Thinking about buying a Jetski - What should I look for?
Discussion
Hi everyone,
This is my situation.
Basically I have had a Classic shape Audi Cabriolet (2.3e 5cyl manual) for over a year now.
During that time I have literally driven it to the MOT station and back (where I had 4 x new tyres fitted and a years MOT put on it!!!). Other than that I have not used it AT ALL. This has been due to a combination of work and my girlfreind falling pregnant (the latter meaniung that any free time we had over the pregnancy (plus the last 2-3 months) was spent finishing a major house re-furb
Simply put, I bought the Audi as I've always loved the shape of them and found this example that was so clean. However now we have the babba we aren't comfortable on the idea of putting our littl'n in a soft top and so we are finding ourselves using our other cars (more practical for our 9 week old son and his entourage of expensive acessories!).
SO!
The Audi is going and this leaves me in a position to buy another TOTALLY inpractical toy!
* I'm thinking of selling [or swapping] the Audi to get a Jetski (GOOD) smile
* I have no clue on what to look for! (BAD!!!!)
Budget around £2k give or take.
We want at least a 2 seater (3 seater would be great).
We want to use it as a family ski (get my nephews on the back etc) but also it needs to be powerful enough for dad to have a blast, tow the odd donut and possibly wakeboard etc.
Ideally I would like something that looks pretty decent. I am not too fussy on year, (but we dont want it to look like it might have been a prop in the original Star Wars!).
I would appreciate some advice on what to look out for and have a few questions. Excuse if some are naive as Cars are my thing!
* how do I check the status of the Ski (dont want to end up buying something that's stolen)
* do they come with log-books?
* how does the Datatagging work (and how can I check it out?)
* do they have (or should I expect it to have) "service history"
* how many hours use is average for age
....anything else I have missed - advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Gallen.
This is my situation.
Basically I have had a Classic shape Audi Cabriolet (2.3e 5cyl manual) for over a year now.
During that time I have literally driven it to the MOT station and back (where I had 4 x new tyres fitted and a years MOT put on it!!!). Other than that I have not used it AT ALL. This has been due to a combination of work and my girlfreind falling pregnant (the latter meaniung that any free time we had over the pregnancy (plus the last 2-3 months) was spent finishing a major house re-furb
Simply put, I bought the Audi as I've always loved the shape of them and found this example that was so clean. However now we have the babba we aren't comfortable on the idea of putting our littl'n in a soft top and so we are finding ourselves using our other cars (more practical for our 9 week old son and his entourage of expensive acessories!).
SO!
The Audi is going and this leaves me in a position to buy another TOTALLY inpractical toy!
* I'm thinking of selling [or swapping] the Audi to get a Jetski (GOOD) smile
* I have no clue on what to look for! (BAD!!!!)
Budget around £2k give or take.
We want at least a 2 seater (3 seater would be great).
We want to use it as a family ski (get my nephews on the back etc) but also it needs to be powerful enough for dad to have a blast, tow the odd donut and possibly wakeboard etc.
Ideally I would like something that looks pretty decent. I am not too fussy on year, (but we dont want it to look like it might have been a prop in the original Star Wars!).
I would appreciate some advice on what to look out for and have a few questions. Excuse if some are naive as Cars are my thing!
* how do I check the status of the Ski (dont want to end up buying something that's stolen)
* do they come with log-books?
* how does the Datatagging work (and how can I check it out?)
* do they have (or should I expect it to have) "service history"
* how many hours use is average for age
....anything else I have missed - advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Gallen.
Oi whats wrong with the Boats Trains & Planes forum then 
First thing. Everybody else on the water hates them
Ebay chavs to blame I'm afraid.
I bloody love mine though, had it 6 years or so. I am a sensible family chap too. Had boats all sizes before, but I love the fact I can stick a ski in the garage and tow it anywhere.
If you can stretch a bit more, say £3k a Yamaha VX is a brilliant family ski. 4 stroke, frugal (for a ski), 3 seater. 50mph. Used the world over in rental places.
I myself have a Yam XLT1200 - 3 seater, older, faster, 2 stroke. Drinks like a fish (I budget £1/mile for mixed use - you should get 50% more from a VX) but I prefer the power delivery and easy maintenance of a 2 stroke - particularly for wave jumping.
On top of the purchase price, you'll need a PFD, Wetsuits, boots, gloves, goggles, safety stuff if you're using on the sea. And the RYA PWC course is recommended - only a day about £120. You'll want (and need at many launch places) insurance - about £200 fully comp.
Find a local club, go have a word, and get on over to pwcforums.co.uk
First thing. Everybody else on the water hates them
Ebay chavs to blame I'm afraid.I bloody love mine though, had it 6 years or so. I am a sensible family chap too. Had boats all sizes before, but I love the fact I can stick a ski in the garage and tow it anywhere.
If you can stretch a bit more, say £3k a Yamaha VX is a brilliant family ski. 4 stroke, frugal (for a ski), 3 seater. 50mph. Used the world over in rental places.
I myself have a Yam XLT1200 - 3 seater, older, faster, 2 stroke. Drinks like a fish (I budget £1/mile for mixed use - you should get 50% more from a VX) but I prefer the power delivery and easy maintenance of a 2 stroke - particularly for wave jumping.
On top of the purchase price, you'll need a PFD, Wetsuits, boots, gloves, goggles, safety stuff if you're using on the sea. And the RYA PWC course is recommended - only a day about £120. You'll want (and need at many launch places) insurance - about £200 fully comp.
Find a local club, go have a word, and get on over to pwcforums.co.uk
rottie102 said:
I know it's not too much help, but I was thinking about getting one too and after long thinking I think I've changed my mind in favour of a small speedboat. Wouldn't that be a better option for you too(with the little one etc)?
Other than that - DO IT!
Cheers rottie102 - but we dont want the hassle of a speedboat. My OH's father has a nice boat that the litt'n can go in and knowing nothing about boats/sailing, it's too much of an unknown - well for me at least - and I dont want the responsibility of sticking a baby in a boat whilst not knowing anything about them! He's safer on the beach and if he's there, then I can relax!!!! ...so Jet Ski it is!!! Other than that - DO IT!
richardxjr said:
I love the fact I can stick a ski in the garage and tow it anywhere.
Yep - this is the kind of thinking!I dont "think" I really want a 4-stroke ski. I have had both in motorbike form and as you say, much prefer the powerability of a 2-Stroke for pure fun!
I have been thinking somewhere along the lines of a something like a Seadoo XP or similar (from say about '97 on) but have no idea on what these are like to live with(!?!).
richardxjr said:
On top of the purchase price, you'll need a PFD, Wetsuits, boots, gloves, goggles, safety stuff if you're using on the sea. And the RYA PWC course is recommended - only a day about £120. You'll want (and need at many launch places) insurance - about £200 fully comp.
This is great advice - Thank you.- What's a PFD?
- insurance - no problem, I see it as a must anyhow.
Thanks for the forum link too - checking it out in a sec......!
G.
PFD = Personal Floatation Device. Sorry, bouyancy aid in English. Waterski type impact vest with (usually) 4 front buckles.
Personally I'd avoid older Seadoos and stick with Yamaha or Kawasaki for both reliability and good sea hulls. For towing you need a 3 seater really.
You need to buy from someone who knows how to, and has looked after it. At £2k you need to know when (not if) the 2-stroke motor and carbs have been rebuilt, and by whom.
I took my boys out from the age of 3, the elder will do his RYA himself next year at 12 and that's when I'll possibly get a 2nd ski and dual trailer.
Personally I'd avoid older Seadoos and stick with Yamaha or Kawasaki for both reliability and good sea hulls. For towing you need a 3 seater really.
You need to buy from someone who knows how to, and has looked after it. At £2k you need to know when (not if) the 2-stroke motor and carbs have been rebuilt, and by whom.
I took my boys out from the age of 3, the elder will do his RYA himself next year at 12 and that's when I'll possibly get a 2nd ski and dual trailer.
ive had a few jetski's over the years and been a member of a few clubs, check out where you can actually use them locally, all my local lakes dont allow towing from behind the ski any more thats a huge chunk of fun taken straight away. The driver generally has to over 16 and has to have passed the course as mentioned previously
Also you just cant drop them in the sea as well now, loads of coastal slips have since banned jetski's, so a bit of research is required before you begin looking to buy
happy days (brother in law driving)
Also you just cant drop them in the sea as well now, loads of coastal slips have since banned jetski's, so a bit of research is required before you begin looking to buy
happy days
(brother in law driving)Edited by Viper on Friday 8th April 13:24
Viper said:
ive had a few jetski's over the years and been a member of a few clubs, check out where you can actually use them locally, all my local lakes dont allow towing from behind the ski any more thats a huge chunk of fun taken straight away. The driver generally has to over 16 and has to have passed the course as mentioned previously
I'd be looking at Sea useage. I would be getting insurance (regardless of if required or not) and all drivers would be well over 16 (unfortunately!!!! LOL!).Viper said:
happy days (brother in law driving)
THAT LOOKS THE NUTS!!!!! (brother in law driving)
richardxjr said:
And on that note, it's worth mentioning you can filter PWC friendly slipways on boatlaunch.co.uk. There's plenty in Essex though, and good clubs at Clacton and Southend iirc
Thanks for these replies guys - greatly appreciated, some good advice.Im based in Frinton on Sea where we do have a Jetski freindly launch ramp.
The sea is great here for this sort of thing (as I have seen albeit from a beach POV over the years). Clacton and Walton are not too far away either (less than 4 to 5 miles).
A few more questions.
Ive seen a few Jetskis advertised. What's the score in relation to "hours" and whats the average to expect (i.e "per year" - if there is an average?)
Most ski's I've seen tend to have between 90-120 hours use - but I have seen one with around 220 hours that sounds genuine.
I also need to know how to check a Jetski out in terms of if it is legit (or not).
I have noticed a lot of scam adverts for the cheaper skis, on sites such as Gumtree and Boatsandoutboards.co.uk ["thankyou for your interest in my item. I have to tell you that I am a one armed soldier serving in afghanistan and my item will be shipped via........." type thing!]
As I am on a budget, I wouldnt want to fall foul and end up unwittingly buying a stolen one and losing everything.
G.
Edited by Gallen on Friday 8th April 14:20
Mine's 10yo now, with 200hours on. I'd plan for a top end & carb rebuild every 100 hours/5 years. That's if you're lucky and no salt water ends up in your engine killing it earlier. This is most likely to happen if it isn't flushed out properly after every ride in salt.
I clean out my carbs annually. Left to rot in salt the risk is a lean mixture which will also kill a 2-stroke engine spectacularly.
Just rebuilt my 3 x 44mm carbs which cost about £200 in parts (rebuild kits and gaskets). My engine rebuild 2 years ago including new pistons, rings, rebuilt crank, gaskets, cost me £1000 in parts. That's for my 155bhp 1200cc 3cyl Yamaha.
Stones and salt can also damage impellers and the pumps they drive, so these need checking. Impellers can be fixed for about £60.
Despite the parts costs, spannering is easy and good fun
Only buy after a water test/look over by a club mate or somebody that knows, or from a reputable dealer.
Should come with datatag transfer papers - that's sort of like a registration document - the numbers on the side like AD-1234 are the datatag number and this ties up with the hull & engine numbers on Datatag's database.
I clean out my carbs annually. Left to rot in salt the risk is a lean mixture which will also kill a 2-stroke engine spectacularly.
Just rebuilt my 3 x 44mm carbs which cost about £200 in parts (rebuild kits and gaskets). My engine rebuild 2 years ago including new pistons, rings, rebuilt crank, gaskets, cost me £1000 in parts. That's for my 155bhp 1200cc 3cyl Yamaha.
Stones and salt can also damage impellers and the pumps they drive, so these need checking. Impellers can be fixed for about £60.
Despite the parts costs, spannering is easy and good fun
Only buy after a water test/look over by a club mate or somebody that knows, or from a reputable dealer.
Should come with datatag transfer papers - that's sort of like a registration document - the numbers on the side like AD-1234 are the datatag number and this ties up with the hull & engine numbers on Datatag's database.
Gallen said:
...dont want the hassle of a speedboat. My OH's father has a nice boat that the litt'n can go in and knowing nothing about boats/sailing, it's too much of an unknown - well for me at least - and I dont want the responsibility of sticking a baby in a boat whilst not knowing anything about them!
Without wishing for this to be another "get some training" thread, you've got far, far more chance of hurting yourself or someone else, or a similar disaster on a ski than a powerboat. Appreciate that you don't want to take your little'un out on the ski, but your above post is a bit like saying "I want to do trackdays, never been on a circuit before or owned anything remotely fast, and I don't want the hassle of a Caterham, so I thought I might go for an R1 instead". OK so I'm a rag and stick man, but I've had a go on a ski and they are good fun so I can see why you might want one, but do get some training and local knowledge of where you want to use it...you'll come away from it thinking "hmmm, ignorance really was bliss!"
Good luck with it though!
Hard-Drive said:
Without wishing for this to be another "get some training" thread, you've got far, far more chance of hurting yourself or someone else, or a similar disaster on a ski than a powerboat. Appreciate that you don't want to take your little'un out on the ski, but your above post is a bit like saying "I want to do trackdays, never been on a circuit before or owned anything remotely fast, and I don't want the hassle of a Caterham, so I thought I might go for an R1 instead".
OK so I'm a rag and stick man, but I've had a go on a ski and they are good fun so I can see why you might want one, but do get some training and local knowledge of where you want to use it...you'll come away from it thinking "hmmm, ignorance really was bliss!"
Good luck with it though!
Thats fair enough - and I fully agree hence the topic! OK so I'm a rag and stick man, but I've had a go on a ski and they are good fun so I can see why you might want one, but do get some training and local knowledge of where you want to use it...you'll come away from it thinking "hmmm, ignorance really was bliss!"
Good luck with it though!
A freind of mine had a ski about 10 years ago but this was a little Kawasaki stand up type thing... pretty good fun at the time, but not what I'm after now.
The impression I'm getting from people I've spoken to is that the larger type skis can be as fast or as slow as you want them to be. Obviously the danger factor depends on a mixture of who's hands these are in, how you use them and common sense. I certainly want to know the etiquette involved, rules and regs etc, but I'm sure it's not too difficult all things considered and after the aforementioned is taken in to account.
As mentioned before, my OH's family are boat mad. I think they're great but not for me to own so it looks like a Jetski all the way!
you need insurance for the sea, you have to show your documents and usually hand over £20 each time to the habour master you use the jetty. Insurance is generally 3rd party, and wont cover for theft away from your house address
datatag is a load of nonsense, ive never had a scanner put over my ski's to check their identity
datatag is a load of nonsense, ive never had a scanner put over my ski's to check their identity
We put 100ish hours on our Yamaha gp1200r before selling (150 hours total), 50/50 sea and lake use. It was utterly reliable, nothing broke. I would put my £2k on a Yamaha.
A few things to consider;
They drink petrol, £70+ for a day out on the sea.
We only lost £300 when we came to sell 2 years later (+100 hours).
Engine rebuilds are expensive and do happen on every make of craft (Seadoo more than others
).
The lake will soon become boring, the sea is alot more fun (also expensive, RYA training, VHF radio, flares etc etc).
I got bored of the jetski and purchased a superjet instead, it is alot more frugal and more fun.
A few things to consider;
They drink petrol, £70+ for a day out on the sea.
We only lost £300 when we came to sell 2 years later (+100 hours).
Engine rebuilds are expensive and do happen on every make of craft (Seadoo more than others
). The lake will soon become boring, the sea is alot more fun (also expensive, RYA training, VHF radio, flares etc etc).
I got bored of the jetski and purchased a superjet instead, it is alot more frugal and more fun.
Well I/we but the bullet and last Sunday bought a 2002 Seadoo GTX DI (951cc Rotax Direct Injection so no carbs).
Looks like a good ski. It's got loads of paperwork with it, Datatagged etc and came with 2 x Lifejackets, 2 Wetsuits (might buy new ones of these though) and a trailer with a winch. We bought a ringo and tow-rope plus a sand-anchor as well.
We've not used it yet due to the windy weather meaning the Sea has been too choppy and us wanting to waiting until it's much calmer before our maiden voyage. We can't wait though
The next thing to do (prior to taking it out) is to get a public liability Jetski insurance policy along with some flares for the relevant storage compartments.
G.
Looks like a good ski. It's got loads of paperwork with it, Datatagged etc and came with 2 x Lifejackets, 2 Wetsuits (might buy new ones of these though) and a trailer with a winch. We bought a ringo and tow-rope plus a sand-anchor as well.
We've not used it yet due to the windy weather meaning the Sea has been too choppy and us wanting to waiting until it's much calmer before our maiden voyage. We can't wait though
The next thing to do (prior to taking it out) is to get a public liability Jetski insurance policy along with some flares for the relevant storage compartments.
G.
Gassing Station | Boats, Planes & Trains | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff