Buy New, Buy Used, or Rent

gregh · 06-18-2009, 06:50 PM

CARROLLTON, TX

Hi, I'm new to this forum. How are all of you doing today? I am thinking about getting a wave runner, jet bike, or whatever. I have a girl that is turning 11 this summer and a boy turning 13 in a week, so the time seems right since they will be going off to college soon it seems. Ha ha.

I am looking for feedback regarding the pro's & con's of buying new, buying used, or just renting a jet ski. I don't have a ton of money and I do not want to buy anything on credit. Would I be better off paying cash for a new jet ski and hopefully not have to worry about the thing breaking down and leaving me hanging? Or would I be better off getting 2 used jet skis, getting them inspected by someone to make sure they were in good shape, and then hoping for the best? Or would I be best off simply renting whenever we want to go out and ride? It looks like I could find a new one for under $8500 whereas it looks like I could find 2 used ones for maybe under $5000 depending on how old I was willing to buy.

Having 2 jet skis would be awesome since it would allow me, my wife and both kids to all go out at the same time. Having only one jet ski would end up making it where one kid would have to sit on the bank while me and the other kid went riding if it was just me and the kids. If anyone has any suggestions on good places to buy used where I would get my best value for my dollar, and that provide good warranties, please feel free to forward that also.

Thanks,
Greg H.

johnlam940 · 06-19-2009, 02:35 PM

i would ditch the renting idea...that would eat you alive after a while. If your family is the adventurous/athletic type, you might want to consider getting 1 sit down, and 1 stand up instead of 2 sit downs. I got bored of my kawasaki sit down after 2 summers.

but anyways, if you're mechanically inclined. buy used to save you some money. 2 strokes are simple designs so they're not too terrible to work on.

for the best bang for your buck combo, try looking for a used kawasaki ultra 150 and a kawasaki sxr

racerhx · 06-19-2009, 05:28 PM

If it fly's, floats, or fornicates....rent it, no maintenance cost and you can give it back when your done.

Seriously, I would highly recommend a 96 or newer Yamaha 2 stroke. These boats, with few exceptions are rock solid reliable and user friendly. The kids would love a Yamaha Waveblaster, but in the state of Texas you have to be 14, have a boater safety course and be within site of a legal adult to operate any vessel with more than 10 horsepower. At age 16 you can operate without adult supervision but you still have to have the boater safety course. The Waveblaster was made from 93-96 and you should be able to find one for less than 2000, you should be able to find a clean XLT 760 or 1200 for 3000 or or less so i would say 5 grand is the most you should expect to pay.

Another option would be to look at a 03-05 Honda you should be able to find one in the 5k range and then buy a second ski for the kids (Waveblaster) to ride next year.

If you want to go the new route and want to get out as cheap as possible and need two sit down skis you could try and find a Yamaha, Honda or Kawasaki dealer that has some left overs.

Good Luck and welcome to the family.

1tommygunner1927 · 06-19-2009, 07:37 PM

Honda still has many left over skis.......meaning NEW and UNUSED, and available at great prices.

gregh · 06-20-2009, 07:05 PM

Thanks. Sounds like good advice from all.

Brent22 · 06-22-2009, 01:29 AM

Check on craigslist, there has been some decent deals on there as of late.

wrbwrx · 07-22-2009, 06:01 PM

noob question? If I find a used ski with no title, is it a lost cause? Is there still a way to get it legal to ride? Or just stay clear of these altogether?

QuickMick · 07-23-2009, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrbwrx

noob question? If I find a used ski with no title, is it a lost cause? Is there still a way to get it legal to ride? Or just stay clear of these altogether?

You would have to get a power of attorney and file for title.

Brent22 · 07-23-2009, 03:14 PM

I'd stay away from it.. Too much hassle.

wrbwrx · 07-23-2009, 04:40 PM

thanks, thats what I figured.