft. Plus attention to detail is insane. Chuck and Mike at XS are amazing at what they do, and I know when I get on my ski everything was done right the first time
 

rubbertoe

X-H20 certified
Location
San Diego
I know when I go to Team Screams shop and see how they build and assemble engines and skis I realize why I let them do it.
When someone does something day in and day out they learn tricks and secrets to their craft. Plus attention to detail is insane. Chuck and Mike at XS are amazing at what they do, and I know when I get on my ski everything was done right the first time

Thats my point as well, its defiantly a craft .and individual builders earn a "reputation" so to speak, from the magic they work ,on the platforms they offer .attention to details materials and small differences or changes can be the difference of what makes a motor perform better than another similar set-up. capable or willing is not really an issue for me but i do choose to what extent i want to involve my allocated time .because this is a positive topic,and in this day and age with things costing as much as they do ,guys like myself and others need to be hands on just to keep this sport affordable .so like a lot of you have said assembly and maintenance is a great item to handle yourself .My point emphasis The actual "building" i will leave to the professionals that i choose to trust so i can expect a consistent level of craftsmanship from each item worked on ,better or at least the same as if i were doing the work .while i go do what i do to make money .Hey its just works for me . Chuck,Dan Lamey ,Zack ,Art,Tim J,and many others their shiot is just flat out better !
 
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shawn_NJ

Chasing waves.
Location
Daytona Beach
I have disassembled/reassembled a stocker 701 just to say I did it...but I would not say I am good at it. When you start adding up the cost of big PV cylinder kits, bored/ported/epoxied cases, stroker cranks, then bolting on $$$ manifolds, ect...you really better know what the hell your doing! A small mistake can be disastrous costing you thousands of dollars. I would venture to guess that most people buying fully assembled shortblocks are dropping big money, and just want to have the best chance of it running good and reliable. Atleast that was my motivation when I had XS and Thrust assemble mine.
 
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