School me on Waverunners

[BurnMac42]

So by buddy is thinking about picking up a waverunner or two....I know absolutely nothing about them so I'm hoping some of you water enthusiasts can at least point me in a general direction.

It will be used and not sure on the budget yet. It won't be a bottom of the barrel deal though...

Are there any years/makes/models for say under $10k that people would recommend? Doesn't have to be the fastest but he would probably prefer 2-3 seaters.....

[Bryan]

I had a '97 seadoo gsx and loved it! 2 seater that would do 70+... If I were in the market again, I would try to stick to an earlier 2 stroke version. I realize the supercharged four strokes are supposed to be better for the environment, but the 2 strokes are WAY more fun, IMO...

[Thegerman618]

I have 2 06 Seadoo GTX Limited Supercharged 255 Hp 3 seaters. We put about 30 hours a year or so on them, never had a problem with them, then again we don't really romp on them either.

[TeamAllen]

What type of conditions would it/they be used in? I'm assuming fresh water, but small or large bodies of water?

[99bison]

Just get a Yamaha vx deluxe with cruise and be done debating. Otherwise you'll get into the intended uses, which given the question you asked you aren't going to know the answers too .

[Wagonhound]

I have 2 Supercharged Seadoo RXPs. He should be able to pick up some low mileage Seadoos, Wave Runners, JetSkis for under $10K. 2 strokes are a maintenance nightmare and it has been like 12 years since they were taken off the market. In two years he'll want to sell them and get a Tige' anyway.

[IDBoating]

I had a '97 seadoo gsx and loved it! 2 seater that would do 70+... If I were in the market again, I would try to stick to an earlier 2 stroke version. I realize the supercharged four strokes are supposed to be better for the environment, but the 2 strokes are WAY more fun, IMO...

This! Exactly this! We bought two 2-stroke Seadoo jetskis, including the exact same 1997 GSX as mentioned, and they are the perfect solution. The GSX easily handles two adults, three in a pinch. Tons of power, very reliable, easy to maintain. When they went to 4-strokes (roughly 2000) things got a LOT heavier, which drove them to super/turbochargers, and the whole thing just got too complex.

2 strokes are a maintenance nightmare and it has been like 12 years since they were taken off the market.

There is a huge aftermarket industry supporting Seadoo's 2-stroke jetskis. SBT Engines provides everything for the powertrain, for example, right up to fully remanufactured engines with 1-2 year warranties. Lots and LOTS of other companies too, for everything from voltage regulators to seat covers to you name it. There is NO reason to avoid the 2-strokes due to worries about support. As for maintenance, 2-strokes are inherently simple and therefore easy to maintain.

I would look for pre-2000 Seadoos with the 787/800 Rotax engine. Bulletproof reliability, tons of support, great power-to-weight ratio. You should be able to find machines in great condition for $2000-3000 each.

[BurnMac42]

What type of conditions would it/they be used in? I'm assuming fresh water, but small or large bodies of water?

Fresh water/small body....

[TeamAllen]

Well, I am no expert by any means, but I am surrounded by friends that are in the industry and I have learned a lot from them. I have found it is difficult to get facts and mostly opinion. I have owned both 2 and 4 strokes. I prefer the reliability, EFI and range of the newer 4 strokes. That decision is easier for me since 2 strokes are banned at most of the lakes I ride. I also ride in the ocean. When I am 15 miles off shore on a 10' watercraft, I do not want any problems.

I ride a Kawasaki 15F and it has been incredible for me. Yamaha's have a great reputation for their reliability and ease of self maintenance. You will see them in most rental fleets for a reason. You should be able to find a pair of 3 seaters on a trailer for $10K or less. This is the peak season to buy one though. You can usually find a better deal in the off season, of course.