1997 GP1200 Yamaha- What do you guys think?

[jasno999]

1997 GP1200 Yamaha- What do you guys think?

What I am worried about is all this talk about the HULL issues with this waverrunner. I have heard good and bad about this ski and I want to knwo more.

I also wnat to knwo what you guys and girls think I should do to protect the hull and bottom. I noticed the bottom is worn and has had some abuse from beaching and years of use. I would liek to either paint it or put a gel coat on it. I just don't know what to do or what is best to do. I want to protect it from more damage and from cracking. I also want to get the finish to look a little better but I don't care so much about looks as I do abotu protection.

What do I do? I want to do it myself. And this ski is going to be stores outside durign the winter in NJ. I will have it winterized but I want to make sure hte hull does not crack.

I am new to all of this.

Help

[Technical Support]

Re: 1997 GP1200 Yamaha- What do you guys think?

The bottom is 2" thick - strong stuff. Scratches and small gouges are normal. Hardly any of the original bad hulls are left today - open your seats and look on the Hull # tag, anything above 5000 is ok.

[Baxt3r]

Re: 1997 GP1200 Yamaha- What do you guys think?

What if the hull number is under 5000? Just wondering.

[Technical Support]

Re: 1997 GP1200 Yamaha- What do you guys think?

Then look around the motor mounts for hairline cracks, and cracks in the centerline. If you see them, look for another ski.

[kson]

Re: 1997 GP1200 Yamaha- What do you guys think?

Where is the hull #? Mine has small hair line cracks on one side by the mounts but not the other side.



kev

[ScottD]

Re: 1997 GP1200 Yamaha- What do you guys think?

If it checks out OK the 97 GP1200 is a great handling machine.
The newer biger boats will handle better in chop but are not the same in the fun factor.
I have a 97 and a 99 GP1200 and I love the way they handle.
99 still has to be dialed in it porpouses a lot but shiming the ride plate will fix that.
If you are going to work on the hull fiberglass will not work you must use epoxy.
SCOTT...

[Technical Support]

Re: 1997 GP1200 Yamaha- What do you guys think?

Where is the hull #? Mine has small hair line cracks on one side by the mounts but not the other side.



kev

As I said - open the seats and look.

[kson]

Re: 1997 GP1200 Yamaha- What do you guys think?

Wow, thats helpful! Obviously I have removed the seat and looked (how else would I have seen the cracks) There are some numbers on the fuel tank, some numbers near the back of the engine compartment. The plate on the fuel tank has the place where it was assembled (Georgia)

Just trying to get it right


Kev

[Technical Support]

Re: 1997 GP1200 Yamaha- What do you guys think?

here

[kson]

Re: 1997 GP1200 Yamaha- What do you guys think?

Now, that's what I call service ;)

So, if that number is higher than 50000 then it should be ok even with the small cracks around the mounts on one side? Also, what purpose do the shims under the engine serve?

Thanks for all your help

kev

[Technical Support]

Re: 1997 GP1200 Yamaha- What do you guys think?

The last 4 digits...5000 or so...I forget the exact cut off number - it has't been an issue for 6-7 years now.

Shims are to properly align the engine with the driveshaft.

[kson]

Re: 1997 GP1200 Yamaha- What do you guys think?

Ok, mine is 0810323...so I'm assuming this is not good?

Sorry for all the questions, just trying to understand

Kev

[Technical Support]

Re: 1997 GP1200 Yamaha- What do you guys think?

You are 10323. GO RIDE!!!!

[kson]

Re: 1997 GP1200 Yamaha- What do you guys think?

LOL, sorry...now if I can just get this **** starter to quit running on its own I will go ride, hehe


Thanks!

Kev

[Baxt3r]

Re: 1997 GP1200 Yamaha- What do you guys think?

Did Yamaha ever issue a TSB or recall these hulls? It seems like there could be some consequences for that, especially if they knew about it and did nothing.