![1999-2004 Polaris Genesis 1200 Specs and Review [Specs Chart]](https://www.jetdrift.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/polaris-genesis-review.jpg)
1999-2004 Polaris Genesis 1200 Specs and Review [Specs Chart]
The Polaris Genesis 1200 is one of the few 4-seater jet skis ever built. The dimensions of the craft were impressive as it was 131.1 inches long and 49.3 inches wide, and it was powered by a 2-stroke, 1165cc triple engine rated at 135 HP.
If you want to find out more about this iconic jet ski, you are in the right place.
We at JetDrift have compiled the key specs and info you need into this Polaris Genesis 1200 review!
Polaris Genesis 1200 Review
Like the competitor Yamaha SUV 1200, the Polaris Genesis 1200 was also revealed in 1999, followed a couple of months later by the Sea-Doo LRV in 2000. These machines were arguably some of the most famous PWCs ever built! Why?This is because each of them had a seating capacity for four riders.
Yes, that’s right, unlike today’s 2-3 seater jet skis, the Polaris Genesis 1200 could carry four riders safely and legally. However, even if it was marketed as a 4-seater, it offered comfortable rides for three adults or a family of four.
To this end, the Polaris Genesis featured a large hull that was 131.1 inches long and 49.3 inches wide. At that time, this outstanding hull was one of the most stable ones in the industry, thanks to its custom deep-V design.
The craft also had a remarkable weight capacity of 625 pounds and more than 40 gallons of storage space.
Unlike the smaller PWCs in Polaris’ fleet made of SMC (Sheet Molded Compound), the Genesis hull was manufactured exclusively of FRC (Fiberglass Reinforced Composite).
The key advantage of this hull was that it fit on a regular double jet ski trailer. In contrast, the competitor’s 4-seaters were much longer, so they required a custom trailer.
The Genesis family contained two similar models, the carbureted Genesis and the Genesis FFI (FFI stands for Ficht Fuel Injection.) As the latter’s name suggests, this version was offered with the fuel-injection engine, which made its debut that year. The 1165cc, 2-stroke triple cranked out 135 HP in both models, which was enough to pull tubers and wakeboarders.
The base carbureted engine featured three CDK carburetors.
The ski was also equipped with two rearview mirrors, a foldable reboarding step, and a large swim platform.
Therefore, the Genesis instantly became popular among watersport lovers, but it was also commonly used for PWC fishing.
The fuel capacity of the Polaris Genesis was 17 gallons, which resulted in a great fuel range. Since its 2-stroke engine was lubricated by an oil-injection system, the ski also featured an oil reservoir with a capacity of 6 quarts.As reported by Boats.com, the fuel-injected engine option, named Polaris Marine 1200 FFI, offered a 76 percent cleaner operation and used about 35 percent less fuel than its carbureted counterpart.
In addition to the 4-seater hull and the fuel-injection system, Polaris introduced many new features on the Genesis family. These innovations were the electric reverse (PERC) and the Polaris Multi-Function Display (MFD), a 24-function display featuring a compass and a unique security system.
To make the engine quieter, the Genesis featured a unique exhaust system, simply labeled the “Polaris Low Acoustic Noise Exhaust Technology” (PLANET).
This Polaris-exclusive exhaust system reduced the noise by 60 percent as it featured two exhaust exits under the waterline. For some reason, the later (2000-2004) models were already manufactured with a much simpler exhaust system with a regular exit into the pump.
Both engine options utilized an open-loop water cooling system and offered a top speed of about 55-58 mph in stock condition.
At first glance, the 2000-2004 Genesis models looked quite similar to the 1999 models, but they differed in some details.
For example, the newer models got a simpler exhaust system, different injectors, and an EMM. The latter stands for Electric Management Module, which was actually the ECU of Polaris watercraft.
The dry weight of the machine was also increased over the years, ranging from 725-760 pounds depending on the model year and engine option.
Polaris Genesis 1200 Spec Charts
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specifications of the Polaris Genesis 1200 into these charts:Polaris Genesis Dimension Chart (1999-2004)
Specification | |
---|---|
Length (") | 131.1 |
Width (") | 49.3 |
Height (") | 40.4 |
Fuel cap. (Gal) | 17 |
Oil Reservoir cap. (qrt) | 6 |
Dry weight (Lbs) | 675 - 760 |
Storage cap. (Gal) | 38.6 - 41.6 |
Load limit - Riders (lbs) | 600 |
Load limit - Total (lbs) | 625 |
Rider Capacity | 4 |
Hull Material | FRC |
Polaris Genesis Engine Chart (2001)
Model | Polaris Genesis | Polaris Genesis FFI |
---|---|---|
Engine Type | Polaris Marine 1200 | Polaris Marine 1200 FFI |
Engine Stroke | 2 | 2 |
Displacement (cc) | 1165 | 1165 |
Cylinders | 3 | 3 |
Bore (mm) | 84 | 84 |
Stroke (mm) | 70 | 70 |
Horsepower | 135 | 135 |
Compression Ratio (Full Stroke) | 11.3:1 | 11.2:1 |
Compression Ratio (Effective) | 6.8:1 | 6.6:1 |
RPM Limiter Operation | 7200 +/- 100 | 7200 +/- 100 |
Fuel supply | Carburetor | Injector |
Induction Type | Case Reed | Case Reed |
Exhaust System | Water Cooled/Injected | Water Cooled/Injected |
Lubrication | Oil Injected | Oil Injected |
Oil Type | Polaris 2 Cycle Oil | Polaris 2 Cycle Oil |
Engine Cooling | Water Cooled | Water Cooled |
Overheating Warning | Warning Light/RPM Limit | Warning Light/RPM Limit |
Polaris Genesis Electric Chart (2001)
Model | Polaris Genesis | Polaris Genesis FFI |
---|---|---|
Alternator Output | 4.5 apm/60watt @ 4500 RPM | 12 apm/160watt @ 4500 RPM |
Ignition system | CDI | FICHT |
Spark Plug Type | NGK BR9ES | NGK PZFR6H |
Park Plug Gap | .028 (.7mm) | .032 (.8mm) |
Starting System | Electric Starter | Electric Starter |
Battery | 12V, 19Ah | 12V, 19Ah |
Polaris Genesis Propulsion Chart (2001)
Propulsion Chart | |
---|---|
Impeller | Stainless Steel, 3 blade |
Impeller Diameter | 5.83 (14.80 cm) |
Propulsion System | Jet Drive |
Jet Pump Type | Single-Stage, Axial Flow |
Transmission | Direct Drive |
Min. Water Level for Jet Pump | 2 feet (60 cm) |
Takeaway – FAQs About the Polaris Genesis 1200
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the iconic Polaris Genesis 1200!In What Years was the Polaris Genesis 1200 Manufactured?
The Polaris Genesis 1200 debuted in 1999 and remained in production until the 2004 model year.
What Were the Dimensions of the Polaris Genesis 1200?
The Polaris Genesis 1200 was 131.1 inches long, 49.3 inches wide, and 40.4 inches high.
What Were the Capacities of the Polaris Genesis 1200?
The capacities of the Polaris Genesis 1200 were as follows:
- Fuel capacity: 17 U.S. gallons
- Oil capacity: 6 U.S. quarts
- Storage capacity: 38.6 U.S. gallons
- Passenger capacity: 1-4 people
- Maximum load capacity: 625 pounds
How Much Did a Polaris Genesis 1200 Weigh?
The dry weight of the Polaris Genesis 1200 was 675-725 pounds depending on the model year and engine option. The fuel-injected models were typically 10-20-pounds heavier than their carbureted brothers.
What Kind of Engine Was in the Polaris Genesis 1200?
The engine of the Polaris Genesis 1200 was a 1165cc, 2-stroke, 3-cylinder power mill, which was available in both carbureted and fuel-injected versions. The carbureted engine was labeled the Polaris Marine 1200, while the fuel-injected option was known as Polaris Marine 1200 FFI (Fitch Fuel Injection).
How Much Horsepower Did a Polaris Genesis 1200 Have?
As a rule of thumb, each Polaris Genesis 1200 model offered a performance of 135 HP regardless of its engine option or model year.
How Fast Could a Polaris Genesis 1200 Go?
The top speed of the Polaris Genesis 1200 was about 56-58 mph under ideal conditions.
How Much is a Polaris Genesis 1200 Worth?
The prices of the Polaris Genesis 1200 typically start at $1,000 and go up to $3,000. Like in the case of any used jet ski, the asking prices strongly depend on the condition and year of the machine.
Is it Worth Buying a Polaris Genesis 1200?
It’s hard to tell if a Polaris Genesis 1200 is worth buying. If you are looking for a 4-seater jet ski, this machine is one of your few options besides the Sea-Doo LRV and the Yamaha SUV. However, these competitors are considered a better choice as they are less rare and more reliable.
What’s more, keep in mind that Polaris left the PWC market in the mid-2000s, meaning that finding parts for these machines is not an easy task. This is mainly because these 2-stroke “FITCH” marine engines are completely different than any other 4-stroke fuel-injected Polaris power source.
If you are stuck on getting a Polaris by any means, it’s recommended that you purchase a carbureted model from the 2002-2004 model years. Although these carbureted machines occasionally require “carb work” and are harder to start, they still prove to be more reliable in the long run.
Why?
First, the starter, the wire harness, and the ECU (known as EMM) of these fuel-injected FFT Polaris PWCs are well-known for their unreliability.
This means a little chip failure can leave you stranded on the water! And as you might assume, finding and replacing the unit means a lot of costs and hassle.
The wire harness of these models was also prone to developing corrosion which resulted in various electrical malfunctions. Because of this, the factory wire harness has already been replaced in many Polaris PWCs. Fortunately, the service replacement wire harness proved to be more durable and reliable.
As a final word, don’t forget that PWC repair shops typically refuse to work on skis older than ten years old.
Consequently, investing in a Polaris Genesis only makes sense if you can do all the repairs and maintenance yourself!