That was exactly the info I was looking for, thanks. I just joined this forum so I could read up on issues on waverunners, and maybe learn what to look out for. If you have any other advice I'm all ears.
Thanks again.

Hey man, Thanks for your service! I spent 14 years in the AF, so I have a feel for the sacrifice you are making. Have a safe return.

About the skis. The SHO and HO are basically identical except for the supercharger (same features, same ride, same pulling power). The SC is one other thing to break, but if I wanted to go fast it wouldn't prevent me from getting one. Speed is really the only consideration. Personally I think that the SHO is somewhat of an aardvark. Most of the guys that really want to go fast are buying the FZR/FZS, so why even have the SHO model?

I think the FX HO is the best value on the market right now. Plenty fast with the best gas mileage on the market and it runs regular fuel. You will spend much more time at the pump with the SHO. The difference in the amount of fuel the SHO burns is really pretty amazing.

Hope this helps!

Hi Ernest
When I return from Afghanistan, I will retire, and will be buying one brand new waverunner. I can afford the FX SHO but am asking if there are maintenance headaches w/ the supercharger which for the diff in performance I might should consider the HO. I see you own an HO and I would greatly appreciate your advice on this, along with any other adv on purchasing a new WR from a dealer when I get back stateside.
Thanks!