1997 Sea Rayder F16XR 175HP

[bakerscbrxx]

I'm going to look at a 1997 Sea Rayder F16XR 175HP jet boat and was wondering if anyone has any insight on what I should be looking for? This will be my first boat and the first jet boat I've ever been on. It's been only used in the Great Lakes and the Finger Lakes of New York. It has 310 hrs on it. Thanks in advance for your honest opinion as I'm new to boating and wouldn't like to start it out on the wrong foot. I have attached some photos of the boat.

[Searaybio270]

I am not sure what to tell you and I have a Seadoo Jet boat with twin engines. Having said that, I would check the oil pump (if it has one) that pumps oil into the engine.
Make sure all the hoses are good and not cracked.
Look for cracks or repairs to the hull.
Make sure the trailer is in good shape. Especially the wheel hubs. I think that is what they are called.
I was lucky when I bought mine. It belonged to my car mechanic - Runs great and fast.
If you have to wash the water intake area make sure you have the clamps and hook up hoses to do so.
How fast does it go? If you get it get use to it first.

Good luck!
Joe

[fwebster]

The Sport Jets all suffered from a poor stator and diode pack design. When they run, they are quick and fun. Expect to see 55-60 MPH, if the engine and pump are right. The hulls were designed with the thought of competing with PWC's and are, therefore, almost bullet-proof ......... you'd probably have to drop one off a bridge to hurt the fiberglass.

DO NOT buy this boat without a sea trial where you can run it yourself. It should crank easily and run up RPM's smoothly to WOT with no misses. If it won't, "Houston, We have a problem".

Take any women-folk along for the ride.........the Sea Rayder can be a real hard and wet ride. Also, being that close to the water going 50+ mph bothers some.