PWC shopping

[Cptkid570]

Hi everyone,

I know this post is going to sound pretty generic, but... I'm thinking of buying a used PWC this winter. I'm finding that I can get something in the 1995/1996 year range for $1200 to $1500. I want a sit down.

I'm not a speed freak, so I don't need one that it real real fast (50 - 55 is probably the fastest I'd want to go). I'm more concerned about reliability and gas mileage.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Are there any particular engines out there that are more reliable than others (like Rotax)??

 

[dcg9381]

Re: PWC shopping

I'm not a rotax guy myself - I stick to the inline motors, Polaris, Yamaha, Kawasaki.. The last two brands being my favorite.

The best thing would be to find a slightly newer ski that has an hour meter. Skis beyond 100 hours may be requiring major work soon.. I rarely see one make it past 150 hours without rings.

If you can't get one with an hour meter, the next best option is to compession test. There is a good watercraft forum: www.pwctoday.com

 

[bamafutbal]

Re: PWC shopping

i would buy one witha fresh rebuild by a dealer or through sbt. buying one for 300.00 with blown motor may end up costing you 1500.00 to 2000. to get it running. if you buy a used one with a couple of hours on rebuild then they take a big hit and you can get it at a bargain. remember polaris is done with pwc's, parts may be scarce in a few years. the older they are the smaller they are so if you want to tube, a 10 year old sea doo gtx does a great job of pulling and was probably the best at rough water riding, as in not beating you to death or acting all squirrely(sp)

greenhulk.net is the best place for couches, pwc is more for standups.

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: PWC shopping

ok sea doo is a piston engine/// polaris tigershark//forgetaboutit/// 100 hours on a ski is NOTHING// it depends on how it was cared for// I have put hundreds and hundreds of hours on sea doo skies// I average 300 hours a year on a ski and ride the hell out of them// you probably won't be finding a lot for the money you are looking to spend// and you will usually need to do a little here or there to get a lower priced ski in top shape.. but they are out there and this is the time to be looking for a deal.
and I always advise people to get a inexpensive ski for their first one , as the first one gets abused in most cases.

sbt rebuilds are not always a guarantee of reliability// I prefer to get a used ski with the original engine, one that hasn't been messed with.
I shy away from power valve engines and injected 2 strokes.. simple is better for a first ski.
hour meters are usually added and not reliable, older skies with a built in meter are also not a reliable way to tell hours because the meter reading is in the gage, and if someone replaced the gage it now has zero hours and starts from there. compression checks , crank shaft play, are a couple of important things to check,, most skies will sound good on a trailer, so riding it in the water is the real way to see if it runs good.

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: PWC shopping

Is a power valve engine the same as an inline engine? What's the difference between those and the piston engine that the Seadoo's have? Is it more of a rotary-type of engine? Who makes ski's with them?

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: PWC shopping

power valves are basically variable exhaust ports, all sea doo engines are piston engines NOT rotary engines rotax is the brand name, in there 2 stroke engines accept for the 951 the intake valve is a rotary valve rather than reed valves.
if there ever was a rotary production engine for use on the water for outboards and pwc , I firmly believe it would rock,, especially with high rpm power bands known to rotary engines,, not to mention the horsepower to weight ratio is excellent and turbo charging on top of that.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: PWC shopping

be aware, that service is quite expensive, if you can do it yourself. and the shops up here, won't even service older than 2000.

 

[liquidlew]

Re: PWC shopping

For $12-1500, I would recommend a 1995 thru 1998 Yamaha Waveventure, I got another one (I now have 3) last year for $1500 in great shape and it had 320 hrs. I have NEVER had any problems outside batteries finally giving out after 6-7 years. They are probably the best when it comes to relaibility. However, they are not very good on gas as they are 2 stroke motors. I have 2 700 cc motors and 0ne 1100 cc motor, the 700's are better on gas and top out at 45-47 mph. The 110o gets up to 52-55. They are 3 seaters, very stable and great in rough water, can pull skiers, tubers and just super fun. If you want better fuel economy, you would want to get a 4 stroke, but don't expect to find a used one in good shape under $5000. Good luck!