Jet Ski woohoo! (I want one)

I used to have a boat growing up, probably around 8 years. It was a 22' Bayliner, was pretty nice. I have thought durring the end of this summer that a boat would be cool to have for next summer, something small and simple just to hang out with a few friends on. I live in a pretty coastal community, though it's a bit north (RI). I was thinking the other day though, a Jet Ski (Personal Water Craft?) may be a bit more practical and fun, maybe even cheaper.



I have no idea where to start though, what would be a good idea of something to get, what to look for, what ot look out for. Maybe someone knows of a good online forum for them?



Any help would be great. ;)
 
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I have a 1996 Seadoo HX, a single person runabout that made riding exciting and if you fell off, downright athletic. I like the crazy carving this thing does since it is very difficult to throw into a slide. I would NOT recommend this model for a more casual owner. Too hard to get back on and unstable at low speeds - not exactly hanging out features.



I'd suggest either a 2 seater or a lower end 3 seater. This allows you to ride with friends and take stuff with you on short excursions. 2 seaters are smaller and feel peppier because they are lighter. 3 seaters are truly monsters, but have nice features like a reverse gate and are perfect for sitting around after riding all day.



Bigger or modded motors are faster, but unless you are racing and would rather dump your detailing money into hot rodding a jetski, why bother? Besides, if you only have a couple of months to ride each season, you're better off going for a lower cost model.
 
If your getting brand new or semi used, get a honda f12x turbo 3 seater ski. Its reliable, a 4 stroke, and youll not have problems with it(I have over 200 hrs on mine, no probs).



Otherwise, I would get a yamaha blaster(sport ski like the sea doo hx but much more learning skill) or superjet( standup which I own and ride over my honda any day of the week)and a cheaper 3 seater like a yamaha waveventure with a 701 or 1100 motor for the kids. Both those would cost you about 3-4 thousand, and you can have fun for all with having reliable 2 stroke motors!!!!!!!
 
What will you be using it for? I have had my Polaris genisis I 1200 for about 2 yrs now. I am 18, and when I first got the thing, it was great. I could go out bymyself and jump waves and run 60mph. Now I am more into wakeboarding and taking all of my friends out for rides. Now I have to "borrow" my dad's 25ft center console. If you are still set on the jetski thing, A 3 seater would be better for hauling friends around. My genisis is a 4 seater, but that is a little overkill. I have rarely ever put 4 people on the thing. Another reason for getting a 3 seater is tubing. If you are towing a tube, the number of persons on the tube and the jetski, has to be equal to the rated amount the jetski can carry. Example, mine is rated for 4, it can legally haul, 1 driver and 3 tubers. Or 1 driver, passenger and 2 tubers. If I were to put 4 people on the tube, it would be illegal.



BTW-DONT buy a used polaris. I bought mine new and it has been in the shop 3 times for blown cylinders, and a coulple more times for misc. things. All of which the dealer has no "reason" for happening. Reason I say used is b/c polaris went out of buisness making PWC's, WONDER WHY?
 
I think I am going to try and talk my parents into buying something with seating for 3, and get myself a standup for the fun factor. It seems like the best idea right now. If they won't go for it, then just a standup ;)



SuperJets seem really well liked, inexpensive, moddable, just good all around. I think I know what I want, though, there are still months to decide.
 
See if you can test ride one in your area(im sure someone off pwctoday will let you try one out to see if you like it or not)!!!!!!!!!
 
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