Yamaha FX or SeaDoo Wake for touring

SDWKubed · 04-20-2008, 05:19 PM

Hi,

I'm new to this site, and more or less new to owning a jet ski, though I've used them in the past.

A couple of friends and I have been looking for a boat (or boats) to travel with our kitesurf and surf gear, to find new spots along the West Coast of Vancouver Island, here in BC. We had originally planned on finding zodiac type boats, but the price has made that prohibitive. Since we've used older (smaller) jet skis (carrying no gear) to explore these areas we know that they should work, and now we are looking for some bigger 3 seat skis. We'll generally be travelling with 2 people, and overnight backpacking camp gear, plus a couple of kites and small wake sized boards. The trips would probably never exceed 75 miles round trip, so we shouldn't need extra gas. Though the option of taking some longer trips has me pretty interested.

Due to the lack of options this far north for PWC's I've narrowed the search down to the Yamaha FX or the Sea Doo wake.

Now I'm looking for help deciding between which model, can you guys please help me? We are hoping to spend around $6000 for each ski.

Also, I've been looking at different racks that can be used, and I like the looks of the Discovver River rack, but I've also considered using Tow In Surfing rescue rafts, (everything that we carry is in waterproof bags) that way the weight is off the ski. What are your guys opinions on these two systems.

A long post I know, but thanks for any help in advance.

fastexas · 04-21-2008, 05:51 PM

You might be able to find a used FXHO for 6k, and it probably will be a bit more reliable than the SD. I would also opine that the ride in the Yamaha will be a bit smoother in the chop, and fuel milage will be better as well. Both will be comfortable, reasonably dry.

The wake comes in a 155HP or a 215HP (Supercharged) edition. Good luck finding a SC model for 6k! The Wake comes with a wakeboard rack and a really nice ski pylon.
If I were just cruising/ long distance riding in the sea, I'd go for the FXHO. If my riding was towing skiiers/ wakeboarders on lakes/ bays/ rivers and I like big speed, the SD would be my choice.

Just my 2 cents...............

volltrex · 04-27-2008, 08:15 AM

I pretty much agree with fastexas, the FXHO would be a good choice........a really stable platform especially if carrying a lot of gear. Also range is excelent, expect to get 120-130 miles per tank (fuel consumption on the FXHO is close to the FX, but with 20HP more).
The 155HP 4 tec is very reliable....dare I say it...as good as the MR1 in the FXHO.
The FXHO gives a more comfortable ride over distance, especially with the cruiser seats.