7 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Used Jet Ski

Whether you enjoy being out at the local lake or a nearby ocean, there's one thing that will help you obtain a thrill ride no matter the location: a jet ski.

Few things are more exciting than taking out some jet skis with your friends or family to enjoy soaring on the open water.

There's nothing better than feeling the cool breeze hit your face with nature surrounding you!

If you're going to be around the water often, it makes more sense to buy the jet skis rather than rent. If that's the case then a used jet ski is definitely the way to go!

Here are a few things to consider while you shop around the marketplace in search of your new jet ski.

1. Know the Legal Limits

If you're looking to purchase a jet ski, then you undoubtedly have a certain area in mind. Even if you plan to travel around to various bodies of water, there's always a particular spot that you'll use it most.

Whether you knew it or not, that area may have certain regulations on the types of jet ski motors that are allowed.

These restrictions may be in place as a service to the local nature, safety precautions for you and other lake/ocean-goers, spacing issues, etc.

Because of this, it's important to research a) the type of motor that the jet ski you're looking at has on it and b) the type of motors that your body of water deems legal.

Keep this in consideration the entire time you shop around, you won't want to invest thousands of dollars to find out your local spot doesn't allow it to be used.

2. Take a Test Drive

You wouldn't buy a used car without test driving it first, so why would you not do the same for a used jet ski that you're looking to purchase?

One common misconception that jet ski buyers have is not taking the one they're most interested in into water for a test drive. You're investing a good amount of money into it, so it's only fair you'd want to see it out on the elements. 

Take this time to test out everything you can think of. How the engine feels, the ease of steering, the acceleration, and anything else that should seem in place.

Are there any service alert lights on? Is it beeping when you first start it up? How does the ignition sound?

Use all of these questions to gauge the upkeep that's been done on this particular model you're interested in.

3. Always Ask for the Title

Much like owning a car, if you don't have the title of the jet ski that you purchase, you won't be allowed to use it at all.

That's why it's important to ask the dealer or current owner of a jet ski for proof of a title before negotiations begin. If they don't have the title, you shouldn't buy the jet ski from them. Period.

Doing so will eventually land you in a world of hurt with hefty fines and you won't officially own it until the title is put in your name. Not to mention the fact you may be buying a stolen jet ski... which would be horrible.

4. Weigh Out the Hours of Use

The hours of use on a jet ski are as much an indicator of the jet ski's condition as the mileage meter in a car. 

With jet skis, you should use the rule of an average 30 hours per year of the jet ski's age. Anything lower than that is a good thing, anything higher is more negotiation power on your end.

However, this is not the end all be all of jet ski conditions. It could be that the one you're looking at ran into some problems early on, and has low hours of use because it hasn't been used much since.

Use the hours of use as a measurement for a jet ski in good condition. Don't use it as a gauge for one that's obviously in bad condition.

5. Keep Your Eye Out for Rust

Just like buying a car, motorcycle, ATV, or any other motor vehicle, you should always take a detailed look around the jet ski for any corrosion or rust.

These are both a hefty indication that the specific jet ski you're looking at hasn't been properly taken care of.

What's more important is that once rust starts, it doesn't stop. Especially considering its primary use is cruising on the water, which is the lead instigator of rust in the first place.

If your dealer has a problem with your detailed search, it's a sign they're hiding something and you should walk away immediately.

You will also want to plan a proper safe place for jet ski storage.

6. Paperwork on All Maintenance

Besides the title of the jet ski, you should also ask the dealer or current owner to see the paperwork of any maintenance that's been done to the model you're looking at.

Once you have the paperwork and documentation, keep an eye out for 1) the repairs that have been done and 2) who did the repairs to it.

Both will give you an indication of whether its current condition is to be trusted. If the necessary repairs are few and far between, that's a great sign.

If the repairer was a professional, that also speaks to the quality of the upkeep given and shows it was properly taken care of.

7. Focus on the Wiring

There's no worse feeling while riding a jet ski than having it suddenly stop in the middle of the body of water that you're on. 

One of the leading causes of that is faulty wiring, so keep your eyes out for any wiring that seems loose or out of place while you're feeling out a certain model.

If everything seems like it's where it needs to be, it probably is. Just make sure the wiring looks new and doesn't have any cracks or damage to it.

Buy the Used Jet Ski You've Always Wanted

Now that you've seen a few details on what to look out for, it's time to find a used jet ski that fits your riding style.

Be sure to read this article on the 5 common mistakes of buying a jet ski that you should try to avoid at all costs.

for more inquiries, please reach out via our contact us page and we'll be excited to help you further.