Need a Good Waverunner!!! - PWC Forum: The best hang-out for Personal WaterCraft enthusiasts

USCoastie · 08-07-2011, 12:20 PM

Whats up guys?! I am in need of a wave runner, I want a naturally aspirated motor, I need some tips so I don't spend a bank-loan! 4-stroke or 2-stroke? I am a Yamaha fan also!

Ernest T · 08-07-2011, 12:41 PM

What's your budget?

USCoastie · 08-07-2011, 12:42 PM

around 3500$ give or take

Ernest T · 08-07-2011, 03:03 PM

I'd recommend a 4 stroke Yamaha ski, but you will have a tough time finding one for less than $4500-$5500.

There are a lot of 2 stroke skis out there in that price range, but buying a 10-15 year old 2 stroke is a crap shoot unless you really know what to look for. Most of the ones I see being sold are on the upper end of their useful lifespan. Guys buy them and then end up on this or other forums asking why their new toy isn't running. If you are mechanically inclined (can do a compression check, rebuild a carb, etc.) then you might look for a Yamaha 800 or 1200 (the GPs are 2 seaters and the XLs are 3 seat models), but be prepared to put some work and more money into it.

Best advice I can give you is keep saving your money until you can afford a nice used 4 stroke, and avoid all the headaches. Then look for a Yamaha VX, FX or FXHO (they are all very reliable models, will hold their resale values much better than a 2 stroke, and have lifespans at least 3X as long as the 2 strokes).

USCoastie · 08-07-2011, 05:35 PM

thanks for the quick response, I will spend a little more money up front if it saves me from working on it all the time, I have a little bit of mechanical knowledge but id rather spend more money to be out in the water instead of the backyard lol, do 3 seaters have larger engines? and is it worth having a 3 seater?

Ernest T · 08-07-2011, 06:55 PM

All Yamaha 4 strokes except for the FZR, are 3 seat skis. I think most if not all SeaDoo and Kawasaki 4 stroke skis are also all 3 passenger (there is not a big market for 2 seat skis). So, if your going to get a 4 stroke you basically will get a 3 seat ski and that is what you want. The only reason that I could see to get a 2 seat ski is for racing.

With the 2 strokes, the engine size is generally the same between the 2 and 3 seat versions, but the hull in some cases and of course the seating is smaller.

All the manufacturers 4 stroke skis are generally big and stable compared to the older 2 strokes. Good for multiple passengers, and towing.

Born2Speed · 08-15-2011, 07:53 PM

I can tell you I've owned mine for 11 yrs without issues and very little maintenance. From the outside color to the inside bilge everything looks new. She runs great and I'd take it anywhere and wouldn't change it for anything. I'm looking to get another one for my son. I have MAYBE 70hrs on mine and I've seen some for sale with the same amount of hrs and claiming to be in the same condition as mine listed for $3,000. It's a 2 stroke, 3 seater, 10' long which is the same hull they use for the 1200cc. It pulls and tows just fine. ALWAYS take a PWC to a mechanic to check compression, etc..

As for the 3 seats you can comfortably get 1 adult and two kids or 2 adults. My 15yr old and 11 yr old complain about being on the last seat,lol. So the kids you put on would have to be small. My heaviest on board was my Bro-in-law 195lbs, me 150lbs his girl 130lbs = 475lbs vehicle weight capacity 530lbs it was a scary ride on the open water.