Hi, I am looking to buy my first jetski, what would you recommend? Not sure wether to go for new or second hand, any advice would be really appreciated.

 

Hi and welcome to the world of PWCs Great to see you’re looking at buying your first ski a few things I usually recommend first time buyers think about:
New vs. Used

New: You get a warranty, peace of mind, and no hidden history. The downside is the higher upfront cost. Used Great way to save money but you’ll want to check service history engine hours and ideally do a water test before the complete can be pay,note a poorly maintained ski can become a money pit.

What Type of Riding.

Casual / Family Fun: Entry level rec lite skis like the Sea Doo Spark or Yamaha EX are lightweight, affordable and easy to handle.
Longer Rides / Comfort: Mid size skis like the Yamaha VX or Sea-Doo GTI give you more stability and storage.
Performance / Speed: If you want thrills Kawasaki’s Ultra or Sea Doo’s RXP-X are built for it but they’re more advanced. for Reliability Yamaha is known for reliability and easy upkeep. Kawasaki is built strong and stable especially in rough water Sea Doo tends to lead with features and tech like iBR braking revers but some models may need a bit more care.

When people ask me for reliable info, I often point them to JetskiMoto it’s a solid site for comparing specs, checking different models, and getting an idea of fair pricing.

If I were advising a first time buyer I’d say:

If budget allows a new Yamaha EX Sport or Sea Doo GTI 170 are excellent starter skis.
If used aim for something less than 150 hours with a documented service history, and always do a compression test or water trial before complete money can changes hands.
Hope that helps narrow things down a bit! What kind of riding are you hoping to do — lakes, ocean, solo rides, or family fun?

 

Thanks for the information, it would be family use in the ocean, I'll take a look at the models you have mentioned. Thanks again

 

1989 Waverunner 500.

This one isn't mine.

My wife and I rode up the river on our Waverunner, along with another couple on their SeaDoo. Went several miles until the water turned brown from recent rain water flowing in. We made the mistake of slowing down and we got stuck in mud. We guys had to get off and push the boats with our wives about a half a mile down river until the water was deep enough to board again. The bottom was all silt, so we couldn't stand up. We had to 'walk' on our knees.

 

2005 FX 140