Anyone here jetski?

[ghost recon88]

Recently picked up a pair of 2000 Polaris SLX 1200s, man what a blast. Nothing like the quick getup and pickup on a 2 stroke. Guess the newer 4 strokes are super heavy, and are governed at 70. After checking out some forums online, apparently there is quite a demand and following for late 90s/early 2000s PWCs.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I've rented them from time to time. Never saw any compelling reason to buy one though.

 

[ghost recon88]

I live near a ton of lakes, so it makes sense for me. Plus if you're mechanically inclined at all, you can score some great deals. Picked up one of these SLX units for $550 with the trailer, only needed $300 worth of electrical boxes and stuff, and I can could flip it today on craigslist for $2500.

 

[heymrdj]

We've been wanting to get into it something bad. But it seems like Indiana must have some serious liability laws because you can't find anyone that will rent anything besides a pontoon boat. Go .5 hour east into Ohio, or 1 hour north to Michigan, blam they are everywhere. We're going to go camping some in Michigan this summer, hoping to try it out then.

 

[SearchMaster]

My brother-in-law has a pair of Kawasaki Ultra 300x's - damn things have 300hp a piece which is just crazy. Yeah they're governed to like 67 or 68 mph but they get there QUICK (0-60 in 2.x IIRC). He also has an older one that was the fastest at the time, it will go 80+, but I just don't enjoy myself going so fast, it's somewhat exhilarating but scary as hell and I know it would mess you up pretty bad to hit the water at that speed and inexperienced enough to know I have no business doing it.

 

[ghost recon88]

Those newer skis, even though they are 250+ HP are governed to 70 due to some agreement between the coast guard and manufactures. However there are ways to remove those limitations

What's nice about the older ones is there is no speed limitations built in, and they tend to be a whole lot lighter than the new 4-stroke tanks. Plus they are generally pretty easy to work on and easy to make big power out of.

 

[RGUN]

Have had SeaDoo pwcs since 2000. My current is a 2012 RXPX. I like the greenhulk forum for specific PWC related questions and although there are still quite a few people riding the 2 stroke era PWCs I wouldn't say that there is a significant demand. Parts are hard to come by, finding people that can do maintenance can be difficult (depending on area), and in general they are running out of steam in terms of reliability.

If you have any questions about the 4stroke Seadoo units let me know. I've tracked all my costs and repairs so I've got a good database by now.

 

[heymrdj]

Have you had any trial of the new Sparks? If I can get the fiance into it, I was thinking of the couples combo. At our annual boatshow you can can get the couples combo (two sparks and a trailer) for a really great price compared to MSRP. And it's something I can tow with my Fiesta.

 

[ViviTheMage]

Those newer skis, even though they are 250+ HP are governed to 70 due to some agreement between the coast guard and manufactures. However there are ways to remove those limitations

What's nice about the older ones is there is no speed limitations built in, and they tend to be a whole lot lighter than the new 4-stroke tanks. Plus they are generally pretty easy to work on and easy to make big power out of.

Hahaha, can you imagine hitting a wave at the wrong angle going 160mph? hahaha

 

[smackababy]

Hahaha, can you imagine hitting a wave at the wrong angle going 160mph? hahaha

Yes, and it sounds amazing!

 

[Soccerman06]

My brother-in-law has a pair of Kawasaki Ultra 300x's - damn things have 300hp a piece which is just crazy. Yeah they're governed to like 67 or 68 mph but they get there QUICK (0-30 in 2.x IIRC).

fixed

I own a 2012 yamaha with 200hp, its able to hit 70 on a flat lake, maybe a little chop, you wont go above 65 if theres many waves or other boats. You dont want to hit a wave going that fast bigger than a foot or two before it could throw you. Super dangerous, waters hard when its going 50mph, I know from experience. Ive been over 70, well supposedly hitting 75 but who knows how accurate the speedometer really is or if it was a current.

The reason they went for big 4 stroke motors is because reliability and easy maintenance, not to mention you dont have to worry about mixing a 2 strokes gas. The machines are larger to accommodate more people, and/or towing tubes, handle bigger waves, and are much better at sharp turns.

 

[ScottFern]

Thats good to hear my sister and I are looking to get rid of our 1997 Yamaha and I want to get a Sea Doo Spark. It's the first jetski that has been released recently that got my attention due to its weight (400lbs) and price.

 

[DrPizza]

Our kids have quite a few hours on them, but I haven't. I'd love to pick up a pair for me and the wife, especially if I could find a good deal on some that simply need a little work to get running like new.

 

[cabri]

Many years,ago when I was stupid, a cousin and myself (both in our 40s) went from Traverse City over to Lake Huron(Canadian side) for a weekend trip just to see if we could do it. Each of us had a raft of supplies/fuel with us. SORE!!!!

 

[slag]

I really like the standups myself. I'd like to get a late 2000 superjet sometime. I have a Kawasaki 550 that my son is going to learn to ride and yeah, maybe next year I'll get an X2, sxr, or superjet for myself.

 

[ghost recon88]

fixed

I own a 2012 yamaha with 200hp, its able to hit 70 on a flat lake, maybe a little chop, you wont go above 65 if theres many waves or other boats. You dont want to hit a wave going that fast bigger than a foot or two before it could throw you. Super dangerous, waters hard when its going 50mph, I know from experience. Ive been over 70, well supposedly hitting 75 but who knows how accurate the speedometer really is or if it was a current.

The reason they went for big 4 stroke motors is because reliability and easy maintenance, not to mention you dont have to worry about mixing a 2 strokes gas. The machines are larger to accommodate more people, and/or towing tubes, handle bigger waves, and are much better at sharp turns.

The newer ones are honestly more like boats than PWC. Near impossible to get a lot of air out of the water due to weight, and they run a lot flatter (not as tippy). At least the one I was on had a hard time carving compared to the older, thinner PWC. I'd love to test ride a new superjet though, those things look awesome!

 

[Chess]

ghost, ive owned 3 PWC's and loved every single bit of it....

I use to race them when I was younger that was awesome stuff...

Check out a yammy jetboat.. my buddy just bought a 14 AR190, and went out in it yesterday those things are fun as shit lol

 

[Chess]

I really like the standups myself. I'd like to get a late 2000 superjet sometime. I have a Kawasaki 550 that my son is going to learn to ride and yeah, maybe next year I'll get an X2, sxr, or superjet for myself.

I had an 89 kawaski 650sx bringing me back to the olden days.. .thats what I learned to ride on