Re: Got my dream ski today!!! 96xp
I have had a 96 xp for a few years... I use it to play around with and jump waves (on the bay). A few thoughts for you: yes... it is a 2 seater... barely... really more of a 1.5'er. And yes... the hull is fun primarily because it is relatively flat and thus playful. On a long ride, though, it will beat you badly. The ski is also fun because it has pretty big motor (787 cc - 110 hp) and is small and relatively light (400 lbs)... thus, it will GET faster than most. If the motor is dead (won't turn over)... yes, go with an SBT motor... good warranty and it will work out of the box. You should also consider going to pre-mix fuel/oil. While there, you also need to replace all fuel lines and the fuel selector valve (the gray ones tend to dissolve, clog carbs which run lean and motors die - which is what you have now). Also... you need to have the carbs rebuilt while you are at it.
As far as mods go... I would suggest you get it running... ride it a bit and see what you do or don't like about it. You can sink a lot of money into what is, basically, a $ 1,500 ski (on a good day). Stock it will hit about 60 mph and leave most stuff on the water cold while doing it. If you really want to go faster than 60... well, you should consider a larger boat with a better/more stable hull. Handling... new sponsons are good.... although, again... you have to make sure you have an idea as to what your goals are... wait... need to stop... feel like I am going on here... enjoy...