There is something incredibly gratifying about riding a water scooter and feeling the wind and spray of the ocean. The thought of owning your very own watercraft rather than renting one has crossed your mind more than once. The good news is that the market and options are huge when it comes to buying a personal watercraft (PWC). They have different styles and prices, so finding one that is a perfect fit for you should not be difficult.
Here are some of the more common factors you need to consider before buying one.
Second Hand or Brand New?
The market for used PWCs is huge, much like it is for cars, so you need to be extra careful. Some obvious things you need to keep in check are the condition the vehicle is in and its reliability on the waters.
Of course, there is the question of its damage history. What mishaps have the PWC been in, and how extensive is the effect on its overall performance? While surface damage such as torn upholstery or chipped paint may seem like it won’t affect its engine power, remember that these signs are still indicative of a careless owner, which means that there may be more problems in the engine.
Two-Stroke or Four-Stroke Engine?
A PWC built with a four-stroke engine would be a better recommendation as earlier models with two-stroke engines are becoming rarer due to their inefficient engines. Even if you do end up getting a two-stroke engine for whatever reason, be prepared to have a harder time with its repairs since its parts are becoming less and less commercially available.
Engine Hours
Experts say that a PWC engine can only function optimally for 300 hours. But with responsible care and proper maintenance, a PWC engine can easily last for 400 hours or even more. When buying secondhand, it all boils down to where you buy the watercraft. If it is from a reputable dealer who has been careful with the vehicle and all its parts, then you can rest easy, knowing that you can still get a good performance out of it.
Comfort and Functionality
These two features should also be top of your list things to look for when buying your PWC. Never sacrifice comfort for a cheap bargain as you will immediately regret your decision once you feel a backache coming on from riding your water scooter. You also don’t want to miss out on the basic functions and versatility of a PWC, so as with any vehicle, do take a test drive before making any decisions. Take note of how the vehicle moves under you and how you feel as you ride it through the water. If anything feels slightly wrong, don’t take it. You are looking for the perfect fit, the one that will function well with you. If you need more professional assistance in finding the right water scooter for you, ask reputable personal watercraft dealers in Louisiana who could give you advice.
Another obvious thing to consider is the accessibility and comfort of the handlebars and controls. How do they feel under you? Are you able to reach them easily and comfortably? This is not only a matter of function but of safety. Remember, if you ever do run into an emergency situation on the waters, you want to reach your control panel and switch as smoothly and as quickly as possible.