boating newbie wants a jet boat...help me out

[andrewplen]

I was originally shopping around for a used jet ski, but I found a couple of Speedsters for roughly the same price and think a boat would be a lot more fun.

The first is a '98 with twin Rotax 787 engines and claimed 220HP. He's asking $6,500. The second is a '97 with twin Rotax engines for a total of 170HP. That guy is asking $6,800.

NADA values these boats under $3,000, but both come with trailers which I do not think is taken into account on the book value. These boats are obviously on the older side and I'm worried about mechanical problems. Is there anything I should specifically ask about or look at? Are there any obvious indications of a problem?

Both sellers have offered to take me out on them, but it's probably a good idea to have a good boat/jet ski mechanic take a look before I buy, right?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Dr Honda]

As long as it's warm... the Seadoo boats sell for more than book price.

The 14.5' boats go for $3500 to $4500, the 16.5' boats go for $4500 to $5500, and the 18' boats go up to $7000.


Always take a boat out for a test drive. If there are problems, they will show up int he water. (They can run fine on the trailer, but run like crap in the water)

After your test ride... it is worth the $50 or so bux for a mechanic to look it over.

Good luck

 

[andrewplen]

Thanks for the tips. I guess the boats I'm looking at are priced a little high. I'll see how they do on the water for sure.

 

[sunbaby69]

well said tony, always water test them!!! listen for noises, check for water intrusion, make sure engines are performing the same(port and starboard) make sure electronics work_including lights

 

[Nliszka]

Do like I did, hold out til the right deal comes around.. Picked up a mint 01" seadoo challenger 1800 for $5600.. Drove 6 1/2 hrs for it. So maybe broaden your purchase area. Good luck!!