New Jet Ski Buyers Guide: 8 Tips For Buying a New PWC [Video]

Home/News/New Jet Ski Buyers Guide: 8 Tips For Buying a New PWC [Video]

Are you considering buying a new jet ski? Don’t miss our recent post with all of the current PWC models and prices!

Purchasing a new vehicle like a car or a motorbike might seem like an easy task. But once you get down to the technicalities of it; you might find yourself in a bit of trouble.

You should have the knowledge of the model, the engine capacity and so many other things before investing a fortune into a vehicle. Similarly, or even more so, buying a new jet ski is no easy task.

While it can be said that buying a watercraft is a truly memorable time, it can quickly backfire. Once you decide to purchase a brand new jet ski, there are numerous factors that you should look into.

You need to make sure that the tie you enjoy does not end up costing you a greater deal than what is fair.

Perhaps the greatest factor you need to thoroughly evaluate is what type of jet ski will be the most suitable for your needs. Conduct proper research on the internet and also visit multiple showrooms before finalizing a watercraft.

Once the choice has been made, however, there are 8 common mistakes that many first-time jet ski buyers make which are quite easily avoidable.

1. Not Doing Enough Research When Buying a Jet Ski

It is extremely common for people to act on impulse and make a purchase of a watercraft that they are not ready for.

The truth is, without a proper understanding of each and every feature of a jet ski, making a purchase is never wise.

There are so many aspects that need to be considered before buying a new PWC; the first and one of the most important is the category of the watercraft. If you are a first-time buyer we can recommend to start your research here to find out which Sea-Doo, WaveRunner or Jet Ski is the best for you.

You can discover and compare all of the available watercrafts by categories here:

  • Rec-Lite: Rec-Lite watercrafts are light and nimble, allowing for maximum fun. These are also the most affordable new PWC models on the market.

  • Recreational: Recreational models tend to be mid-sized and easy to use. Though they may not be the fastest option, they are an excellent choice for casual PWC users.

  • Performance:  PWCs in the Performance category with supercharged engines are ideal for the speed-hungry. Choose this option if you’ve got a passion for fast water travel.

  • Luxury: Luxury watercrafts combine speed with elegance. If you have the money to spare, they may be just right for you.

  • Stand-up:  Stand-ups are nimble and lightweight watercrafts that can be ridden in a standing position. Though they are very enjoyable to ride, we recommend their use for those with athletic talents only.

There are many factors and specifications beyond the brand and category which are also very important for jet ski selection:

These are just a few factors in the long list of stuff that needs to be checked before buying a new jet ski.

Research on the internet and by physically visiting jet ski showrooms can help a great deal in this matter. As a great starting point, don’t miss our model browser and comparison tool, where you can compare the models head by head!

As far as jet ski models are concerned, there are 2 main categories; the “stand up” and “sit-down” category, all listed in order of power and price.

The stand-up jet skis are the most basic, but promise the most of fun. They have rider capacity of one person and have to be ridden while standing up. They do, however, require a greater level of skill and control in the waters. The sit-down models are more family-friendly and arrive with a rider capacity of 2 or 3.

Boat Shows are also a great place to discover and compare different new PWC models:

2. Should You Buy a New Jet Ski?

If you have recently decided to take up the hobby, it is highly advised that you do not go straight ahead and buy a new jet ski.

Buying a new jet ski is an expensive matter and there needs to be a great deal of thought put into it. Before making the final decision, you should always thoroughly evaluate what sort of a jet ski is most suitable for you.

Moreover, your own comfort level should also be tested by riding different types and models of jet skis so that you know that the one you’re getting will be the perfect fit for you. You can test ride multiple models through jet ski rental services that are available countrywide!

These rental services provide you with a watercraft that you can enjoy without having to make the investment. This can help you gain valuable experience and skill that is needed to master the art of riding a jet ski.

Basically, it can also help you save a lot of trouble of crashing your brand-new jet ski into the dock or trailer on your first ride. Renting jet skis can also give you a great deal of knowledge about the different models.

You can try out watercrafts from different categories and then choose which one is best suited to your liking. On the other hand, to reduce the risk of crashing your new jet ski, you can simply purchase a used one.

Used jet ski will be available for a much lower price than a new one and you can get it in good working condition as well.

However, it should be kept in mind that used jet skis are usually not covered by warranty and they have a greater chance of malfunctioning. Before buying a used watercraft, don’t miss our used jet ski buyers guide.

3. Paying Attention to The Details

Making the purchase of a jet ski may feel like the most important part of it all but, in fact, it is not. There is a great deal of preparation you need to undergo before bringing a watercraft home. Moreover, you should always be prepared as much as possible.

There are many ways you can prepare your mind and yourself before buying a new jet ski.

Asking yourself a few or all of these questions may be one of them:

  • Is there any good place for jet skiing in your area?

  • There are any public boat ramps in your area or you will have to pay for them?

  • Where do you want to store your jet ski? At home or at another location?

  • Can you tow your jet ski with your car?

  • Do you want to do some watersports (wakeboarding, tubing) as well?

  • Do you need a boating license?

  • Can you move and store these watersports equipments easily?

  • Can you manage the yearly services and winterizing process yourself or will get it done?

  • Where is the closest service point/dealership in your area?

  • Can you place all of your stuff on a jet ski you want to take with yourself?

  • Will your spouse/family enjoy the wild rides as well?

  • Would you like to bring pets as well?

(Boats are usually a better choice for families with pets)

These questions cover the crusts of every factor that can relate to you owning a jet ski.

These might be variable in certain circumstances but will be useful in most. It is not a simple task buying a new PWC and you should take every vital step in order to make sure that the process is as smooth as possible.

4. Buying a New Jet Ski is Different From Buying a Car

As mentioned before, while it may seem like buying a new jet ski is similar to buying a car, it is not entirely the same. Many people often assume that the process of bringing a jet ski home is as inexpensive as a car; which is not true.

The fact of the matter is that cars are transported to their dealers in a “ready to go” condition whereas jet skis are transported in crates. This is perhaps the biggest difference there can be. A jet ski dealer has a much harder and more complex job than a car dealer.

He has to disengage the watercraft from the crate entirely and then make additions to it; including the fluids, the battery and what not. All of these aspects that a dealer has to take care of, of course, require time and money.

Another factor that adds to the cost of purchasing a new PWC is the delivery.

While you can just get in your new car and drive it home, a jet ski requires specific transportation in a much bigger vehicle. The dealership of a jet ski will charge you additional money for the delivery procedure.

Although you can purchase your watercraft with a trailer, and pick it up in the dealership. In this case, you can save the delivery costs of course.

What makes the dealerships innocent in this matter is the fact that they do not earn a great deal of markup on the jet skis. This is why negotiating with the dealerships is of no use in many cases.

You should always keep in mind the additional costs of purchasing a jet ski in the first place.

5. Don’t Miss the Test Ride, Even if You’re Buying a New PWC!

This is one thing that can be common between a car and a jet ski. A test drive is extremely crucial for any vehicle and vessel that you’re looking to buy; let alone a jet ski.

As complex as they can be, there is also a great deal of investment that you’re going to make in the whole purchase and you should always make sure that you have made the right choice. The problem arises when you consider the fact that jet skis require water and a boat ramp to be able to take on a test ride and most dealerships are not located on the water.

Moreover, as the jet skis are transported in crates, dealers do not even have every unit ready to go. What they do have, however, are ‘demo models’ that you can ride on to get a feel of what your model of jet ski will be like.

Another problem is that not all dealers have every model up for demo ride which is why it is important for you to pay a visit to multiple dealers in order to find the one that has your preferred model available for a demo ride.

Another, much easier way to test ride your chosen craft is to simply contact a jet ski rental service and rent the watercraft.Watercrafts available for rent are most likely to be in a much better condition and can, therefore, provide you with a better experience.

Through these rental companies, you can access the latest models and test drive them all before making a final decision.

You can discover different models in jet ski rental services

You can discover different models in jet ski rental services

6. Never Act Impatiently

Perhaps the greatest problem you can create for yourself when buying a new jet ski, is to hurry through the process. Research into the matter will tell you that there are certain days and times of the year when there is a great deal of crowd at the dealerships.

The flow of customers to the dealerships might be extremely heavy at times and while you must be tempted to join the crowd, it is best advised to wait for it to wither away. The salesperson that you’re looking to buy your jet ski from should be able to provide you with the greatest service through his time and knowledge. This can only be done when there is peace around him and he is not getting bombarded by customers from everywhere.

If you’ve decided to trust your salesperson to guide you through the whole process and match you with the best jet ski, you will need to have his full, undivided attention. This is not possible if the entire staff at the dealership is overloaded.

One thing you can do to avoid such a situation is to simply contact the dealership of your choice through email beforehand. This will make sure that all of your questions are answered and you are provided with the appropriate information and details promptly.

However, visiting the dealerships is also a necessary part of the whole process which you can do conveniently by avoiding rush hours.

7. Choosing the Wrong Time to Buy

Contrary to popular belief, there is actually a right and a wrong time to buy a new jet ski. Just like any other commodity, there is an off-season for jet skis that brings you the same watercrafts at different prices.

The best time to buy a jet ski is the end of summer. This time is usually the time when manufacturers are announcing their new models for next year, resulting in a fall in the prices of existing models while still being new.

Right before the new models are announced, manufacturers are looking to dealerships to sell most of the existing models. This is why the new jet ski prices are reduced so that the existing stocks of dealers are sold in time of the new models arriving.

Lower prices are also accompanied by amazing deals that you might not find at any other time of the year.

8. Not Calculating Your Budget

It won’t be a complete new jet ski buyers guide without mentioning the costs of jet skiing.

As mentioned above, there are many factors that need to be paid for besides the jet ski itself. While the jet ski is the main component, there are so many additional costs that you have to pay in order for the jet ski to be usable.

This is something that is often neglected by jet ski buyers which results in a great upset to their budget. It is very important to carefully plan out your budget before making the purchase.

The budget should include the price of the jet ski itself, the cost of any accessories that you want, delivery costs, the docking costs, the fuel and maintenance and also the storage costs if you do not have a personal storage facility.

Moreover, as a watercraft is used, it is also prone to accidents happening in the water that can result in damage to the watercraft itself. It is therefore important to have a separate annual budget for the repair of the jet ski itself, just in case.

Conclusion – What to Look For When Buying a New Jet Ski

Buying a new jet ski is not rocket science, but you need to be prepared to make the right decision.  The most important factor is to do your research and discover the newest PWC models on the market.

When it comes to the PWC categories, the models are broken down into 5 different categories; Rec-Lite, Recreation, Luxury, Performance and Stand up.

Each type has its strengths and weaknesses; don’t forget to do your research before you choose the best model for you.  Once you’ve decided to buy a new jet ski, you should take a look around for the closest dealerships.

When it comes to negotiating, be aware that buying a new jet ski is different from buying a new car in many ways. Unlike new cars, PWCs don’t arrive in “ready to go” condition, which results in a lot of extra work and expenses for the dealer.

Also keep in mind that you should never miss the water test, even if you buy a new jet ski! After all, you have to try what you buy! If there is no way to ride the ski you’ve selected, ask for a demo ride on a similar model if it’s possible.  If a water test is not available, you can try to rent the same model from one of the jet ski rental shops. You also have to be patient, do your research and try to find the best deals.

When’s the best time to buy a new jet ski?

The best time to buy a new jet ski is the end of the season, which usually means early September every year. This is because manufacturers introduce their new models at this time; thus dealers want to get rid of the leftover models before the winter. Ultimately, this boils down to lower prices!

It could be strange at first glance to make your purchase at the end of the season, but in many cases, it makes sense as you can find the best deals during this time of the year.

And last but not least, always do your budget upfront. Beyond the purchase price, always keep in mind the operating costs as well!

This was our ultimate new jet ski buyers guide; we hope this helps in your purchasing decision!

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