Buying used PWC - advise?

[CZSteve]

Looking to purchase a used PWC; approx mid 90's.
I know nothing about PWC's - familiar with jets by way of an old friend with a 70's jet boat.

What should I focus on regarding inspecting a PWC?
Can they be hooked up to a water hose to run on land?
What brands are best? Worst?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: Buying used PWC - advise?

visual inspecrion, compression check and take it for a ride,, they all sound good out of the water,even with bad compression

 

[Dryon]

Re: Buying used PWC - advise?

Here is a check list I got off the web several years ago.

 

[Vikesfan]

Re: Buying used PWC - advise?

Wow, nice list! Once you do find a ski that you would like to look at ask around on a website specific to PWC like pwctoday.com, greenhulk.net, or sea-doo.net to find out what issues are common for that specific PWC. For example, if you are shopping for a 98 - 2002 Seadoo XP, you would want to check if the trim system is working and if the fuel gauge works because those are common issues for that ski. Other things to look for would be if it has the original grey tempo fuel lines because those are prone to falling apart and clogging the filters in the carburetor. If you see those you know you should expect to replace all fuel lines and either clean or rebuild the carbs to get all the gunk out. Good luck shopping! You can ask about the ski here too. I'm sure we could help point you in the right direction.

 

[bamadave]

Re: Buying used PWC - advise?

Yamaha's have the lowest compression ratio. Good reliable machines. SeeDoo's have a bad reputation for engines blowing. Stay away from Tiger Sharks, as parts are getting scarce.
I've seen Yamaha VX100's already selling as low as 3000. The older machines tend to suck fuel where the newer 4 strokes sip it. It might make you rethink buying a 90's machine. The fuel savings would help make the payment on a newer 4 stroke. Just my opinion. But good luck and have fun most of all.
I've got 2 new Yamaha VX100 Deluxe and 2 '96 Yamaha 1100's so I'm a little partial to Yamaha's. To me their easier to fix also.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Buying used PWC - advise?

My 98 Kawasaki 1100STX has been completely maintenance-free aside from normal plugs/grease. It runs 58mph (speedo so who knows how fast it is vs. GPS) and starts easy. Bites very well in the water with enough power to pull a 200lbs slolam skier in a deep water start. I have no complaints with the Kawasaki's. I hate the Yamaha rooster tail, that think would get annoying for skiers and tubers. I think the SeaDoos and Kawas have the PWC lead (Kawa for all out performance, SeaDoo for comfort, features, and innovation)

 

[liquidlew]

Re: Buying used PWC - advise?

One word. YAMAHA.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Buying used PWC - advise?

One word. YAMAHA.

I disagree. I have ridden many different makes and models since Yamaha first came out with the waverunner. I find that the Kawas accelerate smoother and handle better, and are much more stable as I can stand on the outside rail of almost all Kawas and it won't begin to roll. I can't say that for some of the Yamahas and especially not the Polaris/Tigersharks. SeaDoos are also stable and have good accelration. I am a huge fan of yamaha's sport bikes, snowmobiles, and dirt toys; just not their water toys. Same with Honda, although Honda is moving up quickly.

 

[deerslayer303]

Re: Buying used PWC - advise?

I disagree. I have ridden many different makes and models since Yamaha first came out with the waverunner. I find that the Kawas accelerate smoother and handle better, and are much more stable as I can stand on the outside rail of almost all Kawas and it won't begin to roll. I can't say that for some of the Yamahas and especially not the Polaris/Tigersharks. SeaDoos are also stable and have good accelration. I am a huge fan of yamaha's sport bikes, snowmobiles, and dirt toys; just not their water toys. Same with Honda, although Honda is moving up quickly.

Now I'm no PWC expert like some of you but I couldn't resist throwing my .02 in here. I have only had one ski, and it was a waverunner 700, and that thing was so much more fun to ride than my buddies 3 seat Polaris. BECAUSE it was UNSTABLE. The three seat was like driving a regular BOAT, the little yammie could run circles around him. Just my opionion of course.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Buying used PWC - advise?

I agree, the Yamahas are decent skis, but I have preferred the Kawas and SeaDoos. The Polaris and Tigersharks have been much less stable and don't pack the performance either.