How to Purchase a Used Jet Ski Guide

A jet ski is great for anyone—individuals, couples, and families. They are a fantastic way to spend your time on the h2o and satisfy the need for speed.

The question becomes whether you should buy a new jet ski or one that is preloved from a private seller. Buying a second-hand jet ski from a private seller can exist a little intimidating and risky unless y'all know what to look for and the right questions to ask. There are some things yous demand to know before you beginning looking for that used jet ski to ensure you make the correct decisions.

There are a lot of things to take into account. First you lot need to make up one's mind whether to buy a new or used personal watercraft.

In this article we requite y'all an overview on how to buy a jet ski from a private seller, what to look for, and how to go the all-time deal.

Content List

Determine Your Budget

Jet Ski Size Matters

Passenger Jet Ski Safety

Jet Ski Functionality

Inspecting a Used Jet Ski

Running Costs

Consider Storage

Take Out Insurance

In Summary

Make up one's mind Your Budget

Before looking for a used jet ski, decide how much yous want to spend. Take into account how many people you want to accommodate, size of the engine, and also factor in the cost of a trailer to send it from home to the water.

A used jet ski starts equally low every bit $2000 depending on its age, how many people information technology can carry at a fourth dimension, the size of the motor, and whether beingness sold with a trailer or not. A brand new one will start at effectually $5500 for the everyman cost SeaDoo model that carries two people and the price goes up from there depending on the accessories you want included. And that is without a trailer.

You may besides consider whether renting is a better option rather than ownership only this may only be price constructive if yous will simply use your jet ski for a few hours a twelvemonth. Renting one is expensive, starting at around $90 an hour. The price depends on where you hire from and what office of the land yous are in.

Also research the market value of dissimilar jet ski makes and models so you know the average price of what interests you on the open market. Subsequently all, it is a major purchase.

Plainly one advantage of ownership new is information technology volition come with a warranty. Do not let this put yous off when buying a used jet ski. If you inquire the correct questions and check it out thoroughly, y'all can become a fantastic deal. So, what should you look for when ownership a used jet ski?

Jet Ski Size Matters

Jet skis come in sizes that tin can carry from i to four passengers. It is important to buy one that fits your use and the number of people yous want it to acquit at any one time. You as well need to consider what yous want to utilize your personal watercraft for.

Solo Jet Skis

A solo stand up jet ski is smaller and operated while standing up. They are agile and super quick with speeds up to 65 mph on the water. These are perfect if you are a solo rider, want to get fast and go wave jumping. Stand up crafts are for the more experienced operator, are quick to maneuver, and frequently used for curt races and freestyle competitions.

In that location are also larger solo jet skis that allows the operator to sit down. While these are easier to control in the water, it still takes a more experienced person to control them.

Kawasaki and Yamaha are two manufacturers of solo personal water crafts with prices starting at a niggling under $9000.

Multiple Rider Jet Skis For Two People

Multiple rider jet skis for two people are larger so at that place is space for passengers and have bigger engines. These are not every bit agile as solo jet skis, merely are notwithstanding highly maneuverable at loftier speeds and remain stable.

These also have dissimilar features such every bit a tow claw, cupholders, and watertight storage. Basic models start from round $9000 new depending on the features included. And they get more expensive depending on the options you crave. SeaDoo basic models start at $5500 but the price goes up as you lot add together options.

Multiple Rider Jet Skis For Upwards to Iv People

Multiple passenger jet skis for three or four people are much larger, heavier and have much amend stability. They engines are larger so it does not mean they get any slower. Boosted to the normal feature in that location are luxury options such as cruiser seats and navigation systems.

The primary brands in this space are SeaDoo, Yamaha, and Kawasaki. Prices start at effectually $12,000 for a basic new SeaDoo and go upwards to $eighteen,000 for all models depending on features, options, and specifications.

The advantage of buying a used jet ski is you lot get the best of both worlds for a cheaper price. The all-time places we found for private sellers are eBay and PWC Trader.

Rider Jet Ski Rubber

Passenger condom is key when out on the water. Most newer jet ski models come with an emergency cutoff switch in case you end up in the water. For information technology to work, you need to adhere a lanyard to the switch and the other end to you lot. When the lanyard disengages from the switch it cuts the motor off. Check for this feature when looking at used jet skis, it is an important feature to have. Likewise cheque that it is working. Older models may not take them merely you can buy one on eBay and install it.

Where a jet ski has the emergency cutoff switch, near state laws require you lot to use it. Even if it is not a police force where you live, it is a must have a prophylactic feature that can relieve lives.

Another safety feature worth looking for is self-circling. This is valuable if you get thrown into the water. The jet ski idle in a circle and so you can get dorsum onboard. It is important the idle speed is set properly for this to work.

Jet Ski Functionality

It goes without saying that yous have spent some time on jet skis before looking to buy a used one. You need to at least hire a few different types to get a feel for what suits y'all. This is really important if you want to make the right decision when buying i. You demand to know what to await if you tin take information technology out on the water before making a financial commitment.

You lot besides need to know the options you want. You need to consider:

  • How many people will use it—are y'all a couple or a family, or perchance single?
  • How do you want to use you jet ski—inland lakes or open water?
  • Practise y'all desire to do clever tricks, cruise around or even tow the kids on a big rubber ring?
  • How much you lot want to spend.
  • Size of the engine—2 or 4 strokes?
  • Features and options such as:
    • fuel efficient engines
    • additional storage space
    • boarding steps
    • tow hooks
    • seat straps
    • lanyard attachment systems
    • tilt steering
    • waterproof Bluetooth audio systems
    • GPS
    • dual broad side mirrors.

Inspecting a Used Jet Ski

Whether you are checking out a jet ski close by or in another state, you lot need to know what to look for. When you lot buy from eBay or a private seller non local to you, adjust a local pickup service to inspect the machine. Become them to bank check if it functions, has no harm, and await for anything the seller has not told you virtually. Also ask if information technology is still covered under warranty and cheque the paperwork for proof of ownership.

Avoid Paying Upfront

Avoid paying whatever money earlier you are satisfied the jet ski is in good working gild and matches the seller's description. This can be a tricky situation and then try to cheque the seller'south reputation online. Many have constitute out the hard style when something you pay for upfront fails to turn up or, if it does, it costs more than than it is worth. On the other hand, a seller needs to be careful and find a mode to ensure they go paid. There is a simple reply that protects the buyer and seller—escrow.

Escrow.com is the only licensed escrow service to utilize to protect both parties in a buy and sell transaction. The heir-apparent transfers the purchase cost to escrow.com and information technology is non released until both parties meet the terms of the contract. This makes information technology easier to buy a preloved jet ski from another state. And gives the seller peace of mind you will not run off without paying. Escrow.com tracks delivery to ensure it is delivered co-ordinate to your agreement. You never have to worry about getting paid.

Each party is equally protected. Give the buyer possession of the jet ski just when they escrow the full payment. Ideal for aircraft across the state with the heir-apparent releasing payment once they receive information technology and check it is in the condition expected.

Wait For Signs of Harm

Every lilliputian bit of damage on a jet ski has a story behind it. Thoroughly audit a used jet ski before buying it or you could pay out more for repairs. Expect out for:

  • Signs of rust. Signs of rust or corrosion around the pump or engine is a sign to walk away. It may be alright for a while but is probable to cause problems eventually. Await for chipped and peeling paint which tin cause rust or corrosion.
  • Damage to the seat. Is information technology in skilful condition? Is it cracked? What signs of vesture is there? Is the seat hard or heavy to elevator? When a jet ski seat is heavy it is a sign information technology has water in information technology. It can also indicate it has been out in the atmospheric condition uncovered or under h2o at some time.
  • Damage to the hull. Cheque the hull closely. It should exist easy to see whatever damage. You tin look to encounter a few scratches and minor dings in the hull if most are on the sides. Information technology is not a good sign if they are on the bottom and can cause future problems.

Water Exam It

Information technology is all well and good that a used jet ski starts while on the trailer. As well test it in the water. Check how it performs. Take the opportunity to find out how information technology feels and whether it suits your needs.

Treat the h2o test seriously. It is not a fun outing. Make sure the gauges work properly and there are no alarm indicators on. Check it maintains rpms at full throttle. Check out what the rpms are as they will vary for unlike makes and models. How well does it handle? Question the owner virtually anything you observe or are not certain virtually.

Two or Iv Stroke Engines

All advice leads to avoid buying a two-stroke jet ski. These cause more pollution than a four- stroke and manufacturers are phasing them out. It can also be difficult to go spare parts for them. Yous can tell the difference between the 2 by checking for a dipstick. A ii-stroke does not have one.

Let's Talk Maintenance

Check a used jet ski's hours of use. This is a good indication how much fourth dimension it has been out on the h2o. The benchmark is an average of thirty hours a year. While you lot should look at the hours, it is not the only thing to consider. A well-maintained jet ski can get up to 300 hours or more of regular use. When analyzing the hours as well take into account its maintenance record:

  • Parts replaced. Aside from normal vesture and tear ask what other parts have needed replacing. A new hull or engine, for example, is not a skilful sign.
  • Type of jet ski. Consider the make, model and year. Is it still in product? How hard is to go spare parts and are they expensive?
  • Where was information technology maintained? Enquire who maintained the jet ski. Was it the seller or a dealer? Information technology is uncomplicated enough for an owner to do regular maintenance such every bit oil changes, basic repairs, and tune ups. It is a good sign they took good intendance of it. For major work, it tin can exist a cherry-red flag if the possessor also did the work unless they are a mechanic. If so, inquire for proof that they are qualified to repair major bug with personal watercrafts. Besides ask for receipts of the maintenance done.

Running Costs

Await at how much it will cost to keep your jet ski in tiptop condition and so it is safe to operate and reliable from year to year. There are costs every fourth dimension you lot utilize information technology such equally fuel and others include:

  • Changing the oil. The oil needs changing every l hours of use. A PWC service centre charges upwards of $200. Doing it yourself around $175.
  • Spark plugs. Alter the spark plugs every year but more than ofttimes if it has a two-stroke engine. A pack of four spark plugs volition only cost about $10.
  • A new bombardment. Batteries need irresolute every three to five years for a cost around $100.
  • When not in utilise. A jet ski needs special attention, if it is going to sit for two or more months before its next use. When you fail to practise this, it may not operate next time y'all take information technology out. This is expensive and costs anywhere between $200 and $600. The jet ski needs draining and refilled with gas too as filters fitted to proceed the engine in practiced condition while non in use.

Consider Storage

Storage is something else to consider. Where are you going to go on it? Is there enough space in the garage to store it safely or will yous need a embrace to store it outside? Jet skis deteriorate apace out in the weather and so you need to protect your investment and avoid repair costs.

Take Out Insurance

Make sure you have jet ski insurance before you accept information technology out on the water. Depending on the make, model and engine size it volition cost upwardly to $100 a year. This will vary depending on the operator'south history. Store effectually for the best cost.

In Summary

A jet ski is a major purchase so do your research earlier you starting time looking to buy. Decide on the makes and models that fit your upkeep and lifestyle. And remember you need a trailer so cistron that cost into the budget.

Add up maintenance and unforeseen costs to evaluate ongoing expenses. Are you prepared for these? Make sure you have any vehicle thoroughly checked before it is shipped to you.

In times where at that place are many online scammers, use Escrow.com to protect both you and the buyer. It is the safe fashion to guarantee you receive the jet ski and the heir-apparent gets paid.

Nigh of all have a blast out on the water in the dominicus with friends and family.