How much does a Jet Ski cost?

August 28, 2010 by admin · 1 Comment
Filed under: Boats & Boating 
ski
Who’da think! asked:


I have a dirt bike and a 4-wheeler, and thought it would be fun to try something else. So how much would an average, used but in good condition Jet Ski cost?

Tags: , ,

Comments

One Response to “How much does a Jet Ski cost?”
  1. chad says:
    August 31, 2010 at 11:26 am

    You can find a decent PWC on craigslist.com or ebay but BUYER BEWARE!!!!

    Never fork over money that you’ve worked hard for unless the seller has a clear title IN HAND!!!!

    Never purchase any kind of mechanical ride unless you can test drive it. You wouldn’t buy a used car off the lot without test driving it first. Here’s how to buy a jet ski…

    1. Find one near where you live. Rule of thumb: eyes on, hands on
    2. Go look at it after contacting the seller. Look it over really well. More on this later.
    3. Ask to see the title and a driver’s license. Note: match addresses so there’s no problem transfering the title to your name.
    4. Ask the seller if you can test drive it. If not, there may be something wrong with it. More on this later.
    5. Decide how much you are willing to part with.

    Ok, now to discuss what to look for.
    You want to take with you a small LED flashlight and a telescoping inspection mirror. Look the machine over pretty closely and if the seller seems uneasy, make it worse. Crawl under the trailer and use the light and mirror to look into the intake grate at the impeller. It should be as close to flawless as possible. If not, start mentally taking money off the asking price ($200-400). Also inspect the wear ring. This is a nylon ring around the impeller designed to take the brunt of debris caught in the impeller. It should be smooth with minor scratches, obviously not perfect. If you spot anything caught in the impeller, ask why they are selling it (violent vibration). Low-ball ‘em. This is usually an easy fix and the seller may not know it. Also inspect the wear ring from the rear discharge area.

    Now, how to test drive one…..
    DO NOT JOY RIDE!!! Your test should be done in ten minutes or less. Let the seller know that you will know everything you need to know in that time frame. Any more than ten minutes will iritate the seller.
    First obey the no-wake zone if there is one. Then, go full out. Hit the throttle hard and drive it in a straight line looking for it to stutter on the sudden wide open throttle or as it flies across the water. Next, get back to as close to the seller as you can without violating the no-wake zone and spin some tight circles and figure 8s in both directions. This lets the seller know that you are genuinely testing it, and you are looking for it to malfunction or stutter in any way. Make it QUICK and get back to the ramp.

    Now the part that really answers your question. I have purchased three jet skis for $1500 including the trailers. One is a 97 Polaris that came with the jet ski, trailer, large RubberMaid tote w/ wheels containing two wetsuits, three adult lifevests, two childrens vests, a ski rope, and a gallon of 2 stroke oil! One is a 99 TigerShark 1100 with a Karavan trailer. One is a 2000 Yamaha with a trailer.

    So you can get some good machines for reasonable prices if you know what to look for. I personally will NOT pay more than $2500 for any used jet ski older than 3 yrs. chad

Speak Your Mind

Tell us what you're thinking...