[Kinetic]

I'm planning to purchase a 3-up Spark. This will be my first PWC and I'm basically clueless.

I plan to play with it, but I'm mainly going to pull my kids in a small bay (about a 1 mile diameter and without much traffic).

I tried to build one on-line, but not sure what is needed and what is nice to have. Not sure that I'd trust the salesperson for a straight (non-commissioned inspired) answer.

For example, I'm pretty sure that I need the IBR and boarding step. Do I need the bilge pump? What about the electrical outlet? Pretty sure I don't need the roof sail umbrella thing, but what about bumpers? Mats?

If you were buying a Spark (or recommending one to your new pal Kinetic), what would you recommend as worthwhile and what is just extra?

 

[Kinetic]

I: D

 

[Patrick]

I have ibr, fenders, reboarding step and front storage bin, and i do not have a feeling that im "missing" something. The bilge pump is only necessary if you're going to leave it on the water for a while without watching it, so it doesn't sink. But i still think it is a good idea to have it. I would definitely buy the ibr if i was in your position. I dont think you will need the electrical outlet, unless you're going on a long trip and want to charge your phone. Or you can use it to plug in a GPS


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[Kinetic]

I agree. I'll need the IBR. Are the fenders the strips along the sides or the little mini bumpers? Would I need both or is it an eurher-or thing?

Also, don't plan to bring a phone or GPS - at least not in the short term. Considering that I'm new at this, it would probably be quicker to just throw them directly in the lake. With my luck and skill,thats where they would likely end either way.

 

[ChuckTheVoice]

You should always bring a phone with you, you never know when you will need help.

Just put your phone in a ziplock and blow in the ziplock to create a air pocket. The ziplock will inflate and your phone should not sink if it goes overboard.

 

[Kinetic]

I never thought of that (needing the phone). I'm typically tethered to mine 24/7 because of work. I was thinking "left it on shore" was a good excuse to not have it.

I never thought of needing it to call out. Thanks!

 

[seaking]

You should always bring a phone with you, you never know when you will need help.

Just put your phone in a ziplock and blow in the ziplock to create a air pocket. The ziplock will inflate and your phone should not sink if it goes overboard.

Exactly.

Imagine being stuck out there with nothing but hope

Hope that some law enforcement person would come by or some random person... not happening

 

[SPARK15]

He is only in a mile diameter bay. Surely you could swim .

 

[Kinetic]

He is only in a mile diameter bay. Surely you could swim .

I can (and I have). But it's still a good thought. I can get to a larger lake by going through some cuts. Sooner or later, I can see exploring one day - and not bringing my phone.

Getting back to the original question, could I get some advice about the extras? What are your thoughts on:

• Side protectors ($160) ?
• Grip Mats ($115)?
• Snap-in Fenders ($104)?
• Variable Trim System ($229 - I'm not even sure what this is).
• Speed Ties?

I'm looking at the 3-Up with IBR and convenience package. Any thoughts?

 

[Cormacs]

I can (and I have). But it's still a good thought. I can get to a larger lake by going through some cuts. Sooner or later, I can see exploring one day - and not bringing my phone.

Getting back to the original question, could I get some advice about the extras? What are your thoughts on:

• Side protectors ($160) ?
• Grip Mats ($115)?
• Snap-in Fenders ($104)?
• Variable Trim System ($229 - I'm not even sure what this is).
• Speed Ties?

I'm looking at the 3-Up with IBR and convenience package. Any thoughts?

I have all that and love it. I double love the variable trim system.


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[Patrick]

Yup, you definitely want the VTS. It allows you to trim the steering nozzle up and down to either raise or lower the bow.
The side protectors tend to fall of, so get the fenders instead of those.
The speed ties will not work in salt water, they get stiff and won't retract. I would get a grip mat set from hydroturf, then you can have different patterns and colors.


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[Kinetic]

What does VTS do?

 

[seadoojay]

Of the list you presented I don't have any of those things on my 2015 3 up. I think of the whole list, the thing I miss the most is the grip mats, and will be ordering a set of hydroturf mats this week, I find my feet do become uncomfortable when cruising around for a while, and I think on the extension it would make reboarding a lot more pleasurable.

Could I continue to live without it? Sure. But $100 seems like money well spent in my book. In the meantime I've been wearing a pair of waterproof nikes while riding

 

[Wrench4fun]

I can (and I have). But it's still a good thought. I can get to a larger lake by going through some cuts. Sooner or later, I can see exploring one day - and not bringing my phone.

Getting back to the original question, could I get some advice about the extras? What are your thoughts on:

• Side protectors ($160) ?
• Grip Mats ($115)?
• Snap-in Fenders ($104)?
• Variable Trim System ($229 - I'm not even sure what this is).
• Speed Ties?

I'm looking at the 3-Up with IBR and convenience package. Any thoughts?

its all personal preference, most people will find there are things they can't live without and others you can, from what most people say the side protectors are a waste of money, grip mats I usually wear sandals or water shoes so I find no need for them, snap in fenders I feel they are a must if you are docking at different places often, variable trim is a lot of fun but I didn't put it on my wife's machine because she doesn't drive like I do! Speed ties I wouldn't bother either, although they are a great idea they are on the right side of the machine so if you dock on the left side they are almost usless and they are almost too short.

Ibr is pretty nice, both of my units this year have it, last year my wifes 3up had it but my 2up didn't but I did put the manual reverse on it, this year I bought both with it because I wanted VTS and that is the only way you have VTS is with Ibr.

Price out one with the convience package and one without, depending if your dealer will give you a discount on accessories when you buy a new unit and if you are able to follow simple instructions you could install the front storage and rear step yourself and save some money.

 

[Cormacs]

Yup, you definitely want the VTS. It allows you to trim the steering nozzle up and down to either raise or lower the bow.
The side protectors tend to fall of, so get the fenders instead of those.
The speed ties will not work in salt water, they get stiff and won't retract. I would get a grip mat set from hydroturf, then you can have different patterns and colors.


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I find the side protectors stay on if prepped properly. They have save the side of one of my machines already even with the snap in fenders in place. When I leave my machine I have both the side protectors and snap in fenders.

The speed ties work well in fresh water.

The VTS is a must if you like to play.


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[SPARK15]

I can (and I have). But it's still a good thought. I can get to a larger lake by going through some cuts. Sooner or later, I can see exploring one day - and not bringing my phone.

Getting back to the original question, could I get some advice about the extras? What are your thoughts on:

• Side protectors ($160) ?
• Grip Mats ($115)?
• Snap-in Fenders ($104)?
• Variable Trim System ($229 - I'm not even sure what this is).
• Speed Ties?

I'm looking at the 3-Up with IBR and convenience package. Any thoughts?

The only thing on your list I have are the grip mats. The rest is not needed for what I do. My add ons are WORX steering upgrade and exhaust. SS ring and RIVA SPONSONS plus the VTECH.
Everyone is DIFFRENT so do what you think you need.

 

[SPARK15]

VTS is not needed for wave jumping or wave riding so either I'm not playing or ??????

 

[Cormacs]

VTS is not needed for wave jumping or wave riding so either I'm not playing or ??????

It's not needed. VTS makes the spark a whole new machine. With VTS it put a whole new grin on my face.


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[Cormacs]

VTS gained me 5 mph and now it spins with no effort. Removes all issues of porpoising. I could always get it to spin before but you had to throw your weight. Now with the trim up I just have to toss the handle bars and it is sliding backwards going to other direction, no need to adjust the sponsons. Adjust the trim back down and it cuts corners again. Gives you so much more control.


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[Kinetic]

Thanks everyone! I'm ordering this weekend. I'll let you know how it goes!