Your Buyers Guide for Jet Ski Beginners

Can there be anything more exciting than buying your first personal watercraft? Hardly. And surely, when that happens, you want to be prepared so that the excitement will not turn into being overwhelmed with having to make a choice. The wide range of manufacturers, models, types, sizes, and prices can be intimidating, but it is essential to understand them so that the Jet Ski you choose will be the most suitable for you.

Personal watercraft (PWC) are referred to by many names, such as water scooters, aqua bikes, Jet Skis, WaveRunners, Sea-Doos, and so on, which sometimes may be confusing. In most cases, the main difference hides in the brand that produces them, and sometimes – in their characteristics.

Experts from Jet Ski Tips helped to figure out what you should consider when choosing your first jet ski and what points to have on your beginner’s checklist:

Jet Ski Types

When choosing a Jet Ski to buy, first of all, you need to define its purpose – what will you be using it for? You can go for a sports Jet Ski if you’ll be using it for freestyle, as well as professional training in water tricks, or you can opt for a personal watercraft if you’ll be using it with the whole family.

Family

Jet Skis for family use can hardly be called aqua bikes: they are quite large and can accommodate up to three people. As a rule, family models are equipped with a trunk for storing spare life jackets and things that may be needed for a walk: blankets, food, water, etc. These models have increased stability on water and the simplest operation.

A bright representative of a family Jet Ski type is the three-seat Sea-Doo Spark 3UP 900 HO ACE TRIXX.

Sports

Sports models of Jet Skis are most often stand-up PWCs. They are light and fast, but managing them requires specific skills, so it is not recommended for beginners to start with this type.

Until recently, those models were not stable enough, but the BRP company offered a solution. A “hybrid” of a sports and tourist Jet Ski, as light and maneuverable as a stand-up, but as comfortable and safe as a family one – their two-seated BRP RXP-X 300.

Tourist

For tourist trips on the water, manufacturers have turned Jet Skis into whole vessels – roomy and equipped with many additional features, such as folding steps for the convenience of bathers.

Construction

A Jet Ski is a no less complicated technical device than a motorcycle or a snowmobile. It is a watercraft with a fiberglass hull, equipped with a two- or four-stroke internal combustion engine that provides self-propelled transport.

There are two types of jet ski construction:

1. Stand-up models – light and maneuverable, frequently made for a single person. Almost any modern sports Jet Ski can adjust the angle of the nozzle of the water cannon – water pump – to create jet propulsion. It allows freestyle skiers to perform complicated tricks, such as jumping over water.
2. Sit down models – for recreation purposes. They can often accommodate two or three people, less maneuverable and faster than stand-up ones, but at the same time more stable and safe. They are ideal for beginners. Also, such Jet Skies’ engine power can be enough to tow a water skier or a parasailer.

Jet Skis, like any other vessel, have their requirements for proper maintenance, operation, and transportation. First of all, this is a “seasonal” vehicle, so in order to store during winter, you need to allocate space in the garage or purchase a special box as well as a cover. Secondly, you need a trailer to transport the aqua bike to the place of direct use. Third, when buying a Jet Ski, you have to purchase life jackets for each passenger and the driver.

Brands and Prices

In addition to the place and method of use of your future PWC, it is vital to choose the right manufacturer – the comfort of the driver and passengers, the speed and durability of the vehicle, and, of course, its price depends on it. Among the most famous and time-proved brands are Sea-Doo, YAMAHA, Kawasaki, Honda, and Polaris.

The price range for PWC is quite broad and depends on the class, type, and manufacturer. Most companies offer both simple, budget options, and powerful vessels. For example, Sea-Doo offers everything from rec lite models to sport fishing ones. However, the characteristics of models with the same price can be different.

It is essential to find a model that matches your requirements and purchase it from an official dealer of the company so that you can count on the right warranty conditions, free service, and original spare parts.

However, if it’s your first time buying a PWC, you should consider going for a used one – keep in mind that older models are cheaper, and there is a possibility of finding a good one from one of the top brands for peanuts. This way, you will save money on buying a brand new one. However, no matter which option you will choose, always remember to add a safety course and insurance to expected expenses.

Conclusion

If you want to choose a perfect Jet Ski for beginners, you need to consider how you will use it or how well you can drive. You also need to remember about the additional costs, such as life jackets, insurance, training, and maintenance. You can look for a new jet or a pre-owned one – it does not matter as long as it meets your needs.

When choosing a personal watercraft, do not forget to read reviews and opinions on the model you have set your eyes on – they usually reveal the product’s pros and cons. Check the warranty conditions as they differ from one manufacturer to another. And of course, to ensure that the equipment lasts for a long time, you need to take care of a proper place to store your aqua bike for the time you will not be using it. Many recreation centers offer rental boxes for storing smaller vessels in the “off-season.”

 

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