Best options to get when buying a Spark?

19984 Views 24 Replies 15 Participants Last post by seaking, Oct 7, 2014

NetAtNite

Discussion Starter · Jun 6, 2014

If you are looking to purchase/upgrade your Spark, here is what I have learned so far:

Storage bin: A must!

Speed ties: Hugely useful and easily worth the money, especially in a marina environment.

Fenders: see speed ties

IBR: I don't have it and frankly, I am glad I don't. Sparks stop so quickly that a brake seems redundant especially considering the cost. It also appears to make basic maintenance more of a challenge as it is one more part that needs to be removed (People with IBR could speak with greater knowledge on this though)

Manual reverse: I ordered it and am waiting on it to be installed by dealer. Again, I am not sure it's necessary as I have been fine without it but I can see where it would make life a little easier when trying to dock.

Tie downs for the back of the Spark/trailer: Incredibly, my dealer didn't even mention tie-downs, but trust me...get them!

Seadoo emergency kit: Necessary but you can get the exact same thing from Walmart or Canadian tire here in Canada for a fraction of the price. I assume the same would hold true for the fire extinguisher.

Registration: Go to your local DMV and ask some questions. It is not expensive to register the Spark and Trailer on your own.

I will leave all the mods/tunes to the experts but I hope this is some help to fellow noobs.

1 - 20 of 25 Posts

Seltzer08

· #2 · Jun 6, 2014

I would also mention, unless the dealer is throwing them in.. buy the spark without the storage bin and fenders.. ext. Get your 90hp 2/3up ibr/no ibr. But don't add on any accessories you can do yourself. Dealers usually give you 10% off after a purchase as such. Then go buy your add on's with the discount, you don't add to your financing and the dealer isn't charging full price on the add on's either.
Note; this would probably be tward someone who's picky about finances like me.

Mark

· #3 · Jun 7, 2014

Got to tells you that much to my surprise Ibr is very useful. I think it's one of those things that you don't need until you have it and then you wouldn't go without it. Not so much the breaking but the idle and the reverse I use all the time.

Reactions: 2

Wakeskatr72

· #4 · Jun 7, 2014

Mark said:
Got to tells you that much to my surprise Ibr is very useful. I think it's one of those things that you don't need until you have it and then you wouldn't go without it. Not so much the breaking but the idle and the reverse I use all the time.

Same here! I never use the brake but the idle and reverse are essential to me

Reactions: 1

Yellow Jacket

· #5 · Jun 7, 2014

I have to say that iBR is a must, especially in a marina. Makes the ski so much more maneuverable and easy to dock.

The OP contradicts himself by saying that he's glad he doesn't have iBR, then he's getting the manual reverse installed. If you have need for reverse, then get the iBR from the start. Manual reverse is only a half-measure.

NetAtNite

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jun 7, 2014

Yellow Jacket said:
I have to say that iBR is a must, especially in a marina. Makes the ski so much more maneuverable and easy to dock.

The OP contradicts himself by saying that he's glad he doesn't have iBR, then he's getting the manual reverse installed. If you have need for reverse, then get the iBR from the start. Manual reverse is only a half-measure.

No contradiction actually...What I said is that the IBR seems unnecessary because the ski stops so quickly anyway, and as I said, not sure the manual reverse is necessary but at a fraction of the cost of IBR I figured I would get it as the ability to reverse in a marina seems sensible.
As wakeskatr posted 'Same here! I never use the brake but the idle and reverse are essential to me'

All that said, you guys have the IBR and seem to really like it! I'm looking at buying my next Spark and didn't want IBR but based on your comments I will try and test IBR before I buy. Maybe I will become a convert! I appreciate you guys adding your thoughts. An informed consumer is a smart consumer!

JeffinWesternWA

· #7 · Jun 7, 2014 (Edited)

Talking BRP accessories:

STORAGE is a yes! You need a place for some of the below stuff, sunscreen and small cooler!...

If stored outside a COVER is a MUST! I garage mine in heated, very dry garage so not for me. BE sure it's really fits SNUG especially if trailering with it on! An extra tarp on while stored over the cover is nice too.

FLUSH KIT a must, no water seems real clean anymore, I flush the exhaust every trip. The "expanding as seen on tv" HOSE makes it easy without a quick disconnect even!

...and if you are gonna be off the Spark in the water a lot (And getting tired) the rear STEP is helpful..

I have the SIDE PROTECTORS, they already paid for themselves against the dock in rough water

diddo the orange SIDE BUMBERS, thick! just one good tap and you'll be glad!

Nice to have: WATER WHISTLES, SPARE KEY /LANYARD, and MANUAL REVERSE (mine is backordered too, I have the 60HP so no IBR) and a LONG MOORING LINE. BRP has em all!

(My dealer gives me 10% off AND 10% as "cash" on a loyalty card for future stuff. So the price is ok. No markup over BRP MSRP either.)

Not worth the $$: the ACCESSORY NON-SLIP MATS, go aftermarket or not really needed. Wish I'd saved the $$.

Can't see the BILGE PUMP being needed, even with broken LH accessory cover and choppy river waves my bilge is dry ('cept for a couple coolant drops from the overfill on first run).

The BRP "stick on" #'s and letters are a good choice with the plastic hull too. Others don't stay on, these have after 5+ hours.

NON BRP stuff: Of course items that you can get elsewhere, HOSE PINCHER(S), TOW STRAP, mini waterproof FLASHLITE, SOS flag, all good to have aboard. I'm not concerned with removing the seat while gasping for a fire extinguisher. Already it is a burning watercraft with gas and fumes. SWIM away! I rather store a thermos under the seat!

With a trailer think: trailer AND hitch LOCK, SPARE/WHEEL tire and always 2 (not one) TIEDOWNS. I also added a 6 ft heavy duty w/ 2 loops CABLE and a PADLOCK to lock the Spark to the trailer. (Two guys could lift it off fast and toss in their truck. So if you stop for a restroom or even a fast bite, better chance it's still there!)

Add a battery TENDER, as low as $6 at Harbor Freight as an example. Rotate mine every week from Jeep to my Spark to keep voltage at the proper levels.

Sunglasses HEAD strap keeps 'em off the bottom of river/lake/ocean. 2mm shortie WETSUIT is perfect in spring/fall in northern climates/cold ocean. WATER SHOES are almost a must. Spend extra on a fast drying/comfortable PFD. Makes the trip more pleasant. Have a accurate tire pressure GUAGE. SET your trailer tires to the COLD sidewall pressure listed every other week at least when they are cold/not driven . (4.80x12's typically are 60 lbs at 68'F). Does your JACK work on the trailer? Try it.Maybe in the dark for practice. With that spare wheel tire/rotate it on the trailer every season. I rather be on the water and spend an hour with some of these itmes than on the side of the road!

Saw first Spark other than me on the mighty Columbia River outside Portland, OR/Vancouver WA yesterday! Nice ride!

See less See more

NetAtNite

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jun 7, 2014

JeffinWesternWA said:
Talking BRP accessories:

STORAGE is a yes! You need a place for some of the below stuff, sunscreen and small cooler!...

If stored outside a COVER is a MUST! I garage mine in heated, very dry garage so not for me. BE sure it's really fits SNUG especially if trailering with it on! An extra tarp on while stored over the cover is nice too.

FLUSH KIT a must, no water seems real clean anymore, I flush the exhaust every trip. The "expanding as seen on tv" HOSE makes it easy without a quick disconnect even!

...and if you are gonna be off the Spark in the water a lot (And getting tired) the rear STEP is helpful..

I have the SIDE PROTECTORS, they already paid for themselves against the dock in rough water

diddo the orange SIDE BUMBERS, thick! just one good tap and you'll be glad!

Nice to have: WATER WHISTLES, SPARE KEY /LANYARD, and MANUAL REVERSE (mine is backordered too, I have the 60HP so no IBR) and a LONG MOORING LINE. BRP has em all!

(My dealer gives me 10% off AND 10% as "cash" on a loyalty card for future stuff. So the price is ok. No markup over BRP MSRP either.)

Not worth the $$: the ACCESSORY NON-SLIP MATS, go aftermarket or not really needed. Wish I'd saved the $$.

Can't see the BILGE PUMP being needed, even with broken LH accessory cover and choppy river waves my bilge is dry ('cept for a couple coolant drops from the overfill on first run).

NON BRP stuff: Of course items that you can get elsewhere, HOSE PINCHER(S), TOW STRAP, mini waterproof FLASHLITE, SOS flag, all good to have aboard. I'm not concerned with removing the seat while gasping for a fire extinguisher. Already it is a burning watercraft with gas and fumes. SWIM away! I rather store a thermos under the seat!

With a trailer think: trailer AND hitch LOCK, SPARE/WHEEL tire and always 2 (not one) TIEDOWNS. I also added a 6 ft heavy duty w/ 2 loops CABLE and a PADLOCK to lock the Spark to the trailer. (Two guys could lift it off fast and toss in their truck. So if you stop for a restroom or even a fast bite, better chance it's still there!)

Add a battery TENDER, as low as $6 at Harbor Freight as an example. Rotate mine every week from Jeep to my Spark to keep voltage at the proper levels.

Sunglasses HEAD strap keeps 'em off the bottom of river/lake/ocean. 2mm shortie WETSUIT is perfect in spring/fall in northern climates/cold ocean. WATER SHOES are almost a must. Spend extra on a fast drying/comfortable PFD. Makes the trip more pleasant. Have a accurate tire pressure GUAGE. SET your trailer tires to the COLD sidewall pressure listed every other week at least when they are cold/not driven . (4.80x12's typically are 60 lbs at 68'F). Does your JACK work on the trailer? Try it.Maybe in the dark for practice. With that spare wheel tire/rotate it on the trailer every season. I rather be on the water and spend an hour with some of these itmes than on the side of the road!

Saw first Spark other than me on the mighty Columbia River outside Portland, OR/Vancouver WA yesterday! Nice ride!

Great post Jeff! Only problem is you listed a bunch of good things I don't have! I figure you owe me about $300.00

serpent710

· #9 · Jun 8, 2014

I was the same, when I first went to purchase my ski was like, "I didn't have IBR on my XP so what do I need it for now?". Then just for the fact that it was my first NEW toy I decided to get it loaded and happy as heck with the IBR. So much easier maneuvering around docks and in between boats on the ramp.

Reactions: 1

spark-orion

· #10 · Jun 8, 2014

I figure if your going to buy something, buy it the way you want so you have no regrets. $9,200 for each of mine. 3 Ups, convenience package, speed ties, snap in fenders, depth finder's, cover's, sand bag anchors, and safety kit's. I do hope they come out with water temp display for lake/ocean. I also believe they will have VTS as an option soon too. See this...
http://www.greenhulk.net/forums/showthread.php?t=212883

Yep, my phone sent this...

Yellow Jacket

· #11 · Jun 9, 2014

The bumpers and fenders are a personal choice. Sure, they'll prevent a few scratches and dings in the plastic, but these toys are made to be used, not kept showroom-ready. Those dings are cosmetic and don't affect performance at all. So whether you get the bumpers depends on how much cosmetics mean to you. And even if you do have all that protection, if you use your ski at all, it WILL get dinged up. You can't protect against every conceivable dock configuration. So then you will have spent all that money on bumpers and all have dings on your ski where the bumpers don't cover.

Personally, I don't mind my toys looking like I play with them a lot.

Flush kit not necessary, even with iBR. See my other posts on here about that. You can do the same thing with $1 flex pipe from Home Depot.

Fire extinguishers are required by law in some states. So check your laws. The one under your seat is not necessarily for use on your own PWC, but your buddy's when he catches fire. You can get the exact one that Sea-Doo sells for $10 from Walmart.

See less See more

Rthonb

· #12 · Jun 11, 2014

Tie downs

NetAtNite said:
If you are looking to purchase/upgrade your Spark, here is what I have learned so far:

Storage bin: A must!

Speed ties: Hugely useful and easily worth the money, especially in a marina environment.

Fenders: see speed ties

IBR: I don't have it and frankly, I am glad I don't. Sparks stop so quickly that a brake seems redundant especially considering the cost. It also appears to make basic maintenance more of a challenge as it is one more part that needs to be removed (People with IBR could speak with greater knowledge on this though)

Manual reverse: I ordered it and am waiting on it to be installed by dealer. Again, I am not sure it's necessary as I have been fine without it but I can see where it would make life a little easier when trying to dock.

Tie downs for the back of the Spark/trailer: Incredibly, my dealer didn't even mention tie-downs, but trust me...get them!

Seadoo emergency kit: Necessary but you can get the exact same thing from Walmart or Canadian tire here in Canada for a fraction of the price. I assume the same would hold true for the fire extinguisher.

Registration: Go to your local DMV and ask some questions. It is not expensive to register the Spark and Trailer on your own.

I will leave all the mods/tunes to the experts but I hope this is some help to fellow noobs.

I don't have tie downs for the rear.. I haven't had any problems but should I be concerned?

Rthonb

· #13 · Jun 11, 2014

Ibr

Mark said:
Got to tells you that much to my surprise Ibr is very useful. I think it's one of those things that you don't need until you have it and then you wouldn't go without it. Not so much the breaking but the idle and the reverse I use all the time.

I didn't think I'd care much for the Ibr but I was forced to take it because there was only one spark available in the whole province of New Brunswick...

But after using the Ibr quite a bit I really like it.. Especially how easy it is to reverse and also idle.

NetAtNite

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jun 11, 2014

Rthonb said:
I don't have tie downs for the rear.. I haven't had any problems but should I be concerned?

For $20.00 I would absolutely get them. Spark only weighs 400 lb and to have it bouncing around seems like a bad idea. Better to be safe!

Reactions: 1

JeffinWesternWA

· #15 · Jun 11, 2014

Rthonb said:
I don't have tie downs for the rear.. I haven't had any problems but should I be concerned?

YES, ...you can find em as low as (I've seen) $9.99 a pair! That could ne an unsecure load depending on your state laws...

Straightbangin

· #16 · Sep 29, 2014

I didn't think I'd go for the IBR but the last Spark in Miami had it already on it so I bought it and I'm glad I have the IBR now. I think its especially nice for PWC newbies like me. It makes docking much easier. I'm far better at docking than I was at first and I could do it without IBR but it rocks.

I can't imagine not having a front trunk.

I also can't imagine having a 2up. Many people are happy with theirs but it felt very unstable and hard to maneuver to me. Maybe because I'm not a small girl ... yet lol.

As far as the snap in fenders, I just slice a 6" piece of pool noodle long ways and stick a barbecue skewer (bamboo, wider on top) down through the hole that the snap in fenders go in. $2 vs $89.

You could buy and install a speed tie or just use an extra small retractable dog leash. (Bazza's idea so I can't take credit for that one) If I were to use it I'd just put the handle of the leash into a zippered pocket of my saddle bags and have it almost zipped shut, but I'm fine with a regular rope. Maybe down the road I'll try the dog leash thing if I find a retractable one super cheap. I don't use them for my dogs any more after accidentally dropping one and the sound causing one of my tiny dogs to take off running and continue running due to the chattering sound of it dragging on the sidewalk behind her. Scary moment but it got caught up in some bushes so I was able to grab her. Not a fan of those leashes anymore and if anyone uses them with small dogs I suggest clipping them to a wrist strap.

See less See more

[email protected]

· #17 · Sep 30, 2014

I bought the 60 hp spark and thought it was fine until I got the vtech programer. Made a huge difference in sport mode. The touring mode is slow to start and if you let off the throttle it takes some time to to accelerate but in sport mode it jumps out hole and instantly goes when you give it gas. The only problem is when you stop and restart it it goes back to touring mode you have to hold the display button down and mash it one more time and let off the throttle and your in sport mode.

Sarge707

· #18 · Sep 30, 2014

[email protected] said:
I bought the 60 hp spark and thought it was fine until I got the vtech programer. Made a huge difference in sport mode. The touring mode is slow to start and if you let off the throttle it takes some time to to accelerate but in sport mode it jumps out hole and instantly goes when you give it gas. The only problem is when you stop and restart it it goes back to touring mode you have to hold the display button down and mash it one more time and let off the throttle and your in sport mode.

Don,t feel Bad! The Stock 90 HO goes back to touring mode every time you shut off the motor also so you not alone?

winter

· #19 · Sep 30, 2014

If I did this again, buy another Spark.

1) Step - a must have to get back on board.

2) Letter kit, as my state has stickers that slide off.

Everything else, I buy later

3) Fire extinguisher at Walmart.

4) Cover on ebay, the official one leaks water when used on a dock (Heavy rain) or a Poppy Company cover.

5) Water bottle holder from Amazon

6) bring your own trailer, as the official ones are way to expensive. Used works great, just get new tires and good to go.

See less See more

seaking

· #20 · Oct 1, 2014

that water bottle holder is a must, it helps to have easy access to something to drink when you're out on the water on a hot day.

1 - 20 of 25 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.