Buying a used ski

[Ronald1]

My wife and I rode a 94 Polaris 750 last weekend and we want our own! This was her first time and I had not been on one in 10 years or so (old standup Kawi). We are looking for a fairly small one (hull) for around 2K. <br /><br />What are some of the things to look for when buying a used ski? What are features to look for? Are there some brands/models to avoid? I'm in the dark, tell me what I'm looking for. Thanks

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: Buying a used ski

2 g's is not a lot for a good ski if you plan on riding 2 people on it get a 3 seater if you don't you will regret it. they all run good on the trailer just like a boat motor try it before you buy it. 3 seaters cost more but they are worth it. and if you are wanting to do wild and crazy stuff and you don't think you can get a 3 seater to do it just look at the videos on my web page and im a 52 year old not some kid. stay away from tiger shark they are inexpensive as a rule because they are discontinued defunct call it what you want they are gonners I am not downing any one who owns one so im not looking for a debate if you own a rambler and a tiger shark wonderfull but he asked for opinions and thats mine. so think about it while you ride your bridgestone motorcycle around the block.. stick with a yam polaris sea doo where you can get service and parts without a lot of trouble.and see if you can get some one to check it out if you get up a little like 3 grande you will have a better chance of finding a good ski, stay away from the old style sea doo 3 seater like the 96 gti or 95 gtx they drive like a 55 gallon drum. so now I have started a war, some one else can put in their 2cents worth.

 

[mkuehnl]

Re: Buying a used ski

Where is your website?

 

[ronskal]

Re: Buying a used ski

Jeff has made some excellent points:<br />No Tigershark<br />Spend $3-$4 grand<br />Sea-Doo, Polaris, Yamaha, Kawasaki all make good products from about 96 and up.<br /><br />I do not recommend the Yamaha 95,96,97 vintage model 2 seater with the flip-up top deck(can't remember model). These suckers have a tendency to make a 90 degree turn at speed on their own.

 

[Skidooosl]

Re: Buying a used ski

actually the older yamaha VXR's can be had for around $500 - $1300 fairly often, they are bullet proof, we have a 92 WR500 (runs great but SSSLLLOOOWWWWWWW) 92VXR 650 and a 93 VXR Pro 700, the WR and 650 VXR we paid $500 and $600 for and the pro i paid $1100 for 3 years ago, i have since sold the pro and got a 97xp there is no comparison on the ride between the two but a XP will cost about 2K more.... i would stay away from older sea doo's... tend to like to eat motors. i have never had a prob with our old yamaha's

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: Buying a used ski

true the older yams will run forever but they are unicks thats why they last, no one tried to push the horse power out of the engine like sea doo does.130 hp out of a 787 engine and it will self destruct. also if it has a new engine or a rebuilt engine that was just installed be carefull, why do all that and sell it. something always bothered me about that and its common. oh and my site is posted on all my posts at the bottom actually its a link.oh the 700 yam engines seem to be the most reliable and not slow like the old 650 engines plus most rental places like the fact they run fine and last with lots of abuse the reason I don't own yamaha is I think the hull is too heavy and bulky and it dosent have a heel throttle,it has a finger throttle and I don't have fingers on my feet LOL if I couldn't go jump waves and ride like a mad man laying on my back and steering with my feet it just would not be any fun. NO IM NOT KIDDING!!! steering does wonderfull things for a jet ski. even at my age , people think I have been riding for many years Only 2 and I was doing that stuff the first year.

 

[dhud64]

Re: Buying a used ski

If you haven't bought a ski yet e-mail me @ dhud64@hotmail.com<br />I'm just south of KC and may have a ski for you.<br />Put WAVERUNNER in the subject line so I'll catch it!