Thinking of buying a used runabout? In the first of a series of tech specials we take you through buying and revamping a used sit-down craft. Jet skiing doesn’t have to break the bank. You’d be surprised how little it costs if you’re prepared to do some work yourself. Over the next few months we will hunt down a “Project Sit-Down” to buy, re-vamp and have some fun on. Jez Crook reports.

So, where do you buy a used runabout from?
1. Your local PWC dealership
2. Jet Skier magazine
3. eBay
4. Local newspaper
5. Word of mouth.

Your local dealership is probably your easiest and hassle free option, but from experience trying to buy a sit-down for under £2,500 from an authorised dealership it isn’t that easy, they tend to keep used watercraft in stock from £5,000 upwards, and this is down to warranty. Most dealerships will give you at least a three-month warranty on a used watercraft so it’s a gamble for them by selling you a cheaper watercraft that has a higher chance of it breaking down. We couldn’t find what we were looking for.

So the next option is to scroll through the websites and see what we could find, it looks as though these days used watercraft are holding their own price-wise, this is probably down to two factors 1. People just cannot afford to buy a new watercraft for £14,000 plus. 2. Lack of supply of new watercraft (especially Yamaha) so people are holding on to their existing watercraft making the prices higher. You have to remember that if you purchase from a private individual there is no warranty, yes, it will probably be cheaper than buying one through a PWC dealership but it you who is going to be taking the gamble.

To read more pick up your November/December issue of Jet Skier & PW or subscribe here