A long summer on the water riding your own jet ski can be an exhilarating time. Many people dream all winter of the water and the summer sunshine. If you are thinking of buying a jet ski and spending your days riding the waves, there are some purchase mistakes that you should know about. Buying a jet ski can be a rewarding experience if you avoid these common mistakes.
Determine your Budget
Before you even leave your house, decide what you can afford. You should have a set budget. Only you know what you can really afford. Plan ahead. Once you are among the jet skis and the sales people it is very easy to get excited and make an emotional purchase buying more than you can afford. Know your budget when you enter the showroom and stick to it.
Rider Seating
You should determine what size jet ski you want. How many people do you want to fit on the jet ski at the same time? Models range from one rider up to four riders. If you purchase the first exciting looking jet ski you see, you may find later that it doesn’t fit your needs.
Power
How much power does your jet ski need? If you are just going to tour the beaches and enjoy the scenery, you can save yourself some money and buy a jet ski with less horse power. If you are going to pull a knee boarder or a water tuber you’ll want a bigger engine. You should also make sure the jet ski has a towing cleat. Not all models do.
Storage Capacity
In your rush to get on the water, you may forget to think about things like storage space. If you intend to take long rides on your personal watercraft you may need space to take things along. Some models also have coolers for drinks and sandwiches. Don’t make the mistake of forgetting storage capacity.
Laws of the Lake
Make sure the lake you intend to jet ski on allows personal watercrafts. Many lakes have varying laws on the types of watercrafts allowed on them. Some lakes don’t allow gas powered motors, opting instead for paddle power or electric trolling motors. Check the rules where you intend to ride before you invest in a jet ski.
Jet Ski Trailer
Don’t forget the trailer. You will need a way to transport your personal watercraft. If you plan on pulling your jet ski on a trailer you will need to remember to fit it into your predetermined budget. When you look at the price tag on a jet ski remember to save room for the essentials. Along with the trailer you will also need to buy life jackets.
Pulling the Trailer
A jet ski doesn’t weigh nearly as much as a large boat might, but you need to consider the towing capacity of the vehicle you intend to pull your jet ski to the lake with. Determine whether a towing package needs to be added to your vehicle.
Jet Ski Storage
While thinking about all the fun you will have on your new personal watercraft, also think about where you intend to store it. It is best to have an indoor location, such as a garage or a shed to store your jet ski. Make sure you have the room and think about what might be displaced by your jet ski.
Insurance
You will need to insure the jet ski as well. It’s important to remember that there are costs such as insurance, fuel and maintenance involved with owning a jet ski. You should also check with your medical insurance to see if they cover jet ski related injuries. Some policies have a non-liability clause for certain activities such as riding jet skis and ATVs.
Used Jet Ski
Don’t over-extend yourself when purchasing your jet ski. If you can’t make the payment arrangements that you decide upon you may lose your jet ski. If your budget is too tight for a new jet ski, a used jet ski may work best for you. A used jet ski can be a great alternative, but be sure to have it checked out by a trained mechanic.
