Should I finance a seadoo?

[Spimothy Leary]

The issue is that IF you like the spark AND you really cannot wrench, a used Ski is just not worth it compared to the 2up Spark. With the cost of a used Ski and just some common things that can/will go wrong with a used ski, one may find that for just a grand or a little more after repairs, they could have had a brand new one. Now if you can wrench and do not mind the potential down time that can happen, cannot beat a used ski... Paid $1100 for my 95 GTX with trailer and had 100 hours on it. I have put about $1300 in upgrades and repairs (Stereo, depth finder, Aqua boarding step, etc) and besides the little bit of smoke due to the RV or lower case seals, the thing runs like a champ.

Exactly, my first ski cost $1000, and I had so dam much fun on it. Even when I dumped $1,000 into repairs over the first year I still was having fun, I wasn't worried about the money (I did b1tch about it) I was worried how long it would take to get it running again.

This thread tends to hover around the mental masturbation we've all been through at some point in our PWC (and boat) buying decisions. Besides the group (which is sizeable) that has an extremely limited budget going in, many of us have considered, dreamed about, debated with our spouses, the idea of buying a new or nearly new ski:

Mechanical breakdown for those that are not mechanically inclined can be an emotional and financial setback that can make ownership of any water toy quite frustrating, or possibly kill the dreams of having such a hobby. I think on more than one occasion on this forum i've been a strong advocate of not just staying within budget, but under budget when purchasing a used ski, since mechanical issues can quickly become quite expensive, and heck, even if the ski runs properly, the fuel/oil accessories can be a financial drain.

I don't finance my toys, but I have no issues with those that do, as long as they have the cushion, but i've seen too many ski/boat owners that dove in head first only to realize that boating isn't quite in their blood, and took a beating trying to get out from under the purchase, and then blamed everybody but themselves for it.

 

[bryanne419]

Thanks. The only reason I was hesitant about the spark is because this is the first summer they have had it here... And I tend wait and see if they have to work out any kinks the first year on new machines.
Well it's Easter weekend, I'm meeting with my parents, and I'm going to talk to my dad, he has always loved seadoos... But never pulled the trigger. As a kid when we drove to Florida he pretty much had his check book out to buy but was concerned with duty and the border and this was 1996.

And I work hard and do have extra monthly cash. I definitely don't live pay check to pay check, I travel in winter(like cheap backpacking, no resorts) and go to the cabins every moment in summer. And if I am really focused to save for something I could do it at a reasonable pace with some minor adjustments in my life. But not always willing to do those things. I wouldn't be overly concerned with monthly maintenance but definitely don't want a money pit.


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[Grapeescape]

I too considered a Spark till price out the door was way more than I could buy a late model used machine for. They really don't do much for me. May be fine for small landlocked lake and that's about it. Late model 4 stroke should not require much more than oil changes and plugs.

 

[bryanne419]

And I think my parents would use the seadoo as much as me, and my dad would rather have the bigger machine. Right now my parents go visit all their friends on the lake with their 20hp little boat, because they go in some shallow areas and he's scared to ding up the bigger boat. It takes him an hour or so to get to my uncles with 20hp. Seadoo would be way better but That's just one reason. But I'm doing more research!


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[Grapeescape]

If your dad is nything like me you might not get a chance to drive it. Wasted 20 years with larger boats and now I can't get enough with the jetski. They are great for having a blast on small river or Lake Ontario/Erie or just cruising around the 1000 Islands. I even added a mapping GPS so I don't get lost.

 

[shucky]

well I must say reading this thread has had me laughing..:lol: with all that's said here I picked up a 08 seadoo from a ski safari place ( ski tours) for $3500 with 100 hours on it mind you the trailer I wouldn't have given 2 cents for that's beside the point though, yes I've had to do a little work on it but at the end of the day I don't think I made a bad choice with it really.
I would say to you [MENTION=70249]bryanne419[/MENTION] do ya research ride some demos and go from there I would also agree with another poster above about staying away from the super charged skies they can be a huge money pit in my opinion and if you're just riding around a lake the super charged skies would prolly a bit of an overkill really. Anyways good luck and let us know what sort of ride ya get eh.

 

[red2blue]

bryanne,

Just so it's not all neg here...

I got my first...the same I still have today at a boat show....no research...nuthin. I liked the color scheme. One dealership wouldn't give me the time of day....pockets didn't look deep enough I guess. Anyway. i turned right around found anouther...got a decent deal for a single ski w/trailer...delivered tax,tags ect. 12,600 or there abouts.

The only thought I had in mind. I wanted the baddest boy on the block. I did not want it being obsolete in a few years. Today...with a lil extra help here and there. I can run with most anything on the water....including some rather expensive Fountains, Bajas ect.

Point being...even if you aren't an expert driver. Don't buy for today. Plan for the times ahead....make today's decision keep some value in the future.

Luck

 

[MVPeterP]

i financed. literally just towed it home today.

i put a good portion down, and did a longer finance, however with the plan to pay it off MUCH MUCH sooner then the loan is for. My loan actually has the intrest calculated daily, so if paid off early, no additional fees, and interest is much lower.

I also put about 40% down on it.

I personally have bought toys before, and it really comes down to, what is the total final cost.....what are the payments.....is it worth it to you.

 

[bryanne419]

Alright, well I posted a while ago.... Just put $10,000 down on a new seadoo..... Take it home Friday! Goal is to have it all paid by November, I'm not too worried about financing after talking to them and knowing I can pay it off in 3 years or one month with no risk!

So excited, my dad will be pumped for Father's Day! He doesn't know yet!

Thanks!


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[red2blue]

Alright, well I posted a while ago.... Just put $10,000 down on a new seadoo..... Take it home Friday! Goal is to have it all paid by November, I'm not too worried about financing after talking to them and knowing I can pay it off in 3 years or one month with no risk!

So excited, my dad will be pumped for Father's Day! He doesn't know yet!

Thanks!


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tease.....

model?

 

[bryanne419]

I got the Wake Pro 215. Pretty excited! Not sure if the wake line is that popular, but I like to keep my options open even though I know it's not ideal!
And my brother and I might build a rail or kicker, which will be easier to hit without the boat wake, making it sway!

Thanks for your advice, everyone! I'll keep you posted on the first ride!


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[Brian J]

In Minnesota the Wake model is very popular and has a higher resale than other models.

 

[bryanne419]

Awesome! Minnesota is only an hour away! We are on Lake of the Woods and Winnipeg river system. My family has two cabins on the river system and my bf has a cabin on LOTW.


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[red2blue]

Congrats on the new ski. You'll love it.

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[maximoose]

Congrats! You will have a blast, a lot of great places to ride out here.

 

[surfcitypops]

I just bought a Wake 215 as well. 2007 GTX Wake 215 with 30 fresh-water hours on it. Mint. And I mean mint. Never been out in the sun except for 30 hours worth! Brand new looking single black trailer with storage, life vests, gas cans, cover, anchors, and some other stuff. $6K. Supercharger (literally a 15 minute job) is already out and ready for overhaul. I can't wait to ride this thing.

I NEVER buy toys new.

 

[bryanne419]

Ya, it's understandable to not buy new, you can save so much, especially if you are mechanically inclined! I'm not very mechanically inclined, nor do I have the time these days. And I actually know the dealer owner, so it worked out with a little deal!

I'm pretty pumped! I've never even bought a new toy!


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[bryanne419]

Congrats! You will have a blast, a lot of great places to ride out here.

Ya thanks maximoose! We have tons of waterways to explore, especially on the river system, I have family around the area too! In Black sturgeon, Muriel lake, Minaki And friends on the lake of the woods! And my cousin has a seadoo too! It'll be a great


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[bryanne419]

I had a blast this weekend. With the worst weather ever. Can't wait for next weekend and holidays!


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[red2blue]

Uh oh...

Looks like we have a fresh outbreak of pwcitis up in da great white nort!

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