Semi work safe
I Have Too Much Free Time
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,024
From: Bangor, ME
Re: Semi work safe
Zuki, think it's a decent deal? Looks like I can slap an engine in it and call it a day.
Think I should pay the extra $50 for the repairable 650 engine? Also, a guy at work says he has a wetsuit and lifejacket with lumbar support that doesn't fit him anymore that he is willing to sell me for cheap.
Here is some more history on it.
Bought with intentions of building. I bought a motor for it, but blew my 550 motor. I am now putting the purchased 650 motor in my 550. All inclusive minus motor assembly.
Hull is in good shape, nice paint, good hydro terf and vinyl pads.
bumpers were spray painted and are chipping.
Have title.
Think I should pay the extra $50 for the repairable 650 engine? Also, a guy at work says he has a wetsuit and lifejacket with lumbar support that doesn't fit him anymore that he is willing to sell me for cheap.
Here is some more history on it.
Bought with intentions of building. I bought a motor for it, but blew my 550 motor. I am now putting the purchased 650 motor in my 550. All inclusive minus motor assembly.
Hull is in good shape, nice paint, good hydro terf and vinyl pads.
bumpers were spray painted and are chipping.
Have title.
I have an extra bed plate or two. You can have one for shipping but if you buy a motor, it'll probably come with one.
Retired
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 37,967
From: .
Re: Semi work safe
Sounds like a good deal. I'd skip the blown motor. It's going to need a crank, boring, and pistons/rings. You can find a running motor for a lot less. I got my motor complete with carb, bedplate, air filter for $150. I just had to throw some rings in it.
I have an extra bed plate or two. You can have one for shipping but if you buy a motor, it'll probably come with one.
I have an extra bed plate or two. You can have one for shipping but if you buy a motor, it'll probably come with one.
I Have Too Much Free Time
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,024
From: Bangor, ME
Re: Semi work safe
The only thing I know of to look for are swollen pumps and cracks near the hood. The impeller should spin freely. If it catches a little, you can probably grind down the wear ring. If it won't spin, you're probably buying another pump. There is a stainless wear ring inside the aluminum pump. Corrosion between the two metals causes a lack of space for the impeller. Also check the edges of the impeller, they should be nice and straight/clean. The cracks show up towards the front of the hood, right where it turns upward. My hull was cracked on one side but it wasn't too bad. I just hit it with the grinder and fiberglassed over that area with 4 layers of glass. In 1991 (I think), they changed the 650 over to a 38mm carb. The 28mm before that really held the motor back.
What year is it? The early ones like mine came with front exhaust which is louder and also sends smoke towards you. The later ones had rear exhaust which is more desirable.
Check out x-h2o.com as well as pwctoday.com. Both sites have a ton of info. People on both sites are Yamaha Superjet snobs and will tell you Kawis are junk but they are good learner skis. You probably don't plan to ride freestyle anyaway.
Don't invest much money in the ski as they aren't worth **** even when complete. Mine is probably worth about $6-700 at the most. This also depends on your area though. They are rare up here so I might be able to fetch more for it in the spring.
I Have Too Much Free Time
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,024
From: Bangor, ME
Retired
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 37,967
From: .
Re: Semi work safe
I just happened to find an engine locally. **** luck as it's the only one I've ever seen for sale and it was the same weekend I picked up my hull. The 750 engine is more powerful but if you've already got the electronics for the 650 it'll probably be easier.
The only thing I know of to look for are swollen pumps and cracks near the hood. The impeller should spin freely. If it catches a little, you can probably grind down the wear ring. If it won't spin, you're probably buying another pump. There is a stainless wear ring inside the aluminum pump. Corrosion between the two metals causes a lack of space for the impeller. Also check the edges of the impeller, they should be nice and straight/clean. The cracks show up towards the front of the hood, right where it turns upward. My hull was cracked on one side but it wasn't too bad. I just hit it with the grinder and fiberglassed over that area with 4 layers of glass. In 1991 (I think), they changed the 650 over to a 38mm carb. The 28mm before that really held the motor back.
What year is it? The early ones like mine came with front exhaust which is louder and also sends smoke towards you. The later ones had rear exhaust which is more desirable.
Check out x-h2o.com as well as pwctoday.com. Both sites have a ton of info. People on both sites are Yamaha Superjet snobs and will tell you Kawis are junk but they are good learner skis. You probably don't plan to ride freestyle anyaway.
Don't invest much money in the ski as they aren't worth **** even when complete. Mine is probably worth about $6-700 at the most. This also depends on your area though. They are rare up here so I might be able to fetch more for it in the spring.
The only thing I know of to look for are swollen pumps and cracks near the hood. The impeller should spin freely. If it catches a little, you can probably grind down the wear ring. If it won't spin, you're probably buying another pump. There is a stainless wear ring inside the aluminum pump. Corrosion between the two metals causes a lack of space for the impeller. Also check the edges of the impeller, they should be nice and straight/clean. The cracks show up towards the front of the hood, right where it turns upward. My hull was cracked on one side but it wasn't too bad. I just hit it with the grinder and fiberglassed over that area with 4 layers of glass. In 1991 (I think), they changed the 650 over to a 38mm carb. The 28mm before that really held the motor back.
What year is it? The early ones like mine came with front exhaust which is louder and also sends smoke towards you. The later ones had rear exhaust which is more desirable.
Check out x-h2o.com as well as pwctoday.com. Both sites have a ton of info. People on both sites are Yamaha Superjet snobs and will tell you Kawis are junk but they are good learner skis. You probably don't plan to ride freestyle anyaway.
Don't invest much money in the ski as they aren't worth **** even when complete. Mine is probably worth about $6-700 at the most. This also depends on your area though. They are rare up here so I might be able to fetch more for it in the spring.
It is an 1988.
I figure some good deals should pop up in the fall winter. It looks like this ski just needs an engine and an evening to drop it in. (or a weekend ot rebuild the engine if needed)
Retired
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 37,967
From: .
Re: Semi work safe
I'm trying to build this thing for as cheap as possible. Around here people are asking around $1,000-$1,200 for them, but I don't think that's what they are getting for them. I want to get it built over the winter and beat the hell out of it next summer. I figure it will give me a realistic idea of how often I would really use a boat without the $10,000+ price tag.
I Have Too Much Free Time
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,024
From: Bangor, ME
Re: Semi work safe
650 electronics can be used in the 750 engine but you have to machine the 750 cases a little. From what I've read it's not a big deal. Basically get whatever engine you find for a deal. There are more 650s out there than 750s. All Kawi 650s are the same. Doesn't matter the model. I think there were a couple different 750s. StrictlyStunt put a 750 in a 650 hull. He also has a bunch of parts left over. He actually owes me some ****. Get in touch with him.
Retired
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 37,967
From: .
Re: Semi work safe
