Craigslist Jet Skis For Sale By Owner (2025)

FAQs

Is it OK to buy used jet ski? ›

The short lifespan of the engine means that you should purchase a model that is less than five years old or used for less than 100 hours. Your ability to properly gauge the quality of a Jet Ski will increase significantly after reading this guide.

Running hours: According to Weller Recreation, a 2-stroke engine can last anywhere from 200 to 300 hours, while a 4-stroke lasts from 300-400 hours. Anything above 100 hours is usually considered high mileage, but you could still get years of enjoyment out of an older Jet Ski.

Yamaha is perhaps the most well-known jet ski brand in operation today. Known for comfort, stability, and reliability, Yamaha is arguably the most mainstream PWC manufacturer — and therefore is probably the first place most jet ski buyers will look.

Whenever a tank of gas sits for a long time (longer than 6 months), the gas can degrade and form varnish and residues. These residues can plug up a fuel system and cause the engine to run very poorly (and sometimes not want to start at all). Sea Foam cleans the residues and varnish so the engine can run well.

It's possible for a jet ski engine to exceed 300 hours if the previous owner took good care of the machine. Similarly, it's possible for an engine to die after less than 300 hours of ride time if the previous owner treated the machine poorly.

Jet Ski Cons

While jet skis are fun, their speed and maneuverability can make them a safety concern, mainly when operated irresponsibly. If the rider pushes their vehicle too fast and attempts to corner at a high speed, it can be dangerous for the passengers and the public around them.

For a used grocery getter, having a shop replace the engine may run $3,000–5,000 depending on if the engine is used or remanufactured, double that or more if you go with a new engine from the dealer.

The good news is that a PWC requires very little in the way of maintenance. Here's how to keep your PWC running strong season after season.

Design and Performance: Yamaha jet skis are known for their stability, handling, and acceleration. They are typically designed for more experienced riders who prefer a sporty ride. Sea-Doo jet skis, on the other hand, offer a more comfortable and stable ride, with a focus on luxury and family-friendly features.

For those seeking stability, abundant storage and strong performance in a full sized watercraft, the FX HO is the only choice.

Do jet skis hold their value? ›

Boats have higher long-term maintenance costs but can also hold their value better than a jet ski. Jet skis tend to depreciate about 22% in their first year, whereas boats depreciate at a rate of around 10-15%. It's also important to consider potential depreciation when purchasing a new vessel.

Jet ski prices in 2024 range from $6,999 to $21,199, with brands like Sea-Doo, Yamaha, and Kawasaki offering a variety of models for both novices and experienced riders.

The average jet ski has a lifespan of roughly 300 hours. Although this might not sound a lot on paper, considering you wouldn't typically use your jet ski all year round. 300 hours should represent a good few years as far as your vehicle's shelf-life is concerned.

A Jet Ski or a Sea-Doo are brand names of PWC, and the average person puts around 30 hours a year on their machine. A low-hour ski is a machine that has been used for less than 50 hours, while 150 hours or more of use is considered high. If a PWC is 5 years old, you should expect it to have roughly 150 hours logged.

You have to be prepared for regular services if you want your ski to stay in top condition and last for years - and this can cost as much as maintaining a smaller car. But, we can't emphasize enough that the total ownership costs can vary widely from model to model as they always depend on several factors.