First time buyer, Looking for model advise

[FLKustom]

Not sure if this is in the right forum section, If not I apologize


I am a female looking to purchase my first PWC, Being that I have lived a mile from beautiful Florida beaches my whole life I decided it was time to get out and enjoy them.

I've only ever ridden SeaDoo models, I've been on a powercraft probably a total of 5 times in my entire life. For the past 2 weeks since deciding to get one I have been researching on maintenance and brands but I feel I need to ask for an opinion on what model I should look at.

I plan to buy used, I don't want to put a lot of money out there for a new one and find out I don't use it a lot. My budget is about $3,000

I've found a few in my area, Everything from a 99 GTX to a 2000 GTI & a 04 GTI LE all between $2200 - $2800

but I have no idea what model would be best for me, I'm looking for something I can take another passenger along on every now and then. But I also want one that has a little speed as well.

If someone could just give me their opinion on which model might be right for me I would greatly appreciate it.


Also, do some models come factory with the thumb throttle and others with the handle bar throttle? I've ridden both and I was curious


Thanks

 

[ocod]

Hi and welcome.

Where in Fl are you?


To start if you are looking for ski to have passenger look for a GTI or GTX which are very stable and carry 3 people.

Usually all have thumb throttle that you push away. If it has been upgraded it will have throttle you pull back toward you.
Haven't seen a twist throttle.

If you want a two seater the GSI is slightly more stable than a xp/spx which are more fun but made for one since they are tipsy.

Make sure to water test and or get compression reading.
All should have reading close to 150

 

[spx800]

I love my rx, its a 951. It's a true 2 seater, the spx is a 1 seater realistically. For stability purposes i would choose a bigger hull. It's a 60-65 max mph machine stock, don't let anyone tell you they do 70. I believe i recently saw a 2001 rx in FL somewhere for 2300, but i can't remember where.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

the 99 GTX LTD is an excellent choice for a first ski. You can ride 1-3 up and use it to tow a skier / tuber. Quick and stable.

 

[Linescreamer]

I think you should ask yourself how it will be maintained. Are you or do you have someone to maintain it? Someone who is mechanically inclined and willing? If not, I think some of the people on this site would point you in another direction. I am another one who would say look at the GTX hulls. :agree:

 

[FLKustom]

I think you should ask yourself how it will be maintained. Are you or do you have someone to maintain it? Someone who is mechanically inclined and willing? If not, I think some of the people on this site would point you in another direction. I am another one who would say look at the GTX hulls. :agree:

I can handle general maintenance as far as after riding procedures go, My father is a mechanic and even though he is not a watercraft mechanic I am certain he can handle most of the small jobs.


ocod I am in Fort Myers Beach

 

[ocod]

I can handle general maintenance as far as after riding procedures go, My father is a mechanic and even though he is not a watercraft mechanic I am certain he can handle most of the small jobs.


ocod I am in Fort Myers Beach

I was just at Sanibel and made trip to Lovers key.
Take your dad and check the basics and then water test what ever you do.
We live in Florida and salt water is a killer!!!!

There are a few things to look for as well as compression.
If ski has sat you will need to drain gas and oil.
Carburetor will need going through as well as changing old grey fuel lines.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

My dad has a place in Ft. Myers... wish I was there...

 

[ocod]

My dad has a place in Ft. Myers... wish I was there...

bring me a philly steak sandwich wit cheese from ea location and bar of chocolate and I'll put you up....

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

lol, I'll see what I can do. I'm about 20 min from Hershey Park.

 

[nammer]

someone had already mentioned the GSi, i think it has the same or very similar hull to the gs

I think these are really nice looking, and are a tad bigger for 2 person, but not 3

http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/boa/3081833691.html

http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/boa/3086710738.html

http://ocala.craigslist.org/boa/3069508403.html

i think the prices are sort of high, but as with most things, prices are obo

 

[rlamb1]

I just got a '96 GTX and it is exactly what I wanted.

I'd say keep on doing what you're doing, take your time and look over this forum (it was a great help to me just to browse around, you can learn a lot here, sometimes without even trying).

Identify what features are important to you. I'd recommend finding a way to go and look at some skis in person either at a dealership (obviously these will be new) or a boat ramp, most people are more than willing to talk to you about their ski's.

And of course, GET IT CHECKED OUT. After having mine looked at I found out it needed a carb rebuild...which I was ok with, but I was able to get it cheaper because of that.

Good luck and have fun!!