r/jetski • • May 24 '22

What's my ski worth? What's that ski worth? Is this a good deal?

103 Upvotes

r/jetski • • Mar 17 '25

Announcement Want to start a PWC rental business? Start here!

24 Upvotes

With the influx of rental business related posts, we've decided to create a sticky highlighting a majority of questions asked and the answers to them.

There's been a range of good and bad advice that has been given in the various posts, so I'm going to limit this sticky to the good answers only. Our goal is to reduce the amount of "failed" business attempts and to give potential business owners the best chance of success.

"I want to start a rental business, where do I start"

Unfortunately, if you have to ask that question you're already off to a bad start. You're going to need to consider the basics below.

  1. Location and competition - (If you're looking to start a business in an area with a flooded market, don't even bother. You'll also need private land and cannot rely on public launches and public beaches.
  2. Staffing - This is not something you can do on your own. You're going to need the following.
    • Full time mechanic
    • Guide/ski retriever in case someone breaks down
    • Office personnel (training if your locality requires it), taking in customers, administrative paperwork, etc
  3. Machines - You're going to need at least 5-10 machines to break even, plus another for the guide/retrieval operator. These will experience significant wear and abuse so plan on replacing them every year or two. Also pay attention to the laws in your area, some may require a "rental mode" which limits the horsepower to ~99hp.
  4. Insurance - This is often the largest expense. You'll need full liability commercial insurance. This can range from $500/machine/term to several thousands of dollars. It all depends on your area. You may not even be able to secure commercial liability insurance without a few years of owning an LLC under your belt. Nobody here will be able to give you an estimate so you'll need to reach out to a commercial insurance vendor in your area and give them all the details they need (vehicles HIN's, business operating hours, business location, how long you've been in business, etc, etc, etc)
  5. Fuel - Assume you're going to burn ~20 gallons per hour per machine, with 5 machines that comes to 100 gallons per hour combined and around 700 gallons on a 7 hour operating timeframe. You will without a doubt need onsite fuel and lots of it. You cannot rely on 5 gallon jugs or back and forth trips to the gas station.
  6. Repairs and Maintenance - Assuming your machines will be operating 7-8 hours per day for 5 days a week, you'll need to do oil changes twice per month on each machine. You're also going to need to have plenty of parts on hand. Jet pump assemblies, wear rings, impellers, plastic body panels, etc. You'll be renting to people that have most likely never ridden a PWC let alone a boat, so you'll be dealing with a lot of damage. Also, don't forget all of the specialty tools you're going to need! A simple diagnostic interface and cable can run you $2,000 alone!

"I just bought a ski and want to rent it out to cover the cost"

This comes up often. Put it this way, assuming you bought the most expensive ski with $0 down and the highest interest rates the planet has ever seen, it won't even come close to the operating cost of renting the ski out. Anybody that has done this and said they made a profit is doing so illegally and without insurance. If someone is injured on a ski you're renting out without commercial liability insurance, they can (and will) sue you into the ground.

This sticky is not meant to deter people from starting a PWC rental business, there are plenty of great opportunities out there. This post is specifically meant to make sure you know what you're getting into and to keep you from getting yourself into trouble. If you have any questions, or had a rental business success story, post it below!


r/jetski • • 2h ago

Js300 1987 won’t start

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1 Upvotes

Got spark and 120 compression but won’t fire any ideas what this little brass fitting is it has some pressure coming out when cranking


r/jetski • • 7h ago

Advice 2021 Gti 130 Review.

0 Upvotes

Does the gti 130 handle chop allright and is it any good for offshore?

And whats everyone reviews with this model?

Cheers


r/jetski • • 13h ago

Question Paint question

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3 Upvotes

Hi all, I bought this yellow 701 superjet and don’t like the paint. I want to wrap it and do different mats. I was wondering if anyone has any tips to paint it all white or black so I can wrap it. I have never painted anything before so I’m unsure if this is out my range.


r/jetski • • 15h ago

Rack for a Waverunner

1 Upvotes

Hey guys, I need a rack. I was thinking of getting a Superrack but this thing is like $600. The other option is putting a crate with some strap on the back. I was also thinking of making one with PVC pipes, but not sure if I want to go through the hassle.

Any other options out there?

Thank you,


r/jetski • • 21h ago

Jet tech - jet ski products slow dispatch times?

1 Upvotes

Has anyone else purchased off jet tech and it taken longer then their dispatch time? Sounds like they are a drop shipper? Although they say they have an AUS warehouse how does it take a week to even dispatch when the website is showing in stock and have haven’t purchased in a sale period. No response yet from email.


r/jetski • • 2d ago

Question First ride question about water in hull

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17 Upvotes

Hi all! Just rode my first standup today! 1993 superjet 650 (also got a 1994 modded 701 but have to build up to that). After riding I found that there was a few inches of water sitting at the bottom of the hull, I am just about certain it comes in from the fans on top of the hood. I feel like this is probably normal, but how do you get the water out while it’s still in the water? Also how much water is a problem? Is there a drain plug of sorts?


r/jetski • • 1d ago

Compression Numbers; Too low or okay.

1 Upvotes

2005 Yamaha FX CRUISER HO; JF110DN 4-stroke Engine.

I checked the compression on my 4-stroke ski before putting it away for the winter.
I checked it "cold" and then again a few days later after idling on a flush hose for 15 minutes to run antifreeze into the engine.

The engine ran fine during the idle period, and sounded and ran "normal" for flush hose attached trailered ski. The plugs also all look essentially the same, not one is dry grey, or oil wet black.

On each test I got essentially the same results;
"Cold" engine (all in psi) 112/110/118/115
"Warm" engine; 112/110/112/112

The deviation between cylinders is minimal, but I'm curious if the numbers are low or tell me I should look at anything else?


r/jetski • • 2d ago

Fuel winterizing

1 Upvotes

Since I can't drain or suck every bit of fuel out I've always just turned OFF the fuel selector and ran the motor till it quit.

But now I also have a 4-stroke efi with no fuel shutoff. What do I do besides put some stabilizer in the tank?


r/jetski • • 2d ago

Technical Issue Corrosion on the water box

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2 Upvotes

Was putting my ski away for the winter and noticed some corrosion just below the hose on the water box. Does this mean the hose is leaking and the clamp isn't tight enough? I am thinking remove the hose, clean the corrosion with some sandpaper and reinstall. Does that sound right?

2023 VX Cruiser HO


r/jetski • • 2d ago

Advice Crack in hull around motor mount?

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4 Upvotes

I have 2 2002 seadoo gti’s and noticed what’s looks to be like a crack by the motor mount. Both have the same crack in the same spot, one being a little bit worse.

Is this something you guys would try to repair yourself or just take them into a professional?


r/jetski • • 2d ago

Question Fishing oriented ski suggestions

1 Upvotes

I'm looking to purchase my first Jetski. I am not a typical Jet enthusiast as I have a lifetime worth of eperience but it has been owning/operating and skiing behind inboard ski boats. So feel free to talk to me like I am 8 when talking about the lil fishing boats. What I am wanting is something that I can use on small rivers, lakes and run out in the Gulf of Mexico to do some drops on gas rigs.

I figure that a good jet can take the place of a flat bottom aluminum, a bass boat and a small center console in these scenarios.

What models and manufacturers are there and which one would you get. Thanks in advance.


r/jetski • • 2d ago

Advice First Time Jetski Buyer

3 Upvotes

Hey all first time jet ski buyer here have experience riding but never owened one.

Im after somthing abit more touring like. Somthing I can go off shore with and do fishing etc.

Not fused if it's seadoo or Yamaha ideally somthing not with a supercharger as im after somthing reliability and less issues.

From what I can see is Yamaha seem more reliable on Facebook market place theres ones with 500 to 700 hours on them.

Anyway I dont really wanna spend more then 8k Australian

Found a gti 130 2019 with 100 hours on it but he wants 9k.

Also is it better to get older year model with less hours or newer model with more hours?

Also what should I check when when looking at one

Cheers


r/jetski • • 3d ago

Advice Is this a good deal?

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3 Upvotes

Hey everyone. I don’t know anything about jet skis but I’m moving to a waterfront property and want one. I can get this through a trade for essentially $6000. However, it will be a blind purchase without me seeing it. If anyone has any insight on if it’s a good deal and how risky it is (considering the high hours) I would love to hear it.


r/jetski • • 3d ago

Any suggestions on how to sell my Waverunner?

1 Upvotes

I've got a 2020 Yamaha Waverunner EX Deluxe with less than 50 hours on it. I'm located in Central Florida. I tried putting it on FB Marketplace but had way too many less than quality inquiries. Any ideas on a better way to sell it?


r/jetski • • 4d ago

2002 Seadoo GTI LE Choke question

1 Upvotes

717 engine. Is there an adjustment I can make or something to look for that I can do to make the choke lever maintain its position while attempting to start the engine? The choke lever retracts immediately after letting go of it. I have to have someone hold the choke lever out while I attempt to start while applying throttle.


r/jetski • • 5d ago

Question Just bought first stand up! Couple questions

3 Upvotes

So I just bought my first stand up skis. I got a 1993 650 superjet (stock) and a 1994 701 superjet with these mods: big bore 701 based engine, not sure of the size. Dual carb, pipe, billet head.

Questions:
1) The previous owner ran 50:1 klotz oil with 93 octane in both skis. My question is, is this the optimal ratio and oil? I also am unsure which version of klotz I should use if I stick with klotz. Any help on this is very appreciated.

2) The 650 needs a battery. I wanted to get an AGM Duracell battery because it’s in stock near me. Assuming I find the correct size, is this a decent enough battery for this ski?

Any help would be greatly appreciated as these are my first two strokes. I got a gas can and a measuring cup for the oil. Just want to make sure I don’t fry my engine.


r/jetski • • 6d ago

Upgraded to the FXHO Cruiser.

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25 Upvotes

But 6 month wait to ride it


r/jetski • • 6d ago

Is it ok if i keep my jetski out on the trailer in the winters without a cover on or should i cover it?

4 Upvotes

Season's over 🥲 The ski is winterized and parked on the trailer in the driveway till spring. Right now it's wearing a generic cover that only sort of fits, kind of like a borrowed jacket haha.
Is that fine for just sitting there, or is it worth getting one made for the model? Mostly worried about water pooling on top and the seat cracking.


r/jetski • • 6d ago

HELP! 2005 Yamaha FX1100 HO Cruiser; Leaking oil while sitting

1 Upvotes

My 2005 Yamaha FX1100 HO Cruiser is losing or leaking oil while sitting on the trailer.

Oil filter is normal and tight seal. Where should I check for a static leak? I do have acheap endosope, so I can "look" under things, but I really dont know where to look.

WHere should I look for leaking oill in the sump path.


r/jetski • • 7d ago

05 wave runner

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6 Upvotes

i went through some shallow grassy area and lost speed just rev and could go like 3mph i cant visually see any grass or anything thats looks off is the minor scoring on the ring make it needing replaced or any advice


r/jetski • • 7d ago

Question Disposing of an aged jet ski

1 Upvotes

I have 1998 SeaDoo jetski that goes into limp mode not long after I launch it. Im having a hard time finding someone who is willing to work on it in my area (SE Texas) because of the age of it and im about to throw in the towel.

If I give up on the jetski, what is the best way to dispose of it or get rid of it? Are there salvage yards for watercraft that take them for parts? Should I take it to a scrap yard? Hoping to get a few helpful recommendations.


r/jetski • • 8d ago

Technical Issue Looking for assistance

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3 Upvotes

Just got finished rebuilding the 1503 in my 2014 gtx 215 ski got everything back installed no leaks started her up and having a weird issue code po106 and a weird sound maybe coming from the drive shaft area when the motor slows down I attached a link to the video curious too what you guys think it might be hoping something simple and I didn't mess anything up🤣🤣

https://photos.app.goo.gl/U57NhjbgvFoHmezn8


r/jetski • • 8d ago

Technical Issue Help would be most appreciated - wave runner problems.

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4 Upvotes

Me and my dad have identical jet skis. 2005 yamaha vx 110

We got them 2 years ago at 70 hours each. They are at around 130 hours now each they have been great. And work super good. but they have lately began to do some really weird and annoying things. I am asking for help in diagnosis.

important information.

they work fine and go fast ( 57 mph )and all features normal once we get them running ... But lately they have been taking forever to start. .. I am talking. pushing the green button. 15-30 times... And trying to follow the manual on how to safely start it in water. All that.

Both of them are taking forever to start.. we even went and bought a battery powered battery helping booster thing with cables that connects to the battery it's an external mobile helper. It definitely helps a little bit... But even so the problem is not getting fixed it just helps them start faster gives the battery more juice I guess... At first cranks?

But it's struggling a lot. We recently changed the gas because we were using normal 87 and we've changed it to 91 or something. And we already have drained them of the old gas as well.. before we changed it so that it would take new gas. The problem has not gone away.

Only once we get these things started which is typically every single time thankfully. But only after we do and ride them for say an hour or two and have a blast. Do things go back to normal.

After we have rode them for an hour or so and had our fun we turn them off to park them at the doc to load them back up and once I turn them back on after I go and get the ski it starts back up IMMEDIATELY with no problem.

We throw our hands up so confused. They straight up would go 57 mph at that point.. just literally from that start give it some throttle boom. As if there was never any annoying problem of 15 minutes at the beginning...

And the temperature outside is about 80-90 degrees farenheit.

Can someone please help me figure out what's going on with these things? Me and my dad would like to avoid the mechanic route at least for a little bit longer maybe this could be fixed with buying parts ourselves.

Any help would be appreciated.