[Sparkomatic]

I'm new to this forum and am trying to get educated on jetskis or waverunners, or whatever the politically correct term for them is. As is typical for me, I start looking into some new toy I think I should have, and then what appears to be a good deal comes along that I'm afraid I'm going to lose out on if I hesitate and don't pull the trigger, but I haven't yet really done my research homework on PWC's in general, let alone the specific model I've found that I think may be a "steal". So here's the deal, I found a 2007 Yamaha FXHO with 52 hours on it, and on a single trailer. The asking price is $6,500.00, and it has a lien on it, so I suspect that's the payoff and may not be able to get it for any less. The NADA average used retail value ranges from 6,170 to 6,960, so with a trailer it appears to be reasonably priced. I went to a service dept. at Yamaha and talked to some mechanics, and they said for a machine that old and as I described it, I shouldn't pay more than 4 or 5 thousand, and not to apply any credit for the trailer because I can pick those up all day long for 600.00. I found an online review of the model with video, and it seems like it would fit the bill for what I'm looking for.

So, my question is, if everything checks out after a mechanic's inspection, how much should I offer to buy this thing if the mechanic gives it a clean bill of health? And any thoughts on this particular year and model of machine would likewise be appreciated. I'm buying this primarily for myself and my six year old to ride tandem on, and in the future pull a tube or wakeboard behind with him on it. But I'd also like to have something that's exciting enough to make me wet my pants when riding solo. I'm 53 years young, and used to ride motocross so am still a bit of an adrenaline junkie. Sort of an armchair adrenaline junkie now, I might say.

Thanks in advance for any comments or advice anyone can provide.

 

[Sparkomatic]

Forgot to mention, freshwater use only

Also, I forgot to mention, that 2007 Yamaha FXHO has only been used in freshwater, and I assume that impacts the value in a positive way?

 

[Outlaw]

Sea trial, Sea trial, Sea trial

Whenever you want to purchase a pre-owned jetski a sea trial is a must unless your buying a ski with known damage/problems at a bargain price. Hour meter, physical inspection and mechanic's inspection are good, but not as important as a sea trial for two reasons. First you check out the ski with a load on it and run it thru the powerband, then check for problems i.e. leaks, overheating and vibrations. Second it gives you the owner a chance to see if it is what you want handling, comfort, ride and performance. You see an hour meter is just a record of time, not problems.


P.S. I'm 53 and am an extreme adrenaline junkie, you may want more power lol

 

[Ernest T]

That ski in really good shape with a nice trailer will sell from $6300- $7200.

I'd be very careful about buying any ski with a lien. The only way I'd do it is if the seller agrees to go to the bank that holds the title and pay off the loan as part of the transaction, so that you (the buyer) would get a clean title for both the ski and trailer that day. Any other deal = WALK AWAY!

The FX HO is reliable, economical, and very stable. It will do around 58-60 mph. It might not be fast and nimble enough if you are looking for a rush, but 60 mph on the water feels like 100 mph on land (plenty fast enough for me).

Yamaha has issued a "Code 90" for the hoses and clamps on the 06-08 FX HOs. The Code 90 is just short of a recall. It means that the hoses and clamps should be replaced if the ski is taken to a dealership. You can give the HIN to a dealer and see if it applies to this ski. The hose/clamp replacement is free whether you are the original owner or not.

I agree with Outlaw. Take a test ride before you buy. There is no real way to check the pump system without riding it, plus you will get a feel for whether it will meet your "thrill" need.

 

[Sparkomatic]

Thanks for the input guys. I agree, no test ride, no buy. And I would payoff the lienholder direct to get title in hand. It seems that all of the used PWC's I'm seeing are priced about 1,000.00 above what the online NADA guides are showing. Is that just coincidence, or what?

Ideally, I would like to spend $5,000.00 or less for a used machine and trailer. I'd like a minimum of 160 hp, and like a minimum speed of about 60 mph, in a two or three seater. Any recommendations on what models I should be looking at in that price range? I think I've narrowed it down to either a Seadoo or Yamaha. Haven't yet decided whether 2 or 4 stroke if preferable. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

A local Yamaha Dealer just took in a 2005 Yamaha XLT 1200 with low hours on a trade in, but didn't do a compression test until later, discovered compression problems so the general manager told me that they replaced the cylinders and pistons, and now runs like new. I think he told me he's going to price it at 5,400, but I think I can negotiate him down due to the time of year, etc.. I've read some good things about that model. I'm thinking if a dealer checked it out, and put new cylinders and pistons in it, that might be a pretty good guarantee of sound mechanical condition?

 

[Ernest T]

I've found NADA prices for boats and skis to be low in general. For the Yamaha FX HO models that are in excellent shape with reasonable hours you can generally take the year multiply by 1000 and add 300 to get a good starting price for the ski plus a nice trailer. For example and 06 FX HO plus trailer = (6X1000)+300= $6300. Try to negotiate from here..........there are some great deals out there this time of year. In your price range look for an 04 or 05 Yamaha FX HO. It will run right around 60 mph and is very stable. Outlaw can help you with the SeaDoo models.

Definitely go 4 stroke! The added cost up front will save you many headaches and repair problems you will have with a 2 stroke. Just read through this and other forums at all the posts that start "I just bought this 2 stroke ski and now it runs like crap, won't start, bogs down, etc.." Trust me on this one! The dealer replaced the pistons and cylinders on the XLT 1200, but that model is prone to power valve failure, oil injection system failure, will need to have the carb. periodically cleaned and rebuilt, etc., etc................GO 4 STROKE and sleep better at night!:thumbsup:

 

[Sparkomatic]

Thanks Ernest T. My gut has been telling me to go 4 stroke. I'm used to thinking 2 stroke for acceleration, like they used to have on all motocross bikes, and when I was at the Yamaha dealer the other day looking at PWC's, I was shocked to find out that all the new motocross bikes are 4 cycles. Your pricing guidelines will also be very helpful to me. I appreciate your input/insight.

 

[Sparkomatic]

Ernest T., I forgot to ask, what is considered low hours for PWC's? I'm figuring anything under 100hrs is low...????

 

[Ernest T]

Yea, less than 100 hours would be low. There is a guy at my marina that has an 04 FX with over 900 hours and it is still running fine, but it is not unusual to find 4 and 5 year old skis with less than 100 hours.

I saw an 06 FX HO Cruiser with a nice trailer and less than 30 hours that sold for $5500 just a couple of weeks ago in my area, so keep your eyes open for the deals.

 

[Sparkomatic]

Thanks for the advice

Ernest T.

I was asking you about a 2007 fxho last September and you gave me some good advice on going 4 stroke vs 2 stroke and pricing guidelines also. I passed on the 2007 I was looking at, but found a 2005 FXHO Cruiser. Test road, had dealer do overall check and compression test, and bought it in October, then winterized it. Got it for 4500.00 with trailer and 120 hours. Just launched it on July 3rd, and have really been enjoying it. It runs like a scalded cat. My 7 year old loved it and was screaming his head off at the thrill of the ride as we hurtled across the lake. I took my 20 footer Colbalt out of my Marina slip today and put it on the trailer, and am giving my FXHO the preferred parking in my slip instead.

Just wanted to say thanks for your great advice. I couldn't be happier with my choice after following your recommendations.

 

[Ernest T]

You got a great deal on that ski. Glad you are enjoying it.