Advice on purchasing used jet skis or boat

I know hours matter, however I don't know what "high" hours are relative to knowing high mileage on automobiles.

I know to watch for floor rot, propellor issues, engine. Any advice for a first timer? My level of boating expertise is limited to smaller bass boats so...

I know some of the higher powered jet skis you can pull a tube behind. It seems like having an outboard would be easier to deal with mechanically, but I have no idea really.

What are some hidden costs to boating, I know people complain about all of the work it takes to enjoy.

The two happiest days of boat ownership are ...... the day you buy it and the day you sell it.

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Originally Posted by CyPlainsDrifter

The two happiest days of boat ownership are ...... the day you buy it and the day you sell it.

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this also works for marriage....

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Originally Posted by simply1

I know hours matter, however I don't know what "high" hours are relative to knowing high mileage on automobiles.

I know to watch for floor rot, propellor issues, engine. Any advice for a first timer? My level of boating expertise is limited to smaller bass boats so...

I know some of the higher powered jet skis you can pull a tube behind. It seems like having an outboard would be easier to deal with mechanically, but I have no idea really.

What are some hidden costs to boating, I know people complain about all of the work it takes to enjoy.

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Storage may be your biggest cost outside of initial purchase. Unless you plan on doing your own storage. Marina's can cost an arm and a leg.

Make sure you check and see how many hours are on the engine if possible. Also Make sure you start the thing up before buying and listen for any pings or anything that could be wrong.

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Originally Posted by simply1

I know hours matter, however I don't know what "high" hours are relative to knowing high mileage on automobiles.

I know to watch for floor rot, propellor issues, engine. Any advice for a first timer? My level of boating expertise is limited to smaller bass boats so...

I know some of the higher powered jet skis you can pull a tube behind. It seems like having an outboard would be easier to deal with mechanically, but I have no idea really.

What are some hidden costs to boating, I know people complain about all of the work it takes to enjoy.

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Thanks for bringing this up. I'm in the market for a jet ski/waverunner too and could use some input. I haven't seen many used jet skis around that are newer than '03. I don't want to go that old. Thinking in the '05-'08 range. Might even go new if I can get a good deal. Is there somewhere you can test drive them though?

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Originally Posted by Knownothing

Make sure you check and see how many hours are on the engine if possible. Also Make sure you start the thing up before buying and listen for any pings or anything that could be wrong.

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What's a reasonable amount of hours/year?

Anyone own a deck boat? I think that's what I want. half ski-boat half pontoon. I'd like to buy a used one.

Dont get anything smaller than a v6.

What kind of stuff do you want to do with it? That's an important answer to know before giving advice.
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I looks at a lot of deck boats but I went with a bowrider in the end. I just wasn't convinced that the hull design would perform as well in rough water.

Now as for roominess...you can't beat a deckboat.
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Originally Posted by jamesfnb

Anyone own a deck boat? I think that's what I want. half ski-boat half pontoon. I'd like to buy a used one.

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A friend of mine and Cyclone fan in west Des Moines has a 2005 Hurrucane deck boat for sale on Craigslist. He bought the boat, but then switched jobs. He works Saturday's so he hasn't been able to use it as much as he had planned. It only has 30 hours on it. I think he has pictures out there.
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I would say 40 - 50 hours a year is on the high end of avg based on what we used ours.

If buying used don't be afraid to have a mechanic check it out for you. It'd be worth the $$$.
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I had a 1996 Yamaha Waveblaster 2 years ago and had a great time with it. I know that Yamaha always has good promotions for their jet skis. I'll probably get another one soon and will stick with Yamaha. I never had an issue with mine while my buddy had a Kawasaki that broke down all the time.

I almost like the older ones better than the new ones. They were a little less stable and were really touchy. The newer jetskis are almost too big. If you plan on pulling a tube you have to buy a 3 seater. If you do, you may as well buy a boat because you will stay pretty dry on them. I'd buy a one seater if they still made them.

My advice? Convince a close friend or family member to buy one so you can use it without the headache.

I told my wife that I'd never own a boat unless I was wiping my *** with cash.

A couple things on PWC's

Always buy one seat larger than you need. So if you plan on having a passenger, get a 3 seater. A 2 seat PWC is really only big enough for 1 person.

Also look around for older models that are still brand new. I bought a Yamaha back in 2005 that was a 2003 model. Got a pretty good discount on it. I bought mine at C&C cycle.

Storage is a big issue. The best bet is to have them on a dock but then you have to worry about all the fungus if they are in the water. Trailering them everywhere is a big pain.