Craigslist Jet Skis For Sale By Owner (2024)

FAQs

Are old jet skis worth anything? ›

The Cost of a Used Jet Ski

Jet skis range in cost from $5,000 to $20,000, making them a much cheaper option than new boat prices. However, the prices listed are the cost of a new jet ski. The cost of used jet skis could vary considerably based on features and how much the previous owner used them on the water.

Summary. When making inquiries to inspect the Jet Ski in person, only consider options with detailed and legitimate service history. 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.

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%.

Most jet ski engines aren't designed to last a long time, so it's uneconomical to purchase a personal watercraft with more than 300 hours. A good range to be in is around 100 hours or less.

Modern machines have service timers built in just like cars and the owner's manual will tell you what needs to be done at certain hours. Most manufacturers produce machines designed to last around 10 years; at 30 hours a year, the approximate average lifespan of a PWC would be around 300 hours.

Yamaha WaveRunners are the perfect choice for anyone seeking a quality jet ski experience. With decades of industry knowledge and an unyielding commitment to excellence, you can trust that your ride will be nothing short of extraordinary.

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.

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 cost only goes up from there as the vehicle gets bigger or more expensive. How much does a used J79 jet engine cost?

Like any other boat, a personal watercraft (PWC) such as a BRP Sea-Doo, Yamaha WaveRunner or Kawasaki Jet Ski, requires some maintenance to keep it running reliably. The good news is that a PWC requires very little in the way of maintenance.

How often do you need to rebuild a jet ski? ›

Often the best way to estimate a ski's birthday is by the date of manufacture of the binding. Up to about 1890 nearly all skis were equipped with leather-strap bindings. Toe straps were either nailed or screwed to the ski, or passed through a horizontal hole (a mortise) drilled through from side to side.

To identify what particular year your jetski is you just need to check the HIN number (Hull Identification Number) which is a stamped plate that is fixed outside of the hull at the rear of the ski. The last 2 digits of the HIN number will be that year of the ski.

Over time, base materials dry out naturally (no matter how dedicated you are to waxing). Skis also start to lose torsional stiffness and stability. The wood core featured in many skis begins to deteriorate. Same for the epoxies and resins that hold the ski together.