What Should I Consider When Buying a Jet Ski?

Considerations before buying a jet ski should include storage capability, experience at operating it, needs the vehicle will fill, and personal safety. A person new to using one might want to consider renting or trying out several models before making a purchase. If a person finds that he or she actually doesn’t care for jet skiing, purchasing one does not seem very sensible.

Safety considerations in buying a jet ski are of the first import. For example, most modern vehicles have a lanyard. The lanyard turns the jet ski off automatically if the driver falls off or overturns. A very old models may not have a lanyard, so consumers should make sure that a used jet ski has one prior to purchasing.

Size of the jet ski is also important. There are those that accommodate one person, two people or four people. The four-person model is a relatively new and quite popular model, so this may be hard to obtain used.

The one-person model has two basic types: the solo craft or sport craft. The solo craft is a standing jet ski. It usually takes a little longer to learn how to master control of this type. The sport craft, alternately, offers a seat, which can provide greater stability for the person new to driving the vehicle. A sport craft may be slightly unstable, and more likely to turn over on people who are heavy or when it is being operated at slow speeds. However, in general, this model is better for the beginner.

The two-person model offers dual seating, but tends to be a little slower. This often depends upon the size of the engine. In general, however, the model can be great fun. The four-seaters are very stable and somewhat slower, but many enjoy this model when they wish to jet ski as a family and don’t want to purchase several.

Before purchasing any jet ski, consumers should consider their ability to store and to tow it. Generally, the watercraft is best stored in an indoor environment, such as a shed or garage. Owners may need ample power or a towing package to tow it to lakes or the coast. A jet ski that can’t be moved isn’t going to provide a lot of fun.

Owners can and should insure a jet ski prior to use. Insurance may include insuring the craft and insuring the riders against personal injury. Insuring the craft is easier than insuring for injury, as the jet ski is associated with accidents. If the owner cannot obtain personal injury insurance, he or she should check with his or her health insurance plan to be certain that an injury on it is covered by insurance. Some plans do not cover accidents during certain activities like bungee jumping, parachuting and the like.