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Are jetski's worth it?

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BrewskiJr
Posts: 5738 - Karma: 1,478
Thinking about getting a pair of jetskis with my brother. My family has a lakehouse so we would pretty much use em there.

Anyone have any experience buying/maintenance advice? Are they worth the hassle and upkeep?

I've only rented em a handful of times so i dont even know the annual maintenance costs you have to do on em. Any help appreciated!
Jun 1 2014 9:24PM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,469
They break down quite a bit unless you baby em, but they're fun as fuck. Just don't get giant slow 3 seater ones, those suck
Jun 1 2014 9:25PM
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DayMan
Posts: 4702 - Karma: 8,727
I feel like they would get boring after a while, but that's just me.
Jun 1 2014 9:25PM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,469
RedPandaI feel like they would get boring after a while, but that's just me.


Riding around by yourself it can. But if you have a pair (especially if they're fast) it is a lot more fun
Jun 1 2014 9:28PM
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DIPED_IN_SAUCE
Posts: 858 - Karma: 2,256
Jetskis are awesome.

In terms of maintenance, it depends which one you get and how much you use it. You need to winterize it and de-winterize every year. Also oil changes etc. are a necessity. (It's like maintaining a motorcycle)

Try finding newer ones with low hours on Craigslist. They start to break a lot after 80 hours or so.

Good brands are ski-doo, kawasaki, and yammaha. Look for a more powerful one, but without a supercharger. Mods are nice, but don't buy one with major mods. Ride-plate and nozzle mods are minor and make a big difference, don't buy one with any engine mods.

Happy sleddin'
Jun 1 2014 9:30PM
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BrewskiJr
Posts: 5738 - Karma: 1,478
Thanks guys! Anyone have any makes they recommend? Sea doo? Yamaha? Honda? I know Seadoo four-strokes last forever apparently. Also used vs. new is something i have to consider

I'm a blank slate here so anything helps.
Jun 1 2014 9:31PM
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acualywasdolan
Posts: 1172 - Karma: -747
R now we have an 05 yamaha fx high output that goes about 67, an 05 yamaha superjet stand up, and a 95 seadoo xp that can get about 15 feet in the air off boat wakes.
Super fun
Jun 1 2014 9:32PM
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M.M
Posts: 1696 - Karma: 4,490
actual jetskis are better than seadoos
this isnt me by the way aaha
Jun 1 2014 9:35PM
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BrewskiJr
Posts: 5738 - Karma: 1,478
DIPED_IN_SAUCEJetskis are awesome.

In terms of maintenance, it depends which one you get and how much you use it. You need to winterize it and de-winterize every year. Also oil changes etc. are a necessity. (It's like maintaining a motorcycle)

Try finding newer ones with low hours on Craigslist. They start to break a lot after 80 hours or so.

Good brands are ski-doo, kawasaki, and yammaha. Look for a more powerful one, but without a supercharger. Mods are nice, but don't buy one with major mods. Ride-plate and nozzle mods are minor and make a big difference, don't buy one with any engine mods.

Happy sleddin'


++k
Jun 1 2014 9:44PM
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JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,167
I have a Seadoo GTI 130 four stoke and it is simply amazing. Like whoever said it above they run forever and you don't have to worry about cleaning carborators or anything. Minimal maintenance on them. They're awesome. So I'd highly recommend that.

If you're looking for something a little more fun. Something that you can spin, dive, go vertical, check out the new Seadoo Spark. Really fun looking machine and REALLY affordable for a brand new jetski. If that interests you get the 2-up high output for max performance. The only thing is is that they're 400 lbs so the power to weight ratio is great but if a big guy rides it then the performance goes down. It's like that for any jetski but with these it's way more noticeable.

Good luck researching! Hope this helped!
Jun 1 2014 11:21PM
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JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,167
JAHpowLike whoever said it above they run forever


Lol just realized it was you OP who said that but they seriously will last for a long time. Just as long as you do regular maintenance like oil changes it'll run great.

And yes, jet skis are totally worth it but only as long as it's a newer one. You'll be fixing something daily on old skis. I would just say go for it and get a newer four stroke. The extra money you pay for one of those you'll save from constant maintenence and headaches from an older machine.
Jun 1 2014 11:27PM
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Pancake_Fucker
Posts: 1833 - Karma: 1,880
I have an 05 seadoo rxt. it is the supercharged one. get one man theyre stupid fast. It's a three seater and i've had it up to 83mph. I'd recommend a two seater instead though. more fun and you can still put the bitches on the back.
Jun 1 2014 11:32PM
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MRoden
Posts: 753 - Karma: 211
Sea Doo recently released the Spark. My friend got one and they're a ton of fun. Extremely light and easy to whip around, a lot of fun for jumping waves and wake behind boats. Only 900cc but they can move. you can also do a bunch of upgrades for them like turbos or superchargers for a decent price. Its the same as the old Sea Doo XP's but updated. Brand new they start at $5,000 and are easily the best bang for your buck.

Kawasaki has the fastest, most comfortable and maneuverable PWC's. They invented the Jet Ski so you know their shit is on point. I worked at a Kawasaki dealership and have been riding their bikes since I was 10 so I'm very partial to them. Plus, a 310hp PWC with the same supercharger that is on Corvettes is a hell of a time.

Hondas are pretty fun. If Im correct its the same motor they put in their sport bikes, or close to. Pretty sure they don't make them any more but they are not that reliable. From my experience with Honda, if its red; keep it in the shed.

Yamahas are nothing special. All handle very poor in turns, but mostly in general. Plus the "rooster tail" looks lame. Its a Yamaha, what do you expect.

Keep in mind that ones that have superchargers are going to have have to be rebuilt. The supercharger bearings or superchargers themselves have to be replaced every 50-80hr due to constant high rpms. Also if you are looking at 2-strokes you'll probably need to rebuild the carburetor(s) or motor every couple of years.

Id get a Kawasaki or Sea Doo from my experience. Both are nearly equal with build quality, performance, handling, and major component longevity. But, Sea Doo has a closed loop cooling system which is extremely nice.

But keep in mind that these are technically boats. And most of us know what boat stands for, bust out another thousand. As long as you take care of them you shouldn't have a problem.
Jun 1 2014 11:58PM
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Milhouse
Posts: 328 - Karma: 1,380
yoski is

The referenced post has been removed.
Jun 2 2014 12:21AM
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broto
Posts: 9039 - Karma: 25,659
The referenced post has been removed.


you're not even trying anymore just leave
Jun 2 2014 12:24AM
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p.hawks
Posts: 2832 - Karma: 581
I have a Sea-Doo GTI 155 SE and I love it, it is a blast. 3 seater, can break 60 with 2 people on it (can't remember trying with 3). It has enough power to tow wakeboarders, even two tubes, but that is pushing it. Tubing is fun because it can turn so quick. Even though it is a larger one, it is zippy, and it is a blast to take into the air when there are some waves. It can also turn really quick. If no skiuers are around, I'll do the slalom courses on it. I would say get a newer model because they have covers on the intakes,though they can suck up ropes if you aren't careful. We have sucked up one rock, other than that the only problem was a battery cable coming loose. It would be tempermentral/not start, but tjheni got a new screw for it and its been great since. I would say go for it on a new(er) one, but watch out for the old ones on craigslist. You might find a decent deal, but a lot are junk. If you can, buy a demo unit. I got mine half price, current year model (end of summer), with 6 hours on it.
Jun 2 2014 1:57AM
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Ribss.
Posts: 3442 - Karma: 3,344
Standup jetskis are the funnest shit ever. You can do backflips, submarines, tight ass turns, and tons of other crazy shit. You could also buy one of those dolphin boat things, i'll post videos for your enjoyment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YEYQuWo7-Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU8aL7nprbM
Jun 2 2014 4:52AM
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NPF
Posts: 5152 - Karma: 12,116
Ribss.Standup jetskis are the funnest shit ever. You can do backflips, submarines, tight ass turns, and tons of other crazy shit. You could also buy one of those dolphin boat things, i'll post videos for your enjoyment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YEYQuWo7-Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU8aL7nprbM


hahahaha 7 minutes of pretty much just back flips. i think that was the most flips i have seen in one video
Jun 2 2014 6:07AM
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esotericjive
Posts: 1889 - Karma: 1,445
BrewskiJrThanks guys! Anyone have any makes they recommend? Sea doo? Yamaha? Honda? I know Seadoo four-strokes last forever apparently. Also used vs. new is something i have to consider

I'm a blank slate here so anything helps.


Yamaha's and Honda's are solid buys.

You never see someone frowning on a jet ski.
Jun 2 2014 6:29AM
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Yaraelpoof.png
Posts: 1556 - Karma: 6,417
Don't forget that you need to accelerate to turn. If you forget there is a good chance you might die.
Jun 2 2014 8:21AM
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CaelW
Posts: 400 - Karma: 108
If you have a lake house they are worth it. I don't have one and trailering it to and from the lake became a pain so I sold it. I had a Kawasaki 260x I think it was. Lime green two seater. It was supercharged and fast as shit.
Jun 2 2014 3:00PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51263 - Karma: 157,455
My uncle used to have one at my grandparents cottage on lake ontario. I don't know about maintaining it but it was fun as fuck in the the summer and did a hell of a lot better than the boat. Don't remember it breaking down majorly ever.

IF you're someplace with lots of space and occasional swells it can be crazy fun. I wanted to buy one at one point but I don't have beach front property anywhere.

IF you've got a good place for it why the hell not
Jun 2 2014 4:05PM
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ILLinoisance
Posts: 3527 - Karma: 5,398
Standups, for the win. Buy a newer Kawasaki SXR or Superjet and you'll never want to sit again. I just recently got into racing standups, and it's too much fun (paired with the perks being able to win some $$). Here's the SXR that I race.



However, if you want to go the sea-couch route, Sea Doo would be the best bet in terms of reliability and handling. The Spark is an awesome, cheap PWC. I saw a few of them at the last 2 races in Florida, and have heard nothing but good things about them.

4 strokes last a long time before needing any big repairs, but when they do, it's not something any weekend garage wrencher can do themselves and generally costs a pretty penny to have them repaired. I would push you toward a 2 stroke if money were an option. Sea Doo HX's are easy to work on 2 strokes, and a ton of fun, but they are one-person skis.



Keep us posted on what your plans are, and PM me if you want any more input or advice. PWCToday is another great place for advice. I'm xpmr5 on those forums. Whichever route you go, just remember, it's impossible to be sad on a jet ski.
Jun 2 2014 4:14PM
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soulskier
Posts: 17805 - Karma: 3,821
My parents have a ski doo wake (215?) and that thing really wails

Even decent for tubing should the need arise but more than anything we just tool around
Jun 2 2014 4:35PM
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Milhouse
Posts: 328 - Karma: 1,380
The referenced post has been removed.



I Love You
Jun 2 2014 11:08PM
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Labattski
Posts: 201 - Karma: 74
BrewskiJrThanks guys! Anyone have any makes they recommend? Sea doo? Yamaha? Honda? I know Seadoo four-strokes last forever apparently. Also used vs. new is something i have to consider

I'm a blank slate here so anything helps.


All of the seadoos are great, if you're buying a supercharged model made before 2011 or so make sure to have the super charger rebuilt if it hasn't been already and always check the cylinders compression. With regular maintenance they usually are pretty reliable and a blast in the summer. Yamaha make super reliable products too, stay away from kawasaki and Honda. Good luck!
Jun 2 2014 11:19PM
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Labattski
Posts: 201 - Karma: 74
Pancake_FuckerI have an 05 seadoo rxt. it is the supercharged one. get one man theyre stupid fast. It's a three seater and i've had it up to 83mph. I'd recommend a two seater instead though. more fun and you can still put the bitches on the back.


Yo those bitches are speed limited at 68-69, how are you hitting 83? Not takin a dig at you or anything but I want mine to do 83 lol
Jun 2 2014 11:22PM
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DIPED_IN_SAUCE
Posts: 858 - Karma: 2,256
LabattskiYo those bitches are speed limited at 68-69, how are you hitting 83? Not takin a dig at you or anything but I want mine to do 83 lol


My friend had one of those with light mods, he got it up to 92. (GPS verified) I got it up to 85 and pussied out. It's so rare you can top one out like that... We did it early in the morning with perfectly flat water. Every little wind wave sends you out of the water.
Jun 2 2014 11:31PM
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Labattski
Posts: 201 - Karma: 74
DIPED_IN_SAUCEMy friend had one of those with light mods, he got it up to 92. (GPS verified) I got it up to 85 and pussied out. It's so rare you can top one out like that... We did it early in the morning with perfectly flat water. Every little wind wave sends you out of the water.


That's ridiculous! When I'm topped out in the high 60's I can barely stay on when there's any chop at all
Jun 2 2014 11:37PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51263 - Karma: 157,455
The referenced post has been removed.


There is a god
Jun 3 2014 12:32AM
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SenorVaca
Posts: 246 - Karma: 25
I own a 2007 Honda Aquatrax F12. We take it out around five days a week in the summer and it now has over 300 hours on it. Just routine maintenance so far. It can go 58-63 with as many people as you can fit on it. It uses a bit of gas, but it is easily the best all around jet ski I've ever ridden. It's sooooo smooth and much more refined than Sea-Doo. I've ridden most models from most brands and I can easily say that I'd buy one again. This time I might consider an F12x or F15x, the turbo makes these watercraft really shine.
Jun 3 2014 1:20AM
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*N_Wist*
Posts: 422 - Karma: 78
They are fun as hell, my buddy has a few at his cottage, an older modded sea doo that I hit 92 on it was pretty nuts, and then a new sea doo wake edition not sure which model, but he hit like 107 it was insane.
Jun 3 2014 3:41PM
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Pancake_Fucker
Posts: 1833 - Karma: 1,880
LabattskiYo those bitches are speed limited at 68-69, how are you hitting 83? Not takin a dig at you or anything but I want mine to do 83 lol


They are supposed to be. My guess is i had the wind behind me. The water was like glass as well. on calm water mine breaks 73+ no problem.
Jun 8 2014 6:11PM
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BrewskiJr
Posts: 5738 - Karma: 1,478
Update: Im looking to get one that I can towe with. So I'm guessing that means something 3 seats and around 100 ish hp?

Anyone know of any kind of ski's that you can still whip around by yourself but can also towe? Money is probably a decently big concern so a new supercharged Sea-Doo for $12grand wont fly haha.

tossin around some Karma as there have been great responses! Thanks guys
Jun 8 2014 9:52PM
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JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,167
BrewskiJrUpdate: Im looking to get one that I can towe with. So I'm guessing that means something 3 seats and around 100 ish hp?

Anyone know of any kind of ski's that you can still whip around by yourself but can also towe? Money is probably a decently big concern so a new supercharged Sea-Doo for $12grand wont fly haha.

tossin around some Karma as there have been great responses! Thanks guys


My seadoo gti 130 can tow two wakeboarders with ease and can be whipped around pretty easily. The 4 strokes can be tipped over and won't suck water into the engine which is nice. At least that's what a dealer told me. I don't plan on finding out.
Jun 9 2014 1:27AM
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RubberSoul
Posts: 11249 - Karma: 14,642
i had no idea jetskis could go 70+, that's fuckin sick
Jun 9 2014 10:42AM
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Parks.
Posts: 5612 - Karma: 1,093
to quote the philosopher Daniel Tosh,

"Have you ever seen an unhappy person on a jetski?"

you know what the answer is
Jun 9 2014 12:07PM
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Ribss.
Posts: 3442 - Karma: 3,344
Pancake_FuckerI have an 05 seadoo rxt. it is the supercharged one. get one man theyre stupid fast. It's a three seater and i've had it up to 83mph. I'd recommend a two seater instead though. more fun and you can still put the bitches on the back.


83 mph? Seriously?
Jun 15 2014 3:32PM
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JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,167
Ribss.83 mph? Seriously?


There's some jet boat race team that supercharged a jetski and broke 100mph on it.
Jun 15 2014 4:16PM
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plyswthsqrrls
Posts: 838 - Karma: 2,269
JAHpowMy seadoo gti 130 can tow two wakeboarders with ease and can be whipped around pretty easily. The 4 strokes can be tipped over and won't suck water into the engine which is nice. At least that's what a dealer told me. I don't plan on finding out.


if you're not rolling your sea-doo once a week you're doing it wrong. only funny part about them is tossing yourself off
Jun 15 2014 6:24PM
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mitchski
Posts: 126 - Karma: 94
They are fun for a while but after the first few times of going flat out and doing donuts and that they become pretty mundane and similar to riding a bike. However if you get one and you and your brother water ski or wake board its way more fun!
Jun 17 2014 12:58AM
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KravtZ
Posts: 6637 - Karma: 2,629
Going 60+ on the water in a small jetski doesn't sound fast on paper compared to like a car...but on the water its pretty dam fast. Can't imagine launching wakes, big waves at 60 or anythign close to that
Jun 17 2014 11:49AM
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