1st time Jetski buyer, am I doing the right thing?????

K

kb

New member
hi all,

I am / was about to start actively looking for a Jetski. I have the Yamaha VX110 in mind.
Untill, I spoke to someone at work. Having NEVER ridden, or even sat on a jetski, he suggested that before I part with my cash, I should make sure that it is something I will enjoy.
Living in JNB, the first comment was that I would get "bored" with it on the dams, as the VX110 is a rather large ski.  He said I would end up just going from one side of the dam to the other, as you cannot do "tricks", and have "fun" on something that weighs over 300kg,. and is 3m long.
I do intend to do some offshore fishing, my folks live in Ballito. He promptly told me that being so "short", it is as rough as hell at sea, you get soaked/cold/etc etc.
now, I understand you will get wet, that's ok. 
you guys that have JS's, does the novelty wear off, do you get bored of them.
He warned that impellors get worn, and they are horribly expensive - what does a impellor replacement cost??
He also suggested that I try ride a ski or 2 before I go shopping.  Is there anywhere in JNB that rents jetski's out?  Doubt it. So, seeing that I am not going to be able to ride one, I have to base my decision on research. If anyone has some info that you feel you should share, please let me know.  I am trying to hitch a lift on a breakfast run at the Vaal, but not looking too good at the moment...

The Gent I have spoken to, has a large Ski boat, and has been boating / fishing his whole life, i have the upmost respect for him, and I am not saying that he doesnt know what he is talking about. HE does know, but is it all doom and gloom like the picture he painted. 

Slowly, my dream is washing down the drain....


Appreciate it guys.
 
J

Johnno s gone fishin

New member
Hi kb
The comments made by your work mate, are typical of those from the non jetski fraternity.
One is "just as likely to get bored  just going from one side of the dam to the other, as you cannot do "tricks", and have "fun" on something that weighs over 300kg,. and is 3m long." as you are on a 6 m Skiboat -- only much cheaper. Having said that, i have been boating for many years with many different craft, and never could see the attraction of just going from one --- etc etc.
Yes you will get wet in the sea -- that's part of the fun, and anyway that's what wetsuits are there for, apart from 'making you looking cool.
Yes impellors are expensive, so if one is a 'slapgat' type that doesnt care for one's equipment, be prepared to pay. BUT ask him how much does an Outboard gearbox or prop cost, which can get buggered in 2 seconds.
The one piece of wisdom that he has passed on to you, is -- don't be too hasty in your choice of Jetski, if you cannot get a dealer to demo a craft, at least try to hook up with owners and  not necessarily someone trying to sell you his "brand X" craft only used on Sundays to go to the shops , get actual owner's opinions.
I presently have and (when i can get crew) use a 5.2 m Skiboat with 2 x 90 HP Outboards and other times will use my Kawa STX 15 F Jetski. Ienjoy them both.
 Each craft has it's upside and it's downside.
Jetski Upside
Cheaper to buy than Skiboat.
Cheaper to Tow.
Cheaper to run.
Most times, don't need assistance to launch / retrieve.
MUCH more agile in the surf which = safer surf launch.
Don't need crew.
Other JS fishermen are friendlier.

Jetski Downside
Prejudice from certain authorities  - quite a few fishing waters that don't allow JS
Prejudice from many skiboaters.
Only space for about 150 Kg of fish.

I can go on and on but you get the pictue.

So if you are going to use the jetski for FISHING. You will find It is most definitely NOT BORING.
Buying advice
  1. Craft MUST be longer than 3.4 m otherwise forget the sea.[/*]
  2. Try to buy new.[/*]
  3. If you must buy secondhand, get a Professional opinion on the mech state with special emphasis on the impellor condition, pay a few bucks for the opinion. It will be money well spent.[/*]
  4. Preferably 4 stroke. 2 Strokes are much heavier on fuel and make smoke.
    [/*]
  5. Get a skippers ticket.[/*]
I see from your details that you are in Edenvale, I am in Kelvin (near Woodmead) so if you want, give me a call ( 0827816515) and lets see if I can help further.

Best Regards
Johnno
 
S

Sparky69

New member
Hi KB,

Sh1t I cant add any more to what Johnno has already said. However Impellor replacement is a given when you do surf launches, part of wear and tear. They not that expensive to replace, I had mine replaced on my old ski XL1200 and was about R750. The VX110 is a great ski which is light on fuel, just very limited on storage space. I have the Kawa Ultra LX160 and boy what a beast :) must say that though it's a 4sroke it's not lighter on fuel than my old 2stroke ski which was a 155hp and the kawa is a 160hp. it is a bonus to not have the smoke of the 2stroke around you at times. oh and there's no truth that a 4stroke catches more fish than a 2stroke :)

Hell i can go on and on why you should get a ski and zero reasons why you shouldn't.

my fishing buddy, Greg has a VX110 and we've even pulled a skier behind the VX. you can do anything a boat can with a JS if not more.

I promise you you won't be sorry for spending the money on a ski.

If you want good honest no frills BS advice then i rate you give Dustin from Fast Kawasaki in R/bay a call. and he doesn't only sell Kawa's, he sells all the brands.

 

Bru i hope you come right and you won't regret a single minute of it. keep us posted as to what you end up pushing into the driveway at home.

 

Regards

Corne

 
 
K

kb

New member
Well, after speaking to Jonno, and Pajero Mad, (thanks)I managed to get onto a 1800SHO on Sunday. What a beast, and to have the privilege of riding that machine on my first ever JS ride, I was spoilt. Didn't take too long before I was at full throttle!!! That said, I think that a 1800 SHO, is a little "overkill" for a first ski, unless you chaps know something I don't??

At this stage, I think that a FX 160 is going to suit just right. I haven't seen one with my eyes as yet, and want to try organize a "inspection" of a FX 160, so lets see what I can organize.

Thanks for the help guys.

kb
 
P

Pajero mad

New member
Hey KB

I am pleased that you found a 1800 SHO to ride on the weekend. AWESOME hey!!

The FX 160 is more than enough for us fishermen and if you play in the dams a 160 is also just fine, pulled skiers before with my old one no problem.

Good luck with your searching hope you find a peach.....

Cheers

 
 
J

Johnno s gone fishin

New member
Hi KB
Now you've had your first 'fix'  there is no going back --  they ride great hey. !!

If i had to choose, the 160 is the way to go, although the more powerful ones are always tempting. If budget allows I wouldn't go 'less than the 160

Good luck again in your quest and hope to see you astride your own beast soon.

Johnno
 
K

kb

New member
Hey Johnno,

Thats why I have decided to wait a month or 3, save abit more, stretch the cr@p out of the budget, and get a 160. I have seen a few around, there are not overly many, but I know what I want, I know where I am (probably) going to get it from, and as I said, if I need to wait abit, so be it. Havent ridden a 160 yet, but that'll happen sometime, I am sure of it. It's not a question now about "if", but rather "when"
 
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