That does look like good price for a starter ski. You can buy or make a shock pad to help minimize the likelihood of breaking the pole.
You might want to ask the seller for a test ride. These can be really reliable skis if they've been cared for properly. Get a new impeller asap- the stock impeller is trash and makes the ski cavitate like crazy. This hurts your handling and acceleration. Riding with the stock prop is like driving on bald tires.
Here is a comprehensive list of things that have gone wrong on my 650 SJ since I bought it in 2002. It was a clean, one-owner ski and had been maintained very well. I paid $2,500 for it, a mint JS 550, and a two ski trailer.
- Stuck start/stop switch prevented the ski from staring. Fixed by taking SS switch apart and cleaning it.
- Ruptured rubber jacket on stock exhaust filled the ski up with water. Fixed by putting on an aftermarket pipe.
- Electrical problem prevented the ski from running. Fixed by opening ebox and plugging the wire back in.
- Ski died in water. Aftermarket pipe coupler separated because it was too short. Fixed by buying a longer exhaust coupler.
- Ski died in water. Fixed loose battery terminal connection.
Other than that- just standard maintenance (plugs, fuel filters, batteries, carb rebuilds.)
The ski you're looking at has some notable limitations compared to the SN that came with a 701 (94 and 95 model years.)
- Weak mid shaft (only relevant when you upgrade your motor)
- Narrow exhaust hose
- Ugly graphics
The bottom hull on that ski was used throughout the Superjet line until it was upgraded in 2008. It is a very fun ski, and a very good one to learn to ride with. There are lots of upgrades you can do if you're into modding skis. Upgrade your prop, handlebars, and grips quickly, and you'll reduce your learning curve.
