Jet Ski advice

[BuckyBoy]

I just recently sold my boat for $3450 because I don't have anything to pull it with.
I have been looking for a jet ski ever since I sold it, but I don't really know much about them. What do you think about this one I found on craigslist...
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/boa/658221696.html
He said he will take $1500 for the sea doo and trailer.
He told me I could test drive it as well when I came down to look at it.
Anybody have experience with this model jet ski? Is it dependable? I don't want one that is going to need repairs every summer.
NADA has the low retail at $1480, and average at $1650.

[BlackWidow]

I would keep looking around.

The major thing is to find out weather or not its been in salt water.

[BuckyBoy]

Originally Posted by BlackWidow

I would keep looking around.

The major thing is to find out weather or not its been in salt water.

I really doubt it has, but I will ask him.
He lives in the Atlanta area.

I'm trying to stay below 2000 if possible, but I can go up to 2500-3000.

[IAmTheSTIG]

get a yamaha whatever you do. they apply a special coating to the engine and it's internals where you could (even though it's illegal) to go straight from salt to fresh water all you want and not have to worry. plus it will run forever.

[BuckyBoy]

Originally Posted by IAmTheSTIG

get a yamaha whatever you do. they apply a special coating to the engine and it's internals where you could (even though it's illegal) to go straight from salt to fresh water all you want and not have to worry. plus it will run forever.

I will keep that in mind. Although I doubt any jet skis in Georgia will ever be in salt water.
But, just from this thread I have already learned that salt water is a potential issue, so I will be sure to ask all sellers about it from now on.

[BlackWidow]

What are you looking to get out of it? Speed? Comfort? Manuverability?

[BlackWidow]

You would be surprised how many watercraft i service in illinois which claim to have never been in salt water but clearly have been.

[BuckyBoy]

Originally Posted by BlackWidow

What are you looking to get out of it? Speed? Comfort? Manuverability?

Just dependability really.
Speed, not so much. 40-50+ is plenty
Comfort, eh I can get used to one that isn't comfortable as long as I'm out on the lake having fun.
Maneuverability, yes. I want something I can control easily.

[BlackWidow]

2 seater work for you?

[BuckyBoy]

Originally Posted by BlackWidow

2 seater work for you?

Definitely.

[IAmTheSTIG]

honestly for the best deal and exactly what your looking for. look for a ol' rental vx110 yamaha from here in florida, they are high hour (around 140-150) but are serviced well and like i said earlier there yamaha, did i mention cheap. Right now alot of people are getting rid of the 06's and 07's for new 08's.

[Surf]

Don't buy a couch. Take that two grand and buy a yamaha superjet... break the mold... do something challenging. Riding around on sitdowns all day gets boring as hell. Just my .02

[BuckyBoy]

Originally Posted by Surf

Don't buy a couch. Take that two grand and buy a yamaha superjet... break the mold... do something challenging. Riding around on sitdowns all day gets boring as hell. Just my .02

I have a girlfriend that is going to be riding with me often, so I don't think a stand-up would be the best right now.

How about this Yamaha?
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/boa/658377892.html

$1700 because I am two hours away from him. He said I can test drive it as well.
120 hours
NADA low retail is $1930.

Whatcha think about that one stig?
I couldn't find any of the VX110s for a decent price, but I love the look of them. Any idea where they post their old rentals for sale?

[Surf]

Look for GP800's, GP1200's, dob't buy a gp760, they are pretty weak.

Stay away from Seapoo. They aren't very reliable at all.



And to that I say: Make your freeloading girlfriend buy a stand up too, or tell her to buy her own sitdown.

[BuckyBoy]

So, based on what you guys have told me, this is the one I am leaning towards, but again I know little about them so your opinions are welcome.

Here is the breakdown...
1999 Yamaha GP800
This is quoted from the email I got from the seller...
"the wave runner is in excellent shape, i need to get a battery for it but that is about it, the trailer is in perfect condition. i am the second owner and i have owned since 2003 and have never even seen the ocean and have only used it about 10 times. one thing i know that it needs is the choke need adjusting( it sometimes can be hard to start without starting fluid. other than that it is in perfect shape. i will be out of town tuesday. i will try to have ready by thursday so if you want to come see i will meet you at the closest dock so you can try out. the price is $2500. firm cash"

The guy lives two hours away, but it seems to me to be a great buy unless he is hiding an issue when he talks about the choke needing to be adjusted. What you guys think?


http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e...gt/jetski2.jpg
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e...gt/jetski3.jpg
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e...gt/jetski4.jpg
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e...gt/jetski5.jpg
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e...gt/jetski6.jpg

[Surf]

That would be a great ski.

The choke comment is off... sounds like they are grasping at straws. The short answer is the carbs need to be rebuilt, and each carb kit is going to run you about 50 per kit (Need 2 kits obviously)

The hard starting in those is because the check valves wear out, and the lines don't stay primed at the carbs, and it makes starting a bitch. The carbs need to be rebuilt, and you need to add a 30 dollar primer kit. Two squirts of the primer, and it will be ready to go.

I imagine you could do the carbs yourself, you seem like you could handle it.. other wise, it's probably a 300 or so dollar job at a stealership. Also, before you buy it, do a compression test. If I remember correctly, it should have around 145-150 psi per hole, and they shouldn't be more than 5-10psi off from each other.

[BuckyBoy]

Thanks for your help Surf. I was never in contact with that guy again. I am trying to find something that won't require me to put any money into repairs or tuning up, at least not immediately. It's hard on the budget, but I have found a couple more somewhat locally. I have been in contact with both, and both have quoted me a price within what I am wanting to spend. I know it's not always good if you find something cheap because of the potential problems the seller may be trying to get rid of, but I hope that is not this case with this particular one...
http://www.smithpowersports.net/shop...rder=ascending

Picture...

It only has 85HP, but from the description it is lightweight, so it should be quick enough. Am I wrong about that?
Anyways, the book value on the ski is 2700-3000 + trailer. He said he will take 2000+ tax, tag, etc. I have no idea how much that will add up to, but I'm assuming ~2250. Worth it? Summer time is here and I'm getting inpatient trying to find a nice ski in my budget.

Here is the next one...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...TQ:MOTORS:1123
Picture...

Reserve is set at $2400. He said if reserve isn't met, then he can work out a deal with me. I'm guessing he won't take much less than that tho.
It has the extra HP, but is is 4 years older, although it only has 80 hours.

One of these two? or keep searching?

And, yes I remember you guys telling me that "Seapoos" aren't reliable, but it seems like 80+% of the skis for sale in my area are Seadoos. The others are either old cheap skis, or new expensive skis.

[Surf]

The Kawi is a turd... no way I would spend that much on it, and the price is a little high on that Seadoo. There is no way on god's green earth that the Kawi will do 70, he's full of it. Hell, it won't do 60, and i I had to guess, it might not hit a true 55 either. I'd stay away from older Seadoo stuff if you can, they don't have the best track record. If you could get it for 2, it would be a good buy. Also, that ski isn't going to be stable at all with 2 people on it. It is pretty quick though.

[Surf]

And 4 years old??????? Dude, that is a 96 model It's a bit more than 4 years old

[BuckyBoy]

Originally Posted by Surf

And 4 years old??????? Dude, that is a 96 model It's a bit more than 4 years old

haha I meant four years older than the Seadoo.

[BuckyBoy]

Originally Posted by Surf

The Kawi is a turd... no way I would spend that much on it, and the price is a little high on that Seadoo. There is no way on god's green earth that the Kawi will do 70, he's full of it. Hell, it won't do 60, and i I had to guess, it might not hit a true 55 either. I'd stay away from older Seadoo stuff if you can, they don't have the best track record. If you could get it for 2, it would be a good buy. Also, that ski isn't going to be stable at all with 2 people on it. It is pretty quick though.

So, the Kawi is a no go.
The seadoo won't be stable with two people? What exactly does that mean? Most of the time I am going to be with someone else on the ski, because I can't afford two skis right now, and few of my friends have their own ski.

[Surf]

It is not going to be very stable with two people on it. Once you get going it will be fine, but it's not going to be fun if one of you or both fall off and have to reboard in the water. It's also going to suck if you have to come to a stop without having a dock to hold onto.

I'm a yamaha junkie... so I am a bit biased. How much do you have to spend and I will search around and post up some suggestions.

[BuckyBoy]

~$2500, maybe up to 3000 is what I am willing to spend.

Are you saying the SeaDoo will be hard to stay balanced on when stopped or going slow? Do you mean like tipping from side to side or the back of it sinking or what? I never knew any jet skis were like that. That would get annoying if it is how I am thinking.

[Surf]

And I did a search on those 1100zxi's.... they are 55mph ski's, far from 70

Ok, I will post some stuff up later.

[BuckyBoy]

Originally Posted by Surf

And I did a search on those 1100zxi's.... they are 55mph ski's, far from 70

Ok, I will post some stuff up later.

Sounds good man.

[Surf]

looks to be a good deal if you could get him down to 2500 or so, and if it comes with a trailer, def a good deal

http://www.pwctoday.com/attachment.p...7&d=1212714778

and then this is you want to take a drive

http://www.pwctoday.com/showthread.php?t=155472

[BuckyBoy]

I registered and activated my account, but it still says...
"Your account has been activated but you are currently in the moderation queue to be added to the forum."
I can view all the threads, but no images. Post the link to the thread for me.

[Surf]

sorry didn't mean to post the attatchment address on that one

http://www.pwctoday.com/showthread.php?t=173956

[BuckyBoy]

Originally Posted by Surf

sorry didn't mean to post the attatchment address on that one

http://www.pwctoday.com/showthread.php?t=173956

Shit, I am nearly 9 hours from there.
See if you can't find me a deal closer to home.
You can check through my local craigslist and see if anything catches your eye...
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/

[Surf]

2500 and 500 for gas... and you are good to go

[Surf]

didn't find much....

[BuckyBoy]

Originally Posted by Surf

didn't find much....

Well, if you find anything let me know.

I may just get the SeaDoo GS if I don't find anything soon. I will just have to master the technique of getting on it when it's stopped out in the water.

[Surf]

you could sit on it alone... it will just be sketchy with two people unless both of you have great balance... oh, and the back end is going to want to sink while it's rolling side to side

[BuckyBoy]

How cheap do you think I could find two decent stand-ups on a double trailer?
I don't remember ever seeing a stand-up ski in our local lake. They seem like they would be fun tho. If I can find two of them for a good price, then I may go that route since I am having a hard time finding a sit down.

[Surf]

This wouldn't be too bad...

http://www.pwctoday.com/showthread.php?t=160253 Cheap

And on the stand up front, there is alot to be considered there. and a word of warning... you aren't going to just jump on one and ride it.

And finding two skis on a double trailer doesn't happen all that often... mostly just older Kawasaki stuff. What I would recommend are two squarenose superjets (1990-1995) they can be had for around a grand each, and that will leave you with some money to buy a trailer, or just fab up a utility trailer to work

[BuckyBoy]

I thought you said 760s were weak.
All the good skis are in Florida. I would be willing to meet that guy halfway or something, but I can't drive 8 hours to pick it up.

This one is the same thing, but cost more on my local craigslist...
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/boa/713363142.html
If I drove to pick it up, it would be the same as meeting the other guy halfway.

I sent the guy a PM to see if he still had it, and if he would be interested in meeting for a little extra cash.

And about the stand-ups, I figured I would be able to ride one after a couple tries and get the hang of it. I can usually pick up things pretty quick.
My girlfriend tho, I'm not sure. That's why I was trying to avoid them to begin with.
And, I don't want to just get one for me because I would get bored by myself.

[Surf]

It's weaker than say a gp800 or 1200, but for the price is basically what I was getting at. It would suit you fine as far as carrying another passenger. 1500 for that with a trailer doesn't seem bad, especially considering how clean the interior is. and the CL link, see, there is no way I'd pay 2400 for a 760, but 1500 with a trailer.. well... yeah.

And you won't get bored by yourself... there is always something new to try, or to turn better, ect... stuff like that. Trust me, I've had it all.. dirt bikes, four wheelers, bikes, ect.. (All of which I get bored with when I am alone) and I can't seem to get bored of riding a stand up. It's like the constant struggle... it's a whole different set of challenges for different conditions. I love it. I can see myself being truly passionate about it until I am too old to ride.

[BuckyBoy]

That's where I am coming from; the dirt bikes, atvs, go-karts and such. I guess that why I figured I would get bored if I was out there by myself.
Is there a cheap one I could buy to see if it's for me or not. Like a certain type that are a dime a dozen so they are cheap, but can get me out on the water to see what it's like. Also, something that I can resale fairly easy haha

[ego_eclipse]

I will throw in my two sense if you are still looking. As far as what brand of ski to get I would recommend a SeaDoo, from all my experiences with ski's they are of the best quality all around and also they definitely are the better handling of all jet skis. Then as far as a certain model they all there purposes, the main thing is a 2 seater will be more maneuverable and i find them more fun where as the 3 seaters have the extra room and are legal to pull tubes and such. Also as far as power most all of the SeaDoo's that are not extremely old have enough power to do whatever you really need, I currently have a 1997 SeaDoo XP which is a 2 seater with 115hp and it will get up to about 62mph also I only paid $2500 for it with a trailer and it had low hours. So just take your time to search around and find you a good deal, but I would say stick with a SeaDoo

[BuckyBoy]

Originally Posted by ego_eclipse

I will throw in my two sense if you are still looking. As far as what brand of ski to get I would recommend a SeaDoo, from all my experiences with ski's they are of the best quality all around and also they definitely are the better handling of all jet skis. Then as far as a certain model they all there purposes, the main thing is a 2 seater will be more maneuverable and i find them more fun where as the 3 seaters have the extra room and are legal to pull tubes and such. Also as far as power most all of the SeaDoo's that are not extremely old have enough power to do whatever you really need, I currently have a 1997 SeaDoo XP which is a 2 seater with 115hp and it will get up to about 62mph also I only paid $2500 for it with a trailer and it had low hours. So just take your time to search around and find you a good deal, but I would say stick with a SeaDoo

If you see a ski for sale in Cartersville, let me know. I'm about 3 hours or so from there.
I have been looking for one for a couple months. I just have no clue what to look for.

[Surf]

Yes, ask around on a ski forum. Seadoo's have hands down the best quality....

[BuckyBoy]

1997 Seadoo GTX. 237 Hours, All freshwater. $1900
Cosmetically looks great. He said only maintenance he has had to perform is plugs, battery, and new impeller.
Whatcha think?
Still haven't found a yamaha within 500 miles. haha

[Surf]

237 hours is a shat load, especially for a sea doo. Expect a crank inspection at least, and a new top end if it has never been done.

I wouldn't touch it, but that's just me.

[BuckyBoy]

Originally Posted by Surf

237 hours is a shat load, especially for a sea doo. Expect a crank inspection at least, and a new top end if it has never been done.

I wouldn't touch it, but that's just me.

Well, you have about 1,652x more knowledge and experience with this shit than I do, so I am going to try and find one you think is worth the price tag.
Then, if or when it messes up, you can tell me how to fix it.

I will keep looking.

[Surf]

I will check around again while I am thinking about it.. i will post up if I find something

[BuckyBoy]

1996 Seadoo XP with galvanized trailer - $1400
2 hours away

The guy told me most of the time it was rode they had two people. It has a narrow bottom on it unlike newer models. His first email, he actually recommended I find something else because I told him it would be my first one and he said to be a more stable 3-seater. But, I told him I have been riding dirt bikes since I could walk. He said that is what this compares to on the water.

New battery, all fresh water, family owned since brand new, always synthetic oil, great cosmetically, has cover but it is worn.
Only problem is tilt/trim. This is what he said...
"The tilt / trim needs my attention. It has a good motor and worked perfectly
in the Fall, but I need to isolate an intermittent electrical problem. If it needed a trip to the shop,
the price is cheap enough to live with it...."

What do you think Surf?
The guy seems to be very honest and gave good descriptions of everything I asked him and more. If it actually unstable when deep-water mounting, I think that is something I can overcome for a price tag this low. Anything common problems with this model ski?

[Surf]

That price seems fair. The trim systems of seapoo's are notorious for breaking, so no worries. I'd do it. And it won't be a problem boarding in water where you can't touch the bottom by yourself... but with two people it can be a pain in the ass. It's a seapoo, of course it has known problems. Mainly just random stuff breaking. It seems to be hit or miss for the most part. If it was well taken care of I wouldn't much worry about it.

[BuckyBoy]

Well, I am going to talk to my parents about it tonight, and hopefully go take a look at it and pick it up soon.
What do you recommend as far as the trim goes? Take it to a marina and get it fixed? I think the ones around here have a couple weeks wait during summer.

[BuckyBoy]

I emailed a guy about a week ago about a Yamaha GP800 that was listed on ebay. He told me that he was going to let the auction finish, but if the winning bidder didn't follow through that he would let me know. Well, the bidder didn't pay...
Here is the link...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...TQ:MOTORS:1123
He is nearly 5 hours from me.
This entire time I couldn't find one, now I find two at the same time.
He doesn't really describe it in the listing, so I'm not sure exactly of the condition of it.

I am thinking to just stick with the Seadoo. The guy selling it seems to be very truthful and described every bit of his ski.

[Surf]

GP1200 is going to have more brap to it or sure.... It should do an honest 56-57 and have more arm straightening power than the xp, and it would be more stable.

For the price and closeness factor, I'd probably get the xp. Plus, if it scares your girlfriend, you will be able to ride with just you on there more often, and that is way more fun that with 2.

[BuckyBoy]

Originally Posted by Surf

GP1200 is going to have more brap to it or sure.... It should do an honest 56-57 and have more arm straightening power than the xp, and it would be more stable.

For the price and closeness factor, I'd probably get the xp. Plus, if it scares your girlfriend, you will be able to ride with just you on there more often, and that is way more fun that with 2.

I like the way you think.

Hopefully within the next few days I will be posting pics of my new jet ski.
Thanks for your help Surf.

[Surf]

Originally Posted by BuckyBoy

I like the way you think.

Hopefully within the next few days I will be posting pics of my new jet ski.
Thanks for your help Surf.

No prob

[BuckyBoy]

I told the guy I would come pick it up Monday because I had my weekend planned.
He sold it Saturday evening.

[Surf]

the search continues....

[BuckyBoy]

Well, there is still the GP1200 that was on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...TQ:MOTORS:1123
I sent him a message and asked him a few questions, and this is the response I got...
"The ski belongs to my boss who only uses it maybe 2-3 times a year. It runs great. I weigh 300lbs and it pulls me very fast.The engine was bought and installed by a local dealer and may have 30 hrs on it. He only pulls it out of our warehouse on special occasions. He has bought a farm and lost intrest it the ski. It does have some dock dings on the nose but that is all that I can see wrong with it other than a little sun fade. Call me and we can discuss it further."

[Surf]

Hmm. Id offer 2000-2200 if the compression numbers are good (~120+ each, and all within say 10psi of each other) and it looks mechanically sound. Also ask him if he has any paperwork of work done or money spent on the ski.

[BuckyBoy]

Him- "ARE YOU STILL INTERESTED IN THE WAVE RUNNER?"

Me- I am, but I am kinda nervous about driving that far to get a ski that I don't know a lot about. And, if we met halfway I wouldn't be able to test drive it.
Do you have the paperwork to show the engine was installed by a professional? Is the new engine the same as the engine that was in it from the factory?
Honestly, I am looking for something dependable not something I am going to have to make repairs to anytime soon. Maintenance isn't a problem.
This ski starts right up and runs fine? Can be run for a long period of time with no problems?
Do you have a compression tester? Could you go check the compression for me and let me know what each one is?
What is the price if you were to meet me half way? (I'm in Toccoa, GA)

Him- I would be willing to meet you at the AL/GA line. Maybe a little further if you know of a body of water close to that area for you to test it out. YES it starts right up and runs strong. The guy who owns it is a rich guy and as you know they have all their stuff taken care of professionally. This ski is VERY dependable, I borrowed it and rode it for 6 hours with no problems at all (I am 310 lbs). He has all the paperwork. Meet me half way and see for yourself. If you don't like what you see, at least you had a nice road trip.

If you like, we can even meet up at a shop close by and you can have it gone over by a mechanic before you buy it.

Me- I don't know that area at all, so I have no idea where I could test it. Do you have a local marine shop you could take it by just to get it looked over? Ask them if they could just approve of it being water ready and get something written from them. That should be good enough.
If you can't do that, then we could meet somewhere and test drive it. Just run a compression check for me tomorrow sometime and let me know what you get.

Him- I am on vacation right now but will try to get it to a shop early in the week. I do not have the tools to do the test, but I will have the shop do it when I take it in.




Cross your fingers.
BTW- He said $2200 and with him meeting me halfway.

[Surf]

Sounds good man. I wouldn't worry too much about it if he is willing to take it to a random Yamaha shop to be looked over. Congrats, now make it happen!

And if it doesn't crank right up, don't worry too much about it. The carbs on there have a tendency for the check valves to go bad, and it makes starting a pain. They are rather expensive and not even close to being worth it to replace them. 30 bucks on a primer kit for it, and you will be in business.

[BuckyBoy]

Alright, he is getting back from vacation on Thursday. He gave me a place in Alabama to meet him at where I can test drive it, and he said there is a boat dealership and repair place there too if I wanted to get it checked out. He said he will be available Friday, so I may make the trip over there then. Price is now $2100.

[tdt1705]

Buy it already.....lol....u did your research now make it happen and have fun.....I know I am on my crotch rocket....lol