Drawbacks???

[Slayer]

I have been looking for an SLXI 02-04, but came across a nice 02 SLX that is appealing from a cost standpoint. It has under 200 hours on it and looks great however it's a carb engine and I am interested to understand the drawbacks to this. I had always assumed that I would by an EFI however it is tough not to consider this.

[Bake's Marine]

I have been looking for an SLXI 02-04, but came across a nice 02 SLX that is appealing from a cost standpoint. It has under 200 hours on it and looks great however it's a carb engine and I am interested to understand the drawbacks to this. I had always assumed that I would by an EFI however it is tough not to consider this.

If you are mechanical, then i would say go for it.

Drawbacks are

you need to stay up on your service

Make sure you keep your fuel treated when stored

You tend to use more expensive fuel to avoid needles and seats gumming up in the carb

less HP

Hard to cold start

Bonus are

Anybody can work on it

Easy to service for anybody mechanical

plenty of power to do water sports

less expensive to repair (other than carb rebuilds)

Hope the info helps

-Paul

[MalibuNation]

F I tends to get better gas mileage compared to a carb.

As far as your decision goes ... look how long carbs have been on cars, etc, it wouldn't stop me from buying a boat ... especially with low hours and in your price range. BTW, that model of boat is great.

[Slayer]

F I tends to get better gas mileage compared to a carb.

As far as your decision goes ... look how long carbs have been on cars, etc, it wouldn't stop me from buying a boat ... especially with low hours and in your price range. BTW, that model of boat is great.

I agree on that model being a hell of a boat. I'm simply not so sure about the carb issue and the 310hp. I would love a little more power. The buy on this one is pretty good and it's tough to look beyond it considering the price.

[LS-One]

It wouldn't slow me down from buying it.

[WakeGirl]

I have been looking for an SLXI 02-04, but came across a nice 02 SLX that is appealing from a cost standpoint. It has under 200 hours on it and looks great however it's a carb engine and I am interested to understand the drawbacks to this. I had always assumed that I would by an EFI however it is tough not to consider this.

What will you use the boat for? Most people that focus on the SLXi from those years are skiers. The SLX will be decent, but the SLXi would be a better choice if slalom is your emphasis.

I live at elevation & as such, wouldn't ever consider a carb. For every 1000' of elevation, it's roughly a 3% loss in power. EFI compensates for it automatically (to a point, but it's still a huge point over a carbed engine), with a carb you have to look at re-jetting & even then it's a challenge. Sea level is a different thing, but if you take your boat to lakes at elevation it's something to consider.

[Malibuzer]

If it is a great deal I would buy it. You can always upgrade later. You may find out it is more than enough power for you. Test drive it. Good luck

[cyoda44]

Crack open that check book you'll never regret it!! We want to see

[Lieutenant Dan]

Have you looked at this SLXI in Michigan?

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2001-Mal...er-LXI-95722747

That's the model year I've got. Sure, the 03 and 04 model years seem to have tons more power, but I do alright with the 325 Monsoon. If you want more power, step it up to a 13X11.5 pitch prop.

My 2 cents...get the SLXI you want even if you have to pay a few bucks more...what does Zig Ziglar say?

"If you spend a bit too much, what have you lost? A few dollars. If you don't spend enough and don't get what you want/need, then YOU'VE LOST EVERYTHING!" Zig Ziglar

[Lieutenant Dan]

Here's an even better buy (if you can stand the awful color). A bit of a drive, but could be worth it...

http://knoxville.craigslist.org/search/boa...&maxAsk=max

[WakeGirl]

Have you looked at this SLXI in Michigan?

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2001-Mal...er-LXI-95722747

That's the model year I've got. Sure, the 03 and 04 model years seem to have tons more power, but I do alright with the 325 Monsoon. If you want more power, step it up to a 13X11.5 pitch prop.

My 2 cents...get the SLXI you want even if you have to pay a few bucks more...what does Zig Ziglar say?

"If you spend a bit too much, what have you lost? A few dollars. If you don't spend enough and don't get what you want/need, then YOU'VE LOST EVERYTHING!" Zig Ziglar

I don't think there's a big enough difference between the 325, 335 or 340 variations to make it worthy of being a deal breaker. JMO

[Lieutenant Dan]

Have you looked at this SLXI in Michigan?

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2001-Mal...er-LXI-95722747

That's the model year I've got. Sure, the 03 and 04 model years seem to have tons more power, but I do alright with the 325 Monsoon. If you want more power, step it up to a 13X11.5 pitch prop.

My 2 cents...get the SLXI you want even if you have to pay a few bucks more...what does Zig Ziglar say?

"If you spend a bit too much, what have you lost? A few dollars. If you don't spend enough and don't get what you want/need, then YOU'VE LOST EVERYTHING!" Zig Ziglar

I don't think there's a big enough difference between the 325, 335 or 340 variations to make it worthy of being a deal breaker. JMO

In case you missed my point...my point was that why settle for an SLX when the SLXI is so much better!!

If you you did't and you are just amplifying my point, my apologies.

Another great find here just listed today....how far of a drive could it be from Brighton, MI to Kansas City? For a low hour 2000 SLXI for an asking price of only $19K it can't be that far.

http://www.expertautos.com/classifieds/ind...a=2&b=39725

[WakeGirl]

I wondered if I worded that badly when I posted it. It was meant to amplify your point & to agree with what you said. Sorry for confusing the point.

[Slayer]

Have you looked at this SLXI in Michigan?

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2001-Mal...er-LXI-95722747

That's the model year I've got. Sure, the 03 and 04 model years seem to have tons more power, but I do alright with the 325 Monsoon. If you want more power, step it up to a 13X11.5 pitch prop.

My 2 cents...get the SLXI you want even if you have to pay a few bucks more...what does Zig Ziglar say?

"If you spend a bit too much, what have you lost? A few dollars. If you don't spend enough and don't get what you want/need, then YOU'VE LOST EVERYTHING!" Zig Ziglar

This one is only a few miles from my house and is ideal........I'm trying to get a renter into our other vacant house and as soon as that happens, I'll have more power with the wife to grab one.

I have also seen the others you posted that are in Tn and I would for sure make the drive for the right deal. I'm also going to hold out for an SLXI......hard to beat that ride. Plus....I have no desire to deal with carb cleanings, etc. Would much rather the EFI.

We live on a lake and the pontoon is no longer cutting it for me. I have friends who are skiers and others who are into the board sports. I grew up skiing and can't wait to get back to it.

Edited September 26, 2009 by inlandlaker

[WakeGirl]

If you're a skier, stick with finding an SlXi.

[Malibudude]

Dude, the SLXI is one of the greatest boats made.... Get a 13 x 11.5 prop (that's what I did) if you're at high elevation or like a hard fast pull of of the hole,if not the 13 X 12 would be my choice. The issues of carb vs. EFI have been covered but echo the same sentiments.

[Slayer]

Dude, the SLXI is one of the greatest boats made.... Get a 13 x 11.5 prop (that's what I did) if you're at high elevation or like a hard fast pull of of the hole,if not the 13 X 12 would be my choice. The issues of carb vs. EFI have been covered but echo the same sentiments.

Thanks for the heads up on the prop. I'm not not going to compromise and get a carb boat. I have no desire to mess with a carb.

I'm with you on that SLXI...just holding out for the right deal.....and....the right time with the wife. She wants to pay cash........so I'm doing all my homework and everything else I can do to pinch a dime......

there are some killer deals out there right now.

Edited September 29, 2009 by inlandlaker

[99response]

If you're a skier, stick with finding an SlXi.

Don't forget the SLX in 02 was on the diamond hull....not the wake hull which I'm sure you're thinking of Tracie. 02 Also has a trunk, although it is pretty small.

As for the 310, it has plenty of power and low end grunt. If you plan on barefooting you may not get the RPMs/top end out of the motor you would need.

-Chris

[WakeGirl]

Doh, forgot about the '02, thanks for the reminder Chris.

[Slayer]

If you're a skier, stick with finding an SlXi.

Don't forget the SLX in 02 was on the diamond hull....not the wake hull which I'm sure you're thinking of Tracie. 02 Also has a trunk, although it is pretty small.

As for the 310, it has plenty of power and low end grunt. If you plan on barefooting you may not get the RPMs/top end out of the motor you would need.

-Chris

Thanks. That's great info. I didn't realize that the 02 was on a diamond hull.....pretty much a requisite for me. I'm not really a barefooter yet also not afraid to give it a shot.....

Thanks again....

[WakeGirl]

If you're a skier, stick with finding an SlXi.

Don't forget the SLX in 02 was on the diamond hull....not the wake hull which I'm sure you're thinking of Tracie. 02 Also has a trunk, although it is pretty small.

As for the 310, it has plenty of power and low end grunt. If you plan on barefooting you may not get the RPMs/top end out of the motor you would need.

-Chris

Thanks. That's great info. I didn't realize that the 02 was on a diamond hull.....pretty much a requisite for me. I'm not really a barefooter yet also not afraid to give it a shot.....

Thanks again....

The Sunsetter LX, LXi & Wakesetter LXi were all on the diamond that year. This link will show you how to determine if the boat has a diamond hull.

[WakingMeHappy]

If you're a skier, stick with finding an SlXi.

Don't forget the SLX in 02 was on the diamond hull....not the wake hull which I'm sure you're thinking of Tracie. 02 Also has a trunk, although it is pretty small.

As for the 310, it has plenty of power and low end grunt. If you plan on barefooting you may not get the RPMs/top end out of the motor you would need.

-Chris

Thanks. That's great info. I didn't realize that the 02 was on a diamond hull.....pretty much a requisite for me. I'm not really a barefooter yet also not afraid to give it a shot.....

Thanks again....

The Sunsetter LX, LXi & Wakesetter LXi were all on the diamond that year. This link will show you how to determine if the boat has a diamond hull.

Thanks for the link Tracie. I keep hearing about the difference but that’s the first time I’ve “seen” what the difference means. Once again the BuCrew has provided an educational moment. Thanks.

[lakewaterjunky]

If you're a skier, stick with finding an SlXi.

Don't forget the SLX in 02 was on the diamond hull....not the wake hull which I'm sure you're thinking of Tracie. 02 Also has a trunk, although it is pretty small.

As for the 310, it has plenty of power and low end grunt. If you plan on barefooting you may not get the RPMs/top end out of the motor you would need.

-Chris

Thanks. That's great info. I didn't realize that the 02 was on a diamond hull.....pretty much a requisite for me. I'm not really a barefooter yet also not afraid to give it a shot.....

Thanks again....

The Sunsetter LX, LXi & Wakesetter LXi were all on the diamond that year. This link will show you how to determine if the boat has a diamond hull.

Thanks for the link Tracie. I keep hearing about the difference but that’s the first time I’ve “seen” what the difference means. Once again the BuCrew has provided an educational moment. Thanks.

I am biased of course, being an owner of a 2002 standard Sunsetter (not LX or LXI), but our boats rocks. Someone may chime in with a different description, but the 2002 regular Sunsetter seemed to be a precursor to the walk through open bow of the widely known Response LXI which seemed to come out in 2003. A fellow ski club member has an 03 RLXI and we have had our boats sitting side by side before. The gunnels on our Sunsetter are a little taller and ours sure looks more roomy by comparison. The specs page show that the 02 “Sunsetter” and the 03 Response LXI are the same weight and both have the SV23 Diamond hull, our Sunsetter is only a few inches longer and still handles just as nimbly as the RLXI. We have had people comment about the wake of our Sunsetter being so small and just that of the RLXI. Personally, the slightly taller sides really give a much more secure feeling, especially with children and other family on board, The best description I can give of this would be that the RLXI feels like you are sitting ON the boat, where as our Sunsetter feels a little more like you are sitting IN the boat. The higher seat in the back row and taller back rest are nicer by comparison as well, the taller back gives you better support and its more comfortable to get in and out of.

The Sunsetter LXI compared to the regular Sunsetter is a bigger boat and does compromise the wake slightly, but very little.

We made the right choice on the 02 Sunsetter, if you can find one, I highly recommend it.

[Slayer]

If you're a skier, stick with finding an SlXi.

Don't forget the SLX in 02 was on the diamond hull....not the wake hull which I'm sure you're thinking of Tracie. 02 Also has a trunk, although it is pretty small.

As for the 310, it has plenty of power and low end grunt. If you plan on barefooting you may not get the RPMs/top end out of the motor you would need.

-Chris

Thanks. That's great info. I didn't realize that the 02 was on a diamond hull.....pretty much a requisite for me. I'm not really a barefooter yet also not afraid to give it a shot.....

Thanks again....

The Sunsetter LX, LXi & Wakesetter LXi were all on the diamond that year. This link will show you how to determine if the boat has a diamond hull.

Thanks for the link Tracie. I keep hearing about the difference but that’s the first time I’ve “seen” what the difference means. Once again the BuCrew has provided an educational moment. Thanks.

I am biased of course, being an owner of a 2002 standard Sunsetter (not LX or LXI), but our boats rocks. Someone may chime in with a different description, but the 2002 regular Sunsetter seemed to be a precursor to the walk through open bow of the widely known Response LXI which seemed to come out in 2003. A fellow ski club member has an 03 RLXI and we have had our boats sitting side by side before. The gunnels on our Sunsetter are a little taller and ours sure looks more roomy by comparison. The specs page show that the 02 “Sunsetter” and the 03 Response LXI are the same weight and both have the SV23 Diamond hull, our Sunsetter is only a few inches longer and still handles just as nimbly as the RLXI. We have had people comment about the wake of our Sunsetter being so small and just that of the RLXI. Personally, the slightly taller sides really give a much more secure feeling, especially with children and other family on board, The best description I can give of this would be that the RLXI feels like you are sitting ON the boat, where as our Sunsetter feels a little more like you are sitting IN the boat. The higher seat in the back row and taller back rest are nicer by comparison as well, the taller back gives you better support and its more comfortable to get in and out of.

The Sunsetter LXI compared to the regular Sunsetter is a bigger boat and does compromise the wake slightly, but very little.

We made the right choice on the 02 Sunsetter, if you can find one, I highly recommend it.

So, if you have the standard Sunsetter, then I presume you have the 310hp carb engine, correct? If so, what type of maintenance issues, if any, have you had with the boat over the years??

[lakewaterjunky]

So, if you have the standard Sunsetter, then I presume you have the 310hp carb engine, correct? If so, what type of maintenance issues, if any, have you had with the boat over the years??

My description of standard was just to show the difference from other Sunsetters. Even though the Diamond Hull Direct Drive 2002 is simply labeled “Sunsetter”, it must have had options for different features just like other models. Ours has the MPFI Monsoon engine in it along with a factory installed wedge. We have had ours since Jan. 06, it had 300 or so hrs on it and it has 680 or so on it now. We had to replace a throttle position sensor and a oil pressure switch, thats it. I think they were only about $20 each.

Like someone else has already mentioned, a carbureted engine wouldn’t necessarily be a deal breaker for a good boat like theses models at the right price. The few less HP shouldn’t be missed, ours has more than enough power for anything we have ever done with it.

No other real maintenance issues other than adding stuff to it like its an addiction. Pefect Pass, Tower, a bunch of speakers, a bunch of amps, an extra battery, a subwoofer, a shower and next up is a heater. It never ends, but we have a blast on the water and these extras only make it better.

I never seem to get the quote thing right when I try to shave off some others, maybe I'll get the hang of it one day?