Thread: Sea Bandit

Anyone know much info about these skis?

http://www.seabandit.com.au/

The one I have seen launched at Ocean Reef was launched badly. The vehicle (dual wheel long wheel base yank truck, normally used to towing large horse floats) was reversed to the depth of the top of the tailgate, with the ski floated off (well before the vehicle stopped reversing).

With little info on the web, and what I saw in person, it does NOT look like a legitimate manufacturer. It looks like a Chinese knockoff of a Yamaha GP1300R.

Its hull is so much like a Yamaha GP1300R Black and Gold version, they are easily mistaken from a distance. Only the difference in some of the stickers give it away.
It even includes the Yamaha patented visibility spout at the rear (hence thought to be knockoff).
Yamaha is 1300cc 2 stroke.
I believe the engine is a suzuki engine, that wasn't built with marine, or pwc's in mind.
Engine power would be 90-120 hp, but would likely be less than expected if you ride a yamaha GP.

located in morley! right next door!

At first i thought these were aussie made. I found a price....

http://www.luxmarine.com.au/Jet_Ski/...Sea_Bandit.php

$12k how much were brand new xp's back in the days?

hey guys , love the fedback on my jet skis ,it helps with whats really being said and helps us improve our product, cept for some untruths ,,,,re launching details , mate the top of the tailgate? ,,,,dont think so , more like the rear wheels at the waters edge , lik i do with any water craft ie my 23 foot sportcriuser. Yes they are Chinese,,,and we do have warranty and parts via airbag, ps, one day China will be better or equal to Japan,,,if your old enough you will recall that people used to say " jap crap " now what you riding on ? And the factory have an engine machine room you wouldn't beleive, CNC's galore ,,,Engine Not built for a PWC,,,,,your kidding its an exact copy of the 700cc Yamaha fit today ! Yes they are a copy of the GP1300 ( a great machine ) and they are a lot less bucks and whoever reckoned they worked on my jetski is full of #@*% as no ones touched these babys yet.

The vehicle used to tow (White Chevy extra long wheel base, low rider pickup with dual rear wheels) was backed into the water so the tailgate was in the water. The rear wheels where half under water (or half out). This may not be your vehicle, but I was there, and I have made my share of stuff ups, but I have never reversed that far into the water. The only other instance I have ever seen anyone reverse (legitimately) into the water that far was a logue brook damn where the ramp decline was shallow, and the draft of the ski boat was deep. Fresh water is less of a problem. Any other vehicles I have seen requiring the trailer to be dunked so far into the water (yatch's) use an extension bar to keep the tow vehicle out.
Considering the uniqueness of the vehicle in question, this was hard to miss on the day. I didn't think it was a stuff up due to the driver getting out, and leaving the vehicle that far into the water, whereas I would have expected them to drive forward as soon they realised.
China's 'knockoff' problem, which includes duplication of a chevy motor car, and high tech computer company, down to the logo etc..., should not be tolerated in an open market. Considering Polaris and Suzuki (tigersharks) pulled out of PWC markets due to the competitiveness of this small market, cheap knockoffs shouldn't be tolerated.
If these come from a legit off shoot from Yamaha (Japan/US), then I hope these sell well for you. I would suggest you requst the manufacturers increase the HP/engine displacement to better match the orig GP1300R engine, than have the smaller engine push the larger hull through the water. A bit of proof, of the legitimacy of these would be great.
However the 'pedigree' of these craft is suspect due to the country of origins recent, and ongoing activities, and other seadoo, and other brand knockoffs that have been seen in Australia over the years.
I believe Slashers comments were about known Chinese Knockoffs. Not specifically these ones, and a general comment.
I willing to believe the Jet Sport West club would love to see these ski's in person at a club meet, or practice day, and would give a decent critical review of these skis'. The more PWC's on the water (behaving), the more fun we can all have.