Are you thinking about buying a second hand PWC?
If so, there are a few considerations to make:
Ownership:- Much like a car there is a type of registration document that comes with a PW, this is provided by a company called Datatag (theft prevention scheme). Each PWC should have a Datatag registration number (like a car number plate) that is a group of letters and numbers stuck on each side of the hull. In addition to this datachips are placed around the inside of the PWs engine bay that are impossible to remove without damaging the PW. If you need to check whether a ski is stolen, simply write down the Datatag number, call Datatag and check the contact details of the current registered owner. Unfortunately not all are aware of the need to keep Datatag informed of change of ownership, so don't be suprised if the details are that of a previous owner, if this is the case, it would be best to contact them and ask who they sold it to.
What should come with the PW?:-When a PWC is purchased new from an authorised dealer it should be supplied with an owners manual, warranty, sometimes a service logbook, datatag registration number and details. There is no reason why, when buying a second hand ski that all of these documents shouldn't be available for you to view. Keys/Killcords - all skis from new are supplied with two keys/killcords (one for use and one spare incase you lose the first!). On four-stroke Seadoo's the keys/killcords are 1 x Learner (white) and 1 x full (yellow). On a Yamaha they are red killcords, newer models also come with 2 x remotes for the locking and learner mode systems). On a Kawasaki there are red killcords with a seperate orange key.
Condition:-
When looking at a second hand ski there are a few obvious items you want to check for; this list is not exhaustive but it will give you a good start:-
Corrosion in engine bay, steering and gear lever fully operational, cracks and chips in the hull, that the seals between the seat and engine bay are in good condition and the same under the hood (bonnet), also shine a torch up the rear pump area and check the impeller and wear ring aren't damaged. And lastly that the PW starts! If you are doing this ashore you will need access to a water supply/flushing kit that needs to be plugged into the ski, you want to listen out for a rough sounding engine or if it cuts out after it has warmed up.. Common sense prevails on this side of things.
Impellor location and what it looks like:-
Check free movement of the gear lever, when it is in reverse the back should look like this:
Check the seals under the engine bay & hood for signs of wear:
Engine Maintenance:-
-As mentioned earlier, some skis when purchased new come with a service logbook, detailed here is information about when the ski should be serviced according to manufacturers recommendations (i.e. 10hrs, 25hrs etc). Check to see whether these services have been completed, whether the logbook has been stamped by an authorised repairer/service agent. If the PW does not have a logbook then ask to see reciepts/invoices from services performed.
Check there is no oil in the bottom of the engine bay (unlike this picture) and that the hull is in good clean condition:
Trailer:-The overall condition of the trailer should be inspected for wear and tear, including items like tyre tread depth, hitch lock and most importantly the wheel bearings as with salt water these are normally the first items to go and are the reason why you often see trailers of all varieties sat on the side of the road with a missing wheel!
You do NOT want your trailer to look like this:
Instead you want it to look more like this:
Do not forget to check & secure the lightboard & straps:
Insurance:-
Before you collect your ski, don't forget you must have insurance, you need to add to your car insurance to cover a trailer. It is also advisable to take out PWC insurance, otherwise it will not be covered for theft or damage. (For further information please see the insurance page of this website)
RYA Training:-
Something to consider also is doing a training course, the
RYA PWC competency is a 1 day training course. Other than the obvious benefits of knowing what you are doing on and off the water, you can also get a substantial reduction in your insurance premium by holding this certificate.