Tips for Buying a Used Jet Ski

Tips for Buying a Used Jet Ski

 

As much as we love hosting our friends’ days on the water at Lake Mead, we understand that rental is not the best option for everybody. While renting a jet ski or speedboat can be a great idea for some families, clubs, or even just individuals, many people prefer to own their own personal watercraft. There are lots of benefits to owning your own jet ski: you can personalize it however you want, you’ll get to know the way it feels and operates like the back of your hand, and you don’t have to worry about returning it at the end of the day (unless you are boating on a body of water that runs on a set schedule).

The list goes on, but of course, you can also make an argument for why renting is a much more convenient and beneficial way to jet ski. The fact of the matter is that many people are choosing to own a jet ski of their very own. If you’re making the decision to buy a used jet ski, make sure you’re doing it right! Here are some tips that will let you hold yourself accountable and ensure that you’re being responsible.

Ask lots of questions. Don’t be shy – the seller is probably at least a little bit nervous that nobody will want their old jet ski and they’ll be stuck with it forever. One of the most important things you can ask is for an estimate of the number of hours the jet ski had been operated. Simple math: a jet ski that has been operated for less than 100 hours is in much better shape than one that has been going for 200 hours or less. Keep this in mind, along with the fact that the average jet ski should last without giving you problems for about 300 hours (though newer models are coming out every day, each claiming to offer a longer lifespan than the last). Just don’t let the number of hours fool you. A single jet ski could have been running for less than 50 hours, but if it was poorly stored, cleaned, and maintained, it might be in terrible shape relative to that old faithful 200+ hour jet ski that was loved and taken great care of.

Another question to ask is as to the maintenance of the vehicle – not just the owner’s regular routine, but if you can get your hands on a copy of its maintenance records, these will be a great indicator of whether or not buying this jet ski is a good idea. The same idea applies as the number of hours: a relatively new or “young” jet ski could have been poorly maintained and not kept in top performance condition, but a much older jet ski could be in great shape. It’s always a good idea to see whether a jet ski has required any repairwork, replacements or alterations, been involved in an accident, and details like that.

It’s also a good idea to inquire as to any past owners of the jet ski. If a jet ski has changed hands multiple times, it’s likely that some information has slipped through the cracks over the year. Be sure to ask if the current owner – the one trying to sell the jet ski to you! – has all of the records from the jet ski’s entire history of shop work, including the original documents given by the manufacturer. A reliable jet ski owner should have all of this information on file and be more than willing to answer your questions. If you find that they’re avoiding your questions or don’t have all of the records, it’s probably a better idea to look elsewhere.

Before you start shelling out cash, be sure to give the jet ski a careful once-over yourself. You should understand that a used jet ski is bound to come with some scratches or small dents, but there’s nothing wrong with a few cosmetic issues here and there. While checking out the normal wear and tear, make sure it was stored properly. A jet ski sitting in the sun without a cover on the lake 24/7 is going to be in poorer condition than one that was stored in a garage, for example.

The last step before you commit to buying a used jet ski is taking it to a mechanic to take a look at the engine. Again, a reliable seller will understand your concerns are valid and won’t get upset at your thoroughness. Unless you are a mechanic yourself, a professional will be able to tell you more about the condition of vehicle than you will be able to notice just from looking out the outside and reading about the history of the jet ski, no matter how careful you are. You probably won’t be able to notice a leak or any other problems that stem from the interior of the craft.

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source https://www.lasvegasjetskiandboatrentals.com/tips-for-buying-a-used-jet-ski/