What to look for - Purchasing used PWC

[Barkleymut]

I've never driven let alone owned a PWC. But I am likely going to buy one this weekend to use at my moms place on Lake Gaston in NC. The plan is to keep it in the water all summer at her dock. Will this pose a problem?

About the PWC- what should I be looking for? I know a decent amount about auto engines but nothing about marine. What year did most PWC manufacturers switch from 2 stroke?

Thanks for any help

 

[JTK]

It's been years since I've owned one, but I started with a used ~1988 Bombardier/SeaDoo, then to a new 1994 Yamaha Pro VXR, then to a new 1997 Kawasaki 750 ZXi.

The Yamaha was me favorite in regards to build quality, fit/finish and serviceability.

The Kawi was the most comfortable and rode/handled the best.

I spent more time and money working on the old Seadoo than I did riding it.

Regardless of what you get, they're not intended to be kept/stored in the water.

I think the 4-stroked started becoming mainstream in the mid 2000's.

Joel

 

[sciphi]

Start asking maintenance questions, and think hard if they give you the deer in the headlights look a goodly number of boat owners get when talking about maintaining their boats.

Ask about how many hours the boat has, riding style, and any problems that have cropped up. Worst case take the most promising to a marine engine place to get looked over.

Also check out registration for them, and any courses/endorsements/certifications needed to legally operate one. Up here in NY they're registered like boats. The operator needs to have taken a PWC safety course to legally operate one, and needs to carry the safety course card on them when operating a PWC. Otherwise when the sheriff checks it's a big fine.

 

[Barkleymut]

Luckily I will be using it in North Cackalacky which only requires a safety course if you are under 26....not even close to applying to me. Just have to get it registered and then get it wet.

 

[Barkleymut]

What about parts availability for a 97 Tigershark monte carlo 770? it has a Suzuki 768cc engine.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: Barkleymut
What about parts availability for a 97 Tigershark monte carlo 770? it has a Suzuki 768cc engine.


I believe Tigershark PWC went belly-up around 1998. Dunno if Articat supports parts for them anymore.

There weren't many of them in the water even back in the day. I'd probably stay away unless it's real cheap.

Joel