If you have thought about buying a jet ski, there are more costs associated with it than just the purchase. If you are even the slightest bit handy, you can help reduce some of those costs.
Jet skis are fun to ride, but they’re not necessarily cheap. It’s a little like buying a motorcycle, or even a used car. And like anything with a motor, there are maintenance costs. While that may seem a bit intimidating financially, there are things you can do yourself that will reduce those costs, like basic maintenance or protecting it with a cover from companies like Supply Shack that are designed to shield it while not in use.
Avoid Sticker Shock During Your Search For A Jet Ski
The biggest cost facing you if you want to buy a jet ski is the actual purchase price. A new one can range anywhere from $5,000 to more than $20,000, depending on the size and features of the unit. You can purchase a used jet ski for a fraction of that price, but you will need to be selective when picking out the best one to ensure you are not buying a lot of repairs with it.
It can be a little tricky identifying a good buy when searching for a used jet ski, particularly if you are not accustomed to the market. The price will depend on age, prior use, and condition, much like a used vehicle. In fact, the car pricing guide NADA offers a helpful tip when considering the purchase of a used jet ski: the value drops about 22 percent in the first year after they are bought from the dealer and about eight percent each year after that.
Make Maintenance A Priority And Do It Yourself To Save
Maintaining your jet ski is important to get the most life out of it and to protect its value as much as possible. There are some maintenance tasks you can do yourself to save money, depending on how handy you are with motorized vehicles. For example, it’s important to change the oil each year, something you likely can do yourself. The spark plugs also should be swapped out each year, and that’s something else you can do.
Other steps to avoid expensive mechanic bills include winterizing your jet ski if you don’t plan to use it for two or more months. You can remove any water remaining in the jet ski that is used to keep the engine cool while riding on a lake, river, or in the open waters. That helps eliminate possible damage in cooler months that can affect your jet ski. You can also protect it with a cover while it’s stored away in warmer climates during those off months, shielding it from moisture, dirt, and other dangerous elements.
Find more tips in our archives.
Clay is a dad of 4 living in Kentucky. He is the co-owner/blogger here at Cinnamon Hollow. Clay enjoys DIY home projects, traveling in the Great Smoky Mountains and is an avid University of Kentucky basketball fan. He and Crystal have been married for 1000 years, give or take a few. :0)