hydrospace garage time

Ralph · 09-03-2009, 03:41 PM

So I want my next ski to be an s4, but i have a few questions regarding the 4 stroke and downtime. guess what im saying is what is living with the s4 like.

How much garage time does the hydro need? (meaning how much servicing and tinkering)

What would you consider to be a standard week with the s4, say if you rode sat and sun for 4 hours each at the lake?. (i mean what would you do ie oil/filter change etc)

What parts do you change from the start, read some posts that some of the bits are of a poor quality.

Sorry to be a pain with these meaning less questions but dont really want to race another SJ/sxr but then dont want to get in over my head either.

thanks in advance

Ralph

momarski · 09-03-2009, 05:29 PM

we have gone over this many times, alot of people including me on one of my boats changes the steering cable to a gpr or a skat trak steering cable but my stock one never broke on my stock boat, its also nice to change to a superjet throttle cable with a aftermarket throttle lever also

other then that everything else is fine

1. you always remove your hood after every ride and you won't blow any sensors and I mean every little ride you pull it up on your stand or trailer and remove that hood
2. keep an eye on your oil especially if you roll it over and run the engine upside down in the water (not recommended) can be easily avoided so don't let any nerds ride your boat, change the oil when it starts looking thin and black, I have gotten to the point where I can feel when its time to change the oil in the way it runs
3. donot over rev your boat after riding when clearing the water out of the exhaust when your done for the day on the trailer, just a few little blips will do

thats pretty much it and you should not have any problems, we got a plus sixty limited that runs on pump gas and has never given us a problem never

Ralph · 09-03-2009, 06:15 PM

Thanks momar,

so it's just a little love and attention and the boat will do you proud i guess, you hear some really horrific story's from people that there the boat from hell.

I like the idea that a full limited hydro is going to cost £8k but the same speed boat in a sxr or sj is going to set you back nearer £12k (all prices in gbp)

Ralph

JoeyD232 · 09-03-2009, 06:44 PM

Ralph , I bought my Hydrospace in 2007 when they were still doing the contengency program and If you bought an S4 model in the month of October you got a $1500 yellow ecu and the stock black ecu for $13000. Meaning at the time you could switch from stock to limited with the change of a plug.( In limited we also run a boost limiter valve thats super easy to install) Since then we have rode it almost every weekend and raced 8 or 9 races a year. Changing the oil twice a season, adding tubbies for smoother turns and so it does not sub on you. We have completely enjoyed the ski. It has won us a regional title in every class it has entered and the only other additions we have done to it since are the normal stuff. Replacing the throttle cable with a yamaha cable and replacing the handpole and bars for comfort and adjustablilty. We just put on a new traction matt and We are ready to go off for another season. They are correct about venting the engine, We have been through one set of sensors but they are fairly easy to replace and as long as you keep the engine compartment dry at home or just take the sensors out and keep them in your house they will last forever. One guy here in Texas even goes as far as vaccuming the water out of his hull after every ride. If you plan on racing with logg jumps you will need to re- inforce the bottom of the hull and nose to with stand the impact. We also have Sxr's and love the way they handle rough water but nothing comes close to the power and acceleration of the S4. You wont reget buying one and the old wallet will hurt from the payments, but will be happy your not buying race fuel and replacing top ends and O - rings after a few races.
Happy Thumping! Joey.......

momarski · 09-03-2009, 07:21 PM

bump

jetman624 · 09-03-2009, 07:40 PM

You guys are making me want one...

sxr951 · 09-03-2009, 09:52 PM

get one! hydrospace hulls have such a smooth turning feel to them. like it bow steers or something. i dont no its weird but great.

Ralph · 09-04-2009, 03:38 AM

Thanks all,

These post have put the concerns i have to rest. There is nothing different to owning a hydro with regards to looking after it, that im not doing now on other boats (hood off, engine clean and dry before putting alway etc)

So here comes the repayment plan

Ralph

Looter · 09-04-2009, 12:26 PM

Just a word of caution Ralph... make sure that you have a capable mechanic close to you and you have a way to get parts quickly and without a huge markup. Hydros are absolutely not like any other ski... they are about as similar as a Ferrari to a Prius. Also... make sure you dealer has a good relationship with HSR in case you need anything. There are a few stories of people not having any issues with their Hydros but there are many more people that have had chronic problems with them. I never had sensor issues with mine... just two main bearing meltdowns. My third motor was fine. But... I did change the oil every other ride, which can get really expensive and it totally negates the environmental benefit of having a four stroke... since you go through so much oil.

When they run, they're the best ski out there... when they don't, they're the worst.

momarski · 09-04-2009, 12:44 PM

of course you took your used oil to pep boys or somewhere it was recycled and used again, no environmental problems there