Ultra LX and Ultra 250X: 2007 or 2008 or 2009?

rw99 · 01-07-2010, 01:00 PM

I'm narrowing my choices here; looking mostly at the Ultra LX but I have also found a great price on a 2007 Ultra 250X.

The question: should I have a strong preference for a specific model year? Or are the changes mostly minor/cosmetic. I realize the blown '09 is a "260X", does this imply a significant change?

Thanks in advance for any input...

John Belton · 01-08-2010, 10:25 PM

To me, a significant consideration should be the mpg of the boat. You are mentioning the supercharge models which get 3 mpg. if you want 6 mpg take a look at the non supercharge ultra; that boat will go about 120 miles on a tank. If you will be riding with friends with performance supercharge boats well I guess you are roped into the supercharged boat (if you want to keep up). I have had the 2007 250X and currently have the 2009 260X. The 260 is a better performing boat than the 2007 250X; not "night and day" but enough to notice. Some of my favorite rides are by myself on my non supercharge Ultra (I have one of those too). Although the performance is better, there is more maintennace with the supercharge boats. I know the SF Bay can get pretty choppy so bottom line you really can't go wrong no matter what Ultra you have; Ultra will be a good "bay boat". I hope my opinion gives you some help. JB

hilomikey · 01-08-2010, 10:43 PM

I have the 07 Ultra 250. It currently has 201 hours on it. Basic mods done is rideplate, BOV block off and Valve cover blockoff. I can keep up with most 09's with these mods.. My set up is for big wave riding. I love catching 20' surf and riding down the face of a big wave. Talk about a stable ride..love it. I rode the non-blown Ultra LX and it is a good ski. Stable, well built and very low maint. Change oil every 100 hours plugs same thing, rinse well and ski will last a long time.. Just my 2 cents!

rw99 · 01-11-2010, 01:03 AM

I love the Ultra LX and the Yammie FX HO, they fit my goal of good power, comfort, and reliability without having to worry about higher octane fuel or the extra maintenance on the blower. My problem is that I can get that new '07 Ultra 250 for $7500... one of those situations where the deal is too good to pass up...

hilomikey · 01-11-2010, 01:13 PM

7500 is a little high, an 07 with under 100 hours can be found for 6000 to 7000 US$. If getting that ski, ask if the catchcan mod has been done as these skis or 07 models had some problems with gas in the oil getting pass the rings. Not all 07's had this issue but most did. Go to greenhulk.net and research fourstroke section.

rw99 · 01-11-2010, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hilomikey

7500 is a little high, an 07 with under 100 hours can be found for 6000 to 7000 US$. If getting that ski, ask if the catchcan mod has been done as these skis or 07 models had some problems with gas in the oil getting pass the rings. Not all 07's had this issue but most did. Go to greenhulk.net and research fourstroke section.

I'm placing significant value on the fact this ski is brand new and comes with the warranty... seems like a steal at $7500 to me, because I'm seeing exactly the prices that you mentioned on comparable mildly-used pwc. Thanks for the heads-up on the catchcan, I'll ask about that.

I guess one of the benefits of buying a "lingering" model year pwc (like a 2007) is the fact that most of the problems/quirks/easy mods have already been identified and worked out...

hilomikey · 01-11-2010, 07:26 PM

Brand new 07 yes that is a steal.... guess I didn't read closely. You won't be disappointed with that particular ski.

RumRunner_1492 · 01-12-2010, 09:09 AM

I have an 07 Ultra LX. It is a great ski. It is stable and preforms very well. My main consideration was the mpg. I'm glad I went with the LX. I was very happy about it when gas hit over $4 per gallon and it's heading thta way again.

puckoach · 01-12-2010, 10:03 AM

The LX is the same engine as the 15F, in a larger heavier chop craft hull. This engine is from the Concourse motorcycle. It was first placed in the 12F. Then the stroke lextended for the 15F hp increase. The 12F has had more problems, than the 15F. IMHO, this is due to owners trying to "keep up", and running WOT all the time on their 12F's.

For unidentified reasons by Kawi, they took action on the oil pump sprocket, which was upgraded on this engine for 09.

I'm guessing that the sprocket problem was once again an issue of owners trying to keep up. So, IMHO, I would stay away from the LX, especially prior to the upgrade.

I know a guy that had his new ultra 250 blow up after only a few hours. I can't relate the cause, or comment on his lack of proper break-in. As he had to sign a confidentiality agreement. Which leaves me with the feeling it was not just an assembly defect, which can happen to anythning. Could have been thou. But, they did stand behind it, and he has been trouble free since.

RumRunner_1492 · 01-12-2010, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by puckoach

The LX is the same engine as the 15F, in a larger heavier chop craft hull. This engine is from the Concourse motorcycle. It was first placed in the 12F. Then the stroke lextended for the 15F hp increase. The 12F has had more problems, than the 15F. IMHO, this is due to owners trying to "keep up", and running WOT all the time on their 12F's.

For unidentified reasons by Kawi, they took action on the oil pump sprocket, which was upgraded on this engine for 09.

I'm guessing that the sprocket problem was once again an issue of owners trying to keep up. So, IMHO, I would stay away from the LX, especially prior to the upgrade.

I know a guy that had his new ultra 250 blow up after only a few hours. I can't relate the cause, or comment on his lack of proper break-in. As he had to sign a confidentiality agreement. Which leaves me with the feeling it was not just an assembly defect, which can happen to anythning. Could have been thou. But, they did stand behind it, and he has been trouble free since.

I guess it would depend a lot on wht type of riding he is doing. If he has to run it at WOT to get in the mid 50's to "keep up" then you might have a point. If that is not the type of riding he is doing then that wouldn't be an issue. I have a 2007 Ultra LX and 12F. I have had zero problems with either of them. They are at WOT some of the time but I have never had a problem keeping up with other skis or the two boats we have. Very rarely are people going WOT for any long period of time. If we are going to another dock we typically cruise around 40mph.

The possible maintenance cost on the supercharger is much greater than the Ultra LX not to mention the fuel costs.