I think I got a good deal!

So I ran across a deal today. I was in Tampa finishing up some work this morning when I ran across a 1996 Kawasaki 1100 ZXi JetSki on a nice 2003 Performance trailer. I talked with the owner who said it ran great last season, but he was unable to get it started this year. I checked the compression (I was headed to a buddy's house to check his outboard) it was 140 psi on all three (I don't know what this motor is supposed to be but it seemed good) had spark on all 3, and the gas smelled REALLY stale. I talked him down to 900.00 and exchanged money for title. The motor has an "Ocean Pro" head and "Ocean Pro Vortex" carbs on it; the head has a notice stamped in it that says to use 92 octane or above fuel. I assume these are performance mods.

I got the PWC home (this is my first PWC) siphoned out as much of the old fuel as I could, sprayed out the carbs, put in some new fuel and oil and cranked it. It sputtered a bit, then started. At first it was pretty rough and smoky, but gradually began to smooth out. I still haven't quite figured out the adjustment on the carbs, but I think once I find a manual I'll have her purring like a kitten.

I later took her out to the bay and checked it out. I was able to get the speedo to bury the 70 MPH mark; man is that fast when you're that close to the water! It feels like the motor could run a little faster, but I feel like I was close to maxxed out; I'm sure that will change after I get used to it.

I have a few questions about the PWC that I posted in the PWC forum; just wanted to share my find with you guys!​

Ran it all day today! It wants to hesitate on takeoff from a dead stop, but I think once I get the carbs off and rebuilt that will go away.

The thing is really fast! I was with some friends today in the channel between Ft Desoto and Shell Key; they have big new Yammies, I was easily pulling away from them at WOT. Everyone was pretty amazed at how quick this thing is! I've searched a bit and found the performance mods done to this ski were actually worthwhile and has obviously added some "oomph" to the engine. Man am I going to be sore tomorrow, I can already feel that there are some "jetski muscles" I used quite extensively that don't normally get worked so hard. I'm gonna take some asprin before I go to bed!

Having always had a boat, I can see where this little thing can easily add to this summer's fun; of course I will continue boating, but the ski is something different! Try doing a 180 at 40 MPH on a 19' boat turning in a radius about the length of the boat; it's like the jetski is on rails!!!

OMR, I'm already afraid of the good deal; I want to work on this thing and get it performing as good as it can... That's always how it starts for me, one little thing leads me to another little thing; other people think it's enough, I always feel that there is a little more left to be had!​

Feels pretty dang fast whatever the speed actually is!!!

I'm pretty sore in the shoulders (apparently the "hanging on" muscles)!​

Wow!!! I need smaller hands; I'm going to have to teach my girlfriend how to wrench!

I no longer think I/Os are tight!!!!

I just pulled the carbs off this thing for a rebuild and sheesh!​

Rebuilt the carbs today, completely solved the throttle issues and picked up a couple extra MPH on the top end.

This little thing is pretty fun. Definitely a good addition to the summer water arsenal.​