Yamaha Ski Decision

I can get you $8510 out the door for GP1200R in bay area calif. if interested. They are awsome skis, Mine radared at 65.4 stonestock.

Steve Clark

Keith,

I have never ridden either of these machines, so this is not first hand information, but it is coming from someone who I am associated with that has ridden both of them.

The 2001GP1200R- This is the same engine as what was in my XL1200Limited (155hp 1200), and according to the dealer I bought it from, it is no better off the low end than my limited was. The soft low end is why I got rid of the XLL. A stock 95 GTX with an 80hp 650cc engine would blow the socks off of the XLL up till 30-35mph, which the XLL would walk right by the GTX then. If you want to keep the speed above 25-30mph, then this machine would be fine, but low speed fun (spin-outs, fishtails, etc) is on the low end of the scale do to the hull design of these 155hp craft and the weight of them.

Gp800r - Same basic hull as the 155hp 1200, but 35hp less? I would think it would be the same story as above.

There is nothing better than riding both of them if possible and deciding yourself though.

I believe the Kawasaki Ultra is still the fastest stock boat available (145hp 1200cc), and is much better on the low end from what I hear. Can't say first hand though, as I have never seen an Ultra on the water, just on land.

Scott & Terri Pearce, Tipton, PA

And Scotty & Dionna too!

Here are some other things to consider when you decide to buy one of these two Yamahas. With the 1200 model you will pay more for it on the front end (when you buy it), but you will also get more in the back end (when you sell it). A used 1200 will be much more valuable than an 800. In other words, you should not have to pay much more to ride a 1200 (if any) than an 800 when all is said and done.

Example:

1200 800

Cost: $8500 in 2001 cost: $7500 in 2001 sell: $6000 in 2003 sell: $5000 in 2003 spent: $2500 to ride a 1200 for 2 years spent: $2500 to ride an 800

A 1200 is more valuable because you will be able to do more with it as far a modifications to the engine are concerned. this may not be important to you, but more than likely be important to the person you sell it to. I cannot comment on the 800 and its mods, but I can tell you that historically the 800 is harder to work with. You would have to modify an 800 to make it run like a 1200, so what is the point? Why not just buy a 1200 and be done with it?

No doubt about it, the GPR is slower out of the hole than you would expect a 155hp machine to go. EVERY BOAT HAS A DOWN SIDE. this is not the boat you want if you want to be quick out of the hole. I cannot speak about the 800. Get an ULtra for a good bottom end, but then again look for another down side (like a squirrely top end in rough water).

Be patient as far as price is concerned. there are people on the East coast and down South that have paid $7200 to $7500 (+ tt&l) for a new 1200. I paid $7500 (+ tt&L) for mine in Arizona.

these points may not be important to you, it is just a different point of view to look at it from. Hope this helps!

Salty

this thing is killing me!