Cruising around the water waves on a jet ski is one of the most exciting activities. Not many other water sports can match the sense of freedom or the thrill of adventure that it provides.

If you are among those who enjoy riding this personal watercraft, you might think about buying one for yourself. However, with many options available, picking one can be challenging.

Fortunately, we are here to ensure you make the right buying choice. Whether you are looking for a new or used jet ski, you should follow a few simple rules not to overpay or get an unreliable machine. To help you with that, we’ve prepared a list of things you should consider before buying your dream jet ski.

Budget

Your first task before you start shopping is to establish your budget. It is a fundamental rule of purchase every reasonable consumer should follow.

However, if you are a beginner, you should prepare for a significant investment. An average price of a new jet ski is around $5,500. However, the overall costs may go even higher. You can save a lot of money by choosing a used jet ski.

An average price of a used jet ski is $3,500. Do your research before to check whether it’s actually worth it, though. There are a lot of scammers around.

Age

If you are about to buy a used jet ski, you should determine its age. As a rule of thumb, the maximum age for a Jet Ski is ten years. You can check the age of the jet ski by looking at the hull. If it is painted by hand, the jet ski might be older than ten years. However, if the hull is painted by machine, it means that the jet ski is younger than that.

Engine

Next, take a look at the engine. You should check if it is in good condition by listening to it. If the engine is loud or making strange noises, you should avoid buying it. You don’t want the jet ski to break while you’re riding it, do you?

The engine should also be in the correct size according to the jet ski’s model. You have to consider the number of passengers and how often you plan to use it before deciding on the engine’s size. If you want to ride with many passengers, you should choose a larger engine to make it more powerful. Those who are planning to ride alone should choose a smaller engine that will help them save money on fuel.

Condition of the Jet Ski

The condition of the jet ski is another crucial factor to consider. It should be in perfect condition with no scratches, dings, or cracks. You should also check the jet ski’s seat, which should be comfortable and sturdy. If it doesn’t fit these requirements, you will not enjoy your ride, and you might get tired very quickly.

Registration and Titles

Do not forget to check the registration and titles before you buy a jet ski. If it is not registered or has a fake title, you should not purchase it. A jet ski without a title might be stolen, which can cause you legal issues, and if it’s not registered, it might be illegal to ride in your state.

Lender’s Approval Letter

When you buy a new jet ski, your bank will probably need a lender’s approval letter. It is required to finance your purchase. If you do not have this letter, you will have to put the down payment before buying your jet ski.

Warranty

The final thing you should look for when buying a jet ski is a warranty. Even if you are buying a used jet ski, you should check if it comes with one. A warranty will ensure that your purchase is protected in case something goes wrong. Even though a warranty might just cover the repair cost and not the financial loss, it is still worth using it, as it may save you a lot of money in the long run.

Final Note

Riding a jet ski is a fantastic way to spend your free time. It is exciting, fun, and can give you that adrenaline rush to boost your energy. However, if you’ve finally decided to get yourself your own jet ski instead of renting one every time you visit the seaside, there are a few things you ought to consider.

Prepare your budget, decide whether you wish to buy a new or used jet ski, and ensure you check its parameters and legal requirements before making the purchase. Once you do that, you will be able to carry on and get yourself the machine of your dreams that will give you many memorable moments.