OT: PWC Info

[Jacob Dryer]

The wife and I are looking into getting a jetski (PWC or whatever you want to call it). This will be our first water vehicle ever. So I'm looking for some info.



First are you required to carry insurance on them? If so can you give me an idea what the cost would be?



Are the registration/tag fees similar to a motorcycle or other rec vehicles?



We are looking at getting a used PWC somewhere in the mid 90's. Is there anything special that we need to consider/be worried about?



I know prices vary depending on state, but I'm just looking for broad information.

 

[Kevin Palmer]

I carry an umbrella type insurance on my two Polaris PWC's. It cost me $99.00 a year for a total of $1,000,000 coverage.



Registration is pretty easy. In Ohio it covers the Ski for two years. It is a recreational sticker similar to snowmobiles.



When buying a ski you will want to do some serious research on what you want and what you don't want.



I knew I wanted a three seater with reverse, (almost every ski that is a 3 seater has reverse, very rare not to). I wanted static drive. Which means, it wants to remain upright. You can stand on the sides of my skid and they lean a bit but stay upright. I wanted a separate oil tank and a separate fuel tank. I did not want to mix the oil and fuel. I wanted large enough engines so that I could pull skiers. Ect ect ect.



So have a game plan before you jump into the purchase

 

[Rich Stern]

Jacob, where do you expect to ride? Will it be just the two of you? Planning to do any watersports (pulling a tube, skiing, wakeboarding, etc.)?



The two seaters are really fun to ride in terms of speed, maneuverability, doing tricks, getting some air when jumping waves and wakes. But, they ride much harder, are very tippy with two aboard, and are generally not comfortable to ride significant distances in rough water. In the later ninenties (say from '97 on, depending on the brand), the makers started to refine their hulls. Ride quality is improved.



Also, be prepared for regular maintenance. Used jetskis need care and attention. A two stroke motor running around a wet environment at 80 to 100% throttle most of the time tends to make stuff wear out or break. The two stroke, fuel injected models of the nineties were a bit dicey, so you may want to stick with carb models. If you happen on a newer used model with fuel injection, it's a good choice, because they are easier to live with than the carb models.



Kevin, I think I pay about $200 year for a direct policy on one Polaris. Which company do you use?



Jacob, one other thought: Have you ever been on a jetski? Think about renting one for a half day and seeing how you like be on the water with it. Then, maybe rent a small runabout/ski boat and try that for a half day. You might find a small boat more appealing. If I could ony have one, I'd choose a small power boat.

 

[Bill Lukus]

Also keep in mind that 2 stroke engines are gas HOGS !! My fuel injected Sea-Doo GTX RFI is rated at 1 hour 10 minutes @ WOT ( wide open throttle ) til reserve. This PWC has a 15 gallon gas tank, 10 minutes at WOT on reserve.Top speed or WOT is about 50 mph and you rarely ride at that speed for long but my PWC gets better milage than most.

Insurance cost me $185.00 yr through State Farm insurance. ( Pennsylvania )

 

[Jacob Dryer]

It will be for just my wife and I, and then any family/friends that come to visit. I have ridden several in the past and actually the reason we are looking is because we just rented one on our vaction. We both very much enjoy riding it but don't want to jump in and drop a bunch of money.



We only want a 2 seater, but would like it to be halfway stable. I don't mind tipping/flipping but don't want to do it every time I turn.



Top speed isn't my main concern either. 45-50mph (that doesn't seem super fast but maybe it is in the pwc world.)



We have several small lakes around and also the ocean. So I would like to be able to run it in the ocean.. Is there anything special to consider for that?

 

[TRACket Paul]

After saltwater use you should rinse off and flush out thoroughly with freshwater to minimize corrosion.

 

[Jeffrey Travis]

If you want to ski behind your PWC you should check your local/state rules and regulations. Sometimes you may need to have a 3 seater so you have a driver, spotter and room for the skier. Others will let you do this on a two seater but w/o the spotter as long as you have side mirrors (most do). This used to be the big difference between Georgia and Alabama.



The newer you can buy the better as PWC do take a beating - you could end up paying more for repairs than if you bought new.



I bought new and also bought the service plan, it allowed me winterizing, de-wintering for about 3 years running. I had my fun then sold it once I had my first kid (taded my toy for my boy).



Have fun.



JT#14

 

[Kevin Palmer]

Rich, I went through my independent insurance man as I do with everything else. I do not know the actual holder off hand. But I will find out for you.



JD, my wifes ski goes 52MPH and rides like a Cadillac. Mine is good for 66mph and rides a bit harder as I have a performance ride plate on the bottom and dry exhaust, hers has the family ride plate and wet exhaust. They are the same hull, mine has a larger engine.



Knowing what I know know I would never own a two seater. Out three seater's are fantastic. Great fuel economy, plenty of speed, plenty of storage. I got luck when bought them as I really didn't know what was what. Like I said above, I knew what I didn't want, so it did help me in the right direction.