Does anyone own a waverunner?

[SamRoc]

We have started looking for a waverunner to use at the Jersey shore this summer. Got the star ledger and have been reading the local papers. The are very expensive new, would like to start out with something used but not more than 2 years old (my husband said a 4 stroke is the best) Does anyone own one of these and if they do, which brand do you like and where do you think we should start looking for a good quality used waverunner? thanks

 

[dadto1]

I'd go sea-doo 4 stroke if I had my choice. With all the environmental restrictions the 2-strokes are on borrowed time. I've owned more than 15 thru my life and prefer the sea-doo gtx three seaters. The #1 thing to look for on them is has the head been off the engine. Always at least hear them run hooked to a waterhose and test ride if possible. Little things like trim not working or digital gauge not working can cost mega $ to fix.

 

[SamRoc]

Thanks so much dadto1. We just started looking at these and we want to make the right choice. I think there is a sea doo dealer near where we go for the summer, will check them out this weekend, maybe they have a leftover from last year or someone might be selling one that isnt too old.

 

[wdwmom2]

We have a 2004 Yamaha FX High Output 4 stroke and it is great!!!!! It is a three seater and we have alot of fun on it. It does really well towing kneeboards, tubes, etc. It has plenty of hp, 160 I think. We spend our Sundays in the summer on the lake. You do have to winterize them and then serviced again in the spring before using. In the winter we take the battery out and put it on a battery tender. It does prolong the battery's life. If you plan on using it in salt water there are extra procautions that you should definately take to avoid problems. I believe you need to flush it out, there is a special place to hook the garden hose up to do this. And then some type of spray, silicone maybe???, to spray over the engine to prevent corrosion. Not exactly sure as we have never had it in salt water. But we are taking it to OC, MD this summer.

Hope this helps!!!!

 

[Want2liveatWDW]

Also be aware, in the state of NJ, you need to take a special boating class to get a license to drive them.
My husband had to take it last year.

"New Jersey Persons born after Jan. 1, 1979 must have a state boating safety certificate in their possession when operating any power vessel; Persons born on or before Dec. 31, 1978 must have a state boating safety certificate in their possession when operating a personal watercraft, and; Operators on non-tidal waters must have a New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) boating license in addition to a state boating safety certificate. "

From this website http://www.americanboating.org/boateducation.asp

 

[wdwmom2]

Also be aware, in the state of NJ, you need to take a special boating class to get a license to drive them.
My husband had to take it last year.

"New Jersey Persons born after Jan. 1, 1979 must have a state boating safety certificate in their possession when operating any power vessel; Persons born on or before Dec. 31, 1978 must have a state boating safety certificate in their possession when operating a personal watercraft, and; Operators on non-tidal waters must have a New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) boating license in addition to a state boating safety certificate. "

From this website http://www.americanboating.org/boateducation.asp

Yep, my whole family has there boating safety certificate. You may want to check this out.

 

[ChrisnSteph]

We own two Yamahas, I don't know exactly what models they are. They are a few years old. They've been good to us, and with the exception of a few minor problems have run really well. We have a friend who works in a motorsport shop that works on jet skis/waverunners, and he said the ones he works on the most are the Sea-Doos. We also have some friends who own a newer Sea-Doo and have had nothing but problems with it. It looks awesome though!

 

[flatline]

we just sold our yamaha waveventure 1100. it had over 100 hours on it, but the only thing I ever had to swap out was plugs and batteries. the saltwater and FL sun eats them up, so we had to be very careful with the flushing and routine maintenance. 4 stroke is definately the way to go now.

 

[SamRoc]

Thanks everyone for all your help. I just heard about the course you had to take this past weekend. Our whole family will take the safety course. wdwmom2, great picture! Yes ours will be in salt water so I guess we have to learn the right way to maintain it. Will be looking around again this weekend. Cant wait to get one!