What's the most important things to look for when buying a used Jet Ski?

Question

So I'm trying to buy a used jet ski for this summer. I've only rode the sit down kinds about 3 times, and never rode the stand up ones, but I'm convinced I want a stand up one for ease of tossing it in the back of a carpeted pickup (so I don't need a trailer), better gas mileage, and I hear that they are just more fun once you get the hang of them.

Anyways, I'm only planning to spend around $1000 at the most. I've been seeing alot of Kawasaki 550sx's around 1990's in that price range.

Anyways, I'm pretty familiar with the mechanics of cars and motorcycles, but very unfamiliar with the overall workings of a jet ski. So I'm wondering what are the most important things to look for, and the most important things to expect? I'm guessing its not like a car or bike you can test ride, since I'm guessing most of the ones in my price range are ones sitting in peoples garages. So any advice overall would really help. Thanks.

Answer 1

The stand ups engines are quite similar a the two stroke dirt bike, just with a open loop cooling system instead of being air cooled. The operations of the jet pump is fairly easy to understand as well,  considering your mechanical background. Here's a good checklist on what to look for on used skis: http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0oGkxuxxnZGXe...

About the most important things to look for is to check the engine compression, check for pump damage, and see if the handlepole on the stand up has excessive play in it.  Most guy selling shouldn't have much of a problem to take you out for a test ride, especially if you offer to pay for a tank of gas,.  At the very least they should agree to hook a water hose up to the engine and fire it up just so you're sure it runs.  The typical inspection cost of a shop that works on watercraft is about $75, and can save you a lot of grief, a early '90's standup is pretty old, and if neglected can cost you more to fix than buying a newer one.  Good luck with your search.