ymaddox

hey all new to the forum so thanks in advance for any help. newbie to jet skis and wanted to purchase a couple for when we go camping in the summer. so went today and looked at a pair off craigslist a 90 500 bombardier and 94 500 bombardier... one is 3 seater other 2 comes with the tandum trailer and can get for 800.00. neither have been winterized however laid back so no water gets in them. the man said needs some tlc says coil needs changed in one and a new battery and gas tank cleaned on other. this man just bought these skis and since he is out of work needs the money, he has never rode them at all he had bought them to fix up. i want something we can take camping and just have fun on. any thoughts on this as far as purchasing?

YamaDoo

The 580 Rotax engines in these machines is very durable. That being said Be very carefully of anything that hasn't been winterized and even more careful of one where the sellers say "it just needs the tank cleaned."

You need to do a compression test on any old watercraft you buy, so the motor needs to at least be able to turn over. If you have a strong compression engine you can go from there, if not walk away unless you can get it for next to nothing.