1999 gp1200, should I or shouldn't I?

[haddles]

In the process of buying my first ski and want to start with something fairly cheap. I have almost settled on a 1999 GP1200 Waverunner. (don't think it's an R). Going up with a compression gauge in hand to check it out. He has receipts for a recent engine rebuild and the ski has done 200 hours in total with all salt use as tends to be the case around here. Providing his receipts check out and the ski is in good condition and rides well, should I do it or are there better models out there for beginners? I'm fairly handy with a spanner so would like something easy to work on and reliable with good parts supply and cost. I don't want a money pit or this will be my first and last ski. thanks...

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: 1999 gp1200, should I or shouldn't I?

if it checks out and runs good and the price is good you will like it but they are a bit loose in handling.

 

[haddles]

Re: 1999 gp1200, should I or shouldn't I?

Have negotiated a fairly good price and he is throwing in a new batery, a service and a condition report so here goes nothing. It's a private sale so I know i'm taking a chance but hopefully i've covered most bases. Comes with a great trailer with heaps of accessories but then again i'm not buying it for the trailer am i?

 

[haddles]

Re: 1999 gp1200, should I or shouldn't I?

By the way, it says to run it on standard 91 unleaded. Is there any benefit in putting 98 in it? What is the best oil and plugs to run in it? I want to keep it going well for as long as possible.

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: 1999 gp1200, should I or shouldn't I?

put in the plugs that are required from the manufacturer, as for oil,, I don't want to start that debate. but be carefull of the oil lines as they are known to fall off and ruin your engine. If this is your first ski read this post http://www.pwcweekly.com/forum/index.php?topic=206.0

 

[haddles]

Re: 1999 gp1200, should I or shouldn't I?

Picked it up today and took it straight to the boat ramp. It's raining and windy but still managed to get half an hour in before i got sick of my face being blasted by the rain. Put a tank of 98 octane in it but might just try it on standard next tank. All seems to go well except instruments are in mph which is annoying cos that means nothing to me. Is it possible to tow with this ski? The manual seems to avoid this topic. There is a cleat on the back but not sure if it's strong enough. Didn't get time to flush it out tonight but will give it a going over tomorrow after I take it out again.

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: 1999 gp1200, should I or shouldn't I?

be sure to flush it the correct way or you will ruin the engine, as for towing a skier it will have the power but be hard to controll. give it a try and if it is a problem steering with a skier behind it let me know I have a mod that solves all the steering problems .

 

[haddles]

Re: 1999 gp1200, should I or shouldn't I?

Towed my son on a tube today (still raining) and it handled pretty well. couldn't even notice him on the back and I had an observer. A friend of mine has a wake board so will try that out for handling. Mysteriously bent one of the sponson adjusters so the repairs have already started...Chews the fuel something chronic but that's the price of a mid life crisis. Hey does anyone know the colurs of these ski's (the white and the blue) I've patched some of the gouges in the gelcoat on the hull and sanded it back but wouldn't mind painting it.