I'm thinking about buying a jet ski but I know nothing about them?

Question

First thing I'd like to know if the warranty on them is standard 1 year limited. On most Wave runners?

Second is how long do they last without requiring repairs? When is the time for check up on the boat? Cost?

Price range on a jet ski? I'm seeing 7000-10,000 for a wave runner.

Any models you would say is better? Honda or Yamaha?

Are they salt water and fresh water? Or is it one or the other and not both?

Any features I should look for other then turbo? I've heard Turbo ones eat gas and require repairs.

Last where to buy one in the New England area? When is the best time to buy?

Answer all questions and you win.

Answer 1

remember this, or you'll "LOSE", over 75% of all marine accidents and collisions involve a Jet Ski

Answer 2

the best time to buy any recreational vehicle is the end of the vehicles "season" .  For motorcycles, its about now.  I imagine the same is for jet skis... its getting too cold and choppy to enjoy a jet ski due to the weather.  A Turbocharged ANYTHING is a bad idea for a newer rider/driver/operator. Yes, there are exceptions, but in this case jet ski's are performance vehicles [again like motorcycles] and that turbo would likely fark the power curve.  imagine you're carving through a turn just as the turbo spools up and you capsize.  Not fun.  [okay maybe a little] And yes, a turbocharger would likely increase engine wear and thus maintenance intervals would be shorter. And turbos definitely increase gas consumption, they're increasing the volume of air going into the engine, thus, the volume of gas increases too.

Honda is the king of durability.

Answer 3

Seriously, you need to research them.  Stay away from seadoo if possible, especially the turbo ones.  You'll pay for whatever features and size you get.  Warranties vary.  They'll last depending on how well you take care of and ride them.  The maintanence is relatively simple so you can do yourself what the warranty doesn't cover if you're mechanically inclined at all.  Also, you can buy service manuals for them on ebay etc for cheap, these list part numbers and have parts breakdowns.  They are salt or fresh water but you need to maintain them better if running in salt water.  Best time to buy is when the newer models are coming out and get last year's model if you're buying new.  I would buy used because the price drops tremendously after a year or two if they're used.  Also consider the cost of a trailer, used ones will usually come with the trailer.  Also, used ones are often found sold in pairs with a double trailer.  The price is usually a lot lower per unit when buying two because the seller will want to sell both at once thus dropping the price.