Life is so much better when you’re feeling the adrenaline rush while cruising in a jet ski on the waterways. Enjoying the sun’s heat and the scenery brings out the freedom and relaxation you deserve. When it becomes a hobby, and the hobby becomes a luxury, it’s time to invest in a jet ski for sale. There’s so much you can do after purchasing one.
You get unlimited access to jet ski rides at any time of the day, any day of the week, month, or year. It will also evidently pay you back by making a profit out of it through rentals. Know what’s in store for you before purchasing one! Let’s have an overview of a jet ski buying guide so no effort and money will waste!
Beginner’s Guide To Buying A Personal Watercraft (PWC)
There’s no limit to what a PWC could offer, from nimble handling to amazing performance. Some are also affordable and easy to own. However, it all comes down to whether you want a brand new or a used one and preference of known names brands of PWC manufacturers. A PWC is commonly known as a Jet Ski, Wave Runner, or Sea-Doo. Kawasaki, Yamaha, and BRP are some of the best PWC manufacturers worldwide. It’s best to be an informed buyer, so consider your needs first as purchasing one involves making a wise investment. Keep these nine (9) factors in mind:
Type of Water System
Where are you going to use your jet ski? In lakes and rivers, or saltwater bodies? How about in freshwater? PWC easily corrodes in fresh and saltwater bodies. However, saltwater significantly accelerates the process. Some skis are equipped with a closed-loop cooling system, such as a Sea-Doo, better suited to saltwater conditions. On the other hand, a Yamaha Wave Runner with an open-loop cooling system allows the surrounding water to permeate the engine. The downside is that metal will corrode relatively quickly when exposed to water and salt.
The cooling system or the type of water system is much less of a concern, though. You need regular clean-up to your jet ski to avoid corrosion and rust problems. Investing in a PWC also means investing your time post-ride in flushing the water injection port with clean water. Rinsing out the engine, interior, and exterior components also makes a difference to lengthen its life.
Number of Riders
Contrary to popular belief, a larger PWC offers more stability and accommodates beginner riders. If you own wakeboarders or rafts, getting big models is best. More agile and leaner models are available for experienced riders. You also have to ensure the engine system and power fit the rider.
Brand New or Used?
Buying a used jet ski is a relatively more common option than paying for a brand new model or full retail. All because used jet skis are cheaper without compromising their value. Many people associate them with negativity, but it’s not always the case. It depends on the model and manufacturer. Some used jet skis can be reliable and easy to maintain.
Meanwhile, buying a new one frees you from the worries of wear and tear or poor maintenance from the previous owners. Many latest models come with a warranty. The only downside is the higher price tag.
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Type of Insurance
Determine whether or not your state requires you to carry insurance on your jet ski. However, it’s always better to be ready than never. You can purchase a separate policy for your PWC. You have to ensure it covers personal injuries, medical costs, and property damage. In contrast, some policies cover you if an insured operator causes the accident.
Type of Maintenance
Both new and used models require regular PWC maintenance. New jet skis come with less repair work, but a routine maintenance schedule is still necessary. If you can’t do this yourself, consider hiring a mechanic who can and is conveniently located.
Accessories You Need
The purpose of having accessories goes beyond adding beauty and value to your PWC. Some are required by law, such as life jackets. You can also opt to purchase jet ski covers for storage and transport, a safety whistle, and a marine GPS unit. Dry bags, fishing gear, coolers, waterproof phone case, waterproof speakers, telescoping paddle, tow tube, and tow rope are also available. The ways you want to use your jet ski and your preference for accessories will make it a secured, useful, and enjoyable PWC.
Choice of Brand
The choice of brand and the model matter. Again, being an informed buyer makes all the difference, so research and find the best fit for you. Tread carefully because the power, speed, size, and price determine the purpose and lifespan of your PWC.
Method of Transporting
Don’t worry about transport if you live on waterfront property. However, if you don’t, you need to look into trailers for a safer and more reliable way to transport your jet ski.
Storage
A PWC should be out on the waters to prevent damage. If you’re planning to keep your PWC at home, you must at least consider where you will store it. Do you have a garage? Maybe a storage unit? Or a shed? Is it more expensive to hold it in a recreation area? Are you able to access your PWC anytime and anyhow?
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5 Types of Jet Skis
It’s challenging to decide which one of these three popular jet ski brands to purchase. Surely, each brand is packed with benefits every jet ski rider can’t get enough of! Let’s find out how each jet ski product are sorted into five (5) categories:
Recreation
Recreation tops the category as they are agile and stable on the waters with good storage space. Jet ski models for recreational activities are average in size, ranging from 65 km/h to 99 km/h in speed. Generally, the speed is neither the fastest nor the best handling but good enough for beginners and families.
Tow Sports
Tow sports is a new and family-fun way for adventure-seeking individuals. It’s more than just waterskiing. Some activities include kneeboarding, wakeboarding, tubing, and other inflated towable devices.
Specific watersports gear and products are available to make it safe and enjoyable. You can even join associations and competitions to support the sport’s growth. More importantly, two sports PWC has a good resale value.
Luxury
Are you, perhaps, looking for comfort and power? Luxury jet skis are for those who have outgrown their first watercraft! Compared to other jet skis, these are more expensive as they come with large engines and a top speed of 105 km/h.
Performance
Performance is more appropriate for jet ski riders who are into racing. PWCs in this category are packed with exceptionally powerful engines reaching 130 km/h per 3 seconds.
Rec-Lite
PWC rec-lites are the most budget-friendly for beginners, ranging from $5,399 to $8,699.
Comparison of Sea-Doo, Yamaha, and Kawasaki
Sea-Doo
Sea-Doo is the cheapest alternative to jet skis and the most popular brand for beginners. The downside of their lowest-priced models is that you need several add-ons, increasing the final price. It’s no doubt that this brand is highly innovative.
However, it sometimes disintegrates faster than Yamaha or Kawasaki jet skis. In most cases, the problems are caused by the jet ski riders themselves, not by faulty parts.
Yamaha
Yamaha WaveRunners, on the other hand, are famous for being fuel-efficient, reliable, and stable on the waters. These come with a powerful engine that is highly durable and easy to maintain. One of their safety features is the RIDE technology that lets jet ski riders turn their skis without accelerating. It also comes with an excellent braking system.
However, Yamaha offers only a fewer range of models, limiting the choices when shopping for a PWC.
Kawasaki
If you’re seeking the thrills of riding a jet ski on the waters, Kawasaki jet skis are known for their powerful engines. Thus, most of their PWCs are the fastest in the market and packed with some great features. These great features include built-in speakers and heat-resistance seats that other brands lack.