Recommend used model for pulling tubes - PWC Forum: The best hang-out for Personal WaterCraft enthusiasts

jiminminn · 08-15-2011, 05:12 PM

New to the Forum and I have the same question many have asked but my requirements are slightly different.
I want to buy a used PWC for the selfish reason that I want my fishing boat back. My first love is fishing not using my boat to pull my kids on tubes/skis all weekend. I want to buy a PWC so that my kids, wife, brother and any other licensed driver can take kids and visitors out for water fun and I can slip away and go fishing. I am familiar with boats but have never been on a PWC. I would like to buy a used unit and could use your advice on which ones to look at. I read the sticky about first time buyer advice so here are my criteria:

Price: $4-6000 including trailer.
4 stroke – 2 or 3 seater
Primary use will be pulling tubes, no more than 3 riders at a time. If pulling a skier, 2 skis is fine slalom is not required.
Highly reliable – prefer no more than 5-6 years old.
Top speed doesn't matter pulling power is most important.
Will be stored at our lake on a lift next to the dock. Lake is in Minnesota, 5000 acres, 2 miles wide, 8 miles long, not a lot of boat traffic.

If you all could recommend make, model, and year that would be great. Also if you could indicate how many hours of operation would be the highest you would buy that would be helpful

Thanks,
Jim

Ernest T · 08-15-2011, 06:36 PM

Yamaha FX or FX HO. Good stable 3 person skis. Normally aspirated (no super or turbo charger to worry about). Run on 87 octane. Will pull a tube all day, and get good gas mileage. Very reliable. The FX will run around 54 mph, and the HO close to 60. The HO will be more versatile and hold resale value better. Used ones are in your price range. Look for 04-08 models (all basically same, but later the better). I've seen these skis with 1000+ hours still running fine. Anything with less than 200 hours is good.

Straight line skiing is all that is advisable with any model ski. Slalom will be dangerous, because it will tip the ski.

One thing to note is that you are limited to the capacity sticker on the ski for total number of riders. Therefore, on a 3 person ski you can have 1 person driving and 2 tube riders, or 2 people on the ski and 1 on the tube. Boat cops love to point this out on my lake along with a $150 ticket. Don't even look at 2 person skis.

jiminminn · 08-15-2011, 07:39 PM

Thanks for the great suggestion. Can you clear up one thing for me. What is the difference between the FX and the VX in that 2004-08 age range. I see a few VX models on Craigs list around here but don't know the difference.

Thanks also for the tip on passengers. I wouldn't have known that. I have seen a PWC near our Cabin pulling as many as 3 tubes, I won't be taking that chance.

Jim

Ernest T · 08-16-2011, 11:25 AM

The VX shares the same basic engine design as in the FX and FX HO, and runs at about the same speed as the FX (53 mph or so). So it is very reliable, and easy on gas.

The biggest difference is in the size and hull design. The VX is shorter, and narrower than the FX models, and the bottom of the hull is flatter. The result is a little more bouncy and wetter ride, wheras the FX modesl then to plow through the rough stuff. The VX is still a 3 person ski, and you can easily haul tubes with it, but it will not be as stable as the FX models. It is also not as stable with multiple passengers (more prone to tipping over). There are lots of guys that do just fine towing with the VX, but I've tried both models and I can assure you that the FX or FX HO will be easier, and more stable for doing it.

My wife doesn't like the ride of the VX (too bouncy and wet, and she really goes crazy trying to ride through any rough water with it). My brother owns one as well as an FX, and I have the FX HO, so I've tried all three.

I don't think you would have any problem pulling more than 2 riders on a tube, or even multiple tubes, but on the lake I ride at you can't go far without passing a boat cop just itching to give out a citation. You may not have this issue where you ride.

jiminminn · 08-16-2011, 12:56 PM

Ernest thank you again for your wealth of information. I am a pretty good shopper if I know what to look for.
I know exactly what your are expaining with the different bottom design. In walley fishing boats it is all about the dead rise of the deep V in the rear. More deadrise means more stabilty when fishing, requires more horsepower to get out of the hole and give a smoother drier ride. It is well worth the investment in boats and I am sure it would be in a PWC.
I will start watching the used items now that fall is approaching.
Jim