Jet Skis Buying Guide
A Jet ski, or personal water craft, is an exciting way to enjoy time out on the water. These days they are more high-tech than ever and can seat up to four people. They can be a bit pricey and you want to be sure to get the most enjoyment out whichever product you choose. Take a look through this guide to get some extra tips on buying the best one for you.
Safety Tips
Before you go out for your first joy ride, there's some essential rules you should keep in mind. In order to keep everyone involved safe and happy, take a look through these helpful safety tips. - Take a boater's safety course.
- Before hitting the water, read over the owner's manual and know where all controls are.
- Make sure all drivers are older than sixteen.
- Don't board vehicle unless the engine is completely off.
- Know your water craft's weight limits when carrying extra cargo or passengers. Also, heavier crafts will be harder to maneuver.
- Make sure your jet ski has a lanyard. This will automatically turn off the engine if you fall off.
Buying Tips
When purchasing a water craft, there are certain things you should keep in mind. You don't want to spend all that money just to later find out it's not right for the activities you wanted it for. - Size: Jet skis come in different sizes. They can seat one to four people. Make sure you consider what size would be ideal for you and your family before making a purchase.
- Design: The dimensions of a jet ski are important for safety reasons. Wider, longer jet skis are generally more stable and easier to stay on, whereas shorter, thinner jet skis are more maneuverable but harder to handle. If you lack experience, a bigger jet ski is probably a safer bet.
- Storage: Where to store your jet ski in the off-season is an important issue. If you don't have a large space, like a shed or a garage, you may need to buy a smaller jet ski that will fit in a less-than-spacious storage area.
- Insurance: Insurance is a must-have. Nowadays, most dealers cannot arrange insurance for you, due to strict regulations. Shop around to find one that works for you.
- Transportation: What's the good having a jet ski if you have no means of getting in the water? Before purchasing you should look into getting a trailer
 for it.
- You may want to try renting different models first before deciding which is best for you.
Types
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Solo Craft - The solo craft, also known as the standing jet ski, can only hold one person who remains standing at all times.
- Usually reserved for more experienced riders, these are harder to control.
- Once you do master them, they are great for performing tricks, maneuvering around and jumping over waves.
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Sport Craft - Like the solo craft, a sport craft can be used by only one person at a time.
- The rider, unlike the solo craft, remains seated at all times, making this a better choice for beginners.
- These, though, can be slightly unstable for heavier riders or when going slow speeds.
- Great for maneuvering turns and going fast speeds.
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Two-Seaters - Great for spending a day on the water with some company.
- Depending on the size of the engine, these tend to be slower than vehicles meant for only one person.
- Although slower, they are still stable at high speeds and can make quick turns.
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Three- or Four-Seaters - Great for families or those who don't want to buy multiple jet skis.
- They are sturdy and stable, but won't go as fast as models meant for one or two people.
- Pretty easy to control and can pull other objects in tow more easily .
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Maintenance
Before purchasing a jet ski, you should be aware of all the time and effort it takes maintaining it. If you're unwilling to spend the extra time, eventually the machine won't work properly and will easily become a hassle as well as a waste of money. Keep these tips in mind and you should be all set. - Drain the Engine: 'You should make sure to do this at the end of the season, as soon as you've taken the PWC out of the water.
- Cleaning: You want to make sure to thoroughly clean the exterior. This means scrubbing away all of the grime, algae and excess dirt that might have accumulated throughout the season. Use the same kind of soap that you would use if you were cleaning your car.
- Fill the Tank: Filling the tank will prevent condensation while it is in storage.
- Oil: Spray fogging oil through the carburetors and spark plug cylinders.
- Take Out the Battery: Store the battery in a warm but secluded place, such as a tool shed or a garage. Storing it in the house is not a good idea because it can give off dangerous fumes.
- Storage: Because your jet ski will have a full tank of gas, you want to be cautious of where you store it. Make sure that it is nowhere near any electrical sources or flammable objects. Put a rag in the exhaust pipe to assure that no animals or bugs will nest there. Protect the jet ski with a tarp or any kind of cover that is sturdy and will not scratch the vehicles surface.
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