Need Advise On Choosing PWC

[Alex F]

Besides obvious items, is there any specific items I should be checking when shopping for a pre-owned PWCs? I'm guessing there must few things that go bad and only jetski owners know what those are.

Thanks,
Alex.

 

[douglee25]

Besides obvious items, is there any specific items I should be checking when shopping for a pre-owned PWCs? I'm guessing there must few things that go bad and only jetski owners know what those are.

Thanks,
Alex.

Your best bet on a PWC is to:

1. Check compression. Most twin cylinder, two stroke engines, have 150 psi compression stock. Triple cylinder, two stroke engines run 120 psi compression stock. Most four stroke engines are around ~145 - 150 psi compression, but will vary slightly depending on model. Make sure you hold the throttle wide open when doing a compression check.

2. Inspect the plugs and look for a tan to black color on the insulator.

3. Look for oil in the bilge or around seals on the crank/crankcase area.

4. Check the prop and pump for rock damage.

5. Check overall appearance of the machine. PWC's are highly neglected.

6. Water test the machine.

There isn't a ton of items that can be checked with a PWC. Regardless if you purchase a 2 stroke or 4 stroke, they can be like ticking time bombs. Just do your homework, check compression, water test, and generally you should be OK.

Doug

 

[Vince_nj1]

Alex

I have 1996 Kawasaki ZX1100 120 hp and a 1995 Sea Doo GTX 110 hp (3 seater) and have had 4 other PWC prior to these 2. All have been 2 strokes with oil tanks injecting the oil with the gas. (no premix) Except for winterizing, I never flushed the salt water out of them and simply run them on the trailer for a few seconds to blow the water out of them. My Kawasaki has been bullet proof and I run it wide open all day long. I bought the SeaDoo used and it developed a hole in the exhaust manifold that essentially pumped water into the bilge which the sump pump could not keep up with. The result is that it started to sink. I did a simple fix (on vacation in Marco Island) with marine text putty that plugged the hole and it is holding. (I plan on buying a new manifold over the winter).

My short advice is to go with the Sea Doo. The ride is so much smoother and riding with 2 or 3 people is not a problem.. The ZX1100 is alot of fun and very fast in smoothe water with one person, but it is a rough ride compared to the Sea Doo when their is a chop. With that said, I cant speak to the newer models. I'm sure they have improved acrross the board. But be carefull with some that ride wet. They are almost un-rideable with constant spray coming back in your face.

With regards to a jet boat.. It seems appealing, but with my bad back, I would be concerned about sitting down while jumping off of waves.