Jetski Advice

Nak · Mon Jun 09, 08 4:45 pm **Jetski Advice**

Question for all of you kiters with jetskis/waverunners. We're thinking of getting a ski mainly for kiteboarding support. We don't need to pull skiers/wakeboarders as we have a boat.

How valuable do you think reverse is?

What size, 2 or 3 person, do you think is better for picking up kiters and gear? (Considering stability, and ease of boarding/seat swapping.)

Is something in the 650 - 800 cc range sufficient for dealing with conditions likely to be found on the Colombia? (Swell, etc)

Any other thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!!

Very Happy

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1872 Posts XTreme Poster

3 person for sure--WAY more stable.

Reverse is key--get it. Without it, you have to do a LOT of overshooting and swinging back around. In fact, I would go so far as to say that reverse is a must for safety, as momentum is NOT your friend when approaching a kiter in the water

Bias--I use it as kite safety for my 9/12 year old kids, so safety is #1 priority for me. We DO use the ski for wakeboarding a lot.

A bought a Waverunner VX Deluxe and am SUPER happy with it. The VX is pretty much the "Top of the bottom," or "The bottom of the top" depending upon how you want to look at it.

Eric

I talked Beaverton Yamaha--actually, they suggested it and volunteered--into helping us with safety support for our middle school kite days, and they will have a ski or two up in Hood River this Tuesday for support AND DEMO, if you have the time/desire.

Bettyboarder · Mon Jun 09, 08 5:36 pm

3 seater is a must for kiting and wakeboarding. You have to have one flagger, driver and seat for passanger. Our ski is like 720 and its plenty of power to pull a wakeboarding.

Reverse is a must. Check out this site it is awesome, it has great videos on what to look for in a used ski to putting it in the water and taking care of it.

http://www.sbtontheweb.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19182

Feel free to pm me Nak if you have questions on skis.

DROCK999 · Since 31 May 2007 852 Posts Left Coast Opinionated

yea the VX Deluxe with a rescue sled is pretty much where it's at.

JW · Since 28 Jan 2006 227 Posts portland Stoked

i have a great one for sale look in the classifieds

stevegriffith22 · Since 14 May 2006 434 Posts Obsessed

I worked at a jetski rental in college. THE ONLY BRAND TO BUY IS YAMAHA, I've seen 2500 hours on Yamadogs.

sg

Just my two cents. Very Happy

Nak · Mon Jun 09, 08 10:09 pm

Thanks for all of the input everybody! JW, that is a NICE 'ski!!! Out of our price range, I'm sure... We're definately looking used, so the VX is out, maybe next summer. Very Happy

But you guys really helped verify some thoughts I had. It's good to hear from people who have some experience, as I have none in this area. Thanks again!

I think maybe tommorow we may have a new toy. Very Happy

If everything works out...

holly · Since 09 Jul 2006 440 Posts Hood River Obsessed

you dont need reverse, i hve never used while picking up people. three is a good size since you have all there crap. just remember to have all thier lines wound up so it doesnt get sucked up and kill the ski

Nak · Tue Jun 10, 08 5:46 pm

Thanks again everybody! We're now the proud owners of a '98 xl1200! Very Happy

Reverse, 3 seater, outstanding shape with 137 hours. Woo hoo! Wells island here we come.