Wanting to buy first stand up jetski, things to look out for?

G

gilzow

Location
Missouri
Looking to buy my first stand-up jetski, but I have no idea what I should be looking out for and was hoping to get some advice.

I've never tried a stand-up ski but I used to compete in wakeboarding (before numerous injuries ruined that career path), and have been skateboarding and snowboarding for decades. I'm pretty sure I can do it, and will enjoy it, but don't want to spend much on the first ski. I've been reading through this forums and others and it would appear that an older Kawasaki JS/SX550 or 650 would be good for a beginner (I'm 5'4" and 125lbs so I shouldnt need much power). There aren't many stand-up skis where I'm located but I have been able to find a 1976 550js for sale for $500 and a 1985 js440 for $500. So far, those are the lowest prices I've seen. Everything else I have found has been in the $1000+ range which is more than I want to spend until I'm sure I'll enjoy it.

Since I have zero experience with stand-up skis, what are some things I should be checking for, or watching out for? Are there some tell-tale signs of ones to avoid? Is a '76 even worth that much? Or should I just save up and keep looking for a newer one?

Thanks in advance for any advice given.
 
makejetskiinggreatagain

makejetskiinggreatagain

Brandon
My advice given your situation is to buy the cheapest, stock ski that looks to be in great condition. You don't need tons of power at first, especially given your weight. 550's are notoriously unreliable when people start doing mods because most guys doing them try to do them on a budget and cut corners. If you buy a ski that never runs right and you have to spend all of your time wrenching on the beach you will be burnt out on the sport before you even start. my first ski was an 89 650sx in great condition, all stock. I rode that for a summer and then sold it that winter for the same price I paid for it. the way I see it, I rented it all summer for free. Think about that because if you do like the sport you will absolutely upgrade next summer. every single person who stays in the sport does if they have the funds to. the 650's are a bit more stable and have more power. People prefer 550's sometimes because they are small and nimble, but to be honest I hate them.

if you have the cash, I would buy a superjet in the 1000-2000 range (preferably one with a 701 engine) for 3 reasons. 1) you are going to end up with one anyway if you like the sport because they just ride nicer. 2) if you don't like the sport they are much easier to sell. 3) if you do stay in the sport and want to invest in your ski, the superjet is the perfect platform to start doing mods.

as far as superjets go, people will give you a huge range of advice depending on your ride style, interests, budget, etc.

oh and BTW, welcome to the sport!
 
V

Vortex

Location
Southeast
96-07 superjet is the best all around OEM hull ever made. 2008+ is far superior for race handling and holding a line in a corner.

Main thing to look for is soaked foam under the tray. There are 2 stickers in the rear bulkhead of the engine bay where foam was poured in at the factory. Water can get behind there if the ski was ever sunk or had a lot of water in it.
 
G

gilzow

Location
Missouri
Thanks for the answers. I've been searching all summer for a superjet and the only ones I have found are either brand new ($8500) or in the $5000+ range. I could probably swing $1000, but definitely not more than that right now. Is there an autotrader.com like site for pwc's? I've been searching craigslist (all the way out to 200+ miles from where I am), pwctrader.com and boatrader.com.
 
V

Vortex

Location
Southeast
gilzow said:
Thanks for the answers. I've been searching all summer for a superjet and the only ones I have found are either brand new ($8500) or in the $5000+ range. I could probably swing $1000, but definitely not more than that right now. Is there an autotrader.com like site for pwc's? I've been searching craigslist (all the way out to 200+ miles from where I am), pwctrader.com and boatrader.com.
Click to expand...

Facebook groups
 
SXIPro

SXIPro

JM781 Big Bore
Location
Here on the 'X' mostly
The thing you want to look out for is the phrase "it ran great the last time I had it going, but now it doesn't start, I'm sure it's just the battery or the carbs need to be cleaned".
 
Midlake Crisis

Midlake Crisis

Site Supporter
Location
Bakersfield, CA
Wet Dreams said:
My advice given your situation is to buy the cheapest, stock ski that looks to be in great condition. You don't need tons of power at first, especially given your weight. 550's are notoriously unreliable when people start doing mods because most guys doing them try to do them on a budget and cut corners. If you buy a ski that never runs right and you have to spend all of your time wrenching on the beach you will be burnt out on the sport before you even start. my first ski was an 89 650sx in great condition, all stock. I rode that for a summer and then sold it that winter for the same price I paid for it. the way I see it, I rented it all summer for free. Think about that because if you do like the sport you will absolutely upgrade next summer. every single person who stays in the sport does if they have the funds to. the 650's are a bit more stable and have more power. People prefer 550's sometimes because they are small and nimble, but to be honest I hate them.

if you have the cash, I would buy a superjet in the 1000-2000 range (preferably one with a 701 engine) for 3 reasons. 1) you are going to end up with one anyway if you like the sport because they just ride nicer. 2) if you don't like the sport they are much easier to sell. 3) if you do stay in the sport and want to invest in your ski, the superjet is the perfect platform to start doing mods.

as far as superjets go, people will give you a huge range of advice depending on your ride style, interests, budget, etc.

oh and BTW, welcome to the sport!
Click to expand...

I think for your budget and size WD nailed it. I would only add "Ride before you buy".
 
DontYellAtMe1

DontYellAtMe1

Location
Grand Rapids, MI
I know this isn't a true stand up, but the most fun I've had on a ski was on an x2, Although it was flat decked and shortened with plenty of mods. They can usually be picked up relatively cheap.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Vumad

Vumad

Super Hero, with a cape!
Location
St. Pete, FL
I started out on a $800 ski and it was the biggest mistake i ever made in the sport. I just bought a busted ass 650sx that was constantly breaking because i wanted cheap until i knew i liked it. If i could go back, id drop 3k i didnt have on a superjet and have ridden a ton more.

You are already ahead of my start because i had to buya ski to meet people to find this site. You are here. Ask around the site, post a thread, looking to try a ski will buy lunch and beer, be ready to drive a reasonable distance. Some people dont ind letting stangers ride their stuff. Last ski i was selling, my sxr, i told the guy give me gass money towards the purchase and he could ride our track when no one else was on it even if he wasnt buying.

Buy the best condition boat you can afford. If you have $1000, dont buy a ragged out superjet with parts on it over a stock mint condition stock freshwater 550sx. Gomez is your size, started on a 550 and he kills it. Nothing is more valuable in the beginning than tray time.

your purchasing goal should be to get a ski that has a high likelyhood of not needing a single wrench for the first year.
 
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