Looking at Buying a Jet-ski that doesn't run... Does this spell $$$?

[bshelley234]

Hey guys,

New to the forum, and new to jet-ski's.

I found a jet-ski w/ trailer for sale in the classifieds that, from my limited perspective, seems appealing...

It's a 1994 Kawasaki ZXi 750 for $400. The owners put the ski into storage in 2008 running fine. In the ad, they say they prepped it for storage properly. They pulled it out yesterday, and using a jump, they couldn't get it to fire. They only tried once, then listed it.

From my perspective, I can see running carb cleaner through it and BAM! Instant running jet-ski. (I've used this method on many cheap motorcycles on craigslist). What are the odds that this is a simple fix? I have moderate mechanic skills, and there is a Kawasaki dealer that is close by that I've been to for repairs on my Ninja many times.

Does this look like a good deal?

Extra details:

-The fiberglass hull on the bottom was repaired, and it hasn't been repainted in that spot. No leaks according to the ad.
-Looks to be in good cosmetic shape everywhere else.
-I believe its a two stroke.
-The trailer has no title, but I can fix that easy.


The way I see it, I could turn around and sell the trailer and ski separately as-is and make a profit; if I can't ride it of course, lol.


What do you guys think? Since I obviously can't test ride it, I was thinking of bringing it into the Kawasaki dealer and having them check into the problem before I purchase it.

I'm planning on checking it out in person tomorrow.

What should I look for specifically? What are the right questions to ask? What mechanical things are most likely to fail? In the ad, it doesn't mention whether its ever been rebuilt.

Go for it ? Or Pass?


Any and all help is much appreciated!!


Here is a link to the ad:
http://colorado.freeboatshopper.com/boats-parts/1994-kawasaki-zxi-750-jet-ski-with-trailer.html

 

[Ernest T]

Re: Looking at Buying a Jet-ski that doesn't run... Does this spell $$$?

For $400 not a bad deal, since you may be able to get that back on the trailer if it is in good shape. I've seen more problems with stored skis than skis with high hours that have been run consistently. If the ski was not thoroughly and properly winterized the piston rings rust into the pistons, valves corrode, etc........engines can be in complete ruin. Carbs. almost always have to be cleaned/rebuilt as they will be gummed with old fuel and varnish. Fuel hoses and oil lines get brittle and crack, and fuel filters need to be replaced. The impeller rusts to the wear ring and locks the pump if this area wasn't prepared properly.

If the engine is turning over that is a good sign. If the engine will not turn over with a good battery, I'd pull the spark plugs and try it again. You should be able to turn that engine by hand with the spark plugs out. If not, the engine or pump are locked (then you are looking at $$$ for repairs). You would want to get a compression check (I'd say 140 psi would be great for a used 2 cyl.). Look for corrosion.

That said, unless you are good mechanically (can rebuild 2 stoke carbs, and engines) and looking for a project, I'd never recommend a non-running ski to a first time owner. It may be some simple fixes for someone that knows their way around the machine, but if you pay for those same repairs at a shop, you could have bought yourself a nice running ski.

 

[bshelley234]

Re: Looking at Buying a Jet-ski that doesn't run... Does this spell $$$?

Thanks for your advice Ernest! I'll check for a spark, turn it by hand, and really check this thing out before making any decisions. Luckily it does turn over, according to the ad. After reading around alot, I know to carefully check:

-Compression
-Impeller & Grate
-Wear Ring
-Fuel/oil Lines, Fuel filter, etc.
-Color of Plugs
-Hull
-Gunky Gas

Anything else?

I'm not particularly looking for a project; so I may pass on this one...


While I'm out today, I'm also going to check out a few other ski's:

1992-ish? Kawasaki SK 550 - Runs good (out of water) - Aftermarket Parts - No Trailer - No Pics - $750 obo

1994 Polaris 650 SL - Runs good in water (according to ad) - New Battery, carb rebuilt - No Trailer - Looks good in pics - $600 Firm

1997 Yamaha 1100 Wave Triple - No indication in ad that it runs... - Comes with trailer & cover - No Pics - $900 obo

1990 SeaDoo 580XP - Runs good in water (according to ad) - Rebuilt engine, new starter, cables, etc. - Comes with trailer & cover - Looks great, no fading at all in pics - $1200 obo



All different brands!! Does it matter? Will I get bored with anything less than a 650?

Any of these sound like a good deal? They are all two strokes. My price point is between $400 - $1000. I'll be looking at all five today, wish me luck!!

 

[bshelley234]

Re: Looking at Buying a Jet-ski that doesn't run... Does this spell $$$?

Hey guys,

I went to look at the skis today. All I can say is, wow. They all start to look the same after a while... lol. But I did find one that interests me in particular.

I went to look at a 1993 and a 1992 Kawasaki SS 750. They have never been sunk, they have been ridden every summer since they were purchased new, and the guy seemed trustworthy.

He told me that these two have been the most reliable ski's he's ever owned (He has 6 skis!). Apparently his two 2001 skis have been real problems... He's asking $1000. I'm thinking about offering him $850 for the '92. The '93's hull was repaired, but never sanded or repainted on the bottom, plus the gas must be mixed in it. The '92 has an oil injector pump, which is nice.

Here is a link to his add. It does not come with a trailer... But I can add rails to my flat bed trailer no problem.

http://denver.craigslist.org/boa/2567701038.html

What do you guys think? Are there any common problems with these I should know about before buying?

The guy said that they had the skis out riding two weeks ago, no problems. Just have too many skis, not enough riders.

 

[bshelley234]

Re: Looking at Buying a Jet-ski that doesn't run... Does this spell $$$?

Don't know if anyone is interested, but I ended up buying a 1992 Kawasaki 750 SS for $900. It runs good, starts right up. Should be fun this weekend, =).

Good choice?

Pics:

 

[frozenokie]

Re: Looking at Buying a Jet-ski that doesn't run... Does this spell $$$?

I can say from my own experience in buying any kind of boat or PWC - Cleanliness tells a person much about what care and pride an owner takes in his crafts. This KAW looks really nicley taken care of and to me, without performing all the checks that were mention earlier in this post, would be a candidate for having your dealer look at it for you if possible.

The only other thing is you have to ask yourself if you get aggrivated at the fact of someone blowing by you on a faster ski??? If you like being a "speed demon", the larger 2 strokes are pretty darn quick. My 97 GTX will hit over 60mph with just me on it and it's a 3 seater with a 787cc motor. But I've had skis run by me like I'm sittin still

I have seen 900s up to 1200s for around the same margin you're looking at. So try to be sure about how fast you want to go before you buy. I am quite happy with my GTX and since I'm over 40 now, I really don't care about going much faster than 60mph anyway

Ski looks good and I think it would go about 45-55mph as a guess, but I could be wrong so ask the dealer.

Have fun out there.