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[MTHancock]

I can't wait to get a PWC and I am thinking of restricting my search to a SeaDoo just because of folks like you in this helpful forum.

We recently bought a house on a freshwater lake in SC and have two sons (18 and 16) who I need to introduce to the waterfront life I had (mine was saltwater) before they go off to college and get married. I want to make sure they get some memories so we get visits from grandkids!

Budget isn't an issue, but I'm very frugal. I've never bought a new car, built a new house, etc. I let others take the hit. I want a good deal and a problem-free experience.

I posted about the 2000 Gti that looks like new but doesn't allow a water test. The forum has convinced me to insist or pass. I thought $2200 with trailer was a good deal (it actually looks like new, inside and out), but I'm wondering if I should keep looking, even if he allows a water test and does a compression test with me there. When he cranked it it smoked a lot. He said that would burn off and it was because it had been sitting and the engine had been been filled with oil during the storage. He said compression was a solid 150.

Here are my questions:

Will the compression continue to be affected by the oil situation? How long (if ever) before I could get a solid compression test?

How hard is it to check the impeller? Can I insist on that, too?

I will check for gray fuel lines.

What am I looking for on motor mounts?

Anything else I can reasonably insist on?

Thanks, all. You guys are awesome!

 

[mikidymac]

Compression is correct but hard to say how much oil will increase it.
You can lay on your back and look at the impeller with a flashlight.
The excessive smoke sounds like bad crank seals.

I would look for a 96-97 GTX and 96’ XP, 1997-1999 SPX or 1996-1997 GSX. All are great reliable fast and inexpensive Seadoo’s. Should be tons of family fun and all 3 use same engines.

GTX is 3 seater great for two up and pulling tubes. GSX is stable two seater, fast and stable good in rough water. XP/SPX is fast nimble, fun but really is a one person ski, less stable and pounding in chop.

 

[ski-d00]

If budget isn't an issue, you should get a 4 stroke. I recommend a 2011 or newer GTI SE 130. The ibr is worth it and why deal with clouds of smoke. Should be able to find one for around $6k.

 

[mikidymac]

Depends on what you are looking for. Budget isn’t an issue for me but I wouldn’t own anything but a 2 stroke for the lakes I ride. Much simpler, lighter, more playful and easier to fix. If I rode open water then 4 stroke.

 

[snikwad003]

The most important question is how technically savy are you, such as tools and a place to wrench on stuff? What lake did you go to?

 

[MTHancock]

The most important question is how technically savy are you, such as tools and a place to wrench on stuff? What lake did you go to?

I’m on Lake Greenwood in S.C. Not incredibly savvy but I’ve always been a “what one man can do another man can do” kinda guy.

 

[etemplet]

I think a water test would answer a lot of questions. I am a bit confused why the guy won't do it. If you show up with the money he wants... should be a simple.... I am a serious buyer. Personally, I think a compression test is a great idea. If it starts and runs, looks clean, and everything works.... you got a jet ski you can ride. The jet ski should come with a trailer or an applicable discount should be applied. My opinion of course.

Below is a picture of the gray fuel lines. Good Luck !!

 

[snikwad003]

What jet skis have you rode? If wrenching is not for you then you need to buy what you can have worked on by a quality mechanic (chicken or egg right?) near you. In my opinion a big fat heavy 4 stroke on a 17 sq mile lake won't be much fun, but a light weight 787 powered spx/xp dosent need a huge body of water to use to full potential especially for your sons. A 96-97 GTX is my favorite 3 seater. The cost of a catastrophic engine failure is absurd with a 4 stroke and with a 2 stroke it is manageable. There is a laundry list of pros and cons, a 2 stroke is super simple to work on and pretty cheap compared to what you can spend on a newer 4 stroke.

 

[Coastiejoe]

Not allowing a water test is often a red flag. Unless I STOLE it in regards to the price, I’d never buy a ski I can’t test ride when it comes to 2-strokes.

 

[etemplet]

I'm pretty new at jet skis but not new to mechanical stuff. I've only bought one that ran (out of 4) but I never paid more than $1K. As for what I spend fixing them... LOL... I don't even add it up. I never trust an engine to be reliable especially as old as these skis I buy are (1996 ish)

 

[mikidymac]

In my area nobody allows water teste and I have never done one either. Know what you are getting into, assume it's broken and price accordingly.