5 replies to this topic

[ossidog]

not much to say now.  no one here

[kevindepot TT Silver Member]

Sorry Ossi, I'm a little slow. My kid goes off to college in 3 weeks. After that we should meet up and run the skis

[schmo Just your average]

Anybody out there???  Thinking about getting a couple of stand up jetskis for next season.  Haven't been out on one in about 25 years, had a 650 back in my early teens.  My brother is scared of getting hurt on a bike, so I figure if I had a couple of jetskis it would give us something to do together...and hopefully I can drag a buddy or two out from time to time.  Looking at CL, there seems to be a lot of really good deals on 90's and earlier skis.

Few questions . . .

I live in the San Fernando Valley, where are the best places to go for a day or weekend trip that are jetski friendly (not limiting you to a football field sized area like Castaic did back in the day)?  What do parking/launch fees look like these days?

What should I look to spend for a couple of decent jetskis that would be dependable?  And what are the key items to check when looking at used skis?

Storage . . . what should I expect to pay to store a couple of skis each month?

[5:00 TT Bronze Member]

For me and a lot of people you can arguably go with a Yamaha Super Jet 701.  I would go with a '96 or up (round nose).  I am biased however.  Stick with the kawi if you want.  The SJ is a lighter craft and can really move well.  I have ridden both but not her to sell one or the other.

Just be sure to get something that is already modded.  You will want/need something with more kick in the end so you may as well start there.  There are a lot of them out there and as we all know it is cheaper in the long run to get something modded.  

The basic things you want are upgraded plate, grate, impeller and exhaust at minimum.   The other stuff  you can add later if you still need to but that will usually get you started.  Foot holds and new traction are good to add at some point and don't cost too much other than time.  Be patient and wait for a good one to come along, they are out there and it is a good time to buy as the season winds down (at least here where it gets cold).

If you can, take it for a water test.  Something that might run great on land for a few seconds may have issues in the water.
DO A COMPRESSION TEST.  Anyone should be happy to let you check that.  If they don't, walk.  You can tell a lot by that and if the jugs are fairly even or not.  Run it on a hose if you can.

[dsilver1007 TT Newbie]

You can get 550's for next to nothing lately. I have one its a super fun ski and parts are readily available.

[martinfan30]

550'S 91 and up(silver motor) are reed engines, look for those.