Buying a Jet Ski

Some jet skis can fit more than one person and some are powerful enough to attach a set of water skis or a wakeboard to the back. When looking to purchase a jet ski, consider what type of jet ski you will need, the cost, and other factors such as where the jet ski will be stored when not in use.

Before going shopping, create a budget so you know your limits before committing to a purchase. When creating a budget, consider how much a trailer for the jet ski will cost, whether a tow bar will need to be fitted to your car, the cost of registration and insurance, and additional accessories such as life jackets.

Once you have established a budget, consider how many people are likely to ride the jet ski, as some jet skis can seat up to three or four people at one time. Generally, the larger the jet ski, the more stable it is, but one compromise with larger jet skis can be the ease of manoeuvrability. Smaller one-seater jet skis will turn more easily than larger craft.

Should you want to tow something such as an inflatable tube behind the jet ski, you will need something with quite a bit of horse power.

When searching for a second-hand jet ski, try to take it for a test ride where possible. When inspecting the jet ski, rub your hands along the hull, looking for any signs of damage such as cracks and chips. The hull can be one of the most expensive parts of a jet ski to repair, so you want to be sure it is in good condition.

It is important to note that you require a personal watercraft licence in order to operate a jet ski. To obtain this licence, you must first hold a current marine licence. More information is available from Maritime Safety Queensland.