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Thinking about buying your first PWC? Look here first!

2M views 86 replies 43 participants last post by  lily1 
#1 · (Edited)
Lately we have been getting a lot of threads asking the same generic question of "what should I get for a first jet ski." I put together this guide and made it a sticky to help new buyers:

First off decide if you want a 2-stroke or a 4-stroke engine. The first 4 stroke watercraft hit the market in 2002 and were very reliable but rather slow. Each have certain advantages and disadvantages. Let's start with the older 2 strokes.

Pros

+Light weight

+Simple

+Less expensive to rebuild if they blow

Cons

-Shorter service life than 4 stroke

-More vibration prone

-Use oil and pollute more

4 stroke


Pros

+Reliability

+Quieter and smoother

+More powerful (later models)

Cons

-Heavy

-More expensive to rebuild than 2 stroke


Next decide what seating capacity you want, a 2 or 3 seater. There were also 1 seater watercraft made in the 90's like the SeaDoo HX and Yamaha WaveBlaster. These models are very fun to ride but tricky to board in deep water. In the early- mid 2000's both SeaDoo and Yamaha made 4 seater models. If you ride 3 up or tour long distances one of these might be best for you.

Lastly take into account what kind of water conditions you will be riding in because certain models just handle the chop better than others.

If buying a 2 stroke, here is a good video on the most important thing to check, compression! Also shine a flashlight into the back of the jet pump and look at the impeller. The edges should be free of chips and other imperfections. Look underneath the hull and see what the bottom of the hull looks like. If it is severely scratched up it means the person beached the machine.
 
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#41 ·
I have a question on the early Yamaha hulls. I'm looking to buy my first pwc, and from what I've read so far, I want one of the Yamaha's. I'm buying during the winter to save a buck. I know, bad idea, but the price range I'm looking in, I figure worst case, I can throw an SBT motor in it and still not come out too bad.
I'm a 375 lb inexperienced rider and I'll be riding mainly in a lake cove, but also lots of times will be out in the rough water of Lake of the Ozarks. I've heard the Yamaha 760's have bad porpoising issues. Is that all the 700 range hulls, or just the 760? And is it really that bad for an inexperienced rider, or is that something that mainly experienced riders notice more?
Thanks, JP
 
#43 · (Edited)
Here are some of the ones I'm considering:
a 1996 Wave Venture 700 from a Yamaha dealership for an asking price of $1899
No trailer, but feel a bit more confident buying from a reputable dealer. They said if I had a wet suit, they would put it on the water.
Surdyke Yamaha Inventory

a 2003 Yamaha 800R with trailer from an individual asking $2200 obo. He has no problem starting for a few seconds and running a compression check
2003 Yamaha 800R Jet Ski W/Trailer

or possible this pair... Yamaha 750 and 1100 on a trailer. Supposedly the 750 is ready to go and the 1100 needs some kind of motorwork. Asking price $1500 obo
Pair of Yamaha Waverunners

While I have never worked on a pwc, I've turned a wrench on about everything else you can think of, so I have no problem tearing into a motor or swapping one out.
 
#44 ·
If it were me I'd keep looking as the 700 WaveVenture and 800GPR are underpowered. Being a heavier rider you need as much power as possible. The two Wave Raiders seem like a good deal but I never rode one so I can't tell you what they handle like. Also don't know how stable they'd be with a heavier rider as it's a fairly small hull. If you fell off in the middle of the lake you could be in trouble. Been there done that. I can tell you the GPR hull can handle 350 lbs no problem.
 
#45 · (Edited)
so you could tell from the pictures that those two were Wave Raider hulls? I asked the guy and he didn't know. He said he got them at an auction and now needed money for something else. I figured if I talked him down to $1000, it would be hard to go too wrong. If nothing else, if the 750 runs, I could trade it for motor work to get the 1100 back up and running. But if those hulls are too small, maybe i'd be better off with the newer 800 GPR? Even though it's underpowered for my size, the bigger hull might make up for that? Because I will be riding double at times.
I also plan on fabricating some sort of aft mounted boarding ladder. I know from trying to climb into my boat that I'm not very graceful.
And I'd also like to say thanks to you YamaDoo for the advice. I appreciate the help.
by the way... I'm on an $1800 or less budget.
 
#46 · (Edited)
Yes those are Wave Raiders, the predecessor to the GP series. If you plan on riding two up you need to get a three seater. Even on the GPR hull 375 lbs would be pushing it, I think they are offically rated at 350 if I remember correctly. Looks like the Wave Venture you posted is going to make the most sense. If not you could look at an XLT1200 or XL700/760 if you don't mind going slower. The latter used to be the watercraft of choice at rental places due to their reliability. No problem glad I can help.
 
#47 ·
I was also thinking about looking at this one. Unfortunately, most people don't list the letter designation in their ads, and I don't have the knowledge to identify the different models by sight. There are several 760 skis listed in the area, but I was worried about the porpoising issues that I read about with the late 90's hulls. But with my beginner skill level, that may be not so much an issue, I don't know. A decent ride is more important to me than speed. At least it is for my first ski.

1997 Yamaha 760 Twin Carb Wave Runner, 3 Seater
 
#49 ·
For what you are looking for I would recommend a 2001 - 2004 Yamaha XLT 1200. Very stable, very dependable, and lots of fun. No problem with power, no problem carrying your weight, and all potential problems are pretty much known and preventable.

XLT w/ trailer should run you $2,500 - $3,500 if working properly. If not working properly, then $500 -$1,500, and it's a two stroke so it fairly easily repaired. Not so unforgiving as a four stroke.

And, of course, stay away from sea doo.

Zardoz

former sea doo owner, will never own one again
 
#51 ·
We are looking at purchasing a Seadoo Wake 155 or the GTX 155. Or we could go the Yamaha VXR. I have read so much I am now very confused which way to go.

We have teenage kids so we would like to try a bit of tubing and wakeboarding, and hopefully they will take to that. My hubby would also like to do some trips over to the islands once he knows what he is doing. (We are in Brisbane - so Coochie Mudlo, South Straddie?, Peel, Moreton etc).

We were settled on the Wake 155 but then someone said the hull of the GTX155 would be better if going to Moreton etc

I would appreciate any thoughts?
 
#52 ·
Hi guys new to the site and new to jet skis I have just purchased brand new stx15f 2015 my mates are also in the market for skis and are looking between the stx and sea doo 215 I have never ridden sea doo but absolutely love the stx any advice between the better ski (performance, reliability etc)
 
#53 ·
Can anyone tell me what make, model, engine size of this ski. I just bought it and have no idea what it is . There are no stickers on it or brand on the head. It seems to have a lot of after market parts. I would like to rebuild it. Any info would be appreciated thanks! !
 

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#55 ·
are these a good deal?

We are looking into getting our 1st jet ski. We have found 2 sea-doos & wondered what you all thought about the deal.

They are 2007 GTI SE 155 (yellow/gray/black/white). Have 120 hours on each. Trailer that holds two included. Total price for two skis and trailer is $6,000. We don't know much more & have not seen them yet.

We thought to post about them & see what you all thought about their reliability & any suggestions on how to check them out or make sure they are not lemons. I believe they have just been in fresh water & no salt water.

Thanks so much for you input!!
 
#56 ·
Well, since you asked ....

Former owner of 2006 sea doo GTI. Here is my 2 cents:

1. Only PWC that ever threw me & my kid off when I didn't expect to be thrown off. = $250 for lost glasses,

2. Bought it with 17 hours, timing chain broke at 30 hours, entire engine puked. = $2,500 down the tube.

sea doo is known for bad timing chains.

Price that you are giving is a good price, but you're getting sea doo.

Go Yamaha.

Zardoz
 
#58 ·
Looking at buying an older model Jet Ski

Ok I am brand new to the Jet Ski world. I am looking for advice in purchasing an older model jet ski and am looking for all the advice I can get. The sole purpose of this purchase is just to get back and forth to different fishing spots (Saltwater). Speed is not that important as it sounds that most units will run 40+. I will be wade fishing so most likely running protected water. Will mount running lights and rod holders....I will have to figure out carrying a small ice chest. I will probably run less than 5 miles each trip.

I am looking to spend around $2,000 and want to try and get something as reliable as possible. Just 1 passenger and maybe another from time to time. It seems that the Yamaha's and Sea Doo's are available in my price range. I am going to stay away from Honda and Tiger Shark due to them not being built anymore. It sounds like what I have read so far the Kawasaki's a less reliable than the Yamaha's and Sea Doo's.

I love to hear knowledgeable and experienced peoples thoughts and suggestions.

I would also like to get some ballpark figures as to the different repairs that I can probably expect as I use the ski. I have no idea as to the cost to have one of these motors rebuilt. Carb reworked, etc.

I would appreciate all the information I can get. Thanks in advance.
TakeEm is online now Report Post
 
#59 ·
Hey all,

New to this site. I have always wanted a Jet Ski but just never went and got one. I bought a snowmobile a few years ago but haven't used it as much as I thought I would so I thought I would try a Jet Ski for a change. There aren't many used ones close to me. I was looking to get one probably 2001-2004. My wife's brother bought a boat from a place near me and they have a few Sea Doo's and one Yamaha. Can see them here.

I noticed some people are saying Yamaha's are a little bit more reliable. They are hard to come by around here. I did see one near me here:

I also noticed some dealers are selling last year's model Yamaha V1 for $6999-7999 w/o trailer.

The first dealer has a few Sea Doo's.. Trying to stay under $4000. Advice?
 
#61 ·
I would really try and stay Yamaha or Kawasaki. If your going to do Seadoo, get a older carbed 951 engine ski.
Not sure where you are at, but craigs list is a pretty good place to start looking. You should be able to find a pretty nice ski for around 4k. Find someone that you trust, and that knows about PWC's to take with you.
Since your new to the sport, I would stay with Kawi's STX 1100 or 12f, or Yami's XLT 1200 or FX cruiser.
 
#62 ·
Jet Ski's in my area are hard to come by. There are only a handful of used Yamaha Jet Ski's.

The dealer where my wife's brother bought a boat has a 2001 Yamaha GPR 800, 120 HP with "Yamaha Oil injected engine" for $2895. Doesn't say how many hours total it has.

There is a guy on Craiglist in my area selling a 2001 Yamaha GP 1200R Jet Ski for $2500. The engine was rebuilt last summer and has about 15 hours on it.
 
#63 ·
Both should be good ski's. Both are oil injected, and both prob need the injection lines replaced, and both should have wave eater clips on the power valves installed, if they haven't already. Ask the owner of the 1200 if it was a top end, or a whole rebuild, and did they do the crank. A complete engine should be in the 12-1500 range. Ask about any hull repairs, do compression check, fire the ski's and listen for any engine noises, look at impeller condition, and bottom of hull for gouges and scrapes (all signs of beaching).
If the 800 is super clean, and they will guarantee any work they have done to it, and that the oil injection lines are good, that might be the better deal. And by all means, try and get it out for a test ride. That should make anything that might be bad show up.
 
#64 ·
Warning! Warning Will Robinson!!

Do not buy unless you can take the machine out on the water and run it for at least a half an hour. Some problems will not occur when the machine is on the hose (cavitation for example), and some problems will not occur until a half hour of riding and the machine is good and warmed up (bogging down).

My (bad) example: in spring 2012 I bought a 2001 Yama Waverunner from a guy on Craigslist. Guaranteed in writing to run perfect. It was in March so I, the trusting fool, did not run it, nor did I check the compression. (I have learned a lot since then) When I took it out for the first run on Memorial Day weekend, I had it out for 10 min. Wouldn't go over 10 mph. Eventually found out one cylinder was fried. Found mechanic that would state in writing that the machine had to be toast before I bought it because the amount of damage it exhibited would not have occurred in my 10 min of use. (still use this mechanic, great guy) Cost me $2,000 + to rebuild engine. Sued seller in small claims court and won a $3,000 judgment. Seller went bankrupt. After the Waverunner was fixed, found out it suffered from cavitation and had to buy new intake grate and pump seal kit.

I would have found all of this out if I hadn't been in such a hurry to buy and such a trusting fool. Trust, but verify.

It would have been a lot better if I had listened to my own advice. Do as I say, not as I do.

Good Luck!

Zardoz
 
#65 ·
I know, I was browsing around the forum and read everything about what had happened to you. Glad you won in court. Did you ever get your money back? Not sure if I read anything about it. I remember he stopped paying on his house and stuff. Is he still liable to pay you even though he went bankrupt?
 
#66 ·
My claim was unsecured. When the guy went BK all of his debts were discharged. I was left out in the cold. Couldn't even get court costs.

Go BK today! It's the American way!

Used to be when one went bankrupt they were a pariah, shunned by normal creditworthy bill-paying people. Now it's many people's eight year plan.

Oh well, I still have my health, and two decent Yamaha machines.

Zardoz
 
#67 · (Edited)
Okay, I just may end up buying a 2015 or 2016. There is a 2014 I have been looking at as well. Which do you think will be a better deal overall?

A used 2014 Yamaha VX Deluxe with 15 hours on the machine and comes with a trailer for $7999.

A 2015 Yamaha VX Deluxe brand new just the Ski for $7999.

2016 Yamaha VX $9499.00 with a trailer valued at $1000, Free 5 year warranty and a free cover.

2016 VX Deluxe.............$10,199 with a trailer valued at $1000, Free 5 year warranty, Free cover and $25 in free gas.

The second Ski I am not sure about since there is a promotion for Yamaha Waverunners for a $500 incentive or a free 5 year warranty. So they may have applied that $500 credit to the price of the '15 VX Deluxe. Free trailer seems nice other dealers in my area are not offering a trailer with purchase on new Waverunners. Just the one dealer is. I don't have a trailer so that is definitely a plus. I know there is not much difference between the VX and VX Deluxe. NanoXcel® ultra-lightweight hull and deck, I think a Low RPM system is with the Deluxe and a re-boarding step. The RIDE feature seems, but never having a Jet Ski before, is the RIDE worth skipping on the used 2014 and going with the newer machines with RIDE?
 
#69 ·
I checked an updated Craigslist post and I didn't see the 2015 still on there. It may still be for sale at that price. They are closed today, but the '15 is brand new so there is a warranty on it. However on the '14 at another dealer. the factory warranty may be expired already. If I can pick up that '15 for $7999 and another dealer is selling new trailers for $899, might be my best bet.

I know the Yamaha promotions end on the 31st which include $500 incentive or a free extended warranty. Not sure what they will offer come June. I know I can pick up a Yamaha extended warranty on eBay for about $725.
 
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