How to Pick a Jet Ski
Buying a jet ski is a major investment, but it is one that will reward you for years to come. Which one you pick, however, can be a very tough decision. There are a lot of questions to be answered, from the amount you're willing to spend to the kind of power you'd like your jet ski to have. Pick a jet ski that'll fill as many of your requirements, but also choose one with a proven track record and you'll be ready for the water.
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Instructions
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Determine your budget. A low-end, economical jet ski can be moderately priced, while a high-end, high-performance jet ski can be very expensive. If you choose to pick a custom jet ski, then expect the price to rise even higher.
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Pick a jet ski that has seating for more than one person, particularly if you have a bigger family and want to share the experience. Many jet skis are built to accommodate between one and four passengers, with three being the most common. Note that these models are generally more expensive.
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Pick a jet ski that is easy to transport. Many of the smaller, single-passenger jet ski models can be safely loaded onto the bed of a pickup truck, while a larger model will require a special hitch in order to transport the jet ski from place to place.
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Examine the horsepower of each jet ski in which you are interested. It's important to note that a jet ski with lower horsepower doesn't necessarily mean a dramatic reduction in performance. For example, a jet ski with an 80 hp motor that spins at over 6,000 RPM will give you a great deal of acceleration.
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Choose a jet ski with a great fuel capacity. When you're out on the water, there's nothing worse than running out of fuel far from the shore. A tank that holds between 8 and 10 gallons is generally considered a good size.
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Visit a website like Jet-Ski-Now.com and use a comparison tool to see the differences between different jet skis (see Resources below). You'll have access to information ranging from the draft of the jet ski to the price and passenger load.
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Tips & Warnings
Always get advice from people who already own jet skis. People who own jet skis can give you practical advice about which model to pick.
Wait for national holidays to find the best deal on a jet ski. Like any other purchase, you can find great price drops or incentives around major holidays like Christmas or even President's Day.
Learn about any regulations for owning and operating a jet ski before you pick one. Some municipalities require different licensing than others, so check to ensure you have all the proper paperwork.
Operating a jet ski is not terribly difficult, but you should invest in lessons prior to heading out on your own.
Always wear a life preserver whenever you operate a jet ski.
