pwcme

(sorry, it's long to give you some info and because I posted some ads I'm wondering about)
Hi,

Looking to buy my first PWC and I'm not so concerned about having the biggest and best, just something that I won't regret. So reliable and fun. I'll be riding on Lake St. Clair which is a pretty large lake, so not the smoothest (nor roughest). I'll mostly be riding with one or two, so if two seaters are comfy/stable enough that might do. Oh, and I'd like to keep it in the water at my sis's marina. Fresh water, but weedy near the wall. I know many don't recommend it, while I see plenty do it. I won't have room for a jetdock.

I'm searching craigslist and finding many older models and some higher priced newer models. I say higher priced, because once I look up an individual machine I always see examples of it being sold cheaper even a year or more ago (or it being higher than bluebook). I'm wondering if it's the SE Michigan market since there are so many boaters and lakes. Looking for under 5 grand, 3 grand would be better. Don't want to lose to much if I decide to sell next season.

I wouldn't buy anything sight unseen or untested, but since you guys are the experts I thought I might post some ads from CL and I'd appreciate it if you let me know if you'd even want to look at such a machine or if the price isn't right or if their claims are bogus (like personally rebuilt, didn't reset hour count). Sort of a way of getting into your discerning minds. I've seen many more than below, but out of fear (or ignorance) I've avoided looking too much at older machines.

1. Yamaha 2000 GP1200R Mellinnium Edition Waverunner
1200cc 3cylinder Reed inducted synthetic oil injected 2stroke with variable valve plate exhaust

171.4 hours on computer (didn't know how to reset to reflect motor work)
motor rebuilt at 154.6 hrs, new pistons, new rings, new wrist pins, new gaskets, and new bolts..

Runs perfect as New.. that's 16 hours on a Fresh rebuilt tuned Yamaha motor
Pistons come with the machine as validation of work performed in case you want to sell it..
walks away from turbocharged 4cylinder 4stroke machines all day long.. and that's Any Day...

Trim works, guages work, oil alarm works, fuel alarm works, everything works..

current value 4100.00
so with the dock nicks and bumps, a missing foot pad, and a New motor in it 3600.00

2. Selling my newly rebuilt '97 SeaDoo XP. Has less than 5 hours on the engine with new crank and top end. Everything works perfectly except the fuel gauge (Typical Sea Doo). Starts right up, runs smooth and strong. Hull is in good shape with some minor scrapes here and there. Just installed a new impeller and wear ring. Selling this because I need the $$, and I have three jet skis for myself now.. a few too many. It's a great ski, though! Includes Sea Doo cover, 1 key, and fire extinguisher. New battery.

I have $2400.00 into this, and that's what I need out of it. Will sell with 1 place trailer for $2600. Trailer is in good shape with new wheels/tires and carpeted bunks. Typically I will budge on price, but I am FIRM on the $2400/$2600. This is a great ski and I will not take a loss on it. It might be a bit more expensive than some other 97's, but it has a brand new engine and impeller, and it is in good shape. It will save you a lot of trouble in years to come. This is not an SBT (Junk) engine. I built this engine myself, it is still at standard bore. I took great care in assembly, and I have built many others that have been running for years.

3. 2003 yamaha GP1300R
34.8 hrs on it
great condition
$4800 for the jetski and trailer, $4500 for the jetski only
also has a gal of yamalube and anchor

pwcme

Guess I should have known not to write so much.

Ok, how about I simplify some things.

Which do you think is a safe/reliable buy: a near 2000-03 model with low hours, or a similar one that was rebuilt (and is a lil cheaper)? Remember, first ski, want reliability, but just looking to enjoy end of season and can always upgrade later.

YamaDoo

Wow, tough choice all are great reliable machines. Perhaps see if you can test ride one of the GPRs and the XP because they pretty different handling hulls. If you want to ride with a passenger forget the XP, it's basically a one person craft.

Ernest T

I like the 2003 GP1300, but dude you are crazy to spend nearly $5000 for a 2 stroke ski. For that money you are into 4 stroke range. Look for a used FX HO. It may cost a few more bucks, but well worth it. It won't be as fast as the GP, but it will be more stable, get much better fuel mileage, be 10X more reliable, require less maintenance, and last at least 3X as long before the engine wears out. Plus no stinky 2 stroke oil to mess with, no worry about an oil line or the oil pump failing, and it will hold its resale value much better and longer.

__________________
2008 Yamaha FX HO Cruiser
2010 Hurricane Sundeck 2100

pwcme

Thanks guys. I guess the XP is out then.

Believe me, I'm looking for a 4-stroke but I haven't seen a single one under $7500 (other than a honda aquatrax for $6300). I've seen pairs going for $10,500-14,000, but I don't need two. I don't know if it's my area, but everything seems higher priced than what everyone on this site and others are getting them for. Guess I need to find better sites than CL.

I did just find this pair that has a possibility of being split...

""2- 2003 Sea Doo GTX Watercrafts.
First is Seadoo GTX Limited; TEC 4 Stroke Motor 155HP 110Hrs. Second is Seadoo GTX Di 2 Stroke motor 130 HP 115 hrs.
2nd owner, owned over 4years+. Comes with new covers, shop manuals, front storage box, sprare tire, burring buddies.
Run and look in EXCELLENT Condition. Dealer maint. Might consider selling apart; each for $5,000.00 and Trailer $875.00 More pics upon request.""

Not as low on hours, but 110 on a 4 stroke is pretty low I take it?

I also finally found a single 3 seater in my range...

2001 YAMAHA 1200 XLT Waverunner 3 person machine. in excellant condition. includes Shorelander trailer and storage cover. $3995

Ernest T

Be patient. You are nearing the end of riding season. Prices on used skis drop in late Aug. I know a guy that just picked up an 06 Yamaha FX HO Cruiser with 45 hours on it for $5000. The ski looks brand new.

I don't know about the GTXs. One of the SeaDoo guys will have to tell you if that is a deal or not.

I would pass on that 2001 XLT 1200. That model year still had the powervalve problem, etc.. Just too much to pay for a 10 year old 2 stroke ski IMO.

__________________
2008 Yamaha FX HO Cruiser
2010 Hurricane Sundeck 2100

pwcme

Thanks very much. Knowing to avoid certain models is very helpful. I am trying to be patient, because I want something reliable at the right price.


A 2009 Yamaha with 29 hours just came up for sale for $6k with trailer. No pics or model details so I sent an email to find out what's up. Such a low price compared to what I've seen, sounds too good to be true

Chicago Lou

I'm new to wave runners, but I just bought my first a 2000 yamaha xlt limited with 18 hrs on it. The boat shop I bought it from put in new carbs and new cable, it looks brand new. Also got a trailer , cover and life vest for $3,000.00 out the door. What do you think?

joe w3 kids

chicago lou, where do u ride local .

pwcme

Finally got an update on that 29hr, 2009 Yamaha. It's an VX1100, 4 cycl, 4 stroke, for $6k with a trailer. I'm at work, so I can't research it just yet but sounds like a good price for age/hours, especially compared to what I've been seeing.

In the description he said it was a "VX1100 (not sport)." So I take it there's more than one VX and I'll have to find out and research that specific one. From the pictures it's got a white body, gray seat and a blue/purplish front.

When I get home I'll be researching, but anyone have any specifics about this model to look out for when checking it out. Should I still check compression on a 4 stroke, or just test ride it if all looks well?