what is a good ski for a newbie?

[Dillpics]

I'm new to this forum and jetskis in general and was hoping you could give me some insite to what ski would be good for me to start on. I have never been on a jetski befor but am looking to buy one soon and spend my summer on the water. I am 6 foot 4 and weigh 260lbs and I don't know if that makes a def at all or not. I would rather get an older ski that needs work so I can get used to the machine and how it works. I have found a hand full of 92 xps from 300 to 500 the cheaper ones needing some work. I have found an 95 hx with a blown engine that comes with an extra ski that is just for part for 500. A 96 hx with a blown engine for 500. Do any of these sound like a good deal and are any of these something I could start out and learn on. I'm a mechanic and fixing any of these up would be nothing but fun for me so I don't mind that! Thank for any insight you can give someone new to jetsks.

 

[Dr Honda]

Welcome.


Stay away from the HX. They are VERY skinny, and were designed to be used for buoy racing. They are basically a single person ski, and you have to work to ride them. If that is what you are into... cool... but most people buy them, and get mad when they cant use them like a "regular" jet ski.

Anything older than '95 is going to be a little strange to work on, and parts aren't as easy to find. I'm not saying to stay away from them... I just want you to be aware. I personally have a 91 Si, and it runs great. It is very light, and is fast for what it is. If you are looking for cheap... then the "Square Nose" SeaDoo's are the way to go. You can find them for $300 to $500 all day long... and with a little love... they look good too.

 

[jhjesse]

I'm new to this forum and jetskis in general and was hoping you could give me some insite to what ski would be good for me to start on. I have never been on a jetski befor but am looking to buy one soon and spend my summer on the water. I am 6 foot 4 and weigh 260lbs and I don't know if that makes a def at all or not. I would rather get an older ski that needs work so I can get used to the machine and how it works. I have found a hand full of 92 xps from 300 to 500 the cheaper ones needing some work. I have found an 95 hx with a blown engine that comes with an extra ski that is just for part for 500. A 96 hx with a blown engine for 500. Do any of these sound like a good deal and are any of these something I could start out and learn on. I'm a mechanic and fixing any of these up would be nothing but fun for me so I don't mind that! Thank for any insight you can give someone new to jetsks.

Person your size and new to jet skis...I would look for a 1996 to 1997 GTX. Great ski, stable in the water, 787 engine is practically bullet proof.

 

[Minnetonka4me]

I would recommend the GSX line...either a 97 with a 800 or a 99 with a 951. Better for a bigger guy like you. Or the GTX mentioed above.

 

[Rampage]

My first one was a 97 GTI...I loved it because it was smple to work on and was great to learn, but it was a little under powered......so my second one was a 97 GTX and its perfect...still easy to work on but has plenty of power and reliability.

 

[OfficerSeaDoo]

I agree with Rampage. Ofcourse, I'm biased because I own a 1997 GTI. It's an awesome ski that is simple and fun. I just wish it would let me go faster than 45mph. It's still a blast, though!

 

[Rampage]

I agree with Rampage. Ofcourse, I'm biased because I own a 1997 GTI. It's an awesome ski that is simple and fun. I just wish it would let me go faster than 45mph. It's still a blast, though!

I still miss the GTI sometimes LOL!! If you want to learn how to maintain and fix your own, these are great starters....personally I would not get one with a 951 motor, I look in my friends GTX Limited and still feel a little scared to try and work on it LOL!!

 

[Dillpics]

Thanks everyone for your help. So I should be looking for a late 90s gtx or gsx right with the 700ish engine. From what I'm reading most people like the ones with carbs right?

 

[Dillpics]

I found a 99 gxs rfi with a blown engine and does not look the best but could be a place to start. Tell me what you think?

 

[jhjesse]

I found a 99 gxs rfi with a blown engine and does not look the best but could be a place to start. Tell me what you think?

JMO
Rotax Fuel Injection for your first ski is a little tricky. Might look more at a carb model

 

[Dillpics]

I'm a mechanic and I'm okey with working on cars and over the road trucks, would that not be as hard to work on as a jet ski ?

 

[jhjesse]

I'm a mechanic and I'm okey with working on cars and over the road trucks, would that not be as hard to work on as a jet ski ?

Go for it.
Down load a service/repair manual and read up on the periodic maintenance schedule. The manual will help during the rebuild, as well. Fuel injection is a little simpler system and is usually pretty dependable, but when they give trouble that can be a real headache, as well as expensive.

Harrisburg...I did a little time in Middletown working at Three Mile Island a few years back. You going to ride on the river?

 

[Dillpics]

Harrisburg...I did a little time in Middletown working at Three Mile Island a few years back. You going to ride on the river?

Yes I live just a block from the river on the west side of the river just above city island. I have lived here a few years and always wanted to get a jet ski and this year I am. I'm planning on using it in the river yes.

 

[X Army MP]

I'm also a newB to pwc. If I buy a '97 gtx, what can I do to make it shine like a new penny on the outside? I'm more familiar with quads and I would just buy new plastics. What do you call the outer/upper shell of the pwc? And what can I buy to make it look new? Where do I buy it?

 

[X Army MP]

Also can I replace the outer/upper shell with a new one? What are your recommendations?

 

[Rampage]

I'm also a newB to pwc. If I buy a '97 gtx, what can I do to make it shine like a new penny on the outside? I'm more familiar with quads and I would just buy new plastics. What do you call the outer/upper shell of the pwc? And what can I buy to make it look new? Where do I buy it?

http://shurhold.com/buff-magic <-----Best stuff I ever found hands down. My ski looks brand new

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I9cEDKSLHE

 

[X Army MP]

http://shurhold.com/buff-magic <-----Best stuff I ever found hands down. My ski looks brand new

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I9cEDKSLHE

Thanks for the help

 

[TheChad]

I would recommend the GSX line...either a 97 with a 800 or a 99 with a 951. Better for a bigger guy like you. Or the GTX mentioed above.

+2

I am about the same size as you and I have a '96 GSX. The GSX ski is known as one of the better/best all around ski's.

It's pretty stable and plenty fast. *I* personally wouldn't buy one with a 951, but that's me. The 787 carbed motor is IMO the best most reliable motor.

If you are wanting something better for riding 2 people and/or pulling a tube/skier then a GTX may be the way to go.


-TheChad