SF bay area for sale by owner "jet ski" - craigslist (2024)

FAQs

Why are jet skis so expensive right now? ›

The cost of a jet ski is influenced by factors such as engine type, performance, and additional features, with four-stroke engines being more reliable but also heavier and pricier than two-strokes.

Since the average lifetime of a Jet Ski engine is 300 hours, anything above 100 hours is considered high mileage. Depending on the budget, you could go with a model that runs for 200 hours, as long as it is 5-6 years old and has a complete service history.

The average jet ski has a lifespan of roughly 300 hours. Although this might not sound a lot on paper, considering you wouldn't typically use your jet ski all year round. 300 hours should represent a good few years as far as your vehicle's shelf-life is concerned.

Modern machines have service timers built in just like cars and the owner's manual will tell you what needs to be done at certain hours. Most manufacturers produce machines designed to last around 10 years; at 30 hours a year, the approximate average lifespan of a PWC would be around 300 hours.

Like any other boat, a personal watercraft (PWC) such as a BRP Sea-Doo, Yamaha WaveRunner or Kawasaki Jet Ski, requires some maintenance to keep it running reliably. The good news is that a PWC requires very little in the way of maintenance.

Running hours: According to Weller Recreation, a 2-stroke engine can last anywhere from 200 to 300 hours, while a 4-stroke lasts from 300-400 hours. Anything above 100 hours is usually considered high mileage, but you could still get years of enjoyment out of an older Jet Ski.

Whenever a tank of gas sits for a long time (longer than 6 months), the gas can degrade and form varnish and residues. These residues can plug up a fuel system and cause the engine to run very poorly (and sometimes not want to start at all).

The Cost of a Used Jet Ski

Jet skis range in cost from $5,000 to $20,000, making them a much cheaper option than new boat prices. However, the prices listed are the cost of a new jet ski. The cost of used jet skis could vary considerably based on features and how much the previous owner used them on the water.

Test in the Summer, buy in the Winter

However, if you spend a summer taking test drives, then wait to buy your jet ski when it's cold and the tourists creating all that demand are gone, you're likely to get a much better price from both current owners and jet ski dealerships.

Why do jet skis only last 300 hours? ›

Seals could easily go out before 300 hours. Other engine components need to be checked such as the cylinder hole roundness, pistons and piston rings, and compression to name a few. It depends on how well it is maintained and how it is ridden, brand of oil used in fuel mixture.

Most jet ski engines aren't designed to last a long time, so it's uneconomical to purchase a personal watercraft with more than 300 hours. A good range to be in is around 100 hours or less.

The good news is each Jet Ski or personal watercraft brand generally has excellent reliability – as long as they are properly maintained according to their individual service schedule. As with cars, sometimes things can go wrong.

Riding a jet ski can be easy for some people, but it may take some time and practice for others to become comfortable with the controls and handling. It is generally easier for those familiar with operating small boats or other personal watercraft.

It means Sea-Doo, Yamaha and Kawasaki – and their dealers – are now overstocked. The surplus of stock is in stark contrast compared with 2020 and 2021 when the industry was hit with chronic stock shortages due to production interruptions throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Jet skis range in cost from $5,000 to $20,000, making them a much cheaper option than new boat prices. However, the prices listed are the cost of a new jet ski. The cost of used jet skis could vary considerably based on features and how much the previous owner used them on the water.

More often than not riders will usually find better deals on Jet Skis in the winter months when most riders are not on the water, due to decrease in sales due to weather conditions. Just as you can go to a used car dealership you can also buy used Jet Skis from dealerships at a reduced price.