re: What&#39;s the thought on buying used jet skis?

Posted by Uptowner

The OP

Member since Oct 2019

2030 posts

Posted on 5/11/20 at 3:24 pm to schatman

My first thought? Honestly?

"Trashy-poor."

Posted by cable

Member since Oct 2018

9735 posts

Posted on 3/11/22 at 5:02 am to Walt OReilly

quote:
I wouldn’t recommend it

I bought one once - it was fun for a while, then started breaking down. I got rid of the thing thankfully.

Posted by footballdude

Member since Sep 2010

1115 posts

Posted on 3/11/22 at 7:06 am to schatman

(no message)

This post was edited on 10/26/22 at 12:45 pm

Posted by Dr RC

The Money Pit

Member since Aug 2011

61475 posts

Posted on 3/11/22 at 7:09 am to schatman

If it was used in salt water hell no don't buy it.

If it was used in fresh water you still need to find out where before you consider dropping the cash.

This post was edited on 3/11/22 at 7:12 am

Posted by tigergirl10

Member since Jul 2019

10732 posts

Posted on 3/11/22 at 7:18 am to schatman

Posted by Cotten

Tennessee

Member since Jan 2018

1824 posts

Posted on 3/11/22 at 8:36 am to schatman

Dad bought two supercharged Bombardier 1200s from my Uncle (his brother) when we were kids that we’re supposedly in great condition. One we never had a single issue with; the other had an issue anytime it touched the water.

I don’t think we had a day out that didn’t result in having to pull one of them back to the trailer via a tow strap.

I personally would never buy a used one based on those memories.

Posted by LSUdubai

Dubai, UAE

Member since Oct 2010

269 posts

Posted on 3/11/22 at 8:39 am to jchamil

Good try. Jet Ski is a brand made by Kawasaki. They are not exclusively standup models. Funny tho.

Posted by concrete_tiger

Member since May 2020

7477 posts

Posted on 3/11/22 at 8:45 am to LSUdubai

Will the seller let you take them for a test drive and/or to mechanic? I bought a used WRECKED Sea-Doo back in the day. I fixed 'er up and she served me well for a few years until I sold it. If it was ever in salt, I diligently flushed it, but that's me... not most.

Posted by Impotent Waffle

Baton Rouge

Member since Sep 2007

10129 posts

Posted on 3/11/22 at 9:14 am to schatman

If they have spent time in Salt, no go for me. Flushing it is a must and too many folks are lazy.

Otherwise, obviously water test... If you purchase I reccomend changing oil, spark plugs, and run some seafoam through it. Good luck

Posted by tickfawtiger

Killian LA

Member since Sep 2005

11525 posts

Posted on 3/11/22 at 9:50 am to Impotent Waffle

Agree...saltwater use is a BIG NO ! Even the well maintained 'gentle/adult use' models are VERY prone to mechanical break-downs. Usually, it's a nightmare to repair...i.e. tools needed are model specific/parts are insanely expensive and most repairs are are trailer to shop necessary. During the 'season' ALL repair facilities will be 'backed-up' for WEEKS...even the shade tree variety. There are few capable mechanics out there and those that can charge mucho dinero !
BIG no to out of warranty used jet skis !!

Posted by Tbonepatron

Member since Aug 2013

8462 posts

Posted on 3/11/22 at 10:14 am to tickfawtiger

Go for it baw. YOLO…

Posted by Doublebagger

Member since Mar 2021

980 posts

Posted on 3/11/22 at 10:16 am to schatman

quote:
Do they wear down too quickly, or are they pretty reliable as a used item?

Any piece of used equipment is just like a women. Better off just renting them.

Posted by DarthGadget

Member since Jun 2021

202 posts

Posted on 3/11/22 at 11:02 am to Doublebagger

IF salt water, then lease or rent.

Had a SeaDoo GTX and a Yamaha GP1200R, miss them every time I am near water. The 1200R would top out at 66 mph; I held that speed continuously once for 10 miles when I had a mountain lake all to myself on a beautiful Sunday night. Epic.

The single most important thing with such toys is battery care and feeding. Other items important as well, but with 'jetskis' in fresh water....batteries.