Other New to the sport...looking for advice on what stand-up jet ski to buy

[Johnny Nolaw]

Like the title says, I'm looking at buying my first stand-up jet ski (that won't break the bank) and wanted some advice. I have done a bunch of research and it seems like a 650sx (from maybe the mid-90's?) may be a good way to go. I'm not sure how much it matters, but I'm a bigger dude too (6'2", 240lbs). Thanks.

 

[Byeai]

welcome 650sx is great learner but u will learn fast n want to move up in power 750sx sxr or most likly sj i said i would never go yami and i got one im building then eventually selling everything eles

 

[Snivilous]

I have a 650sx and my dad has one, we love them. It'd be a good ski for rec riding, if you plan to go bigger or upgrade a superjet is better. Course, depends where you live. Around here 650s are cheap and common, super jets are rare and a crappy one is $2500+. I have my 650 heavily modded and want more, I don't think I'll ever sell it, just go get an aftermarket ski when I'm done with college, but there are definitely limits for the amount of upgrades and performance your average person can get out of it, where as a superjet parts and fits are more or less the industry standard so can be upgraded a lot.

 

[Tmart]

First of all welcome to the X. Any advice you need, post a thread and you'll get tons of responses.

The best thing for you to do is to post you price range, b/c that of course determines what would ultimately be the best fit for you. Most people prefer a superjet, which is great for freestyle and performing tricks. If you could fork out 1500 bucks and buy a squarenose superjet, then your cooking w/ hot grease and a sweet beginner ski.

Here's a pic and ad of a squarenose for sale on here w/ a couple super good, and expensive mods already on it.

http://www.x-h2o.com/threads/106445-1994-Yamaha-SJ-**701**B-pipe**-1-750-00-Houston-TX

 

[mydixiewrecked]

Kawasaki X2!!!!!

 

[mgander17]

Look for 90-95 superjet (squarenose). Those are cheaper to score and the bottom deck is the same as a roundnose. You'll have fun on it

 

[Johnny Nolaw]

Thank you guys for the input and the welcoming.

I'm looking to spend around $1500 on my first one. Unfortunately, jet skis are tough to find used up here in New England so I'll probably have to have one shipped to me and I was trying to keep total cost under $2000. Any thing I should look out for or avoid? Certain mods or problem skis?

 

[Tmart]

You need to make sure that if you get squarenose superjet, that it has a 701 in it, or you could swap a 701 into it if you got a good enough deal, but easier to just buy it w/ it already. Try find one one with a factory b-pipe, but if you can't a riva or dry pipe would be okay. B-pipes make a huge and noticable difference when put on stock skis. Below is a link of the mods that most prefer to start with on a stock Superjet, so if you find one that claims to have these, then your doing really good. Aftermarket parts (like pipes, heads, props, etc) are really expensive but a lot of the time you can just about get them for free when buying the ski as a whole.

Heres the link: http://www.x-h2o.com/threads/25487-First-Mods-for-your-New-Superjet

 

[98gti]

I dont suggest a 650sx, unless you like the way a bathtub would ride going 30mph. I feel they are one of the worst handling skis ever. My brother has one and it is clean as hell, but he hates it, ive tried riding it and cant stand it. Hes now building yamahas too btw. As stated above, you cant beat an old SN for the money. Even one with a 650 would be ok if you got it for cheap and then you could sell that powerplant and get a 701 when you save up more cash, but you are better off finding one with a 701 and some mods already done, you cant build these things for what you can buy them for already modded. Most guys that go all out on these things end up taking a huge loss when they sell them, so take advantage of that.

 

['kotajoe]

Superjet is the only way to go, I started on a 650 square nose, now I am upgrading to the more powerful 701. It is easier to find the deals on parts for Superjets because so many people have them and are constantly making changes to them. You can tailor fit a Superjet to your riding skill level as you progress in this sport.

 

[Johnny Nolaw]

Great info guys!!! Thanks again.

 

[Vumad]

Any standup is a good starter ski, as long as you buy one in good repair. Don't buy a ski that's held together with bubble gum and duct tape. You will regret it. Spend a few bucks more and buy something that you can ride a while with minimal extra expense of time and money on repairs.

I'd rather have a 650sx over a 750sx. I don't like the hull.

 

[sjetrider]

Go YAmaha Bro, ANY YAMAHA, I promise that anything else will be regreted down the road.
If budjet allows stay above 94 model SJ if not look for something with some little mods done. A pipe is a HUGE plus on any ski.

 

[Balduccimoto]

I wouldn't look for anything in particular if you're only looking for a $1500 ski and just getting into the sport.. For example if it came down to a beat up Superjet compared to a real clean 750SX, I would jump on the 750. Point is, for your first ski you want a good experience and not on some beat up crap. Keep your choices open. I would stick to any year superjet or a kawi 750 in that price range. If you'd spend much more, I would recommend 96+ Superjet or an SXR. Much better platforms than the older skis. Superjet freestyle, SXR buoy racing.

Find a clean, unmolested ski. Dont buy someone's junk they beat up in the surf and has alot of hours. Keep an eye out of cracks in the hull, this will tell you if it's been abused. Check for long hours on the ski. Freshwater is ideal, but isnt a requirement buying a ski. Check to make sure the impeller isnt locking against the jet pump housing (common on salt water skis). Most importantly, water test it. It's hard when you first get into the sport and with that budget, there's alot of old beaten crap out there. Good luck and dont hesitate to link and ask about a ski.

Oh and Superjet is #1 as long as it has the 701 motor. I can't really vouch for 96+ but im sure they're good. I just bought a 08+ that is slightly different than the previous superjets. I love everything about it, awesome all around ski.

 

[teddy]

how many of these threads do we need, one a week?????????? j/k

all your going to get out of this is, buy a yamaha.

 

[Tyler Zane]

550sx!