Jet Skis are synonymous with hot summer days at the beach and having a great time. Compared to seaworthy boats, they cost a fraction of the price and are much cheaper to maintain. A jet ski can be towed on a small trailer and shouldn’t be kept in the marina.
This guide aims to teach you how to purchase a well-maintained Jet Ski that runs without problems. There are many significant factors to consider that you may not find on a car or a motorcycle, so let’s go through the Jet ski buying checklist.
- Exterior
The Jet Ski’s general condition should be examined first. Perform this task on land, ideally on a trailer, to have adequate access to the hull. Examine the surfaces with your hand to feel for any flaws. There shouldn’t be any broken or missing parts, and the rubber bumper should be mostly intact. Consider going to a Seadoo Jetski shop where experts can assist you in evaluating the condition and making any required repairs or recommendations for a comprehensive inspection and quality assurance.
- Hull
Cracks are unacceptable. However, some hull scratching from forceful landings and incorrect lifting on the trailer is to be expected. While scrapes can be polished away, punctures need to be handled by a specialist.
- Seat
When seat upholstery splits, water can swiftly deteriorate it from the inside out. The extent of the damage will determine if the seat is still functional, but consider how much reupholstering would set you back.
- Storage
Usually, the front of the Jet Ski is set aside for storage. The cover should slide on and off with ease and fit flawlessly. Clear the area to expose the storage compartment’s walls.
Excessive moisture, muck, and general mess indicate abuse, a leaky top, or even capsizing. Other storage sections can follow the same philosophy.
- Steering
Move the steering bar from side to side to check for any binding or slack. The impeller and flap movements should be proportionate to the motion. While you inspect the back, ask the seller or your friend to take care of the steering.
- Hull Interior
Remove the seats to access the engine bay and the ship’s interior. Although holes and punctures might not be seen from the outside, they are rarely well-covered from the inside. Keep an eye out for any indications of oil spills that can damage the hull permanently.
- Engine
Jet Ski engines have a relatively limited life compared to all other vehicles. An automobile can travel 100,000 miles without trouble, while most Jet Ski engines have a limited operating life of a few hundred hours.
Don’t let this stop you from buying it, either, as 30 hours is the most that is typically used annually.
- Service Book
Maintenance diaries are required for any car. Jet skis, however, need them more than anything else. Due to the engine’s relatively short service life, regular maintenance—ideally carried out by a professional—is required.
- Running Hours
There are several methods for figuring out a Jet Ski’s usage history. Modern Jet Skis almost always have an hour gauge, but if not, the number can be found in the maintenance logs. The third option—which can be expensive—is to have the Jet Ski towed to a repair so they can do diagnostics.
A Jet Ski engine typically lasts 300 hours; thus, anything over 100 hours is regarded as high mileage. You could choose a 200-hour model based on your budget, provided it is 5–6 years old and has a full-service history.
- Supercharger
Choosing whether or not you want a Jet Ski with a supercharger is one of the most crucial choices you will have to make. A supercharger has a lifespan of 100 to 200 hours, costs more than the standard Jet Ski, but provides much greater power.
If you have decided to buy a supercharged Jet Ski, seek advice from an expert before purchasing and request the records of the most recent rebuild. If not, look for models with fewer than 100 hours of work.
- Oil And Coolant
Although they still exist, older two-stroke engines are not recommended for the more recent four-stroke models. Since oil is a component of four-stroke engines, you must inspect its quality and level.
Watch for water stains that give the oil a milkshake-like appearance. Clear and residue-free coolant is required. Dark flakes indicate a worn gasket.
- Intake Grate & Impeller
From underneath, you can check the intake grate for debris, rocks, and other indications of improper upkeep.
For the examination, it doesn’t matter that the impeller used in Jet Skis works on distinct propeller principles. Since replacing the impeller is expensive, it must exhibit no evidence of wear or dents.
- Test Ride
On land, issues with the throttle, steering, or reverse might be disastrous. However, you should still do a test ride even if everything appears to be working properly. The engine should easily overcome the resistance of the water and the rider’s additional weight.
When you reach your top speed, pay close attention to the engine’s sounds and experiment with different riding speeds. Subjective sensations are crucial to jet ski racing. Therefore, a test ride will determine whether or not a model is the right one for you, even if it is fully working.
Final Thoughts
When requesting an in-person inspection of the jet ski, only consider choices with a comprehensive and authentic service history. Because the engine’s lifespan is short, you should get a model that is less than five years old or used for less than 100 hours.
After reading this tutorial, you will be much more adept at determining the quality of a Jet Ski. Even if a model meets every requirement, we advise getting a second evaluation from a friend with knowledge in the field or a qualified appraiser.
