jetskimotor
Member
Figured I’d share a quick buying guide since lots of folks here look past Sea-Doo and go for Yamaha, Kawasaki, or even older Honda skis. Because each brand has its quirks, knowing what to check before you buy can save a lot of hassle.
Hours & Service Records – Non-Sea-Doo skis like the Yamaha VX or FX often last well over 200+ hours if serviced right. Always ask for compression test results and receipts for oil changes or supercharger rebuilds (for Kawasaki Ultras). Missing paperwork? Walk away or budget for a rebuild.
Hull Condition – Even hairline cracks near pump tunnels can cause big headaches. Run your hand underneath for repairs or soft spots. Because older skis might have been beached a lot, wear isn’t always obvious in photos.
Aftermarket Mods – Sometimes great, sometimes red flags. Big engine mods can shorten life if not done by pros. Stock or lightly tuned skis usually hold value better.
Parts & Local Service – Some shops still support older Hondas or Tigersharks, but it varies by region. Always check before buying something rare.
Because buying used isn’t just about price, but the right ski for your riding style, research pays off. Flatwater cruising? Yamaha VX might fit. Offshore or towing? Kawasaki Ultra 310 or FX Cruiser HO could be better.
What do you guys look for? And if anyone scored a good deal recently (online or local), post it up! Always helps the next rider.
Hours & Service Records – Non-Sea-Doo skis like the Yamaha VX or FX often last well over 200+ hours if serviced right. Always ask for compression test results and receipts for oil changes or supercharger rebuilds (for Kawasaki Ultras). Missing paperwork? Walk away or budget for a rebuild.
Hull Condition – Even hairline cracks near pump tunnels can cause big headaches. Run your hand underneath for repairs or soft spots. Because older skis might have been beached a lot, wear isn’t always obvious in photos.
Aftermarket Mods – Sometimes great, sometimes red flags. Big engine mods can shorten life if not done by pros. Stock or lightly tuned skis usually hold value better.
Parts & Local Service – Some shops still support older Hondas or Tigersharks, but it varies by region. Always check before buying something rare.
Because buying used isn’t just about price, but the right ski for your riding style, research pays off. Flatwater cruising? Yamaha VX might fit. Offshore or towing? Kawasaki Ultra 310 or FX Cruiser HO could be better.
What do you guys look for? And if anyone scored a good deal recently (online or local), post it up! Always helps the next rider.
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