Sea doo sportsters use 20 gallons an hour at full throttle and require a supercharger rebuild every 2 years. Not cheap to operate. I don't know how large your lake is, but one of those inflatable 7 person islands would be nice for people to hang out while you switch off on the spark. You could even buy one spark to start off with and help teach your children sharing. People can recoup while others ride. I say this in the interest of saving money.
Help with Spark Purchase Decision
I may be asking the wrong audience due to the bias but here goes:
My wife and I were on the verge of pulling the trigger on a pair of 3up Sparks. We live in between 2 lakes less than 20 min away. We couldn't find any available due to the recall and inventory. Then I injured my shoulder...season over.
We are a family of 5 with an 11 yr old, a 7 yr old, and a 3yr old. The kids love riding tubes and such. The little one likes "driving" the boat. None of them have ever been on a PWC but we are confident that they will love it.
The added time to think this over has led to an alternative idea. There are tons of the Seadoo jet boats on the market reasonably cheap. For example: http://www.whittleboats.com/Boat-Search.php?item_id=10419&action=view
So the question we are facing is: Should we buy 2 Sparks, 1 Spark and a Speedster (or cheaper boat), or forego the Sparks and just get a boat. Money is a factor.
The additional challenge we face is towing. Our towing capability is limited to our minivan which isn't the most ideal tow vehicle. We may have the option of renting a slip at the lake and leaving our toys there but we would still either be locked to 1 lake or have to leave a toy behind if we go somewhere else.
My take is the Sparks would be pure fun. People capacity will be full especially as the kids get bigger. Riding tubes and such is doable but not as good as a boat.
Having a regular ski/wake boat would allow everyone to fit and friends/family to come along. We could ride/tow all day long in comfort. It also seems boring to a degree and I have wanted a PWC all my life.
a Spark and a small boat (which i see as a 4-5 seat PWC) seems like the perfect balance to me. The issue I have there is the logistics of trailer, storage, etc. Money being a factor, I'm not really down for buying a dedicated tow vehicle and fear that a custom trailer for this configuration would cost more than the skis going on it.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts or suggestions
My wife and I were on the verge of pulling the trigger on a pair of 3up Sparks. We live in between 2 lakes less than 20 min away. We couldn't find any available due to the recall and inventory. Then I injured my shoulder...season over.
We are a family of 5 with an 11 yr old, a 7 yr old, and a 3yr old. The kids love riding tubes and such. The little one likes "driving" the boat. None of them have ever been on a PWC but we are confident that they will love it.
The added time to think this over has led to an alternative idea. There are tons of the Seadoo jet boats on the market reasonably cheap. For example: http://www.whittleboats.com/Boat-Search.php?item_id=10419&action=view
So the question we are facing is: Should we buy 2 Sparks, 1 Spark and a Speedster (or cheaper boat), or forego the Sparks and just get a boat. Money is a factor.
The additional challenge we face is towing. Our towing capability is limited to our minivan which isn't the most ideal tow vehicle. We may have the option of renting a slip at the lake and leaving our toys there but we would still either be locked to 1 lake or have to leave a toy behind if we go somewhere else.
My take is the Sparks would be pure fun. People capacity will be full especially as the kids get bigger. Riding tubes and such is doable but not as good as a boat.
Having a regular ski/wake boat would allow everyone to fit and friends/family to come along. We could ride/tow all day long in comfort. It also seems boring to a degree and I have wanted a PWC all my life.
a Spark and a small boat (which i see as a 4-5 seat PWC) seems like the perfect balance to me. The issue I have there is the logistics of trailer, storage, etc. Money being a factor, I'm not really down for buying a dedicated tow vehicle and fear that a custom trailer for this configuration would cost more than the skis going on it.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts or suggestions
1 - 15 of 15 Posts
Is See many people 3-4 to a boat towing tubers BUT its so much More fun on a jetski for the individual freedom of movement. Get a double trailer with 2 3 ups and you will be a Happy Camper!!I may be asking the wrong audience due to the bias but here goes:
My wife and I were on the verge of pulling the trigger on a pair of 3up Sparks. We live in between 2 lakes less than 20 min away. We couldn't find any available due to the recall and inventory. Then I injured my shoulder...season over.
We are a family of 5 with an 11 yr old, a 7 yr old, and a 3yr old. The kids love riding tubes and such. The little one likes "driving" the boat. None of them have ever been on a PWC but we are confident that they will love it.
The added time to think this over has led to an alternative idea. There are tons of the Seadoo jet boats on the market reasonably cheap. For example: http://www.whittleboats.com/Boat-Search.php?item_id=10419&action=view
So the question we are facing is: Should we buy 2 Sparks, 1 Spark and a Speedster (or cheaper boat), or forego the Sparks and just get a boat. Money is a factor.
The additional challenge we face is towing. Our towing capability is limited to our minivan which isn't the most ideal tow vehicle. We may have the option of renting a slip at the lake and leaving our toys there but we would still either be locked to 1 lake or have to leave a toy behind if we go somewhere else.
My take is the Sparks would be pure fun. People capacity will be full especially as the kids get bigger. Riding tubes and such is doable but not as good as a boat.
Having a regular ski/wake boat would allow everyone to fit and friends/family to come along. We could ride/tow all day long in comfort. It also seems boring to a degree and I have wanted a PWC all my life.
a Spark and a small boat (which i see as a 4-5 seat PWC) seems like the perfect balance to me. The issue I have there is the logistics of trailer, storage, etc. Money being a factor, I'm not really down for buying a dedicated tow vehicle and fear that a custom trailer for this configuration would cost more than the skis going on it.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts or suggestions
I don't have kids, but I do have friends in the service that I take out boating on the weekends on the lake next to my house. Their kids love riding tubes and so do I, so I bought a 4-person tube and it pulls great behind the Spark!
A possible option, is to get two Sparks and two tubes. I pull 3-4 kids in my tube with my girlfriend spotting and we tow them all around the lake. This allows you the option to take the whole family out without the expensive upkeep of a Speedster. I had a Sea-Doo Challanger that was supercharged and that got expensive....and quick! When my girlfriend and I have another couple who want to join us, we simply bring them out to our favorite sand bar on the tube and strap a cooler to the rear platform. Pulls like a dream and allows for more fun when it's just us two!
As the 11yr old matures/gets older, under your supervision and pending local laws, you can have a new riding partner with the 2nd ski for some great bonding time. Your van (given the proper equipment) should have no problem towing two Sparks behind it. You figure two of them will weight about the weight of one standard wave runner, and a lot less than a full boat.
A possible option, is to get two Sparks and two tubes. I pull 3-4 kids in my tube with my girlfriend spotting and we tow them all around the lake. This allows you the option to take the whole family out without the expensive upkeep of a Speedster. I had a Sea-Doo Challanger that was supercharged and that got expensive....and quick! When my girlfriend and I have another couple who want to join us, we simply bring them out to our favorite sand bar on the tube and strap a cooler to the rear platform. Pulls like a dream and allows for more fun when it's just us two!
As the 11yr old matures/gets older, under your supervision and pending local laws, you can have a new riding partner with the 2nd ski for some great bonding time. Your van (given the proper equipment) should have no problem towing two Sparks behind it. You figure two of them will weight about the weight of one standard wave runner, and a lot less than a full boat.
I'll sell you two 2014 Sparks, 2UP 900 ACE, 12 Hours on one and 16 Hours on the other with a dual trailer for $10.5K?
I saw you were selling and would jump on your offer except that I need 2 3ups and I am in Dallas, TXI'll sell you two 2014 Sparks, 2UP 900 ACE, 12 Hours on one and 16 Hours on the other with a dual trailer for $10.5K?
I bought 2 3-up sparks. I have no kids and am single, but I have many friends, and some have kids. We have been at the lake almost every weekend since memorial day.
The kids love riding on the back of the sparks. The adults even enjoy riding 2-up on the sparks. The older kids (16 year olds) love getting to drive the sparks, and every adult LOVES riding 1-up on their own and jumping wakes, spinning out, and flying across the lake. The adults range from 28-68 years old. Even my timid 65 year old mom loves them.
My tow vehicle is a 2003 Toyota Corolla. I got a triton trailer, as the aluminum construction is a little lighter, more salt water friendly, and the Elite model has the torsion suspension. It was a little more expensive than the galvanized steel models, but has been a joy to use and I highly recommend it.
The kids love riding on the back of the sparks. The adults even enjoy riding 2-up on the sparks. The older kids (16 year olds) love getting to drive the sparks, and every adult LOVES riding 1-up on their own and jumping wakes, spinning out, and flying across the lake. The adults range from 28-68 years old. Even my timid 65 year old mom loves them.
My tow vehicle is a 2003 Toyota Corolla. I got a triton trailer, as the aluminum construction is a little lighter, more salt water friendly, and the Elite model has the torsion suspension. It was a little more expensive than the galvanized steel models, but has been a joy to use and I highly recommend it.
Never thought a corolla would be good to tow these with, how does your corolla feel when towing them?
I have a 3up and my son bought a 2up. He said if he would do it over he would of got a 3 up. Not saying a 2up is bad, but he's a big guy (310....6'5") It's easier for him to get back on in while in the water on the 3 vs the 2
In your case with kids get a couple of 3 up's...you won't regret it. We had our grandkids (7, 6 5, 4) up here a while back and you couldn't keep them off either one.
In your case with kids get a couple of 3 up's...you won't regret it. We had our grandkids (7, 6 5, 4) up here a while back and you couldn't keep them off either one.
Why are you selling them both?I'll sell you two 2014 Sparks, 2UP 900 ACE, 12 Hours on one and 16 Hours on the other with a dual trailer for $10.5K?
I love my Sparks, but with a family of 5 with those ages, getting all five on is going to be a tight fit. With my 175lb, stocky build and my skinny 11 year old, there isn't a lot of room for anyone else comfortably. Its plausible, Just not preferred for moderate trips and aggressive driving. I suggest the boat. At some point someone is going to get tired of the tube.I may be asking the wrong audience due to the bias but here goes:
My wife and I were on the verge of pulling the trigger on a pair of 3up Sparks. We live in between 2 lakes less than 20 min away. We couldn't find any available due to the recall and inventory. Then I injured my shoulder...season over.
We are a family of 5 with an 11 yr old, a 7 yr old, and a 3yr old. The kids love riding tubes and such. The little one likes "driving" the boat. None of them have ever been on a PWC but we are confident that they will love it.
The added time to think this over has led to an alternative idea. There are tons of the Seadoo jet boats on the market reasonably cheap. For example: http://www.whittleboats.com/Boat-Search.php?item_id=10419&action=view
So the question we are facing is: Should we buy 2 Sparks, 1 Spark and a Speedster (or cheaper boat), or forego the Sparks and just get a boat. Money is a factor.
The additional challenge we face is towing. Our towing capability is limited to our minivan which isn't the most ideal tow vehicle. We may have the option of renting a slip at the lake and leaving our toys there but we would still either be locked to 1 lake or have to leave a toy behind if we go somewhere else.
My take is the Sparks would be pure fun. People capacity will be full especially as the kids get bigger. Riding tubes and such is doable but not as good as a boat.
Having a regular ski/wake boat would allow everyone to fit and friends/family to come along. We could ride/tow all day long in comfort. It also seems boring to a degree and I have wanted a PWC all my life.
a Spark and a small boat (which i see as a 4-5 seat PWC) seems like the perfect balance to me. The issue I have there is the logistics of trailer, storage, etc. Money being a factor, I'm not really down for buying a dedicated tow vehicle and fear that a custom trailer for this configuration would cost more than the skis going on it.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts or suggestions
I would go with ski's
1 spark and one sea doo GTI 130
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
1 spark and one sea doo GTI 130
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Corolla has a towing capacity of 1500 pounds. The trailer, loaded with 2 sparks is under 1200 with empty gas tanks. Tows just fine. I don't really notice its there except I have to turn off overdrive to make it go easier on the transmission, and be more cautious with breaking distances down steeper hills.Never thought a corolla would be good to tow these with, how does your corolla feel when towing them?
I wouldn't recommend anyone that will always have a passenger to get a Spark. It will become annoying to live with, depending on weight she will get tippy and it's just a rough ride.
Now if you're by yourself and love jumping waves and carving tight corners then it's a complete riot but you will end up in pain the next day
I love my Spark, but it really will beat you up bad. I'm a young skinny lad too
Now if you're by yourself and love jumping waves and carving tight corners then it's a complete riot but you will end up in pain the next day
I love my Spark, but it really will beat you up bad. I'm a young skinny lad too
Man, I wish I would have read this before I got my 2021 spark. I put the 8600 tune on it and im 46 and after a day of riding im beat up. But well worth it in fun.I wouldn't recommend anyone that will always have a passenger to get a Spark. It will become annoying to live with, depending on weight she will get tippy and it's just a rough ride.
Now if you're by yourself and love jumping waves and carving tight corners then it's a complete riot but you will end up in pain the next day
I love my Spark, but it really will beat you up bad. I'm a young skinny lad too
1 - 15 of 15 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.
SeaDoo Spark Forum
A forum community dedicated to SeaDoo Spark owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, troubleshooting, maintenance, Trixx, and more!
Full Forum Listing
