Jet Ski's!

I think I want to buy a jet ski. I have rented them before and there a blast like many of you know but I think I might actually buy one. I should probably go to a jet ski forum for this but Ill ask my Tacoma brothers first.

Is there a better brand then others? I like the Sea Doo's. They claim to have a jet ski go from 0-50 in 2.9 seconds!!

Do I need like a boating license to own one? Or some other type of license?

Since Im in San Diego I want to take it to the beach. Im guessing here is laws about how close you can get to the shore and what not? Since you cant take your truck on the beach anyways I guess there is only a few places to launch the ski? Like Oceanside Harbor and Mission Bay? Im in Carlsbad so Oceanside Harbor I think would be best.

If there is anything else I should know please tell me. Thanks everyone!

 

Nice!!!

I was thinking about getting more of a 2-3 seater. I have a bad knee problem so I don't think those standing 1 seaters would work for me.

 

Is there a certain model you would recommend? I was looking at the Sea Doo Rxt 255 iS I think. That think seems pretty nice.

 

As far as the law is concerned, I couldn't help you in the PRoC.

I think any sit down 6 years or newer, you can't go wrong. Most stand ups are beat to crap and even though their tough to find, I'd stick to under 5 years if you don't want to bother tinkering with it.
My personal favorites are stand-up models such as the Kawi 800SX-R and the Yami Superjet in that order.
As far as glorified couches (Sit downs) the SeaDoo RXP 215 Supercharged, and the Kawasaki 250X are bad ass.
If your in the used market, there are some specialty stuff out there like the SeaDoo HX..something (I believe?), RXP-X, and a few yami's I can't remember the types.
My money no object wish ski would be the HSR Benelli stand up! One rocking Machine!!

Again, only opinions. You'll have a blast with no matter what you get, as long as it runs good and isn't beat up.

 

any more pics OXy?

 

Just get yamaha, seadoo r more racing jet ski's. Yamaha are more comfortable and smooth riding, I have driven a 3 seater waverunner and it is soo fun to drive

 

Heres some good info you should read. It is important that people who operate PWCs are informed, just as any boaters are. OXYMORON is right know the rules before you go on the water.
AS far as brand the three seaters are genrally more stable than two seaters. I had yamahas and Kawasakis, each with no major problems, beside 20 bucks of gas a day 10 years ago. Jet skis are not exactly cheap to maintain/operate.
I grew out of that and got a boat. No regrets!
Hope this helps.


http://www.boat-ed.com/ca/course/p1-5_knowyourpwc.htm#PWC

http://www.boat-ed.com/ca/course/p4-subtable.htm

 

I read those links and I think I understand them. My other main question was about how close to the shore you can get at the beach and if you can get close to the shore to re-fuel or whatever. I wish I could just launch it right at the beach where I live...

 

I have a 98 Polaris SLTH. It's a 3 seater and has 95 hp. Pulls an inner tube great! They don't make watercraft anymore but it's been a reliable ski and looks dang near new still.

If you're going to pull a towable, you have to have a 3 seater here in NM (driver, spotter, and room for the person on the towable)

Not sure about CA, but here in NM anyone under 18 has to have a "boater's license".

I think if we ever get a new one.......it'll be a Kawasaki or a Yamaha.

 

if bombardier and yamahas jet skis compare like their four wheelers, bombardiers weigh a ton but are hella reliable with their rotax engine

 

I had a 96 SeaDoo XP and it was a piece of garbage! Was in the shop a lot, rarely started one launched without tinkering, had to be towed in a couple of times because it broke down, etc... Also, I'm sure you're aware of this seeing as how you're in California, but salt water is a BITCH on electronics.

One day I'm gonna get a boat, but if I ever want to ride a jet ski again, I'll rent. They are fun as hell though!

 

My oldest boy has a 2006 Sea-Doo GTI (I think). OMG what a blast! It's a 3 seater. I usually ride it by myself. With only 1 person, you better hang on, cause it is like a rocket. I would personally never spend that kind of money on one when you could have a nice boat for less money, but it sure is fun. It does suck gas like crazy, and I know oil changes and winterizing cost him quite a bit.

 

Good Point. You need to factor this into your maintainance!!

 

What's the winterizing? Like a wax or something you put on the jet ski?

 

Exactly. And in this area there aren't that many people who work on them so the ones who do can charge way too much...

 

Mine is a 2 stroke. When I winterize it, I grease all the cables, fittings etc, wash & wax it, add STABIL to the gas, and fog the cylinders.

Takes me about 2hrs start to finish.