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What to Consider When Buying a Used Jet Ski

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When summer is just around the corner, you might start thinking about buying a used jet ski. It's easy to get excited at the prospect of zipping across the surface of a lake, but before you jump at the next "Yamaha jet ski for sale" or "Sea-Doo jet ski for sale used" ad you see, take some time to plan ahead. When you know what to consider when buying a used jet ski, you can focus on finding the ideal machine instead of getting stuck with an expensive piece of junk.

Do More Research

Typing "used jet ski for sale" into Google doesn't constitute research. Searching is part of the process, but you should put more effort into other parts, including determining the brand and type of jet ski you want, the price point for these jet skis and the reputation of dealers and sellers. Your research should significantly narrow your choices to the right jet skis for your budget. Checking out the reviews and ratings given to sellers should help you cut the number of choices.

Test the Jet Skis

Just like when buying a car, you need to test drive a jet ski on the water. Don't settle for the seller just turning on the ignition and revving the engine a couple of times. Insist on taking it out on the water. If this happens to be your first jet ski purchase, take a friend with plenty of experience with you. A seller refusing a test drive is a deal breaker when purchasing a jet ski.

While test driving the jet ski, keep an eye out for such things as blinking warning lights and gauges that don't work. See how it performs on the water and if it maintains its rpm at full throttle. If you feel comfortable driving the jet ski on the water, then include it on your list of potential buys.

Inspecting the Jet Ski

Even though riding a jet ski may have felt good on the water, be sure to inspect it closely. Check for dents or scratches, especially at the bottom, as damage can be problematic. Scratches and dings on the sides could be due to poor docking or handling, which shouldn't generally cause problems. However, jet skis that have rust or corrosion around the engine or the pump should be removed from your list.

Logged Hours

Your research should reveal the average lifespan of the make and model of jet skis you're considering. Also find out how many hours the jet ski has spent on the water. Ask if the owner kept maintenance receipts, which is a good indicator of a good owner and a well-maintained jet ski. However, if you discover the owner did a lot of repair work on the jet ski, it might be a sign of a problematic watercraft.

Other Considerations

Other issues to consider when buying a used jet ski include the trailer (How will you get it home?), insurance and jet ski freebies the seller might include with the purchase. Discuss any issues with the seller before finalizing your purchase.