Looking for info on Jet-skis

[synthetic_crazy]

I'm looking for some input on jet-skis in general. I am thinking about purchasing a used one sometime in the next year. I have never operated one, but it seems like a alot of fun for use on local lakes--in a size that is less than a regular boat.

1. What brands are the most reliable? Any to avoid?

2. Typical price range?

3. Do they require alot of maintenance?

3. The ones I have looked at passively on-line measure use in terms of hours; what range of hours would be best to look for in a used model? (I realize this is tied to the price)

Thanks in advance for any advice provided.

 

[Donald]

First decide how big? Two seater or more? Some are a jet ski while the bigger ones are wave runners. Many are 2 cycle. I know someone with one with 275 HP and it goes like 90MPH.

In many states you need a license to operate. Always have insurance. Obviously register it.

Trailer is almost a necessity. If you buy a trailer, get one for two jet skis.

Get a Rottweiler or a big chain, they are theft targets.

When considering a brand, look for local dealers in case you need parts or service.

Always a life preserver.

If it were me I would always have a floating handheld VHF radio. On the water, a cell phone is no substitute for a VHF radio. On my boat I have a regular and handheld VHF radio.

Welcome to the hobby where an endless supply of money gets you a few fun weekends over the three summer months.

 

[Chris142]

before you buy an older one make sure that it's alllowed where you want to use it. My Neighbor bought 2 used ones only to find out that they don't allow 2strokes on many lakes here.

 

[Cup of Joe]

Since you have never operated one why not rent a couple times to decide if you want to buy one?

 

[Dakota1820]

They're fun but are very expensive to own. 100 bucks a day is not unheard of . We had sea doo they were pretty reliable and fun

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
before you buy an older one make sure that it's alllowed where you want to use it. My Neighbor bought 2 used ones only to find out that they don't allow 2strokes on many lakes here.


It would be a shorter list if CA provided a list of what is allowed.

 

[JTK]

I owned 3 different makes/models at different times years ago. My first was a used 1989 Bombardier SeaDoo, second was a new 1994 Yamaha Pro VXR, last was a Kawasaki 750. All were 1-2 seaters and all were 2 cyl 2-strokes.

The Yamaha was built extremely well and very well thought out mechanically wise. The Kawasaki was second in those two regards and the SeaDoo last.

SeaDoos ride and handle excellent, but they're cheaply made IMO.

Joel

 

[Spazdog]

Learn boating rules

I have had more close calls than I can count with personal watercraft that will not give way to sailboats.

I don't think anybody makes a standup watercraft anymore. Been awhile since I've seen one. They were a little more challenging than the sit-down style which is like riding a twist and go scooter.

My former employer had a pair of SeaDoos and a Kawasaki JS300. The SeaDoos were very fast but required frequent repair. The JS300 was slow (on a good day, my Sunfish could nearly keep up...

) and was a little more challenging to ride but I cannot recall it ever needing anything but a sparkplug and more fuel and injector oil.

I rent Yamahas when I go to the coast. They stand up to rental duty. That says quite a bit.

 

[drfeelgood]

Do your research and ,as mentioned, even rent some to check them out. I believe Yamaha generally has the best reputation for reliability and least maintenance. Around here, essentially all the rental machines are Yamahas, and its not because they are the least expensive.
I have 2 FX HOs, a 2007 and 2008, and they are fantastic machines. Check Craigslist for used machines.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: synthetic_crazy
I'm looking for some input on jet-skis in general. I am thinking about purchasing a used one sometime in the next year. I have never operated one, but it seems like a alot of fun for use on local lakes--in a size that is less than a regular boat.

1. What brands are the most reliable? Any to avoid?

2. Typical price range?

3. Do they require alot of maintenance?

3. The ones I have looked at passively on-line measure use in terms of hours; what range of hours would be best to look for in a used model? (I realize this is tied to the price)

Thanks in advance for any advice provided.



As a lifelong boater I have found my particular personal watercraft to be the cheapest boat you can own.

Bought my first one, a Polaris 3 seater, in 1995. Paid 6000 for boat, trailer, skis, ropes, lifejackets, and more. Sold it 5 years later for 4500. Absolutely trouble free, very fast, and lots of fun. By far the lowest cost of ownership of any of the many boats to go through our family. Extremely low maintenance expenses as well.

I have had many more since, and would agree that Yamaha has an excellent reputation. But I have never had a bad Polaris, and they were always faster, better handling, and more fully equipped IMO.

Nowadays they are too complex for my taste, with turbos and fuel injection, etc. But they are a great thrill ride with relative safety in the hands of a careful driver.

 

[dmk]

Lots of good comments here.

I was into boating heavily just out of college and loved it. Only had the boat for a few years as I was transferred to the Northeast.

So more than 20 years later at 42 years old I bought a brand new Kawasaki Ultra 250X Jet Ski--what a blast.
They are very reasonable to operate however do use fuel. Mine is the fastest one on the market thus it can use fuel if going fast. Cruising along I use as little as 4 gallons per hour.

Go to greenhulk.com which is a large PWC forum.

 

[dblshock]

I had a Honda F-15 non-turbo 3 seat for two seasons..ran it up here on Michigan & Superior..my son(13 at that time) and I would plan 100-120 mi. trips, did about a dozen..we had all the rubber gear and really had a blast..machine was flawless and easy to trailer..we could even water ski being a 3 seat.