My first jet ski?

[vanbey]

Looking for some advice. Looking to get my first jet ski. Some details.
Really want to get the right ski for my first, if I like will probably get a second. Family consists of myself, girlfriend (has had spinal fusions) and my 3 kids (6, 10, 12). We plan on using it for pulling tubers and some weekend getaways.
Any advice is welcome.
Thanks

 

[red2blue]

Looking for some advice. Looking to get my first jet ski. Some details.
Really want to get the right ski for my first, if I like will probably get a second. Family consists of myself, girlfriend (has had spinal fusions) and my 3 kids (6, 10, 12). We plan on using it for pulling tubers and some weekend getaways.
Any advice is welcome.
Thanks

Uhm...spinal fusions.....and you want to include her in family outings on a ski...pulling a tube?

No offense here but....uhm.....why not just break up with her?

If you really aren't trying to kill her, look at a pontoon.

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Yes, spinal fusions are probably not the best thing to have and still ride a PWC......lots of bouncing....unless you are going only 6 MPH on water like glass.

 

[vanbey]

Breaking up is probably not an option. While she has had a fusion, she is able to partake in activities. She enjoys running and the family logs hundreds of miles each summer on atvs and rzr's. That being said.... I haven't ridden a sea doo in many years and not sure how harsh the ride is. Also not sure if any of the shock systems would help.

 

[red2blue]

Breaking up is probably not an option. While she has had a fusion, she is able to partake in activities. She enjoys running and the family logs hundreds of miles each summer on atvs and rzr's. That being said.... I haven't ridden a sea doo in many years and not sure how harsh the ride is. Also not sure if any of the shock systems would help.

The suspension models will help the ride when cruising....don't figure it'll help much when towing a tube. The drag created by a tube is huge.

If she can handle atv and running....get the biggest ski you can afford. A newer rxt with an S3 hull should fit the bill nicely.

But...two adults and 3 boys...one ski ain't gonna cut it.

 

[Coastiejoe]

Suspension models would likely be better for her. They are top-heavy compared to the same model without suspension.

I own a 2009 RXT-X and a 2010 GTX. Both are larger heavier skis. The RXT is like a race car and it rides like more due to speed and hull design. The GTX has a 155 engine and rides like a Cadillac. It seems it displaces the water in the rear as compared to cutting over it and skipping on turns and what not.

I STRONGLY suggest the GTX for her. When looking for the sexing ski get a larger engine based on wanting to tube with it.

The RXT hits 73 MPH all day long. The GTX HITS 52 easily.

 

[AircraftDoc]

Fresh water or ocean?
New or used?
Three seater for sure. Most states require one driver, one spotter and be able to pick up the skier/boarder/tuber.
Larger powerful seat that have suspension are expensive and need tlc. They are nice and need large areas to get the most out of them. Very fast at 65 to 70 mph.

The newer class Spark cafe seadoo's are half the weight, half the power, and no supercharger. Quick but low top speed. Hulls made out of thermal plastic. Seadoo claims that all the owner needs to do is put in gas and oil-low to no maintenance.

Visit seadoo web site.

 

[vanbey]

Fresh water. Mainly lakes and resivour. Also some Lake Superior cruising. Probably new ski. I typically like to buy something that I will not be in a hurry trade up and for the second ski, one I can feel good about the my oldest driving with supervision.

 

[LouDoo]

Maybe you should backup here and consider a boat. Five people and a ski just doesn't cut it. If you buy a boat then all of you can use and enjoy it at the same time. Actually that's the way I did it, first the boat and then the ski's. Besides the kind of money you're talking about spending you're pretty close to the cost of a boat.

Guys, should I go ahead and ban myself now or wait till later? :ban:

Lou

 

[red2blue]

Fresh water. Mainly lakes and resivour. Also some Lake Superior cruising. Probably new ski. I typically like to buy something that I will not be in a hurry trade up and for the second ski, one I can feel good about the my oldest driving with supervision.

Okay...much more do-able here....

Again...just my personal opinion/preference here...

A newer RXT(or equivalent) 215+ with an S3 hull. That'll handle an adult and two boys easy...or two adults and one small child...or two adults. No need to modify...less you want to...and it'll be a relevant ski for the next 10yrs with nothing more than routine maintenance.

The second ski I'd get a non supercharged 3seater. All previous listed rider combos...but more importantantly...a good beginner ski (fewer ponies).

14yo with safety course are allowed w/o a licensed rider here...check your regs before you commit to a budding jet skier and have him find out the hard way he has 2yrs to wait before he can solo.

 

[AircraftDoc]

Fresh water. Mainly lakes and resivour. Also some Lake Superior cruising. Probably new ski. I typically like to buy something that I will not be in a hurry trade up and for the second ski, one I can feel good about the my oldest driving with supervision.

Lol, LouDoo
You can sign up for a demo ride. Check the SeaDoo web site and visit your local dealer. The non supercharger GTX have plenty of power. About 55 mph. Pick just one model. Haggle $2000 to $ 2500 off MSRP. Be prepared to walk out the door. Then do.

 

[Coastiejoe]

Guys, should I go ahead and ban myself now or wait till later? :ban:

Lou

You can't ban yourself for legit advice..... Especially when it makes sense... I say buy a boat and have the skis as the toys...

 

[TheMachin0]

I agree 3 kids on the tube and the wife on spot going to need a big ski 200hp+ to have any fun

 

[vanbey]

Thanks everyone. We have a lake home in Wisconsin. My family has boats on the property but they are fishing boats. Unfortunately buying a boat would mean that it sits a large portion of the summer 10 hours away seeing I don't have storage where I am for one. A ski would be able to be stored locally and be able to be used more often.

 

[TheMachin0]

ment to to reply with quote just learning

Okay...much more do-able here....

Again...just my personal opinion/preference here...

A newer RXT(or equivalent) 215+ with an S3 hull. That'll handle an adult and two boys easy...or two adults and one small child...or two adults. No need to modify...less you want to...and it'll be a relevant ski for the next 10yrs with nothing more than routine maintenance.

The second ski I'd get a non supercharged 3seater. All previous listed rider combos...but more importantantly...a good beginner ski (fewer ponies).

14yo with safety course are allowed w/o a licensed rider here...check your regs before you commit to a budding jet skier and have him find out the hard way he has 2yrs to wait before he can solo.

 

[TheMachin0]

could always buy two they fit on one trailer

Thanks everyone. We have a lake home in Wisconsin. My family has boats on the property but they are fishing boats. Unfortunately buying a boat would mean that it sits a large portion of the summer 10 hours away seeing I don't have storage where I am for one. A ski would be able to be stored locally and be able to be used more often.

 

[vanbey]

Two is what I was thinking. One big one and one for everyone. I have my kids 50% of the time and in the summer we head to the lake on the weekends when I have them. So we won't all be needing to be on it at the same time. Plenty of other distractions.

 

[TheMachin0]

your oldest is around the age to be able to man the other with some help from dad. I recommend you get comfy behind the bars first tho. you and your girl on one and the kids on the other make a nice family pic anyway

 

[Divenuno]

Maybe you should backup here and consider a boat. Five people and a ski just doesn't cut it. If you buy a boat then all of you can use and enjoy it at the same time. Actually that's the way I did it, first the boat and then the ski's. Besides the kind of money you're talking about spending you're pretty close to the cost of a boat.

Guys, should I go ahead and ban myself now or wait till later? :ban:

Lou

Agree with you Lou, 5 people, 1 ski means 2 people will always be on shore not having fun with the rest of you. Rather get a boat big enough for you all and not take someone than have a boat thats to small like a ski and leave people behind. Seadoo make great boats for just such activities