js550 or 650sx opinions wanted

[astorey]

I have a decision to make I will be buying some used standups and have the choice
between 2 js550 or a js550 and a 650 sx
and was wondering if it is worth an extra
$400 for the 650 sx everyone that I have talked to localy has advised me to go with the 2 550s because they are more realiable and the motors seem to hold up better any advise would be helpfull to me and is this true about
the motors in the 550s being more reliable or am I getting bad advise

[Dan DePardo]

Hi;
My advice is to mainly be concerned with the overall condition of the Skis. Run cranking compression checks on the engines, take a good look in the pumps with a flashlight, check the control cables, etc. A boat with a filthy engine compartment probably wasn't maintained very well.

Opinions vary when it comes to the early Kawasaki stand-ups, but the 650SX handles better than a 550, and is somewhat faster. My observation is that the 650 is also typically more reliable than the 550 engine.

Dan

[raider1100]

I agree with Dan on the first paragraph.
the second I sort of disagree. ive seen plenty of MAINTAINED 550 and 440 that run great. usually most skis that run bad are not maintained or the owner added soem aftermarket parts and they didnt tune it right. Obviously in some cases the ski breaks but most of the time was a repair that wasnt done right the first time

Rob

[Dan DePardo]

Hi;
Like I said, "opinions vary". To illustrate my own opinion a little further...

Sure, a very well maintained 440 / 550 is a great little Ski, but you have to admit that good running, clean, well-tuned 440s and 550s are pretty rare.

Given equal levels of use and abuse, it's been my observation that the 650 powered 650SX and X-2 are considerably more reliable, and hold up to the typically very limited owner maintenence much better than a 440 or a 550.

This should really come as no surprise, since many aspects of the 650 engine design itself came about as "fixes" for the shortcomings of the 440/550 design.

Additionally, the 650 boats will exhibit stronger power output and top speeds, as well as more forgiving, i.e. "better" handling characteristics.

I know of several 650SX Skis with umpteen hours on 'em that have been anvil- reliable and have seen literally "zero" maintenence, but I can honestly say I don't know of a single such 440 or 550.

Your own mileage may vary.

Dan

[ July 05, 2002, 03:01 PM: Message edited by: Dan DePardo ]