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Best Jet SkisThe original stand-up style jet skis were real attention getters, as boat makers tried to bring the excitement of waterskiing down to the personal level. But it turned out that balancing and standing on a mini speed boat was not all that easy, and the sport was difficult to get into. Enter the personal watercraft (PWC), also known as a wave runner, and still called a jet ski by many. Modern day jet skis or PWCs look more like miniature water motorcyles. They comfortably sit 1-3 riders astride them, and they rocket you around the lake, ocean, or river like, well, your own personal watercraft! Buying the best jet ski can be a big investment - think $6000-15,000. Read below for reviews of the top personal watercrafts and jet skis, along with information on making a good buying decision, whether for a new PWC or a used personal watercraft or wave runner.
PWC Personal Watercraft Buyers GuideThe main manufacturers of the most popular jet skis are Honda, Polaris, Kawasaki, Sea Doo, and Yamaha. Yamaha makes the popular Wave Runner models, like the WaveRunner FX Cruiser High Output, WaveRunner FX140, WaveRunner XLT1200, and the WaveRunner GP800R. The GP800R runs around $7500, is a two-seater, with a 120HP engine. The Yamaha WaveRunner Cruiser High Output is a higher end model, priced at just over $10k, it packs 160HP and can handle three riders with no problems. We like the feel of the WaveRunners the best, whether it is because of the longevity of the brand or just old-fashioned Japanese engineering, but they run tight, fast, and clean. How much do jet skis cost? Let's take a look at some of the Sea Doo models. The Sea Doo GTX 4-TEC Wakeboard edition lists for $10,000. It can carry 3 people (up to 600 lbs). It comes with a 1.7 gallon cooler under the rear seat, has seat straps and boarding handles, a thumb-type throttle lever, and a 1500cc motor capable of 155hp. The lower end Sea Doo GTI runs closer to $6000. It comes with a one year warranty, holds 3 people, has a 718cc motor with 85hp. The main difference here is horsepower and fancy options, like rearview mirrors, coolers, etc. If you have unlimited money to spend, check out the Sea Doo GTX 4-TEC Limited Supercharged model - $12K and a whopping 185HP.The top Polaris jet skis are the MSX 150, MSX 110, MSX 140, Genesis 1, Virage, and Freedom Model. Pricing is similar to the Yamahas and Sea Doos - basically you pay more for bigger engines and extras. Kawasakis main models are the Jet Ski STX-15F, 1200 STX-R, Jet Ski Ultra 150, 900STX, and Ultra 130 DI. We rode the Jet Ski STX-12F over a year ago, and liked its agility and crisp handling. With an MSRP of almost $9K, it is a higher end model, but well worth the price (125HP). For the Hondas, check out the AquaTrax F-12X GPScape, the AquaTrax R-12X, and the F-12. The Honda AquaTrax F-12 jet ski lists at just under $10K, carries 3 people comfortably, and weighs 750 pounds. It spits out 120HP of power. The R-12X has a little more power, 165HP, and is built for 2 riders, with a price of $10.5K. Most jet skis and PWCs are sold by local dealers for Yamaha, Honda, etc. Go to the stores, check out the models at the shop, and see what sparks your interest. You need to consider the conditions where you will be riding the jet ski, how many people you want it to carry, how much power you need (will you be towing tubers or wakeboarders?), and of course your budget. One way to save some cash is to consider buying a used wave runner, used jet ski, or user personal watercraft - see below for more info. Used Jet Skis and PWCs - Used Personal Watercrafts for SaleLike most new products, jet skis and PWCs begin to depreciate the first time you use them. Many people also buy them and then find they don't use them as often as they thought they would, so they are willing to part with them on the cheap. This is your chance to get a like-new jet ski with minimal hours on it at a greatly reduced price. Ebay of course has a large section on vehicles, including PWCs. A quick peak at the time of this writing showed over 500 Sea Doos, Jet Skis, WaveRunners, and other PWCs. For example, they list a 2002 KAWASAKI 1100 ZXI 2 SEATER PWC for $4500, with only 20 hours on the new motor. Or a 2003 Bombardier Sea Doo GTX for $7200, with only 70 hours on its original motor. If you live nearby a seller, most will allow you to come and take the craft out for a test on the water - this is a must. Do not buy something that you have not tested and/or had a mechanic check out. These machines can be fickle if not cared for properly, and you don't want to drop 6 grand on a lemon - used sales normally do not come with any warranty, it is caveat emptor as they say. Another nice thing about buying a used model is that they normally come complete with extras - jet ski trailers, life vests, you name it. For jet ski parts and forums, check out JetSki.com - they have news on clubs, events, used parts, resale guide, and much more.
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