99 Response - buying what to look for?

[plano86skier]

I'm selling my 86 skier and purchasing a 99 response closed bow. Any suggestiongs on what I need to look for in the test drive. boat has aroun 260 hours. I know the HDS system to look for leaks. Anything else? It has the 325 hp monsoon engine.

[cbmalibu98]

These are all things you already know. Check all fluids to make sure they are new and clear. Check to see if you are taking on water for any reason. Make sure there are no vibrations in the drive line at speed. maybe even take it to a local BU dealer for a once over and check compression. Good luck on your potential purchase.

CB

[eyepeeler]

Get under the boat back by the rudder. Check for spider cracks between the strut and the rudder. If they are there...not good.

[WakingMeHappy]

Since you are already a boat owner you pretty much know what to look for. One thing that seems to get overlooked is the trailer.

[plano86skier]

Thanks for the replies. The boat is at the local Malibu dealer. I was really looking for anything specific to the 99 response or the monsoon engine.

[spinxt]

Also, with the boat in the water, pull the tranny cover. Check the shaft packing and ensure it's dripping at the appropriate rate. Then spend a little time on the water. If you get a significant amount of water in the bilge, it could indicate and HDS box leak. It's a rectifiable problem, but a PITA. If it is leaking, perhaps you can get the owner to knock off a few bucks :-)

[electricjohn]

Something specific to that year and engine was the fuel rail crossover lines being solid metal. It caused something called fuel hammer, which made the engine surge and buck at around 3200-3600 rpm's. The remedy was to replace these lines with rubber ones, cost=$170 for parts. Indmar hasn't used the solid lines since that year because of the problem, but never issued a recall on engines with the solid lines. If your engine has the solid lines see if you can get them replaced before the sale is made. On your test ride, see if you can hold boat speeds between 30 and 36 mph. Try to run thru 1 mph increments every 30 seconds or so.

With 260 hours, I'd check for rust and corrosion too. And cobbwebs.

Edited May 15, 2011 by electricjohn

[85 Barefoot]

Something specific to that year and engine was the fuel rail crossover lines being solid metal. It caused something called fuel hammer, which made the engine surge and buck at around 3200-3600 rpm's. The remedy was to replace these lines with rubber ones, cost=$170 for parts. Indmar hasn't used the solid lines since that year because of the problem, but never issued a recall on engines with the solid lines. If your engine has the solid lines see if you can get them replaced before the sale is made. On your test ride, see if you can hold boat speeds between 30 and 36 mph. Try to run thru 1 mph increments every 30 seconds or so.

With 260 hours, I'd check for rust and corrosion too. And cobbwebs.

First I've heard of that, I have solid lines on a 2007 8.1. what is the mechanical explanation for that sympton and fix?

[plano86skier]

On the fuel rails, guess that's conflicting information. Test run the boat on Wednesday evening. I'll ask about and take a look at the fuel rail connector anyway. Not sure who from the dealership will come out for the test run. I took a look at the boat again Saturday, No problems noted with spider cracks. Trailer doesn't even have any rust on it. The bilge --- not even dust in the bottom, so no cobwebs that I can find.

[barefootpaul]

On the fuel rails, guess that's conflicting information. Test run the boat on Wednesday evening. I'll ask about and take a look at the fuel rail connector anyway. Not sure who from the dealership will come out for the test run. I took a look at the boat again Saturday, No problems noted with spider cracks. Trailer doesn't even have any rust on it. The bilge --- not even dust in the bottom, so no cobwebs that I can find.

FWIW I know I have not had any problems and I am pretty confident that I still have the original metal crossover lines.

[flapjack]

FWIW I know I have not had any problems and I am pretty confident that I still have the original metal crossover lines.

2nd. I'm not doubting there may be a problem, but I've never experienced in surging or anything on my boat. I'm not sure how you are going to negotiate a replacement.

plano86skier, where is this "Plano, TX ski Lake"?

[plano86skier]

Thanks for the replies, it's good to know this may not be a problem or at least someone with same era boat has not experienced the problem with the fuel rails.

flapjack, location is Plano, When I made my profile, I was still skiing Lake DeGray. Just a lttle more reading and you would have had it.

Edited May 16, 2011 by plano86skier

[electricjohn]

First I've heard of that, I have solid lines on a 2007 8.1. what is the mechanical explanation for that sympton and fix?

Search for a thread titled "suspected air in fuel lines" Larry from Indmar gives a good explanation.

Edited May 22, 2011 by electricjohn

[plano86skier]

Thanks to everyone that replied. The help and opinions everyone expresses are really helpful. I bought the response, it runs and looks wonderful. I can also say the dealer here in the dallas area (Waterski America) was great and easy to work with.. I guess now I need to change my screen name since I'm now don't have the '86 skier.

[TomMcCauley]

For what it's worth, I just sold my 98 Response LX with the 325 Monsoon. Was an awesome boat and hated to see it go. I had the exact same problem with the fuel rails, and switching t hem to the metal rails with the rubber in the middle fixed the problem. The Monsoon was exceptionally reliable for me, and I never had issues with excess water in the bilge, etc. You're going to love the boat. We traded it in for a 03 VLX and it was definitely sad to see it leave our driveway. Don't get me wrong, love the new boat, but we had such a great experience with the Response. Enjoy it!

[Slayer]

Congrats, Plano! Enjoy your new ride!