Iconic Seadoo X4 HULL - Why I bought the XP717 vs XP800? | Seadoo XP 717cc 1995 | Ep2

Since day one all of you guys have said, "Joe you have to buy a Seadoo X4 hull" and well guys... I listened! It took a lot of patience and looking, but I finally found an X4 hull that matched my picky standards. In this episode I talk through why I bought this 1995 2nd generation Seadoo XP 717cc X4 hull and why I didn't buy the iconic Seadoo XP787 (XP800) 1995 or 1996...I know I know, everyone is going to say you bought the wrong engine, but I have a logic and a reason why the 717, is the right pick for my collection.
I hope you guys enjoy the episode.
Thanks for watching and supporting guys... Please consider hitting the subscribe button.
‘Let’s keep the classics alive’. Enjoy the episode.
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#seadooxp #seadoox4 #seadooxp717 #seadooxp800 #seadoogsx #gsx951 #951seadoo #seadoo #seadoolife #yamahawaveblaster #waveblaster #yamahawaverunner

[@jakewyler1945]

Every XP is a classic no matter the year. The 96 is the belle of the ball but you’re right, the hull is amazing and each year improved. The SPX looked great too.

[@classicjetskis]

Agree 100% for me the xp models are so special 👌 thanks for watching and supporting 🙏

[@MichaelOfTroyWasHere]

@@classicjetskis the 99 SPX technically has a marginally better power to weight ratio than the 96 XP

[@classicjetskis]

Nice, cool to hear, i'm sure they say the 1998 spx is the lighter of the 2 vs the 1999, but I prefer the 1999 look wise. Thanks for watching @@MichaelOfTroyWasHere

[@bobfuhrwerk2869]

I'm the original owner of a 96 XP 800 (with very low hours) which is in similar shape as yours. I haven't run it in years however, my son pushed me to get it running again. Had the carbs rebuilt and odds and ends addressed, I'm still struggling to get it running at it's peak performance. The power cuts down at about 45MPH as if it has a governor set to limit it's speed. I've had it to a mechanic I found who swears the XP is the best ski ever. About $1,200 later I'm about to give up with this guy because nobody else in my area wants to work on it....not sure if I should just sell it and look for a used late model three seater (possibly Yamaha for it's durability).

[@classicjetskis]

First of all, give your son a pat on the back for asking you to get it out... the reality with these old skis is it can be painful if you don't have the right person or knowledge to get the ski running right... Not sure where you're based but if you drop me a DM on Facebook or Instagram, I can try help put you in touch with people that can help. In any case, obvious thing that could be affecting things... have you checked the wear ring, impeller, RPM range in the water adjusted correctly... checked compression... all the useable bits, I'm assuming so if you have paid a mechanic to work on it, but that said, not all mechanics are equal... If you do decide to throw in the towel, please can you send me pics of it via DM, as may be I take it off your hands... as for buying a later 3 seater... 2 strokes are 2 strokes, if you're not liking the inherent work needed on the one you got, there no saying buying another wont be the same story... IMO the first thing about old 2 strokes is to accept its more about passion vs logic... you will have to spend money to get it running right and then its a labour of love to keep them running each season... If you want something less maintenance, check out my new spark videos as this gives some of the playfulness of the 90s but modern day reliability. Thanks for watching dude 🙌

[@bobfuhrwerk2869]

Thanks for your reply, much appreciated. I'm located in Michigan (about one hour north of Detroit) so, not sure if you have any friends/contacts in my state. We love the ski for it's tight manuverability and raw speed, just frustrating that the motor scales back power after a certain amount of throttle. The mechanic that did the carb rebuild finally replied to me and said change the plugs (again). That would be the forth set of plugs in one season - doesn't sound right. The only reason we were considering a 3 seater is because we thought it would be nice to have something alittle more stable to ride two without tipping over (the XP is really only a single rider ski) and our inland lakes can get very choppy. If I can find an experienced mechanic that won't turn me away (because of the ski's age) I would definitely look at getting it looked at. It's just $1,200 in on repair costs so far, just has me concerned how much more that tab could grow with somebody new looking at it....money is the object.

[@frederickfernandez1510]

I had both the power of the 787 110 hp vs the 85 hp of the 717 is a huge difference plus the rave valve is very easy to clean with a razor blade. The advantage of the 95 717 is the extended pump.

[@classicjetskis]

Yeh that's pretty much what everyone has said also buddy... I will for sure get a 99 spx 787 down the road... Thanks for watching and supporting 👌👌

[@tyronetrump1612]

It's a " 720, 800 or 951" motor... nobody calls them by 717 or 787

[@frederickfernandez1510]

@@tyronetrump1612 I know how they call them, is just not the correct term. 😉

[@tyronetrump1612]

@@frederickfernandez1510 So we call Kawasaki 800 stand ups " SX 781s" , Yamaha 1200's "1131s"or Honda 650 motorcycles "honda 664" ? Every manufacturer rounds up cc's on their displacements. Only ghey people call it 717 787 lol

[@user-ej1bq4bq2w]

Same exact ski as my 96 SPX, just different paint. I picked the 717 X4 because its light, RELIABLE, and easy to work on if need be. Already restored the MPEM back to original, did pump bearings and wear ring, carbon seal along with an engine alignment, fuel lines, fuel selector, replaced gas tank and oil tank, and i'm now thinking about ordering some new stickers to bring it back to those 90's purple yellow and turquoise. Love these things man so much fun!

[@classicjetskis]

Your 1996 spx 717 is the ski that featured in the film ‘Speed 2: Cruise Control’ it’s like a teal colour right?… great work dude on the restore… I’m right in the middle of doing all the usual maintenance bits like you getting it ready for the summer 👌 thanks for watching and commenting dude 🙏

[@user-ej1bq4bq2w]

@@classicjetskis Yessir, teal indeed. Well, the seat and the hood are. Hopefully you have had some time in the water on it by now, I'm on the ocean in South Carolina so its nice to go play around jumping waves, and then cruise the ICW that's typically flat as glass. Gets me up to about 55mph with 5 gal in the tank. Cheers brother

[@StefanMailey]

Question'. 96 SPX an X4 hull? I have an older man offering me one in decent condition. I actually just want the trailer but the ski comes with it. lol

[@jamesgarvey8402]

Great video Joe! God that ski looks great. You’re going to absolutely love it. Remember, if you don’t get thrown off once in a while, you’re not riding hard enough. lol

[@classicjetskis]

Thanks mate, appreciate that 🙏 can not wait to enjoy this xp this summer… hope you’re well 👍 thanks for watching

[@jamesgarvey8402]

@@classicjetskis I am well and thanks for asking. We’ll connect this summer I’m sure. Definitely looking forward to your perspective on the venerable X4.

[@classicjetskis]

@@jamesgarvey8402 That would be ace to do a ride! And yeh I will defo give you my thoughts on the X4... I will make a load of vids on it for sure aswell ✌✌

[@ace052330]

1996 way to go imo and you shoulda...but still super nice.

[@classicjetskis]

I literally explain in the video my reasoning, SPX 99 is what I want as I have one of the cleanest 717 you will find. Its super reliable vs the 787 rave. I obviously want a 787 but the 717 is still a great ski IMO... Thanks for watching 😎✌

[@paulmccarthy859]

I bought a 95 xp800 and trying to fix it up myself this will be interesting to watch..

[@classicjetskis]

Nice man, the 95 xp800 are rarer than the 96s so if you can restore it... you have a great ski there... thanks for watching dude 👍👍

[@Good-luck-Jonathan]

Some info on the best hulls. In 1995 at the World Finals 1st place went to Kawasaki on the XiR Hull beating the X4 that year. Then in 1996 Seadoo won with the X4 but Yamaha was in the lead with the Waveraider R hull and lost moments before the finish line due to mechanical failure. In 1997 Yamaha took the Wold Finals over Seadoo and would have in 1996 had the machinal failure not happened. If you ever come across a 1996 Wave Blaster 1. This is the best vintage sit down EVER made! The Blaster 2 you have is also a very nice hull with more stability.

[@classicjetskis]

Interesting dude, thanks for sharing... I have watched loads of the old VHS videos will the likes of 'Chris the fish Fischetti', who is obviously considered a legend racer now...I know he rode a X4 and loved them... Chris Macclugage the GOAT was a Kaw guy right? Anyways I'm pretty sure irrespective of preference all these machines are iconic! For me the X4 is a blast stock so can only imagine a modded one would be insane! For sure a OG B1 is on my list, again I love my B2, so can only imagine the B1 is next level. Thanks for watching dude 🙌🙌

[@Good-luck-Jonathan]

Chris started as a Yamaha guy from 1993 all the way till 1997 then switch to Kawasaki when they pursued him with a new contract. The X4 and B2 are awesome. I slightly like the B2 more but I have to say that the B1 is the best sit down ever made and everybody would agree with that. I also have a special place for the raider. I had one new back in the day as well. But the most fun JetSki ever is still the stand ups. I still have my 1995 superjet since new and I’m looking to spice it up a little bit. One JetSki, I never rode was the Seadoo HX it was built to carve at the 96 world finals the fish with his HX lost to Chris McCluggage on his blaster.

[@2-STROKEFUN]

I have the same ski I’m restoring at the moment. I found replacement NOS grips but in black not purple.

[@classicjetskis]

Ace dude, love it... send me a pic when you're done on my Insta or FB...would love to see it! Its so annoying about the OEM grips! I know its pretty easy to find the OEM black ones but purple ones, they are rarer than a clean X4 ski itself!!! I will keep looking for sure! Thanks for watching 🙌

[@nasashuttle]

I bought a 1999 SPX brand new! I found out Seadoo was gonna quit making this hull in 99 and in 2000 I hunted down a new one that was left over from the year before. When I found my new 99 SPX at a dealer it was still brand new in the crate. Most fun ski I ever owned and I regret to this day selling it in 2005. The 110hp motor in this light weight hull is so much fun. I had a 1996 XP and yeah the 1999 was pretty much the same ski but with bolder looks to it. I’ve also owned a 1992 SPi and 1992 XP but the 1999 SPX was something special. Love this ski you picked up. Really nice condition for the age. Also these hulls if you do it just right can be spun around and then will stand straight up. I loved showing others how to do it. The bigger Seadoo hulls want do it. Wish Seadoo still made these!

[@classicjetskis]

Love this story dude! Man the idea of getting a brand new spx is goals!!! Lucky man, great memory’s for you by the sounds of it. I will report back after a summer of riding it if I pull off this move… sounds epic… thanks for watching and supporting, really appreciate it 🙏

[@GoldenCroc]

Happy for you, but I have to wonder about the "bolder looks" for the 1999 SPX vs the 1996 XP, how do you top all bright yellow with pink and purple graphics? Unless you meant to write the other way around?

[@classicjetskis]

@@GoldenCroc to be honest you may be right, having re-watched this back and seeing the 1995/1996 xp again...its a hard one... I didn't make a mistake and do agree in terms of 'bolder look' 100% you're right, the 95/96 yellow and pink hands down takes the win in terms of bolder, but its more the fact that personally I want an SPX to add to the line up, plus as I mentioned, the 1999 SPX is basically the same ski... I do also really love the black/yellow colour way on the 1999. The reality is in an ideal world I would have both aha... Thanks for watching dude ✌✌

[@GoldenCroc]

@@classicjetskis Just to clarify, I meant specifically the "bolder looks" comment from the OP, not any reasons you gave for preferring a SPX. And even for the OP, it was just a small nitpicky sidenote of his wording... Not very serious. In any case I would also prefer a SPX really, but as a 90s kid I just couldnt resist the eye searing looks of the -95 and 96, thats why I got one. I also collect 90s motorcycles with terribly loud graphics, and I have vinyl wrapped my own car in a sort of goldish-"high-viz yellow" metallic... Yeah...

[@nasashuttle]

@@GoldenCroc Maybe not bolder but I loved the looks of my 99 SPX. I have owned both a 1996 XP and 1999 SPX. I loved the black on the bottom of the 99 SPX plus it was the last of these great little hulls Seadoo use to make.

[@salvykc1379]

You absolutely can’t go wrong with the reliability of the 720 and the small light weight hill of the 95 xp. I have both a 95 xp 720 and 95 xp 800 and although thr 800 is faster they are equally as fun

[@classicjetskis]

Thanks dude, this is essentially exactly my conclusion on why I bought it, thanks for the breakdown dude, from what most have said this is a spot on evaluation of both.... I will get a 787 down the road in the SPX 99 but pumped at finding this 1995. Thanks for watching and supporting dude ✌✌

[@tyronetrump1612]

@@classicjetskis Displacement is everything - especially low end hit. Once you ride one with the 800 motor you will never get on that 720. I know I have been there

[@renefontanez1531]

718 with a few mods 63 to 64 mph We put 951 modified in a 95 XP It run 71mph

[@classicjetskis]

Man that sounds mega... I for sure want to get my hands on a 787 to avoid needing to mod the 717... my 717 has been so reliable and one of the key reasons I bought a 717 as they go on and on without messing with them... IMO if you want true stock 60+ then a 951 is the way to go... my 99 GSX ltd hits 63 on calm easy, so no need to mess with my pristine 717. Thanks for watching dude 😎👌

[@krstknight6750]

I found one of these traded a junk car for one about like this Mines a 95 717 spx pristine Green and white

[@classicjetskis]

Nice! The 1996 SPX 717 always reminds me of Speed 2: Cruise Control, go to the end of the film and there are 2 teal spxs. Love it! Enjoy man!

[@jorgechiubomberos]

I have a 1996 spx that I left in Guatemala. The engien starts, if you put gas on the spark plug, but drops oíl in the back and a lot of white smoke. It has his trailer and cover. If some one is interested. Its aqua and white

[@classicjetskis]

You have the famous teal spx, as featured in that film ‘speed’ on the cruise ship. Sure you’ll sell it, best place Facebook marketplace. Thanks for watching 🙏

[@GCEXTREMEMN]

Nice video. Yes the 717 is less power and a little slower..but as you said the 717 is less maintenance and more reliable. Ive restored 4 of these and have another 3 im working on restoring. As well as 2 of the 95XP800s. As for grips, tho not OEM, I recommend the ODI LockOn Ruffian grips. And yes you need to mention why the grey gas lines need to be changed ASAP.

[@classicjetskis]

Thanks man... I know when it comes to 717 and 787 you have restored a tonne... I think you may have been one of the people that said about the 717 being easier to work on... Do you agree with my SPX thoughts? Thanks for watching mate ✌✌

[@GCEXTREMEMN]

@@classicjetskis yes i have a 99SPX hull as well in my project lineup. As far as improvements go, in general they do make better improvements..but the 98SPX they made some changes to then undid those changes in the 99SPX. The 98 SPX was the lightest and fastest of all the X4 hulls. They made the hull thinner in some areas..but that weakend it in an effort to make it lighter for racing. They also had a plastic splined pump instead of the brass pump, again to save weight. They ditched the plastic one and went back to brass in the 99. The plastic one again being lighter was also weaker and more prone to breaking. What really disappoints me is the change from tachometer to speedometer then to not having either. The 95s had tachometers which is more useful when setting carbs. The 96 had a speedometer...then the 97-99SPX didnt have either they just had the MF gauge and trim gauge. Not really an improvement if you ask me.

[@classicjetskis]

@@GCEXTREMEMN Thanks for the info man, really helpful and interesting... I have to be honest, out of everything I have considered, the speedo/gauges is the one thing I hadn't thought about...So thats something to keep in mind. I did know about the lighter hull in 1998 as I have a buddy who specifically bought the 1998 spx for this reason, however based on your breakdown, I would probably take the weight increase and go still with the 1999 if they reverted back on things... The only bit I do love about the early xp717/800s is they would spray the exhaust and water box purple, which was a nice contrast to just all silver on the later 1999 spx... I'm OEM so its breaking the rules lol, but a yellow exhaust and water box would look sweet on a 1999.

[@GCEXTREMEMN]

@@classicjetskis well you probably wont like my plans for my 99SPX lol. I plan on regelcoating the top in Red...lol i want a red/black X4 to go with my red/black 04XPdi. Its going to have a red engine, black pipe, red waterbox, and a black hood. Hopefully i can find some yellow water lines tho to throw in a tad of yellow for contrast.

[@classicjetskis]

@@GCEXTREMEMN To be honest mate...my fav colour is red...that why the GSX and XPDI are my fav all time colourways... If I didn't love OEM so much I would probably do an ultimate build... get a x4 hull and 787 (any of the years) and then do the ultimate colour combo like you. Send me some pics when its done dude!

[@jeremyocampo1529]

I own a GS270 with the same 717 Engine. I think it's perfect for me.

[@classicjetskis]

Nice... I love my 717... that said, for me a 951 power and speed is where its at for comparable acceptable speed in 2024... Thanks for watching dude 🙌

[@JustinSchwabphoto]

I have a 95 717 & 96 787 and I feel like no one wants to buy them when I try to sell them. 😂 they are fun though

[@classicjetskis]

Nice man, I guess it depends on where you are based in the world, and how clean they are...here in the UK clean examples go real fast, most examples are trashed... finds like the one I got, sell all day long. Thanks for watching dude ✌✌

[@jasintocarrasco2832]

What is that black plastic you took off when you lifted the seat for?

[@classicjetskis]

Good question, it's an air intake director essentially... If you look closely on the side of the ski, you will see yellow grill intakes, this then channels air through the yellow grills, into air openings under the seat...when the seat is then placed into position over the black air intake, it creates a water tight seal... the air is then channelled safely into the engine bay to help cool... It's a design used on a number of years and models... Its on the GSX also. Thanks for watching and supporting dude!

[@toddmanganello3654]

Love the videos I have an 2000 seadoo rx. I have a question do you have any suggestions on how to bring the paint back to life it's very dull

[@classicjetskis]

Thank you that means a lot 🙏 ok so depending on how bad the gel coat is you may need to cut it back with a marine polish and then reapply a good marine wax… I recommend for the wax side of things using a spray ceramic coating… for cutting back gel coat I always use 3M medium cut polish… also make sure if your not experienced using a machine polisher that you do the cut manually, so you can maintain control. Hope this helps 👍

[@jakewyler1945]

Check out the KZbin channel @todaywewrench. They have many videos on the topic

[@toddmanganello3654]

@@classicjetskis awesome thank you I will keep you updated on how it comes out. BTW I love the gsx limited I rode that ski for years and I grew up on a SPX AND SPI

[@classicjetskis]

@@toddmanganello3654 nice man! Love all those models… send me a pic on my insta with how you get on 👍

[@drewdiamond1665]

Beautiful 95, I lucked out with my 96 and got a clean one. How are the footpads? Have they swelled and got all wavy?

[@classicjetskis]

Thanks man... Send me a pic on my insta of your 96 would love to see it... The footpads are pretty much perfect..there is no lifting and no marks... I had the issue you mentioned on my 1991 xp... managed to fix that... I made a video on it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/ql6Tf32ngK-WorM&ab_channel=ClassicJetskis thanks for watching and supporting dude ✌✌

[@HYDREZEN]

You need to do a standup next, sx750 or the square nose superjet

[@classicjetskis]

A stand up will for sure happen… just need to find the right one dude… I promise it’s coming 🙏👌 thanks for watching dude

[@tyronetrump1612]

@@classicjetskis round nose SJ - Kaws are ok but not as nimble as the SJ

[@user-vh3ct1kx3j]

Do you know if 1994 xp graphics kit will fit on a sxp same year?

[@classicjetskis]

Honestly I’m 100% sure as never tried but what I would say as an educated guess is yes as those years they had very similar if not the same top decks… the only thing that is different is the front hoods. I would say yeh but maybe give PWC graphics a call as Mike will know for 100% Thanks for watching and supporting dude 🙏

[@julianrevell2055]

Hey mate you can definitely still get Original handle grips I brought 2 sets for My 2 1996 spx 717cc I'm restoring put in the original part number that was how I found them

[@classicjetskis]

Yes you can but think you're referring to the standard black OEM grips... there are a number of them around and believe Seadoo still have them, but as for the Violet grips they were discontinued a long time ago... I've been searching for whats called NOS (New old stock) for ages, as thats my only bet of finding some. Thanks though... FYI if you are referring to purple ones dude, I'm here for it! Thanks for watching man ✌✌

[@julianrevell2055]

@@classicjetskis ok yea sorry I seen like mabe one set a long time ago genuine purple ish ones they are really really rare yea I thought you were talking about the black ones

[@julianrevell2055]

@@classicjetskis yea sozz you spot on I was referring to the black ones I've seen 1 brand new set of purple grips they were very expensive like 3 or 4 times as much

[@julianrevell2055]

I got 2 spx 717cc they are awesome bloody great jet skis

[@zppeacock]

Ive seen online a store that sells the seat logo stencils

[@classicjetskis]

That would be super helpful if you could send me the link to that dude 👌👌

[@kehoemark]

​@@classicjetskis PWC graphics sell them, just ordered a graphics kit for a 93 xp and spotted Seadoo seat stencils

[@classicjetskis]

@@kehoemark you legend!! Thanks man just what I needed 💪🏻

[@markstoybox2058]

Stop saying literally in every sentence you sound ridiculous

[@classicjetskis]

‘Literally’ can’t thank you enough for this comment. Thanks for watching and the view 😂😉