2-3 person jet ski on hydraulic swim platform

[SeaNile]

Nothing like putting the cart before the horse but here I am wondering what kind of JetSki I can put on the swim platform of the boat that I don’t know yet. Assuming the boat has a hydraulic swim platform it looks like the rated weight is 800 pounds.

Does anyone have any model specific recommendations? Has anyone used a Sea-Doo spark before? Pretty sure the Spark 3 up is by far the lightest option. Won’t break any speed records but it also won’t break the swim platform.

 

[highslice]

Nothing like putting the cart before the horse but here I am wondering what kind of JetSki I can put on the swim platform of the boat that I don’t know yet. Assuming the boat has a hydraulic swim platform it looks like the rated weight is 800 pounds.

Does anyone have any model specific recommendations? Has anyone used a Sea-Doo spark before? Pretty sure the Spark 3 up is by far the lightest option. Won’t break any speed records but it also won’t break the swim platform.

My Sea Doo 155 Wake comes in at a touch over 800 pounds dry. Probably not an option. The Sparks are very light compared to my ski.

 

[Havana Shamrock]

My sea doo spark 3up was 400 LBS and I hit 52 mph with me on it. Was a blast for 15 mins so I sold it.

 

[Morgan Jane]

If it's a Sea Ray and has a Hydrualic Lift Swim platform, you should be able to put any Jet Ski you want on it. That being said, Even my 55 Sundancer says max weight of 800 lbs on Platform. Now that being said, the weight limit is not because of the lift. I've spoken (off the official record) to the lift manufacturer and the lift structure, pump, hydraulics an so forth can easily handle up to 1200 lbs. The weight limit is just because that's what Sea Ray says it is and In my opinion that is due to the flexing of the transom. Now that being said, I reinforced my transom on my old 48 and also now on my 55 to limit the flexing of the transom.

 

[ocgrant]

Yamaha EXR check it out. That’s what I went with. Absolute blast

 

[Josh P]

We have a Sea Doo GTX 155 which is around 800lbs. I wouldn't want to be at the weight limit for the swim platform for fear of breaking it. As well, it takes long enough to get on plane without an 800 lb weight all the way at the back. That said, I have been exploring towing options but haven't pulled the trigger yet. Check out the Magic Marine Tow: https://magicmarinetow.com/products/self-installing-kit or Towdster: https://www.towdster.com/

 

[SeaNile]

Leaning towards a Sea Doo Spark 3up. It’s under 500lbs and although not the largest or most powerful PWC it should suit our needs just fine.

 

[Jaybeaux]

Leaning towards a Sea Doo Spark 3up. It’s under 500lbs and although not the largest or most powerful PWC it should suit our needs just fine.

@SeaNile Where will you be riding the PWC? I seem to recall that you are either in the Potomac and/or Chesapeake Bay area. I spent 10 years riding a SeaDoo GTX 155 in the Coles Point area. Big water. Saw a lot of big SeaDoo and Yamahas but not many Sparks due to the big waves. Just something to consider. Now if you have a nice, quiet creek to ride in, that's different.

Jaybeaux

 

[RBB]

Fellas I would love to haul a SD GTX155 on my 44 DB, but if its not rated and breaks back of boat off insurance not going to cover. Just my thoughts.
I have the GTX 155 and tow it with no problem.

 

[Josh P]

Fellas I would love to haul a SD GTX155 on my 44 DB, but if its not rated and breaks back of boat off insurance not going to cover. Just my thoughts.
I have the GTX 155 and tow it with no problem.

What do you use to tow it with? Just rope or one of the contraptions on the market?

 

[SeaNile]

@SeaNile Where will you be riding the PWC? I seem to recall that you are either in the Potomac and/or Chesapeake Bay area. I spent 10 years riding a SeaDoo GTX 155 in the Coles Point area. Big water. Saw a lot of big SeaDoo and Yamahas but not many Sparks due to the big waves. Just something to consider. Now if you have a nice, quiet creek to ride in, that's different.

Jaybeaux

We only plan to use it while anchored up on a quiet and calm river. Definitely won’t be looking for any big water.

 

[RBB]

What do you use to tow it with? Just rope or one of the contraptions on the market?

Towdster sir, cannot run fast but its fine.

 

[Havana Shamrock]

Leaning towards a Sea Doo Spark 3up. It’s under 500lbs and although not the largest or most powerful PWC it should suit our needs just fine.

They’re still fun see.

 

[SeaNile]

At about 450# I opted for a Sea Doo Spark 3up. No big water riding for us. This will be something to use while anchored up in calm water. Reviews and owners say you can pull a tube or even ski/wakeboard behind it. Should be fun with the kids.

Found this one locally. Has a few basic upgrades taking the hp from 90 to 110. It’s a 2018 with 32hrs. Yes, the skeleton middle finger sticker will be coming off!

Guess I need to buy a white boat with black canvas now??

 

[Blueone]

I went down this rabbit hole a few years ago with a tow seadoo. A real one not the spark. You could walk to it from the house…. 4 kids…. Had it for 3 years…the last year I sold it.. it had one hour on it for the year.
Divide insurance, depreciation, dockage, slip fees, maintenance by One hour

I think they are great entertainment out of the gate… but after an hour kids are on to something else…. After a while second year they lose most of their interest….3rd year it sits.

we get way more use out of a dinghy… just my $0.02

 

[Pirate Lady]

My niece had a leg cut clean off when 2 jet skis collided. I watch every day when out on water how these fools operate and no, just no thanks.
I swear every time you see the marine police blue light flashing they got a jet ski pulled over.

 

[SeaNile]

My niece had a leg cut clean off when 2 jet skis collided. I watch every day when out on water how these fools operate and no, just no thanks.
I swear every time you see the marine police blue light flashing they got a jet ski pulled over.

Not to pull the "when I was young" card but I've had jet skis for the better part of 35 years now and how people operate them today is embarrassing. Worse, unsafe. I've had dozens of these things, mostly standups but as much as I'd like to have one the sit down version is better suited for us.

I'm not that old but definitely grumpy. Everyone will get a lecture, any A hole type riding and that thing will be sold immediately. Go find a secluded area, no riding close to boats, no wake jumping, etc. Just chill and go for a ride.

I've never been associated with fun and this Sea Doo won't change me or my lack of fun attitude.

 

[Pirate Lady]

Don’t take personal. Everyone has good and bad. For mine they are all bad.

 

[copb8tx]

Any time we had ours out at the islands and someone wanted to use it I'd said there's one BIG rule. NEVER point it at my boat under any circumstances. Too many times I'd see rookies coming up to a friend's boat on one and when they get close they'd let off the throttle and turn to miss the boat. BAM! Now someone has to die.

Also, we have one in the backyard. My wife was sure we and our kids would wear it out. Nope. I can almost bet there was less than an hour put on it last year.

 

[jmauld]

Y’all sound like a bunch of grumpy old men!

There’s a searay SB at my docks with a cracked hydraulic lift. Guy said it cracked in rough water with his dinghy sitting on it.

There’s also some dude spamming the Facebook groups with a dinghy lift that’s lifting a spark.