I want to buy a jet ski.?

Question

First of all what is the difference between a jet ski and a wave runner? Second it would be for a small lake and it would need to fit two people. Would you recommend buying new or used? If buying used how do I know if it is in good shape?

Answer 1

Both waverunner and jet ski are just brand names. Waverunner is manufactured by yamaha and are very good pwc's. Jet Ski is manufactured by Kawasaki. As far as buying new or used if you dont care to spend the money go new and get a warranty but if you would prefer used buy one a couple of years old and save thousands.When buying used make sure to get a compression test done..make sure that all cylinders read even or are not many points away from each other.Examine the hull to make sure there is no signs of abuse, ex. major gashes or scrapes even holes.Talk the seller into letting you try it out...getting one on the water is the best way to see if it is going to be a good pwc or not.Now to buying... I prefer the newer four stroke model pwc's because they are alot cheaper on gas and you do not have to worry about getting the right oil/gas ratio or wondering when your injection system is going to fail. Dont get me wrong the older two strokes are good too. I have owned three different makes and sizes. If you are going to have two people on it for most of the time look at investing in a three seater you will enjoy the room and how much more comfortable they are.They are also alot more stable and you dont have to worry about tipping over and not being able to get back on lol. Good Luck! Hope you get one and have a blast!

Answer 2

First of all, find out if the small lake allows Jet Skiis.  Some lakes are now only letting jet skiis run in a circular path, in a designated area.  Not much fun doing this.  Also, most of the earlier skiis are two seaters; such as, the Kawasaki TS650.

TS means tandem sport model.  Fun to get back on when you tip over, but a pretty stable boat.  Need to have driver get on board, start  moving forward;, and then have passenger climb on.  The only safe way to buy one of these used machines is have the seller meet you at the lake and show you how everything works. Lake test it first and make sure it doesn't leak water thru the hull.  If it hard to start, don't buy it.

Remember, law requires all parties to have a life jacket on at all times.  It will save your life.Enjoy, have fun.

Answer 3

Sounds nice if you don't "siphon" daddy's gas from the boat.

Answer 4

First, require a test drive.  Under no circumstances should you buy any boat or watercraft without taking it out first.

If it gives off any alarms or overheats (watch the temp guage), walk away.  If it is hard to start or too tempermental, walk away.  If it bogs down on throttling up or cuts out anytime during full throttle, walk away.

Try to keep the test drive to a "test", not trying to play alot to keep the inside of the PWC dry.  That way, at the end you can inspect inside the motor housing under the seat for any significant water.  If it does have a sizable amount of water, it might have a hidden leak or an issue around the shaft seal.

Now, you are impressed by the test drive.  However, the next step is to require a complete inspection of the PWC by a service shop of YOUR choice at your expense.

Here is the things you should specifically demand they test...

First, compression test.

Second, water pump inspection.

Third (if 2-stroke), oil injection system inspection (if present)

Fourth, shaft seal and intake inspection

Fifth, electronics and trim system inspection.

If you do not have a reliable PWC shop check it out before you buy it from a private seller and it turns out to be a lemon, tough luck because there's nothing you can do about it.

Almost all private sales done in the US among individuals regarding vehicles is legally implied on an "as-is" basis.  Unless you can prove fraud, there's no way you can sue them for the damages and win.

Answer 5

Don't buy a used watercraft without a compression test on the engine.  if the reading from the lowest cylinder isn't within 5% of the highest, walk away.

And jump my wake if you must, just stay at least 50 feet away, ok?