300/440/550 newbie - JS440 or 300sx for first ski

[JheregJAB]

Hi There!

I've done just a little bit of reading around and watching of some videos, and I'm rather interested in getting into the stand up jet ski's. I'm looking now at getting my first stand up, and there are basically two ski's for sale in my area. I was hoping you guys would help me out with which one would be the better buy in terms of a first ski and bang for the buck.

1 - 1979 JS440 - asking $550.

2 - 1990 Kawasaki 300 sx - $700.

The JS440 kind of worries me because it is so much older than the 300sx, but the 300 seems like a pretty small ski from what I've been reading. I am a light guy for my size (6'2", ~150lbs) but I'm worried that the 300 will not have enough power to be worthwhile. I realize I am a beginner and don't need a ton of power until I can even stand up on the thing, but I don't want an under powered ski either. Cosmetically, I like the look of the 300sx better, but looks are secondary to it being fun to ride. ;-)

As far as I know, both ski's are completely stock. I'll be skiing on the mighty Mississippi River in case that changes the decision as well. Being a newbie here, I've got plenty more questions as well, but lets start with those.

 

[crazy4sand]

300sx for $700 way to much i got two running for $100

IMO save a few bucks more and find a Square nose sj for around a grand perfect ski to learn on and modd when your ready

 

[JheregJAB]

Everything I've read seems to agree - the square nose is a good ski. I'd love to pick something like that up as a first ski, but I don't know that I'll be able to. I live on the IL/IA border, there aren't exactly a lot of stand ups around here. I'm out on my boat on weekdays/weekends very frequently, and rarely see any stand ups. I've seen one before, but I'm pretty sure its the 300sx I'm looking at buying now. I don't know how practical getting a ski like that will be in this area.

There's also the other issue - I'm more or less a broke college student. I've got a good job, and so have managed to save up some money, but I don't have a ton to throw around. Driving for hours with my truck to pick up a jet ski quickly adds a lot of $$ onto what might otherwise be a good deal.

I'll think about your suggestion, but I'm still curious, of the two ski's which would be the better buy? I'll even link to the craigslist adds.
http://quadcities.craigslist.org/boa/3150975517.html
http://quadcities.craigslist.org/boa/3149127641.html

Should I stay away from the JS440 just because its so old? Is the 300 going to be too small to do anything with? What things make you think that neither of these is worth getting? keep in mind I don't know a lot about these yet, so I'm unfamiliar with what the drawbacks of these ski's vs the sj would even be. I know everything I read says the sj is better, but nothing seems to say why. (Is there maybe a "read this to get caught up first" howto, wiki article, forum post or something I should be reading to be better informed?)

 

[slinden]

You will out grow both of those skis in a couple weeks. Find a SJ or atleast a 650/750sx

 

[Suprx125]

300sx for $700 way to much i got two running for $100

Agreed. Yea, looks to be in good shape, but its still a 300. If I were you, I would take the 300sx. It would interesting though to see what exactly he did to the engine on the 440, meaning if he actually replaced the crank/seals/bearings or just top end. I've owned both skis and my 300 was way more reliable.

Super Jets are favored for alot of reasons. I just sold my kawasaki's to buy a 94' Squarenose SJ! The biggest thing that drew me to them was reliability & parts availability. Kawasaki has long since stopped making alot of the parts for, example that 78' 440. The yamaha 650's & 701's are great motors as well. The overall hull design, power, & engineering make it a better choice. Which is also why SJ's that are even going on 20 yrs old are still worth $1500-2500 all day. There's a saying I always hear about jet skis,"Kawasaki made the first jet ski, but Yamaha perfected it."

 

[alexisdeanne]

i just bought a 89 440 it needs an expansion chamber...is that just the muffler???

 

[Jetpilot106]

i just bought a 89 440 it needs an expansion chamber...is that just the muffler???

Yes pretty much.


Im gonna say go for the 440.your a pretty tall dude idk if you will be comfy on the 300.Yes the 440 is pretty old but really both of them are pretty old.I have a 77 440 and its still holding together very well.Both are kind of expenisive really,im sure their isnt much selection around that area.Either one will b a good ski to learn on .I love my 440 so ima say get the 440