I’ve talked briefly about jet ski hours in my post on what to look for in a used jet ski. This topic is so vast I feel jet ski hours deserve there own post.
So let’s cover all questions like…
- What are too many hours for a jet ski?
- Should you buy a jet ski over 300 hours?
- Do jet ski hours matter?
- Despite the hours what jet skis to avoid.
- How to tell the hours on a jet ski.
- How are jet ski hours counted?
- Engine hours and maintenance.
- Use hours as a gas gauge?
Table of Contents
What Are Too Many Hours for a Jet Ski?
The average person puts 30 hours a year on their jet ski. So if the jet ski is 5 years old, I would expect it to have 150 hours.
If that jet ski has under that number, I consider that a win.
If that jet ski has over the 30 hours a year number, I start looking for other factors to determine if the jet ski is worth it.
How Many Jet Ski Hours Is a Lot?
As a general rule, anything over 500 hours is too many hours for a 4-stroke jet ski. If it’s a 2-stroke jet ski anything over 300 hours is too many.
A common trend I’m seeing when buying and selling jet skis is that most people will sell them before 200 hours and a lot will even sell with under 100 hours on them.
Any jet ski under 100 hours on it is a good buy and still has a long life left in it especially if it’s a 4-stroke.
Why Jet Ski Hours Don’t Matter
I’ve made a point in my “5 factors to consider before buying a used jet ski” that hours don’t matter.
I say this because in the years of buying and selling jet skis, I’ve come across so many cases that counter hours being the decisive factor for a jet skis worth.
I’ve seen jet skis with over 300 hours on them do better than a jet ski with 20 hours.
What matters more than hours is how well the jet ski was taken care of.
When someone sees 300 hours on a jet ski they usually think it’s worn out. I instead see a guy who took care of his watercraft so it could last that long.
Someone selling a 10-year-old jet ski with only 20 hours on it I start to question everything. 20 hours tells me they never done much servicing on the PWC if at all. It also tells me either they did not like the machine or something has always been wrong with it.
I’ve seen engines blow at 5 hours and jet skis with so many hours I’m left scratching my head as to how it’s still going.
All I’m trying to say is that hours are not the end all be all thing to determine a jet skis worth. The context of how well the owner took care of the PWC and conditions of things like the seat are way better-determining factors.
I go over this and many more in my ebook here. Enter “hours” at checkout for 50% off.
Should You Buy a Jet Ski over 300 Hours?
It’s not like as soon as you hit 300 hours the jet ski won’t work anymore. But you should still be cautious of a watercraft that has that many hours, especially when it’s over 10 years old.
All manufacturers make their jet skis to last 10 years, and at 30 hours a year, that is 300 hours.
Would I still buy a jet ski with 300 hours on it? Maybe, it depends on how well they took care of the PWC. Another thing that would affect it is what kind of watercraft it is?
If it’s a muscle watercraft, then that would be a hard NO from me. The jet skis made to go fast have more moving parts like superchargers. The more moving parts the greater the chances of something to go wrong especially as it gets older.
If it’s a Recreation Watercraft like a Yamaha VX or Sea-Doo GTI, I would consider it over any musclecraft.
At the end of the day, I would be open to the idea of a 300 or more hour jet ski so long as nothing is majorly wrong with it. But I would also understand this thing is not going to last another 10 years and would consider it disposable. This is not a bad thing if it’s your first watercraft, something used and broke in is a great way to get into the sport.
Don’t Forget the Manufacturer or Lack Of
There are only 3 main jet ski manufacturers today, Sea-Doo + Yamaha + Kawasaki.
There was a time when you could get a Honda, Wetbike, Polaris, Tigershark or Arctic Cat. You can’t get these jet skis anymore and no matter there hours you should avoid them.
Not because they’re bad machines, but the manufacturer doesn’t make parts for them anymore. The aftermarket stock parts is not a thing for jet skis so you can’t go to your local parts store and get an aftermarket replacement.
On top of that jet ski manufacturers only make their watercraft to last for 10 years. When I say last, that is the number they shoot for, but they’re not surprised if they go over that easily. But this does mean that is the cut off time for many of the parts they make. If the manufacturer is not making replacement parts, it makes fixing a jet ski harder if something breaks.
The good news is that jet ski manufacturers don’t change big things that often. Components like the engine or pump, the two most important things have been around for a long time for most of these manufacturers. For example, Sea-Doo still uses the same 155HP engine block they released back in 2002.
But that plastic decorative piece on the hood from 2002 is more than likely not around anymore. The general cosmetic things like replacement seat covers do have a thriving aftermarket supply even for stuff that goes back to the ’90s. Just don’t expect to be able to get that one GTX 4-Tec decal on the bottom left of the hood for your 2003 GTX.
How To Find The Hours on a Jet Ski
Figuring out the jet ski hours is super easy. In the 90’s many jet skis never had an hour meter on them but those are all 2-strokes, and I don’t recommend buying anything that old.
Your modern 4-Stroke jet skis will have hours either displayed on the gauge as soon as you put the key on or reveal when you press the Mode button. The button is usually located next to the gauge, or on the handlebars or right below the handlebars next to the glovebox.
Tip: The hours on the gauge can lie… well, the owner can. Some bad people will buy a new gauge to “reset” the hours to make their watercraft seem newer than it is. So if the hours seem too good to be true, then they just might be. The good news is that the hours for your jet ski is not only stored in the gauge but in other places of the PWC. To get the accurate hours of the watercraft, you’ll need to take it to a dealership and have them read the jet ski’s computer.
How Are Jet Ski Hours Counted?
When the jet ski’s engine is on the hour meter is counting. What you see for hours is engine hours and nothing else.
Even when idling the hours are being counted so it’s best to turn the engine off when you have docked. Not only should you do that to save on hours but it’s not smart to leave the engine running on your jet ski if you’re not riding it.
Jet Ski Engine Hours and Maintenance
When it comes to jet ski hours, the best thing they’re good for is telling when you need to service the PWC.
When you get a new jet ski, you’ll want to break the engine in and take it really easy for the first 5 hours. Then you need to get your first service done, which is anywhere from 10 hours to 50 hours depending on your manufacturer.
From that point, you’ll want to get it serviced every 25 to 50 hours depending on your manufacturer. Or once a year if you never reach those numbers.
Your modern jet skis have service timers built in just like cars. So you’ll get the alerts for service for when they’re due. But for older watercraft, you’ll have to pay attention to the jet ski hour meter to know when you need to service them.
On top of that specific components like the supercharger needs servicing every 100 or 200 hours.
Every manufacturer and model is different but your owners manual will tell you what components need to be replaced at certain hours.
Can I Use the Jet Ski Hour Meter as a Gas Gauge?
Never use the jet ski hour meter as a gas gauge.
In a span of an hour, you can use more gas if you’re blasting around then you would cruising.
I know some people use the miles on their car to determine when they should fill up, but jet skis are not as predictable on gas.
Joe in Cali says
Great Article thanks for the info and break down. Every thing you said makes sense. Although I do own a Honda 2004 Aquatrax Fx 12 nonturbo and you can still get parts for them just more costly on certain parts. Honda still backs their recalls till this day. Going to take mine in for recall on gas tank. Just call Honda head quarters and they will give you the number in your area. Stay way from the turbos just like you basically said. Unless you can flip one and make some cash. Happy summner fellow Pwc riders.
Was planning on going to lake perris for father’s day no go….algae bloom. Got hosed well any suggestions. Joe in Cali.
Steven says
Honda sure did make some great PWCs, just wish they still made them.
Diane Praska says
Hi Steven, great article as it is very helpful. I’m looking at a 2018 seadoo spark with 60 hours with 2018 trailer for $6500 or a 2011 Yamaha vx with 122 hours with trailer for 5200. I’m in Florida. The seadoo is still under warranty but the Yamaha looks so much nicer even though it’s 2011. I am new to PWC this is my first purchase. Which is the better buy?
Steven says
The Spark will be more playful and fun compared to the VX but the VX is no slouch either. The VX will be more comfortable for longer rides but the Spark will be more fun on shorter rides. If it was me and being new to the sport I would lean towards the VX because it’s cheaper and a good entry to the jet ski world. After owning the VX for a while you can get a feel of what you like, if you like comfort you can move towards the FX’s/GTX’s or if you like more playful you can move towards the Sparks or EX’s.
David Pavlik says
What are your thoughts about buying a jet ski that was a rental? There’s a lot of them in my area… one or two years old, rented for one summer season. They look brand new, supposedly flushed after each use (salt water use), maintenance per manufacturer recommendations. My concern, 500 to 600 hours. Yamaha EX and Sea Doo sparks are common and are listed at around 4,500 to 5,000…. 2018 models.
Steven says
I try to avoid rental jet skis. The people who rent them don’t care about them and they often do everything wrong. Not only that but they always have high hours. For 500 hours I would expect that from a 15-year-old jet ski. You’ll also find it nearly impossible to sell it yourself in the future once you want to upgrade as you’ll have even more hours than you do now. Even if the jet ski is still a year or two old at those hours the warranties on them expire so you don’t have the benefit of warranty care. They’re also asking way too much for a 2018 Spark or EX with that many hours, maybe if they were $2500 or 3k I would consider them but I would not expect to resell them and treat them like they’re disposable. For your price range, you can find better deals with fewer hours.
Albert says
Have a question looking to buy 2 jet skies from a rental place in Wisconsin the guy says they have almost 600 hours on them each he has 2 of them and they are 2007 Yamahas asking 3500 for both first time buying so really don’t know much if someone can give me good advice thank you
Steven says
I tend to avoid rental jet skis as they have a lot of hours and the people riding them don’t care about them. But if they’re 2007 models with 600 hours each then that rental place did not use them much or something is not right. A rental company can easily get 500 hours on a jet ski after 2 years. But the ones you’re looking at are from 2007 which is 13 years ago. That is about what I expect from a normal rider to put on the machine. Something doesn’t seem right so I would avoid those.
Erik says
Hi Steven, Looking at a 2012 gti 155 with about 325 hours. Guy wants 5500 which seems high to me for a ski with that many hours…..could you give me your opinion on the age/price assuming the machine had regular maintenance done.
Steven says
Today KBB Watercraft has it at $5905. If that includes a trailer $5500 is a deal. If it does not include a trailer $5500 for me personally is too high. That 155HP engine from Sea-Doo is solid and to have that many hours means he liked it and was a good machine. I would still ask for service records to make sure he took care of it right. Since we’re going into the heat of the season I would be happy at $5k, but if you wait too long someone might just give him what he’s looking for as it’s getting warmer.
baron says
I have been looking at a pair of 2008 GTX 215 with 127 hours on one and 133 on the other. Garage kept and looks new. So I am assuming they just did not use it. They are asking 8500 for the pair with TRL. I have a pair of 2004 FXHO and one blow the motor after 889 hours. So looking for something newer but they all over 10K jut for one ski.
Steven says
With that GTX you’ll want to make sure the supercharger has been rebuilt recently and you need proof of that. The 215HP engine between 2006 to even 2009 had supercharger problems. That model needs its superchargers rebuilt every 100 hours.
Stef Schmidt says
Hi looking at a 2004 seadoo Rxdi with 114 hours for 4k on a trailer. Looks real nice still what do you think?
Steven says
I avoid all DI 2-Strokes from Sea-Doo. They all eventually get phantom electrical problems.
Adam says
I’m buying a 2013 Yamaha FX SHO with 104 hours and a 2013 Continental trailer. It was a dealership trade-in. I’m having the dealership do the 100 hour owner’s manual service before delivery. At $8,700 out the door, how’d I do?
Steven says
With a trailer, not bad. Plus they’re doing the service, it sounds like you’re going to have a good ski and a good time.
Bryce says
Im looking at 2 Yamaha jet skis. Both same year, which is 2000, one is a Yamaha GP760 and the other is a Yamaha XL800. the GP760 has 156 hours on it and the XL800 has 176 hours on it. He is asking $4,200 for both of them including a trailer. What do you think about he hours and the price?
Steven says
I tend to avoid 2-strokes due to them not being made anymore and parts are very hard to find. https://www.steveninsales.com/5-factors-consider-buying-used-jet-ski/ Also, 2 stroke engines are only built to last between 200 and 300 hours before you should consider rebuilding them. Where a 4-stroke can go way beyond that. You’ll also find many lakes and rivers banning 2-strokes because of how much they pollute the water.
Ed says
Great article, very informative. This weekend, I’m going to look at a 2012 Yamaha VX Cruiser with 200 hrs. $6k with trailer included. Do you think that’s a fair price?
Steven says
$6k with trailer seems fair to me. KBB watercraft has just the machine at $6k and he’s giving you a trailer too is a win. Nothing too odd about the VX for that year but I would still lake test it and check it out before buying. At 200 hours that is about where I expect it to be for an 8-year-old jet ski.
Robert Blakley says
Hello Steven, Long time rider, first time buyer. Thoughts on 2008 Sea Doo 130 GTIs with 500 hours. Looking a a pair with trailer for $8,0000
Steven says
Solid ski but those hours are very high. They’re 12 years old so I would expect 360 hours on each one maybe 400 but 500 is a little too high. Maybe if the guy does the whole package for $7k I would consider it but know those are high hours for any jet ski.
Anthony Parillo says
Hello, My neighbor selling 2010 VX cruiser with 50 hours on it. Mostly used in lake. Well maintained with a new trailer he is asking 5200. Hours are low is this a problem if it was properly serviced ?
Steven says
If he serviced it every year then low hours don’t matter that much. If anything that is a good sign and you found a gem! I would still lake test it to make sure it runs fine.
trojanboogs says
I agree with Steve lake test it and if everything is a go, jump on it. Sounds like a great deal. I’m on offer up and let go all the time. People are asking that much for jestkis with over 200 hours.That are older and not even takin care of. Have fun riding…. I own a Honda r12 and Seadoo Gts. Yamahas are supposed to be the best machines out there that last over time very dependable when starting.
John says
I am looking at a 2016 Yamaha Wave Runner VX Cruiser HO with 97 hours. Seller wants $9,499.00 including trailer and cover. He will throw jet dock with pipes and fittings in for $1,000.00. Is this a good deal? I am thinking $9,499.00 with jet dock would be great?
Steven says
He seems to be a little high. As of now, KBB watercraft says retail is $8k. A used trailer maybe $500 and a cover I wouldn’t factor in as you should buy a new one anyway. Though $1k for a good drive-up lift is a good deal. He might be stuck on that number because jet skis are selling like crazy this year due to current events. I never have seen the market like this before, but I would try to haggle him down some as he’s way off.
Rachel says
2006 seadoo gti, 300 hours, oil just changed. $4000 with trailer. This would be my first jet ski, just concerned the hours are high. Another option is $6000 for seadoo 2011 gts 130 120 hours.
What’s your opinion on the better deal, better model, and if either would be resellable later?
Steven says
I would personally go with the 2006 GTI because it has reverse as the GTS in 2011 did not. For a 2006, having 300 hours is not a lot, I would expect closer to 400.
Lou says
looking to get a 2020 GTI Rental it has 450 to 500 hours also has all service records, Asking for $3500 to $4000 is this a good deal or stay away.
Steven says
That’s a tough one as I would need to see them personally to make that decision. If I had to give you an answer, that is way too many hours for a current year model and I would avoid it. Unless they can prove they took care of them and serviced them when they’re supposed to I would consider it but rental units are ridden hard and not treated right by most renters. I tend to avoid rental machines.
Kay says
Hello i am in the caribbean there is someone offering me a 2008 seadoo rxt 215, with 195 hours for 4.8k wanting to know if i should go for it over a 2014 spark with 124 hours for 3.7k. I cant seem to find anywhere online how long these rxt models usually last.
Steven says
With that year model RXT I would make sure the supercharger has been rebuilt as that year was a bad year for them. Compared to the Spark, the RXT will ride way better especially in rough water.
Steven says
Steve, looking at buying a 2018 gtx limited seadoo with the sound system and trailer. Guy is asking 14,500. Has 350 hours and these components added. riva racing exhaust and exhaust manifold. Stage two racing… come with ski pylon also 3 life jackets cooler for ski and dock rope dry storag.
Thoughts?
Steven says
That’s going to be a loud and fast GTX Limited! That’s a lot of hours for a 2018 too. With all those aftermarket parts I would be not so willing to get it unless you want an extremely fast jet ski. Those are not cheap or easy upgrades to do so this guy really wants to go fast.
John McCarthy says
Steven, I am looking at buying a pair of used 2013 Seadoo GTS 130’s. Each has 450 hours. I use KBB to set the benchmark price, double check with JD Power and then begin the handicap process. My research has told me that the average use per year is around 30 hours, and that PWC makers design the units to last about 10 years. How would you begin to look at pricing given that the number of hours on these machines are almost double the average? Another way of asking this question: do you have a metric that prices the machine after the basic year x average hour/year usage ? Is it every 30 hours you drop the price $50, $100. I understand your mindset when you say that machines that are taken care of last longer, but is there a limit to that statement ?
Steven says
After 10 years cosmetic parts become hard to find but the important stuff stays around much longer. This 10-year thing was mostly for 2-strokes and with 4-strokes these days they’re lasting so much longer. As for the hours, 450 is a lot for a 2013 model. But that 130 or 155 Sea-Doo engines are good and can handle those hours fine. The way 2020 has been going pricing for used and new jet skis have been overly high because demand is way up due to current events. Also, keep in mind the 2013 GTS did not have reverse or braking, only the GTI and up had that. The GTS models are mostly bought by rental companies and that would explain the high hours. KBB watercraft has retail for a good condition at $4950 as of right now. If you can get one for $3800 that would be a steal, but $4,200 would be fair. This of course is me shooting in the dark because I have not seen them in person and just giving you a rough idea.
Kirsten says
Hi there, our family is new to the PWC world. We recently rented a pair of Yamaha VX Deluxe’s at our nearby boat club and HAD A BLAST! Now we have waverunner fever and are on the hunt. I found a pair of Yamaha FX SHO’s from 2009 and 2010 with 90 and 68 hours on them. Seller advertises that the skis and trailer have been kept in a conditioned warehouse (I’m guessing a storage unit) and that he has all maintenance records from the Yamaha dealer. One owner. We talked to the sales rep about new units and we have our eye on 2021 Yamaha VX Cruiser HO’s (which should be revealed by Yamaha tomorrow). How would these skis compare? Seller is asking $16,500 for the 2 skis and trailer. Is this something I should jump on or wait to buy new in the next few weeks? Should I ask the seller of the used skis if we can test drive them? Thanks for any info you can help us with!! Sales rep says new Cruisers with trailer would run us around $32K out the door. This is half price…which is VERY inviting!! Just not sure about buying used. Hubby is worried about taking on someone else’s problems.
Steven says
The body from 2009 would be very similar to the VX body today. All jet skis keep getting bigger and bigger, what was luxury 10 years ago is recreational today. The FX SHO will for sure be more powerful and the price is quite nice as new and used jet skis in 2020 sold like crazy. I would not expect the official 2021 to be shipped until December at the earliest (we had a few 2021 released but they were just 2020 with a 2021 sticker). If you got to have them now the used ones will be what you want. Just make sure to lake test them and watch for scammers, the word “warehouse” always worries. I guess I had too many bad experiences when people use that word, it was usually too good to be true.
Nash Trifunovic says
Hi there, I am on a market for Yamaha VX or FX cruiser. I found a 2018 Yamaha VX cruiser with 280h on it, still under the warranty. It was used as a rental, according to the owner new jet pump was installed. He would sell it for $6000 (no trailer). I like that it’s still under the warranty but I am afraid to pull a trigger on it since it has almost 300h on it. What are your thoughts, is a jet ski like this worth taking a gamble on it or should I pass on it because of the hours.
Best regards!
Nash
Steven says
I usually avoid rental models because they’re ridden hard and often by people who never ridden jet skis before. Also, the high hours makes it harder for you later to sell the watercraft later, and too high of hours can affect warranty items. It’s like how cars have a warranty for 3 years 36k miles, it similar to jet skis too.
Ralph lindblad says
My 2011 yamaha vx deluxe has 922 hours. It was a rental with over 800 hours when I bought it in 2015. I paid way too much for it in my opnion. $4000 for the ski and trailer. That said it still runs and never gives any trouble. I just plan to ride it till it quits.
Theo says
Hello.
I really appreciate your posts. I am moving to seaside and am buying two PWC for me and my wife (it will be in use a lot so am looking for reasonable maintance cost). I read that the most reliable is Yamaha VXS because is non charged. Here in EU is one selling for 8000€ with trailor it is 2011 year with 295 hours (1st owner in family use and well maintance) on the other hand the new VX-C 2019 is selling for 10600€. So is really VXS that better that is worth spending 8000€ for 9years old PWC with almost 300h?
Than there is also one selling VX 1100 2008 year with 275 hours, first owner, well maintance for 4500€ with trailor.
Thank you very much for your answers.
Best regards,
Theo
Steven says
The EU might be suffering the same problem as the US with everyone being home which made everyone want a jet ski so it drove prices high. I’ve seen used jet skis in 2020 sell for well over what I would normally pay for them but the demand is there. You’ll for sure want to avoid a supercharger model if you want to get the most life out of your jet ski. The VX-C is a very entry-level machine and the VXS was not back in the day. The VX-C doesn’t have reverse and it’s mostly rental companies that buy them and since yours is a 2019 I have a good feeling it’s a rental company trying to get rid of it. I steer away from rental units as they’re ridden hard by people who really don’t know how to drive them, this is especially true for ones that lack reverse. Since there was such a boom in 2020 with new and used jet skis I would personally wait till 2021 to see if the market becomes flooded with used jet skis that people are trying to get rid of.
Leon says
I am looking at a 2008 yamaha vx110 with 298 hours and a trailer. The ski is pretty scatched up, the owner is asking 3k? Would this be a good buy.
Steven says
If the scratches are showing the white fiberglass underneath and especially if it’s on the underside of the hull I would be less likely to buy it. The price is not too far off but fiberglass damage can be an issue as it will spread if not fixed.
Carlos Olano says
Hi Steven, I found an offer for a Seadoo GTI SE 155 2011 with around 50 hours (it seems a good deal including trailer), on the other hand there’s a demo GT 130 2020 from the dealership with around 50 hours as well but price does not includes trailer. New one is 50% pricier than used one. Any suggestions?
Steven says
Either one is a win but I would go with the 155HP for the more HP, comes with a trailer, and cheaper too.
Kelly says
Hey Steven,
I’m looking at twin 2007 Honda Aquatrax F12 for sale with 184 and 196 hours. The twin trailer is included and the asking price is $7900.00. What are your thoughts?
Steven says
It’s tricky because Honda doesn’t make jet skis anymore. I would avoid them unless you have a good tech that can work and find parts for them. https://www.steveninsales.com/honda-jet-skis-happen-worth/
Ayv Greenway says
Hi Steven, I’m looking at Sea Doo GTX 215 Supercharged in very good condition,with a few scratch’s on the bottom of the hull. Has done 158hrs
Last serviced in Dec 2020- New plugs, starter solenoid, wear ring, oil pack.
Alluminium trailer with new springs, bearings and sumersible lights. Will have new WOF, Rego expires Dec 2021 Road cover.
The previous owner had done the supercharger at 100hrs. . He had steel discs put in.
They are asking 10000 new zealand dollars approx $7,200 USD.
Any thoughts appreciated
thanks Ayv
Steven says
I would error on the side of caution and get the supercharger service again. The 215 engine was the pesky one about the superchargers especially the 2006 to 2009 models.
CJ says
Hi Steven, I’ve been looking at a 2007 Yamaha VX Deluxe. It has 210 hours on it and was never driven in salt water. He just had the jet pump rebuilt in 2019 He says the motors have seen 800 hours. Is this true and is this a good buy??
Steven says
I’m not sure how he says the jet ski has 210 hours but the engine has 800?
CJ says
He says the ski currently has 210 hours on it but says the motor can last up to 800 hours. Is this true and a good deal?
Steven says
I’ve seen jet ski go beyond that in hours before but I would still test ride it or get a dealership to check it over before buying just to be safe.
Alana says
Sea Doo GTR 215 vs GTI 130? Is 130 hours too many? Wanting it to tow wakeboard etc..? Buying second hand, want a reliable ski. Or should I be going for a Yamaha
Steven says
The 130 will pull a wakeboard but the GTR will do it with more ease.
Ray Fletcher says
Great site! Looking at two 2012 Seadoo Wake editions. One has 400 hrs the other 270. Selling for $10k with trailer.. Thoughts?
Steven says
If it’s two 2012 WAKE 155 and a double trailer then $10k is really cheap. That’s below KBB Watercraft retail so I would be cautious especially as jet skis are in high demand right now. https://www.kbb.com/personalwatercraft/sea-doo/wake-155/2012/?pricetype=retail
Tom Baker says
What a helpful site! I’m looking at two Sea Doo Spark Trixx 2ups (both 2017’s) both with ~50 hours on them.
Asking price is $18,500 and comes with a Triton Double Trailer as well. It seems a little high but could just be due to crazy demand and lack of new jet skis available in the area? Anyway, would be interested to hear thoughts. Thanks!
Steven says
Demand is huge right now but that price just seems a little high. Is that USD? This could be possible if he added a bunch of accessories and upgrades. For a couple of grand more, you could probably find a dealer willing to sell you two new Trixx and a double.
Shelley’s says
Hi. I’m looking at two Yamaha VX Deluxe models. A 2009 with 141 hours on it for $6250 ($6750 asking but came down) or a 2013 with 179 hours on it for $8000. I have not made an offer on the 2013 yet. Both come with a trailer. Different sellers. 1) what do you think about the price of the 2009? 2) what would a good price be for the 2013? 3) which do you think would be better to buy? Thank you.
Steven says
Price is going to be tough this time of year and with the way the market is going. I’m shocked he went down that much, to be honest. I created a new guide that helps people get a good idea on what to pay for a used jet ski here. https://www.steveninsales.com/how-much-used-jet-ski/
The VX lineup is one of the most reliable models Yamaha made so you can’t go wrong with either. I would lean more towards the 2013 as it is newer. Also, around that time Yamaha had some models with timing chain issues, just something to be aware of.
ken Reilly says
I’ve a 2004 yamaha GP 1300R with 20hrs from new its now 17yrs old , its been stored in a Heated Garage and winterised, it runs like a clock ive only rode it possibly 5 times , love it people just call around to see it because its like a Barn find 🤣 id say its worth more than I bought it new🤣
Kimo says
Great info here, learning a lot!!
I am on Maui and looking at a 2016 FX HO with 155 hrs. Well maintained, but used mostly for tow-in surfing in high surf.
Ask is 12K, but will sell for 11K with trailer and rescue sled.
What should I be looking for in a 5 year old salt water only?
Everything is pricey here, is this way out of line?
Mahalo for the info and advice!
Kimo
Steven says
Check for corrosion and if you can water test it. Pricing is going to be high, even new jet skis are hard to come by. I would take that deal if everything looks good as it’s going to be a crazy summer.
Joey says
Hi Steven, I’m looking at a 2005 seadoo RXT 215 with 312 hours and single owner. He is asking $2,500. This would be my first purchase of a jet ski and I just want to make sure this is a fair price? Also is this a good/reliable jet ski? Thanks
Steven says
That model has the supercharger issues back in the day. It’s mostly fine if he’s done the proper maintenance on it but when you own it you’ll want to get the supercharger rebuilt every 100 hours or every 2 years whichever comes first. That model you don’t want to miss the supercharger maintenance.
Jovian says
In Northern California, looking at two 2013 Sea-doo gti 130’s w/traileristed at $12.9k. They have between 60-70 hours each and are at a car lot. The story is the guy is always buying stuff like that to do with his kids and all they want to do is play video games so they just sit. I think the price is a little high.
Steven says
With the current market that is a fair price and those hours are very low too. I would still check them out to make sure they run fine but I would not be surprised if a lot of people are already looking at them.
shannon harris says
Hi Steve, I’m looking at a 2006 kawasaki stx-15f with only 46 hours on the original engine. He is asking $6,000 with a single trailer. Just wanted to see what your thoughts are on that model jet ski?
Steven says
Kawasaki hasn’t changed much on that machine and those hours are really low, that kind of worries me but it’s a solid machine either way. I would get it checked out or at least do a test ride, that’s low hours. It makes me wonder why he did not ride it much? Was there something always wrong with it?
Matt says
What do you think about a 2006 Sea-Doo GTX 155 with 216 hours? Trailer is included all for $5600.
Steven says
I think the 155HP Sea-Doo engine is one of the best engines they ever made. They had a rough time when it first came out in 2002 but 2004 and up were always good to me. Prices are going to be high right now due to current events and going into season at least here in the US.
Ryan says
Hello. Great site. 2003 seadoo gtx 155 4 tech. Has 135 hours. Has all service records. I know the hours are good. Comes with trailer. Good shape ski. Only issue is year. Thoughts? Price is 3100. Price is good but kinda an older ski.
Thanks.
Steven says
The 2002 models had a few issues as it was the first year Sea-Doo had a 4-stroke but the 2003 and 2004 were fine. Nothing crazy to write home about and I think the 155 is the best engine Sea-Doo ever made. OPAS on something that old can be an issue, it’s the fins in the rear. Also, I had a few models in this range develop a clicking issue and would deplete the battery. There is a value that flips if the ski thinks it’s upside down but would get confused and flip it all the time. The only fix was to replace the ECM which is not cheap. Other than that it’s a great machine.
Connor says
Hi Steven,
I am considering a 2014 Yamaha VX110 Sport with a trailer at the price of $4500. The boat shop that picked it up is currently servicing it inside and out. (hose lines, SS clamps, seat cover, traction mats, body and hull buffed and painted, and not sure about the engine) It runs well and looks like a new ski although it has around 720 hours. This is my first ski and I would like to use it for just the summer and resell for around 2/3k. What do you think?
Steven says
720 is a lot of hours for a 2014 model. Sounds like a rental model especially if they’re putting that much bodywork in it. I would personally not be looking at it.
Matt says
2007 Seadoo GTI SE with 70 hours for $5200 with a trailer?
Steven says
That is really low hours for that type of Sea-Doo. It’s priced a little high but right now the market is booming especially as the riding season is here.
Josh Struck says
Looking to sell my 2009 Yamaha fx ho with 296 hours. Can you recommend a price range?
Steven says
NADA has it at $6500 but I would shoot for closer to $7k if it’s in good shape. https://www.nadaguides.com/Boats/2009/Yamaha/WAVE-RUNNER-FX-HO/10269293/values
There are people selling a similar machine for even more. https://www.pwctrader.com/listing/2009-Yamaha-WaveRunner%C2%AE-FX-Cruiser-SHO-5016811158
With the way the market is I would not be surprised if they get close to that number.
I have a guide here that can help you better understand pricing. https://www.steveninsales.com/how-much-used-jet-ski/
Joe says
Hi Steve, I’m looking at a 2019 kawasaki stx 15f with a trailer and cover for $11,000. The ski has 61 hours and has been winterized and serviced every year. Just wanted your opinion on this particular model of jet ski and how reliable it is. And does this seem like a fair price? Thanks
Steven says
It’s a great jet ski but that price is a little high but all jet skis are high due to current events. The hours I would say are spot on and have many more to come. You can’t go wrong with it.
Cheri Taylor says
Hi Steven – great article. Looking to purchase a 2008 Yamaha Waverunner VX 110 Sport, for $3300. It was part of a rental fleet, synthetic oil changes every 50 hours. Has some minor flaws but otherwise good condition. Has 800 hours on it. I am concerned about the hours, what are your thoughts?
Steven says
That’s a lot of hours for any jet ski but the VX can handle it. To me, the price is really good especially in this market right now but rental jet skis are rode the hardest of all jet skis. At that price, I would probably get it and understand I might not be able to sell it for much later or expect it to last too long. It would be a great starter jet ski that is for sure.
Michael says
I am new to the PWC arena. I am looking for new or used equipment. I live in NO. Cal on the Delta and all dealers are sold out of new product and the used equipment is priced crazy $$$. I was told that for every hour on a PWC, maintenance cost $100 per hour. That number seems quite High. Any comment on upkeep costs? Next question , if 4 stroke engine lasts 500 hours, how much does it costs to rebuild the engine and is it worth it? Thanks for the response and this is a great site. been looking for a site like this for a few months now.
Steven says
Due to current events manufacturers are having a hard time getting units made and shipped. This has caused the used market to skyrocket in price because there is only used stuff. I’ve never heard of a jet ski costing $100 per hour you put on it, you could be confusing the labor rate that many repair shops have which is around $100. So if you need to fix something and it takes the dealership 1 hour in labor to fix it then it would $100 in labor cost plus the cost of the parts. Ideally, you should do a service every 50 hours or once a year which can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 depending on what you need. The average person puts 30 hours a year on a jet ski so you’re looking at about $200 to $500 a year maintenance cost. A 4-stroke jet ski engine can last longer than 500 hours, it’s just that 500 hours is considered a lot of hours (it would be like 500,000 miles on a car). I’ve seen them go well beyond 1000 hours, it’s all about how well you take care of it. If the average person puts 30 hours a year on a jet ski it would take over 16 years to get to 500 hours and at that point, parts start to get harder to find, and why I tend to avoid jet skis that old.