97 Yamaha RA700BV

[elcap]

I just bought a 97 Waveraider/Waverunner 701cc. The body is in pretty rough shape, but it runs great. Pretty much just trying to find out as much as I can...

Any advice for painting? I also need all new gunwales. The only new stuff I can find is factory colored. Any good aftermarket companies that anyone knows of?

So far I've figured out that it has a 61x engine (single carb). It runs decently fast, but if I keep it I might want something more. Is it a big upgrade to the dual carb 62t, or has anyone done an 1100 swap?

I also saw a post for this, so don't know if this is a common problem. But there's oil in the bottom of the hull after running for awhile. And it does smoke a lot at idle. Would converting to mixed gas help?

Any help would be great!

 

[Capt. Valk]

Re: 97 Yamaha RA700BV

First off, run it on whatever gas its made for. Check the west marine and BOATUS catalog for plastic stuff. Also Overton's catalog I think I've seen it. Search for a company called "taco". I'm guessing your not experienced with a spray gun. Look for an episode on Ship Shape TV about roll and tipping paint. You can buy the videos I think. Not sure about the powerplant swap but ya can gain some speed from a tweaked impellor and intake grate. Also in those pesky catalogs. As for the oil in the bilge, looks like ya have a leak. Clean the engine then run it and see where its coming from. If its smoking could be 2 things. Engines gettin' a wee bit worn or its running rich. If the smoke looks blueish its oil.

 

[Rob454]

Re: 97 Yamaha RA700BV

make sure you have a 155 mm pump but you probably have a 144 mm pump since its a 701. You can go dual carb on that and probably find a used pipe somewhere. If you want a fast ski buy one with a bigger motor. Personally I woudl leave it alone. run it have fun with it and then sell it for a newer ski
ROb

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: 97 Yamaha RA700BV

I agree,, those were quite reliable skies, used for years by the rental places, knowing they were going to get the stuffing beat out of them,, keep an eye on the motor mounts,, and grease the fitting for the drive shaft bearing,, follow the hose to the back of the engine for the fitting to grease it .. it is what it is ans will run forever.