Thread: Jet Ski Advice
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Old 09-10-2019, 06:15 AM   #11
Biggd
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jetskier View Post
Hi all,

Simply, 4 stroke and 2 stroke jetskis are quite different.
  • Other than the Yamaha Superjet, there are no new 2 stroke models on the market. So, all the contemporary models are 4 stroke.
  • I have both a 2 stroke (1996 SeaDoo GTX) and a 4 stroke (2002 SeaDoo 4-Tec GTX). The riding characteristics of the two are quite different. The GTX is lighter and more maneuverable. The 4-Tec GTX is heavier and more of a flat out cruiser. The GTX will dance on the waves and the 4-Tec GTX tends to cut a bit more through the waves.
  • If you are planning to tow, the 4 stroke is a much better choice.
  • In general, 2 strokes require more maintenance and will likely be less reliable. Over time, I have replaced the engine, the gauges, the pump etc... In addition, the earlier jetskis did not anticipate E10 gasoline. The gas lines in my GTX decomposed based upon the E10 gasoline and I had to rebuild the carburetors and replace all the fuel lines. Additionally, the 2 stroke jetskis are all open loop cooled which means that if there is an obstruction in the water feed, you can blow the engine. The 4 strokes are closed loop cooled.
  • All this being said, I do like my 2 stroke and my 4 stroke...they are very different rides. Maintenance aside, the 2 stroke is more fun. Pragmatically, if I was going to replace either, I would ditch the 2 stroke for another 4 stroke.

I hope that this is helpful

Jetskier
There is a difference between the GTX and the GTI that I have also. The GTI seems to cut through the waves much better than the GTX and the GTX seems much heavier.
I'm not very big so I can maneuver the GTI around much easier than the GTX. But at 70mph in rough water the GTX is what I want to be on.
I personally don't like the smell and the noise of a 2 stroke so I would never buy one, JMO. I'm so glad everything is going 4 stroke. I don't even like being behind a 2 stoke in the water any more.
Which such a short season I don't want a machine I have to tinker with during the season. I just want to get on it and go.

Last edited by Biggd; 09-10-2019 at 06:46 AM.
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