TomCon

Hi. This is coming from someone who has never owned a pwc and wants to get into the sport and looking to buy a used one. I found a 96 sea doo xp 800 on Craigslist. I was wondering if this is a good ski. The price is set at $1600. Is this a good price for this model?

If there are better skis that are I could find under $2500 that could be better please leave me a idea of what to get.
Also what should I look for in a ski to make sure I don't get ripped off.

Thanks

YamaDoo

96 XP is a great choice. It's a fast nimble "2 seater," that loves to jump wake. I use the term 2 seater loosely as it gets tippy with 2 adults on it. It really is a one person machine. The 800 motor is the best 2 stroke Bombardier ever put in a PWC. This is based on reliability, longevity, and smoothness. Check compression before you buy should be 160-165 PSI. Make sure the drive shaft was lubed at the zerk fitting every 5-7 hours of use. If it has the original Gray Tempo fuel lines they will need to be replaced as they deteriorate on the inside and can cause many problems up to and including engine failure. If this example is in great shape and with a trailer then $1600 is fair price. If it's banged up, abused, etc it's not. You get the picture.

As far as "better skis" go it depends what you're looking for. If it's a stable family 3 seater keep looking. If you mainly ride solo and love tearing it up this is the boat for you or a 1997-99 Yamaha GP1200 is a great choice too. Stick with a Doo or Yamaha and you'll be OK.

TomCon

thanks, all i will really be doing is solo riding so like you said it should be fine for the occasional 2 people. i guess i will go look at it later this week.
thanks again.