Help buying first PWC!!

[89 VIP Valiant]

Hello, looking at purchasing my first PWC and am looking at a 2000 1100zxi; the ski looks pretty good, doesn't look like it has been pampered though, in fact looks like from the pictures that an aftermarket handlebar set has been put on(made no sense to me). I don't want to be working on this thing every week, should I purchase something newer, maybe a four stroke? My buddies have 01 and 97 Sea Doo XP's, and seems they spend a little time working on them, just little things here and there.

Also, any opinion on Polaris jet skis? They all seem to be very cheap, and so many have "new" engines. Do they blow up often? What about the 03 and 04 models with four strokes? I would love to hear anyone's opinion, thanks for ANY help!!

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Help buying first PWC!!

I've always been a fan of the Kawasaki's. I have riden a few skis of different vintages and styles from about all of the major manufacturers, but I really prefer the way the Kawas handle and ride. Good bite, very stable at speed and at idle, overall low maintenance. I have a 98 1100STX which has triple carbs, but the STXi from 99+ is fuel injected I believe. I haven't had to do anything on mine aside from having a tune up for the first time in 10 years last year because it would bog a bit out of the hole. After the tune-up it ran like new and still does. Nothing but new spark plugs and fuel/oil since we bought it.

I like SeaDoos second best and Yamaha third. Yamaha I just feel like they aren't as solid/well built but they still get the job done. I also hate the stupid rooster tail they have. SeaDoos are great machines, but a lot of the older XP's have had some issues here and there.

If I was in the market for a new ski, I'd get the 260LX in a heartbeat.

 

[Torino117]

Re: Help buying first PWC!!

We recently purchased an 09 VX110 Cruiser, so far it's been a great machine. The stupid rooster-tail in the back is actually great safety wise, so you can easily be seen as you zig-zag around boats. We looked at new sea doos in the showroom and what not, and the build quality just seems cheap, flimsy plastic pieces are a real turn off when you're buying something long lasting. I know I'm not a wiz on jet-ski's but supercharge or turbocharged anything is just asking for engine trouble down the line, more power usually leads to more problems.

If you can, stick to a newer 4 stroke. But be careful what you buy, a used ski is like a used mattress, who knows how many people used it.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Help buying first PWC!!

We recently purchased an 09 VX110 Cruiser, so far it's been a great machine. The stupid rooster-tail in the back is actually great safety wise, so you can easily be seen as you zig-zag around boats.[\QUOTE]

Water sprayed in the air doesn't contrast much with blue sky behind it. Not much of a safety item there, kiddo. A lot of the Yamaha owners actually turn the nozzle down after purchase to spray the water down. It gets annoying for pulling skiers and tubers as well.

 

[89 VIP Valiant]

Re: Help buying first PWC!!

Thanks everyone for the help, I really appreciate the input. I would like to go with a 4 stroke, but just don't want to spend the money on one. Anyone have input on the Yamaha GP1200? Found a 2000, 69 hours, adult ridden, looks like its in great shape, for $3000. What are the problem areas on a Yamaha? My other choice right now is a 1999 Sea Doo GTX limited i think is the model; i think its the only one they made in red that year. It has a fresh rebuild (I mean a real rebuild, with receipts and a $1000 price tag), been very well maintained, and is $2750. Has about 110 hours. Any opinions? Thanks!

 

[pps216]

Re: Help buying first PWC!!

since polaris watercraft line has gone out of buisness dealers are working on them less and less id prob stay away from polaris.. the yamaha gp1200 is a great machine tons of power and the hull is real agressive, the gp1200r is a different shape hull with the same motor id perfer the gp1200 made before 2000.