How long does a new jetski last in terms of hours used before it needs to be repaired?

Question

How long usually is the life of a jetski,i saw a fleet of jetski's for sale with 300hr average running hours on their meter,they are selling it to buy new ones,they are 3-4 year old units,,i wonder if it is already near the end of the engine life or somthing,or it needs major repairs soon,i know i have seen older models on sale like 10 -15 years or more, but they may have been rebuilt engines.

Any one tried china made jetski? how does it compare to the branded Yamaha and KWasaki

Answer 1

Dave M has given you some good advice.  In the United States the average seasonal useage for a PWC (Personal Water Craft) is 50 hours, 300 hrs is a 6 year average.  Also, determine the actual year on manufacture by looking at the VIN on the right rear of the unit, last two numbers is year.  If the units were used in salt water be extremely careful of errosion and rust.  ALWAYS have a used unit checked by a qualified tech for that manufacturer.

If you found a fleet of these all made by the same manufacturer, more than likely, an offer was made for all by a wholesaler.  I can give you many reasons why an abundance of units are sold, i.e., owner needed cash, maintenance became costly, etc.  At times, if you have the unit checked, you can "pick up" a very good deal.

SeaDoo is the best on the market.  They are salt water ready from the manufacturer, offer the best hull design, largest fuel tank (15.2 gal.), and have the fastest on the water.  Yamaha are very good units as well and for the money offer good value.   Yamaha to be salt water ready has a conversion kit approx. $650 additional.

I currently own a SeaDoo 185 SC (Super Charged) and Yamaha 175.  I love both and have only done required maintenance.  Both are safe, and believe me, I have tried every way to flip but the wide and heavy hulls prevent this.  SeaDoo has a 215 HP which is a "blast" and I would personally love to own but I feel they are just too fast if I were to let someone else borrow.  Keep in mind, for those learning or younger operators there is a "safety key" that only allows these units to "top" a certain speed and you control this by the "key" you give out.

Buying used or new you will normally get two keys, one regular and one "safety key" as explained above.  Negotiate additional keys because these can cost as much as $40 each.  For security each key is programmed for your unit ONLY.  The trailer is normally ADDITIONAL as well and can be negotiated.  Some dealers will sell the PWC or JetSki then bring up the trailer as a, by the way do you need a trailer.  Negotiate with a complete package and include to have a tech thoroughly inspect (approx. $125) before finalizing.  

GET AT LEAST A 30 DAY WARRANTY if you buy a used unit from a dealer.  This must be in writing in the contract.  During this period take the unit out as often as you can.

Polaris filed Bankruptcy in 2006 and I understand no longer manufacture PWC.  If you get a great deal on one there are many techs to service these.  I am also not familiar with China made units.  I can tell you this I know a lot of people with many different makes, i.e., SeaDoo, Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris, and all seem to run great and require little maintenance.

Good Luck, have fun, be postitive, make the right choice.  PWC and JetSki units are great fun.

Answer 2

Depends on the abuse. Even a lean fuel mix will decrease engine life. If they're pinned before they warm up it's not good either. I recommend a compression test at the very least. Still, that won't tell you the condition of main and connecting rod bearings. If it seams noisy...stay away. See if there is any after sale warranty.

They're all PWC's...Personal Water Craft...only Kawasaki makes Jet Skis...those are the ones with hinged handle bars that you stand or kneel on.

I think Bombardier Sea Doos are the best with Yamaha second.