Craigslist Jet Skis For Sale By Owner (2024)

FAQs

How many hours is good to buy a jet ski? ›

Since the average lifetime of a Jet Ski engine is 300 hours, anything above 100 hours is considered high mileage. Depending on the budget, you could go with a model that runs for 200 hours, as long as it is 5-6 years old and has a complete service history.

The cost of a jet ski is influenced by factors such as engine type, performance, and additional features, with four-stroke engines being more reliable but also heavier and pricier than two-strokes.

The cost of used jet skis could vary considerably based on features and how much the previous owner used them on the water. Statistics show that jet skis depreciate by 22 percent in the first year after having been purchased from a new dealer, and then eight percent per year after that.

Whether you're looking to buy a new Jet Ski and wondering how long it'll last or deciding if it's worthwhile to purchase a used one, generally speaking a 2-stroke engine lasts around 200-300 hours, while a 4-stroke should last around 300-500 hours.

Low engine hours can be enticing, but used jet skis that haven't been serviced professionally can be a dangerous investment.

According to J.D. Power, a new Jet Ski can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the model. A used Jet Ski is generally cheaper than an equivalent brand-new model, so if there's a specific model you're looking for, it's worth checking prices for a used one.

Whenever a tank of gas sits for a long time (longer than 6 months), the gas can degrade and form varnish and residues. These residues can plug up a fuel system and cause the engine to run very poorly (and sometimes not want to start at all).

For a used grocery getter, having a shop replace the engine may run $3,000–5,000 depending on if the engine is used or remanufactured, double that or more if you go with a new engine from the dealer. The cost only goes up from there as the vehicle gets bigger or more expensive.

Yamaha WaveRunners are the perfect choice for anyone seeking a quality jet ski experience. With decades of industry knowledge and an unyielding commitment to excellence, you can trust that your ride will be nothing short of extraordinary. Get ready to see why riders everywhere just love their Yamaha!

Design and Performance: Yamaha jet skis are known for their stability, handling, and acceleration. They are typically designed for more experienced riders who prefer a sporty ride. Sea-Doo jet skis, on the other hand, offer a more comfortable and stable ride, with a focus on luxury and family-friendly features.

How to get a good deal on a jet ski? ›

Test in the Summer, buy in the Winter

However, if you spend a summer taking test drives, then wait to buy your jet ski when it's cold and the tourists creating all that demand are gone, you're likely to get a much better price from both current owners and jet ski dealerships.

The good news is that a PWC requires very little in the way of maintenance. Here's how to keep your PWC running strong season after season.

Modern jet skis are designed to be very stable, but there are several reasons that a ski can be overturned. The very nature of jet skis (a brand name for personal watercraft), is their ability to turn sharply and accelerate quickly, however if you don't ride with care and attention your watercraft may flip over.

They're certainly an investment, but a jet ski is a great option if you want a new way to get out on the water without buying a power boat. Jet skis have been around since the 1970s, and nowadays, there are various models out there to choose from, regardless of your ability.

Many lenders will let you finance a new or used personal watercraft between 12–84 months. Mountain America offers loans up to 72 months. The higher your loan amount, the longer your personal watercraft loan term will be.

Mandated Times Between Overhauls (TBOs) vary across different engine categories and types. Older and smaller jet engines generally have TBOs of up to 5,000 hours, while more modern engines can reach 6,000 hours or more.

You have to be prepared for regular services if you want your ski to stay in top condition and last for years - and this can cost as much as maintaining a smaller car. But, we can't emphasize enough that the total ownership costs can vary widely from model to model as they always depend on several factors.