Sugarsand Tango for 1st boat? Reliable or no?

[Jaredbarn24]

I’m seriously debating buying this 2005 sugarsand tango .... clean as a pin out of Florida ..... wondering if it’s a reliable boat & and if i should worry about having to put a lot of extra money into it? Any help appreciated

 

[biffdotorg]

If it runs, enjoy it. Check to see which SportJet engine and pump are in it. If you are not handy with a wrench, find a mechanic who will service it if you need help. Otherwise, find a service manual.

Mercury SportJets are very reliable when taken care of. That being said, if something fails, support and parts are a little slim. They are out there, but not cheap.

The boat itself is not an issue, the powertrain is what is important to understand

Good luck.

 

[Chuck Buck]

If it runs...find a service manual.
Mercury SportJets can be reliable when taken care of.
Support and parts are slim, but not cheap.

HAHA! I "modified" your post a little Biff, hope you don't mind!

My advice Jared is this, it's a 15 YO boat. It doesn't matter how well cared for or how pristine it is, stuff goes wrong. Owning it will be a challenge. If you're A) comfortable around wrenches and DVOM's, or B) wealthy enough to pay someone trustworthy and skilled enough to keep it running, go for it. If you're C) neither, find something newer/less obscure. That said, I really love my Mirage, quirks and all, and there's plenty of genuinely sharp Sugar Sand/Sport Jet owners here that are only too eager to help. Best of luck!

 

[Scottintexas]

I agree, if you're comfortable tackling jobs yourself buy it!

If you're going to be using a mechanic to fix anything be sure they're on board and comfortable working on it before you buy it. If it breaks and then you look for a mechanic you could end up in real trouble,


.

 

[biffdotorg]

HAHA! I "modified" your post a little Biff, hope you don't mind!

No issues at all. My experience was just that. But after 5-6 years with a 240EFI Sportjet, the fear of something bad happening got to me and I sold it while it was still in great working order.

Being a 2005, the Tango supersport came with the 240EFI, and I saw the Tango extreme 210 that year as well. It literally is an outboard powerhead mounted to a SportJet pump. So a good Merc mechanic should have no issues working on it. But it's a jetboat, and many will not even open it up and shrug you off like the red-headed stepchild.

 

[Chuck Buck]

If you're going to be using a mechanic to fix anything be sure they're on board and comfortable working on it before you buy it.

So true! I have a very reputable place near me, Michigan Marine Gear, that'll work on about anything EXCEPT SportJets. Heck, Barb the parts-counter person will pull whatever you need for your 1970's Mercruiser 1 outdrive off the shelf without even looking at the book. However, she said Mercury's discontinuation of critical parts for the SportJet puts them in a trick bag - if they start on a job, they may not be able to complete it. They'd rather you take your money and boat elsewhere.