Sea-Doo VS Supercharged and Explorer experiences

[ScubaDocER]

I know this thread is old but I did want to comment on a positive experience that I had with my Seadoo Explorer scooter. I bought 2 of them at DEMA in Nov 2007. One worked fine, the other flooded horribly. I sent it back for repairs twice. When I submitted it the 2nd time (about 2 months ago) I asked for it to be replaced with one made by the new company (Stallion) instead of trying to repair the old one. The battery compartment was flooded again and you could hear the water sloshing around. I made sure to send it back with the sloshing sound intact. My new Seadoo Scooter arrived today made by Stallion and looks to be working well. Will test it in the next week or so in the local quarry. The guys I worked with at Body Glove were very very nice and sympathetic to my concerns. They were aware of issues that were occurring with the original builder and sent my new scooter without hassle or further costs. I applaud their attempts to keep a satisfied customer, because prior to his, I was very dissatisfied. It took a few phone calls, but in the end it looks as if things may have worked out for the best.

 

[ScubaDocER]

Just an update about my new (replaced) Seadoo Scooter. I did receive my new scooter made by Stallion. I put it in the water yesterday and it worked beautifully. No flooding and I had a blast with it. For those who have had flooding problems with their scooter I would suggest that they contact Seadoo about possibly replacing it. It took some persistence on my part but I am happy with the final product.

 

[Speedster00]

Checking on an update from the original poster. What did you finally get and how did it work ?
I'm just about to buy a VS at a good price - hope it's worth it. I guess time will tell.

 

[inthehole]

im new to the whole scooter diving thing i was wondering what would be the best to start off with???

 

[konadiverII]

I recently bought a SeaDoo Explorer, brand spank'n new out of the box, followed all the instructions, charged the battery like it said, greased the o-rings, etc. The maiden voyage, I decided to try in a 5' deep pool just to test it before going into the ocean (this was following other people's warnings about the SeaDoo Explorer's flooded). Sure enough, after 5 freck'n minutes in the pool, my 700 bucks went out the window. Can you imagine if the maiden voyage was on a real dive? I'd have to lug that thing throughout the dive! It turns out the leak wasn't even in the battery compartment, but in the motor compartment which users can't even access! Being in Guam, I had to pay over $300 bucks to ship it back to Irvine CA. Now they've replaced it (or fixed it I'm not sure) which means the next time I'm in Guam USA to check out my new toy, and if it again floods, I'd be out of warranty range and be out $1000! All for 5 minutes of use in the pool! What a crock!!

 

[Speedster00]

im new to the whole scooter diving thing i was wondering what would be the best to start off with???

I just picked one up slightly used and was able to use it Saturday. My expectations weren't to high but I was pretty happy with it. Depth was around 20ish feet and in current. Going against the current in full gear wasn't so great but it was slightly gaining. (note no fin action) After the current slowed it was a blast.
On the first dive I had 3lb in the nose and that was to much and it was negatively balanced. On the second dive I took it out and it was positively balanced but wasn't noticeable until I stopped moving. I think 1 or 2lbs should be fine.
No leakage and I was using it mostly with the 2nd trigger booster and it didn't slow a bit.

There are a few used ones in the classified section

Good luck,
Andy

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

I just picked one up slightly used and was able to use it Saturday. My expectations weren't to high but I was pretty happy with it. Depth was around 20ish feet and in current. Going against the current in full gear wasn't so great but it was slightly gaining. (note no fin action) After the current slowed it was a blast.
On the first dive I had 3lb in the nose and that was to much and it was negatively balanced. On the second dive I took it out and it was positively balanced but wasn't noticeable until I stopped moving. I think 1 or 2lbs should be fine.
No leakage and I was using it mostly with the 2nd trigger booster and it didn't slow a bit.

There are a few used ones in the classified section

Good luck,
Andy

The Sea-Doo VS Supercharged is pretty sweet for an 18# DPV. I put one 2# sack in the weight compartment for negative buoyancy(I like to park it in the rocks when hunting for lobsters). I figure 1 pound should make it neutral.

 

[ScubaDocER]

I recently bought a SeaDoo Explorer, brand spank'n new out of the box, followed all the instructions, charged the battery like it said, greased the o-rings, etc. The maiden voyage, I decided to try in a 5' deep pool just to test it before going into the ocean (this was following other people's warnings about the SeaDoo Explorer's flooded). Sure enough, after 5 freck'n minutes in the pool, my 700 bucks went out the window. Can you imagine if the maiden voyage was on a real dive? I'd have to lug that thing throughout the dive! It turns out the leak wasn't even in the battery compartment, but in the motor compartment which users can't even access! Being in Guam, I had to pay over $300 bucks to ship it back to Irvine CA. Now they've replaced it (or fixed it I'm not sure) which means the next time I'm in Guam USA to check out my new toy, and if it again floods, I'd be out of warranty range and be out $1000! All for 5 minutes of use in the pool! What a crock!!

Kona,

When you get the new (or fixed) unit back check to see if the manufacturer of the new scooter is Stallion. It will have their name on the underside of the body I think. I had the same problem you did (as most who bought it had) with a flooded battery compartment (see my previous post on my experience). Body Glove is aware of the problem and I believe has hired Stallion to build the new units and I think they are replacing them with the ones made by Stallion. If you have not received your scooter back from them call them and ask them to not repair your unit but REPLACE it with the one made by Stallion. I did and they replaced it without a problem. The new unit works beautifully and I am very happy with it.

 

[deeper thoughts]

I owned the sea doo vs(2 of them) and both flooded after a year and a half. Garbage now. That being said I own the Explorer(stallion) for about 6 months and it has been fine

 

[Speedster00]

With the VS's I'd assume that the o-ring needs replacement after a while. I take it that's were the water is seeping in to flood it?
Mine is used but the seal seem to hold pretty tight. I'll order up a couple o-rings for next season to be on the safe side.
rapidiver - Yeah I was thinking a 1 1/2 lbs would be idea - maybe I can a used 2 lb'er from the dive shop thats lost some weight - thanks for the heads up.