2003-2006 Sea-Doo Sportster 4-TEC Specs and Review [Video]

Marketed from 2003 through 2006, the Sportster 4-TEC was the first 4-stroke Sea-Doo jet boat ever built. She carried over the legacy of the 2-stroke Sportster LE/LT line but utilized an all-new 15-foot hull and 4-stroke Rotax engine packages rated at 155 and 215hp.

In this post, we’ll review this revolutionary boat and her factory specifications.

Sea-Doo Sportster 4-TEC Review

Hull and Top Deck

Sea-Doo released the innovative Sportster 4-TEC in 2003 but her 2-stroke predecessors remained part of the fleet until 2006.

Specifically engineered for 4-stroke Rotax 4-TEC engines, this model had an entirely new 20-degree deep-V hull and top deck.

She measured in at an overall length of 15 feet 4 inches and had a beam of 7 feet 1 inch.

Compared to the original 14-footer Sea-Doos, this new Sportster was only 10 inches longer but significantly heavier.

Her claimed weight was 1,452 pounds dry and about 1,600-1,700 pounds loaded with liquids and some gear.

This converted to an estimated trailering weight of 2,000-2,200 pounds on a single-axle trailer.

Just like the hull, the top deck of the Sportster 4-TEC was designed from scratch.

It inherited its opened, asymmetrical layout from her 14-foot ancestors, but featured more aggressive angular lines and a flashy white-yellow color scheme.

While the seating arrangements remained unchanged, their design and color scheme were completely revamped.

The aft featured three separate seatings in one row, one for the captain and two for passengers.

But instead of a flat bench-like cushion, they utilized deep, well-contoured cushions with high bolsters for maximum comfort and lateral traction.

This seating area was completed with two marine-grade speakers integrated into the backrest.

Another nice addition was the port rear-facing observer seat with a storage compartment in the backrest.

Each of these seats were designed with three-tone upholstery and mesh inserts intended to drain water away.

Captains appreciated the convenience features of the helm including a padded steering wheel, stereo system, sun visor, lockable helm storage, built-in insulated cooler, and a large padded gunwale armrest.

Designed with angular lines, the racing-inspired dashboard was fitted with a tachometer, speedometer,  cluster gauge, fuel gauge, switch panel, and a 12V outlet.

The fairly wide cockpit narrowed toward the bow, which had a minimalist stepped architecture.

Its key features included a seat base and gunwale-mounted cup holders, an in-floor ski locker, a push-down ski post, a rear trunk, and a plethora of grab handles.

Eye-catching and stylish, the narrow swim platform featured a clipped angular design, which also sacrificed a great portion of the surface. It was also fitted with a reboarding ladder and two grab handles.

To make life easier, the deck came standard with plenty of stainless steel cleats, eyelets, and navigation lights nestled in molded areas.

Regarding capacities, the boat could carry 4 passengers, 21 gallons of gas, and some gear up to a weight limit of 715 pounds.

Engines and Performance

As a rule of thumb, the new Sportster was marketed with two different single 4-stroke Rotax 1503 4-TEC engine options. In 2003 and 2004, she was available with a naturally-aspirated (155hp) engine package completed with an optional supercharged BVIC (215hp) variant from 2005 onwards.

(These two model variants were often referred to as Sportster 4-TEC NA and Sportster 4-TEC SC, respectively.)

As a rule of thumb, both of these Rotax engines were based on the same 4-stroke, SOHC, triple-cylinder Rotax 1503 power mill.

Specifically engineered for Sea-Doo boats and PWCs, it utilized a lot of advanced technologies like a dry sump oil system, multi-port fuel injection, closed-loop cooling, and the Sea-Doo exclusive digitally encoded security system (DESS).

The naturally-aspirated version of this engine delivered 155hp at 7300 RPM while its supercharged variant produced 215hp at 8000 RPM.

Each of these was paired with the same Bombardier Formula jet pump.

This axial-flow, single-stage jet pump enjoyed greased bearings and a four-blade, stainless-steel impeller with a progressive pitch.

On the water, the Sportster felt fairly stable thanks to its relatively wide beam.

In return, its short lightweight hull was prone to a heavy bounce on rough waters.

In addition to an amazing performance, her 4-stroke engines offered a smooth, quiet, and fuel-efficient operation.

Fitted with the naturally-aspirated 155hp variant, the Sportster 4-TEC topped out at 48-50 mph and had a minimum planing speed of 28-30 mph.

Under ideal conditions, she got on plane in 2.5-2.6 seconds and reached 30 mph in around 7 seconds.

Best cruising speed was in the mid-30s while getting 11-12 mpg while having an estimated cruising range of 230-250 miles.

In contrast, with the supercharged engine, she got on plane in 2.3 seconds, hit 30 mph in just 4.5 seconds, and topped out at 54-55 mph on the GPS.

Besides its remarkable top speed and acceleration, this lively jet boat also built a reputation for outstanding agility and a nimble attitude.

In an experienced hand, she could turn on a dime and make thrilling 180-degree spins.

What’s more, the 12-inch draft and enclosed propulsion system allowed the boat to reach shallow water areas.

Problems

To the greatest regret of many owners, the early supercharged “BVIC” engines of the Sportster 4-TEC SC proved to be quite unreliable.

Their superchargers were designed with deflective ceramic washers. These components were prone to breaking and the metal debris could often cause major engine damage.

Besides these washers, the exhaust valves and timing chains were also prone to failure.

Unlike its supercharged brother, the naturally aspirated 155hp engine variant was far more reliable and durable. What’s more, it was also much better on gas.

Inside the pumps, the driveshafts were sealed by a sensitive carbon ring whose failure often resulted in water leakage.

Built for younger adrenaline junkies, the top deck of the Sportster also lacked many convenience features like a windshield, bow gate, and deck carpet.

Also, her tiny hull had a poor water performance and limited capacities.

This is why this vessel was often described as an oversized jet ski rather than a traditional jet boat.

Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve listed the key specs of the 2003-2006 Sportster 4-TEC:

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length	15’ 4”
Beam	7’ 1”
Overall Height	46”
Draft	12”
Dead Rise	20°
Dry Weight	1452 lb.
Load limit (passengers+luggage)	715 lb.
Number of passengers (driver included)	4
Fuel Capacity	21 gal.
Hull Material	Composite (fiberglass)

Engines and Pumps

Number of Engines	1
Type	Rotax 1503 4-TEC OHC
Carburetion	MPI
Induction type	Rotary Valve
Exhaust system	Water cooled
Cooling System	CLCS (Closed-Loop)
Engine Stroke	4-stroke
Number of Cylinders	3
Displacement	1494cc
Performance (NA variant)	155hp
Performance (SC variant)	215hp
Engine oil capacity	3.2 US qt. oil change w/filter, 4.75 US qt. total
Pump	Bombardier Formula
Pump Type	Axial flow, Single stage

These specifications are for informational purposes only. For further information, please refer to the operator’s manual.

Takeaways

Introduced in the early 2000s, the Sportster 4-TEC was the first 4-stroke jet boat in Sea-Doo’s fleet.

Designed from scratch, she utilized a 15-foot deep-V fiberglass hull and a sporty top deck with aggressive angular lines.

(Due to its 15-foot hull, this model was often referred to as the “Sportster 15.”)

While the floor plan was carried over from predecessor 14-foot Sportsters, the seatings, and other features were completely revamped.

The Canadian manufacturer offered the 4-TEC with two different Rotax 1503 engine options including the naturally-aspirated 155hp and supercharged 215hp packages.

Due to their unbeatable riding experience, many of these aged boats are still kept alive by enthusiasts.

If you are looking for a Sportster 4-TEC for sale, you may find some on Craigslist, eBay, FB Marketplace, or on boat classifieds.

Their asking prices range from $5,000 to $15,000. Prices vary greatly depending on the age, engine option, and condition.

Interestingly enough, the original price of this model was $14,300 back in 2003.

When shopping around, you should steer clear of the supercharged (215hp) variant.

Their engines were not reliable even when they were new, so just imagine what you can expect decades later.

In contrast, the naturally-aspirated Sportster 4-TEC NA could be a better buy, just like her successors the more advanced Speedster 150 and Speedster 200.