What will work for me?

[JRJ007]

Looking to buy a Seadoo jet ski.
I am 6-2, 250..
Looking for something I can afford up to $2200
mid to late 90's I am guessing.
Just talked to a person about a 95hx. I am thinking I am too
big for this ski. Am I correct there?
I am also new to jet skis, never owned one. Own a boat however, just looking to add some more fun on the weekends.
So what would be a good ski for me to look for that would meet this criteria.
Keep in mind I am not looking to hammer on this, just cruise around on it with the family on the river with our boat.
Hope to hear some good advise and input!
Thanks!

 

[LouDoo]

Try looking for a mid to late 90's GTX or GTI. Both of these skis are very reliable and easy to work on. I have a 96GTI with the 720 motor (85hp), I weight 165 and the ski will run about 52mph. A GTX has a bigger motor (777, about 110hp, I think) and will run about 60mph, the GTX is a little harder to work on. Both of these skis are 3 seaters and are very stable in the water.

There are some things to look for when buying a used ski:
Check the compression shoud be about 150psi, and no lower than 130psi, and no more than 10% difference between the cylinders.
Check to see if it still has grey fuel lines, this is not a deal breaker, but plan on spending some time and between $100.00 to $150.00.
Check the wear ring, should be no more than .040" clearance between the wear ring aid impeller, also take a look at the impeller for nicks and dings.
Go for a ride to see how it runs.

Lou

 

[JRJ007]

Thanks!!!
I did a search online and I like the looks of these. I also like that they are larger and My wife and I can go for a ride together.
Like I said, we arent looking to set a water speed record just looking to spend some time together on the water. Our boat is a cruiser so, we cant get into some of smaller areas we see the skis going.

I have seen some people have these up on their swim platforms sideways, is there some sort of tow attachment that is being used?
I have heard some horror stories about towing a jetski behind a boat.

However, I am not so sure we would need to do this, I am positive our son will just ride the jetski out with us.

Thanks for this info, and any more coming.
I will look for something like this. I am probably going to have some sort of road trip in my future going to pick one up as I will probably look over the east coast and midwest for the right one. If I am lucky I may find something local, but that rarely happens

Take care!

 

[LouDoo]

I'm like you, I find that 50mph is pleanty fast on water. I usually ride between 40-45mph, the ski also gets a lot better gas mileage at 40-45. I will jump wake but I enjoy smooth water best.

As far as towing a SeaDoo, you need to pinch off the water inlet tube, 1/2" rubber hose, if you don't the engine can become water locked. I picked up a clamp at Harbor Freight, and keep it in the ski. Other than that there is no problem towing the ski.

Lou

 

[JRJ007]

Lou, thanks for helping me out.
You gave me some direction and have made this easier than I had hoped for.
There are quite a few of the late 90s gtx for sale in my area and a couple within a couple hours drive that are worth checking into. Gonna take a few days to see what I can come up with.
I will keep you posted!
Thanks again!
JR

 

[JRJ007]

So I believe I found a ski.
Its a 97 gtx in decent shape, has some bumps and scratches but overall
seems like it may do the job. We will see come this weekend!