Looking for long term (after at least 1 year of use) reviews of the Seadoo Spark

[Ronnie]

After spending too much time refueling my Son's 1996 WaveBlaster II this past weekend both my Wife and Son agree it's time to upgrade. Both like the Seadoo Spark and if we get one it will be a used 3up with the 90 hp engine. It will also be beached regularly.

I'm reluctant about it though because it's a Seadoo and I've watched a few horror stories about them on YouTube. Lots of complaints about the wear ring and/or carbon ring wearing out prematurely. So I am asking the members here who have had a spark for a year or more what they really think about it now and whether they would buy it again, why or why not?

I'm in no rush, if we decide to squeeze the trigger it would not be until February or so when the prices should be lower (currently see 2015 model with trailer for $5,800).

I'm looking forward to reading the responses to this.

 

[ripler]

I have two 2014 2 ups. They each have about 60 hours on them. When the Spark originally came out there were issues with the handle bars breaking, mine didn't break but both of them had the handle bars replaced under warranty. I did have a seat and reboarding step replaced under warranty because he release latch broke. I have not had any other issues. Since I bought them in the first year of production I did buy a 5 year extended warranty, but have not used it. We have a blast on them, they are so light and maneuverable. We don't baby them either, we jump wakes like crazy. Be sure to get the storage bin option and add some type of traction mat. I would definitely buy them again.

Here's my 17yo daughter in action.

 

[Neutron]

After spending too much time refueling my Son's 1996 WaveBlaster II this past weekend both my Wife and Son agree it's time to upgrade. Both like the Seadoo Spark and if we get one it will be a used 3up with the 90 hp engine. It will also be beached regularly.

I'm reluctant about it though because it's a Seadoo and I've watched a few horror stories about them on YouTube. Lots of complaints about the wear ring and/or carbon ring wearing out prematurely. So I am waking the me,bears here who have had a spark for a year or more what they really think about it now and whether they would buy it again, why or why not?

I'm in no rush, if we decide to squeeze the trigger it would not be until February or so when the prices should be lower (currently see 2015 model with trailer for $5,800).

I'm looking forward to reading the responses to this.

I wouldn't worry about the carbon seal. But you can always install a float switch bilge pump. Put the water exit out the side in front of your view

 

[ridinpropless]

How do they do towing a tube/skier? There's a lot to like about them, but as Ronnie said, there are things about SeaDoos in general that worry me. That said, they've been around a long time, so they have to be doing something right.

 

[ripler]

@ridinpropless I haven't towed with them so I can't comment on that. I bought mine in the first year they came out and was a little concerned about reliability so I bought a 5 year extended warranty for about 500.00 but only had to use it once for a seat latch.