97 SeaDoo XP or 96 Yamaha Waveraider 1100

[Jet1100STX]

Hi im new to this site. I have a 99 Kaw 1100STX, and want a second ski so I dont have to ride alone. I can get these skis at the same price, but was wondering which 1 would be the best.

[tom21]

I also have that ski and I have a 97 xp. its just as fast and leans more in the turns. never been on a raider 1100 but I have been told they are very fast for the size but tend to come unhooked at speed in a turn. ????

I think either one would be a good ski- so maybe choose the one in better condition?

[yamanube]

Personally I would say the XP would be more fun but the raider is more reliable.

[tom21]

I am a yamaha man but I have to ask what you base that statement on? its all in how its maintained.

[yamanube]

A buddy and I both got our skis at the same time, I had a '96 raider 1100 he had a '96xp and 96spx. His where considerably more unreliable over the couple of years we owned them and seems to be that way for many people on here. Not to mention the Yamaha parts seem to be easier to find and just all around better quality. I have worked on more sea-doos than any other ski and have never owned anything but Yamahas...

[tom21]

I somewhat tend to agree- except on the off chance that the seadoo's just had more time on them.

just for simplicity and ease of work the yamahas and kawis are nicer to work on. but there are a few models that are just plain a PITA!

[Jet1100STX]

The guy said the xp needs work on the trim control arm, and has 40hrs on a topend rebuild 2004. How hard and how much $ for the arm?

[tom21]

yeah those trim systems suck they are electric and get water in em and then no worky. I had to fix mine when I got it. seadoo electrics go with the raider.

[yamanube]

The seadoo also has one to many e-boxes...not counting the VTS unit. The VTS boxes do seem to be a common problem, although you can bypass it (for the small amount of difference they make they are not worth the headache)

[yamanube]

Especially if you are planning on getting it for friends/family to ride, go with the raider, easier for beginners to ride and working on a ski that broke while somebody else was riding it sucks.