[DickB]

I've been boating for longer than many of you are old in a variety of craft. PWC-wise I have a 96 Sea Doo GTX and an 82 Wetbike. The GTX has been a lot of fun for me and my family, but after 15 years I wanted something updated and the Spark seemed to fit the bill. I'm in Minnesota but my wife and I spend January and February in Lake Placid Florida. I was planning to buy a base Spark down there and tow it back, but I ran across this hardly-used 2014 with HO engine, convenience package, and Yacht Club trailer at a great price. That's right, it hasn't even finished the break-in period yet.

Had it out for the first time today, and so far I am very pleased. The acceleration is Sport mode is amazing. Handles really well, and although I did not find a great boat wake to jump today, it's evident that one can get as much air as at least I would want.

Towed it 250 miles with my Hyundai Elantra GT and got 32.5 mpg, only a couple of mpg less than similar roads and speeds (65 mph) sans trailer, so happy about that as well.

Not sure if this one was subject to the handlebar recall or if it was fixed, so I will try calling Bombardier Monday to find out.

 

[Sparkmats]

Awesome,. hope you have a great time with it !

 

[winter]

My TS-650 is a 1990 model and if I can get the Carbs adjusted, it goes back in the water with my Spark.

 

[Hunter090]

Sounds like you were lucky and found a good deal. Is it warm enough in Florida to ride in January and February? maybe if you bring a wetsuit?

I would definitely figure out what is going on with the handle bars, but other than that, good on ya.

 

[DickB]

Sounds like you were lucky and found a good deal. Is it warm enough in Florida to ride in January and February? maybe if you bring a wetsuit?

I would definitely figure out what is going on with the handle bars, but other than that, good on ya.

It was on the cool side last year, but there were 80 degree days, and guys wakeboarding, so yes especially for a Minnesotan it is warm enough. I called Bombardier and yes I need to get the handlebars fixed, but the weather is too nice to do that this week - maybe next week.

 

[Neptune]

O, does Bombardier build the Sparks? That's the same company that build all the public transit vehicles in Toronto.

Make sure you don't wait too long to get the handle bars fixed. It's all fun until they actually break while you are riding.

 

[DickB]

What part actually breaks? Has this happened to anyone on the forum?

 

[Hunter090]

Here are some pictures of what can happen. It can actually cause some injuries.

 

[seaking]

That's brutal. First time i'm seeing pictures of it after seeing many people report and talk about it.

 

[GizmoK]

congrats but make sure you do yourself a favor and check if the recalls have been dealt with.

 

[seaking]

By the way @DickB, are there any accessories or aftermarket parts you plan on getting?

Not sure how many people on this forum have a cover for their spark (might be worthy for a poll question) but if you don't already have one it might be worth looking into the OEM SeaDoo Spark Covers then there's Poppy.

 

[DickB]

No, not planning on adding anything. Cost is a big factor for me which was one of the Spark's big selling points. In shopping this time I definitely wanted a 4-stroke and love the modern Spark EFI and throttle by wire (I hate carburetors), but I need to keep spending down on this. My plan was to buy a new base 2-up, no options, for the price, but was happy to get the HO engine and convenience package in this nearly-new Spark for less than I would have spent on the base model and a non-OEM trailer.

That said the convenience package is not essential for me. The knee step seems a bit half-baked. The storage bin is not real useful, much smaller than my GTX which holds a pair of life jackets and a collapsible paddle with ease, and keeps my shirt dry (I often stop at on-the-water restaurants). It is also not waterproof unlike the older model. I wish the "glove box" or whatever were at least waterproof on the Spark, to save having to put my cell phone in a waterproof case. My niece managed to throw us both off the GTX and flip it upside down several years ago, which I didn't really think was possible. I was glad the glove box stayed dry.

I've always kept my older Sea Doo covered when out of the garage as the sun is killer. I like the OEM Spark cover but too much $$. I just ordered this Classic Accessories WaveGear cover which has mostly favorable reviews: [ame]http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BFU014E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1[/ame]. Probably the only accessory I will add.

 

[seaking]

No, not planning on adding anything. Cost is a big factor for me which was one of the Spark's big selling points. In shopping this time I definitely wanted a 4-stroke and love the modern Spark EFI and throttle by wire (I hate carburetors), but I need to keep spending down on this. My plan was to buy a new base 2-up, no options, for the price, but was happy to get the HO engine and convenience package in this nearly-new Spark for less than I would have spent on the base model and a non-OEM trailer.

That said the convenience package is not essential for me. The knee step seems a bit half-baked. The storage bin is not real useful, much smaller than my GTX which holds a pair of life jackets and a collapsible paddle with ease, and keeps my shirt dry (I often stop at on-the-water restaurants). It is also not waterproof unlike the older model. I wish the "glove box" or whatever were at least waterproof on the Spark, to save having to put my cell phone in a waterproof case. My niece managed to throw us both off the GTX and flip it upside down several years ago, which I didn't really think was possible. I was glad the glove box stayed dry.

I've always kept my older Sea Doo covered when out of the garage as the sun is killer. I like the OEM Spark cover but too much $$. I just ordered this Classic Accessories WaveGear cover which has mostly favorable reviews: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BFU014E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. Probably the only accessory I will add.

Good choice, out of the box the spark is great.
That cover looks great, 55, 5 star ratings...out of 100, not bad at all!

 

[stuckmoto]

+1 on the Classic Accessories WaveGear cover. They are $60 at a local parts store and last better than my OEM did.