How to Buy a Used Jet Ski

Purchasing a personal watercraft, even when new, can have its ins, outs and caveats--all of which can be exaggerated when purchasing a used Jet Ski. Used Jet Skis provide a great value for the casual, and even the serious, boater, but you must look carefully and always be on the cautious side. You will want to look for a Jet Ski with few owners, good service records and low hours. A casual user will use a Jet Ski between 50 to 200 hours a year--anything above that is a more serious user, and you will want to see more service records. Always check the engine compartment to see any signs of saltwater use and corrosion. Although Jet Skis are great for use on saltwater, they must be properly cleaned after each use to prevent corrosion.

The most common pitfall is to probably go for the least expensive Jet Ski. Many customers forget that Jet Skis are, like cars, subject to wear and tear and above all, user abuse. The first thing you want to look for on a Jet Ski that has had a substantial amount of on-water hours is to see evidence of upkeep. Is the Jet Ski clean and free of scratches? If so, chances are the owner regularly cleaned the Jet Ski inside and out--which is important, especially if the watercraft has been used in saltwater conditions.

It's always a good idea to shop around, but buying local is generally your best bet to avoid scams and to see what you are purchasing. Do not purchase a used Jet Ski online without seeing it first, unless the salesperson is reputable.

A used Jet Ski should not cost more than $10,000 unless it has minimal hours of use and is supercharged. Most used Jet Skis that are a few years old and in good condition will cost around $5,000.

When you are comparing different types of Jet Skis, ask yourself what you want to do with it and how many people will be using it. If you want something more sporty, you'll most likely need something smaller that can carry only one or two riders at a time. Larger Jet Skis have three or four seats but are nowhere as agile or responsive in the water as their smaller siblings. Look out for turbo-charged or super-charged watercraft; unless you are an avid jet-skier, this extra feature is not worth the expensive maintenance regimen. The basic rule of thumb with Jet Skis is that the larger it is, the more comfortable the ride will be. If you want to just cruise along the beach, go with a larger Jet Ski.

It is always recommended to get new flares and vests that fit you and your passengers for your Jet Ski. Even though the previous owner can provide you with his equipment, it may not be reliable or fit properly.

Always check out the trailer of the Jet Ski. If you see rust, this could also indicate problems with the Jet Ski itself.