Newbie needs help w/96 HX

[midessadave]

Hi guys,

I know nothing about boats or jet skis. Bought a 1996 HX from
an estate - no one knew anything about it other than it was on
the water last year.

How do you start it? What items do I need to check before I
try to start it. It looks really good, has been well kept, very
clean, hull looks great, colors bright etc.

Any help would be appreciated - thanks

 

[bodine465]

I know from experience that an HX is not a good 1st machine. Had only ridden a buddy's Kaw a few times when I got the bug and grabbed up a killer deal on a used HX. The first thing you'll realize is that if you weigh over 150 lbs, you won't be able to stop and sit in the water. It'll tip over. Next thing you'll realize is if you dump it (and you WILL dump it), you can't just climb back on and ride off. It'll tip over before you can start it. I spent over 1/2 an hour in the middle of the lake trying to get back on mine. Once I (luckily) did, I was so paranoid, I rode straight for the dock. Immediately put an ad in the paper to unload it. Few days later, while waiting for a buyer, I came across a video showing how to side board an HX. Took it out to the lake, figured out how to do it, and pulled my ad. Once you learn how, the HX is a complete blast. I'm always pissing off the skiers by running slaloms through their course, but I pay the same fees as they do!

Here's a thread about boarding the HX, including video links. Watch how they do it before you take it out. And when you side board, stay on the throttle until you're stable and you're butt's on the seat. Enjoy.

http://www.pwctoday.com/f15/boarding-seadoo-hx-97923.html

 

[voodoo]

Read here about the fuel lines and replace as needed, any air leak on a 2stroke is trouble in the oil or fuel system, but if you only want to hear it burp remove the plugs and spin the motor enough to get a compression test after clearing out leftover winterizing seafoam, then pour in just a coffee shop spoon of gas and replace the plug/s and proceed, never use a battery charger or running car to overcome a weak battery or electrical failure is almost instant, I agree these are hulls for younger people who ride to get wet but once you get the hang of never coming to a stop you will probably find it a lot of fun - a 3 seater is the best size for towing a tube or skier these 2 seaters are just too wiggly.