I got my 99 GP1200 like I wanted now I need to get the 2nd ski. The 2001 XLT looks real bichin, since that was the first year for that hull did they have any problems with the hull or the engine? Or should I get the 2001 GPR? Remember 80% of my ridding is in the ocean and the little lady will be using it most of the time.(she likes it smooth, unlike me I like it rough
Thank You again for all the great feedback.
CHRIS (AKA: PWCExtreme)

Actually, 98 was the first year for that hull, XL1200 with the 135hp engine. In 99 they installed the 155hp engine(66v). In 2000 they simply changed the hood cowling and added a longer ride plate.

If ya get that 2001, install a set of waveeaters PV clips, riva scoop grate, solas 12/18, stock ride plate for ocean riding. It should be good for 61-62 all day long.

Incorrect! THe '98 XL1200 was its own separate animal. The '99 was the new hull and 155 hp engine with the cat-con, and has stayed pretty much the same ever since (it was renamed the XLT in '01). So no, the '01 XLT you are looking at was not a first-year anything, it was the third year of a pretty successful, sales-wise, touring three-seater (I had a 99 for four years, loved it despite some reliability problems after mods, due to some shoddy mechanic work I believe in retrospect). The hull stayed the same, only the cowling and graphics evolved a bit over the years.

I stand corrected.

I own the 2002 XLT 1200 and it is not too stable of a hull. The hull holds up with wavejumpin. Three up is not too stable. I was disappointed with the stock ski. Cavitates and bottom end excelleration is slow. Doesnt steer well at higher speeds and trim dont have much affect.

Install the Waveeater clips or SBT lever control arms or R&D/RIVA powervalves before the engine blows!

XLT comes alive with 12-18 solas concord w/aluminum seal, RIVA/R&D ride plate and intake grate, pump seal kit, RIVA sponsons. Result - good steering and handling, Accel improved much, top speed is improved, trim is affective, cavitation is minimized.

XLT has excellent performance and bottow end with 41cc head, stinger 3 pipe. A world of a difference. (should use sythetic oil at this point)

Hull is smooth and the XLT 1200 will hold up great in salt water! I agree, it looks good. The reverse is retardedly designed.

[ 06-07-2003, 10:53 PM: Message edited by: M. ]

I do agree that when there is more than one person on the ski it does get a little twitchy. But i dont have expierence on any other skis with multiple people on it. I would say though that i was gonna put new sponsons on it and carl from island racing advised not to because on the (dont quote me on exactly when it started but he did say around 01) new factory sponsons work really well. They are the square looking ones. Also I think the ski with one person which is what i usualy ride is very stable. Never flipped it yet by myself and on the big waves im always stable where everyone else is fliping over. So I would say kudos to the xlt hulls. The mods the other gentlemen mentioned i dont have expierence with as i have a xlt800 but on mine u will see the list on the bottom of my log, that with all my goddies its a whole other animal this summer!
good luck!