Advice on buying used Yamaha SX 190

[Vikesfan]

I've been looking at buying a used Yamaha SX 190 and came across this one at a good price. It is a 2012 SX 190 with 122 hours and is listed for $16,900. My concern is the condition of the jet pump based on the pictures. I was told that it was stored on the water. The boat is located 3 hours away, and I have no problem driving that far for a boat, but I don't want to drive that far to check it out if it looks like it would have problems. This would be my first jet boat. I have had Sea-doo's for years (1998 Sea-doo XP Limited and 2006 Sea-doo RXP) so I'm very familiar with the jet pump and am not afraid to do any work. I've always stored my PWC's in my garage and my Sea-doo is immaculate so I'm not sure if this looks normal or not for a boat that is stored in the water. Is there anything that you see in these pictures that would cause you to look elsewhere? Also, if anybody has any leads on a SX 190 around that price range within driving distance of Nashville, Tennessee I'd love to check them out. Thanks!

 

[SeaDooSam]

So, are those barnacles on the jet pump? If they are it usually means it was a saltwater boat. Personally I would not buy a jet boat if it was in saltwater. Even if it was flushed, the some salt still sits there. There is not much wrong with letting a jet boat sit in the water as long as it is FRESH. I let mine sit at the dock in the lake all summer and they are fine. Salt means death IMO. That is definitely a fair price though and it doesn't have too many hours. Just make sure it was well cared for. Jet boats are very fun but they do drive different than jet skis do you know that? They can be tricky to maneuver at the dock and low speed but you get used to it. Happy buying!

 

[Vikesfan]

The boat is in Kentucky. The dealer claimed that it had never been in salt water, just stored on the water over the summer. If it's something I could take care of with a pressure washer and a little elbow grease I would have no problem with it. The interior is in perfect shape and I didn't see anything on the hull that caused concern. No scratches on the Thrust Vectors so I don't think it's been run too shallow. I just don't know what a jet pump that's been left in the water normally looks like.

 

[SeaDooSam]

No Title

Well, on my seadoo jet boat this is what my jet pump looks like after a summer season of use on the weekends and sitting during the week. Granted the bucket is plastic and the pump is a bit different, but mine looks a tiny bit cleaner. As long as it wasn't in salt you should be ok. Here is what mine looks like sorry for weird angle in pics-boat is covered and couldn't shift to move bucket.