Posted on Jan 07th 2015

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In generic terms the word Jet Ski means any type of a small recreational watercraft. However the term has now become synonymous with the brand Kawasaki for its manufacture as well as for its invention of the Personal Watercraft. Kawasaki is still innovating and dominating the category like no other manufacturer.
The riding of Jet skis in summer is extremely tempting as it ensures absolute adventure. But at the same time to quench your desire for water adventure renting of the jet skis can really be expensive depending on where you rent them, can not only cost you lots of cash, they can also come with rules on where you can ride, how far you can ride and how fast you can go. The next option is to buy a new one which may pinch your pocket anywhere from $7000-$15000. Hence plan to purchase a used one.
A used Jet Ski is a solution for people on a tight budget who still want to get their water sports fix. With any used purchase, however, you have to do your homework to ensure that you are getting a quality item at a fair price. There are several things to look for when you are shopping for a used Jet Ski.

Motorshifi.com is all set to provide you with some really useful checklists for buying a used jet ski:

Number of hours used:

The number of hours a Jet Ski has been used or operated, is an indication of how old the vehicle is. It also indicates the amount of wear and tear that can be expected. A low-hour Jet Ski is one that has been used for less than 50 hours, while 150 hours or more of usage is considered high. Generally speaking, 300 hours of use is an average lifespan of a Jet Ski. Note that usage alone does not tell the whole story about the state of a Jet Ski. A poorly maintained Jet Ski that has been used for 30 hours can be in worse shape than a well-maintained Jet Ski that has seen 200 hours on the water. However, you can start to develop a picture of what to expect from a Jet Ski based on hours of usage. Plus, a beaten-up Jet Ski with a low number of usage hours can be a red flag that it hasn't been well maintained.

Maintenance Records:
Just like buying any used vehicle, you must check the maintenance records for the Jet Ski. You must know whether the Jet Ski has received the proper upkeep and whether it has been in any accidents that required a major repair or rebuild. If the Jet Ski has had more than one owner, make sure the records cover the entire lifespan of the Jet Ski.

Wear and Tear:
A used Jet Ski is bound to have a few scratches, but be sure to inspect it thoroughly for any major damage, such as excessive rust. When looking at the motor, look to see if the bolts or fittings have rust or corrosion on them. Corrosion is often caused by the watercraft being used in salt water and not being hosed off after riding it. It is also caused by the motor not drying out between uses. Corrosion on the outside could indicate corrosion on the inside which could cause major engine damage. If you are buying a used Jet Ski privately, check out how the owner was storing it while inspecting the wear and tear. Did he have it sitting out in the sun? Did he have it in the shade? Was there a cover on it? The elements can be damaging to a Jet Ski over the long term, so one that has been stored in a shed or garage away from direct sunlight is going to be in the best shape.

Mechanic Check:

If possible, get a mechanic to check out the engine of the Jet Ski before you buy it. A mechanic can tell you if there is a leak or any other problem that you can't see just by inspecting the exterior of the Jet Ski. Beware of sellers who won't let you have the Jet Ski checked out before purchase.
Keep a checklist of the following:
Jetski starts without problems
Look for water leaks
Look for loose wires
Head should not look burnt
Cross check the hull including the bottom

Ensure legal Usage of the Jetski: Before buying, please cross check all the legal implications.

If all of the above checklists are fine, and you feel it's a great price, then buy it. Happy Buying!

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