There’s no better way to spend a beautiful sunny day and make the most of the sunshine and scenery than cruising through the waterways on high adrenaline with your jet ski. There is a great feeling and sense of freedom and thrill when you’re moving along the water’s surface like you’re some water deity. Investing in one of these personal watercrafts will certainly make it worth your dime.

Whether you’ve owned one before or you’re new to owning a personal watercraft (also known as a PWC), selecting a PWC that best suits your lifestyle and budget requires a lot of research before proceeding to the buying process. To help make the selection process easier for you, we put together these considerations to ponder about before purchasing your very own personal watercraft.

Where You’ll Ride the PWC

Are you going to use your jet ski in lakes and rivers? Or saltwater bodies? While any PWC will corrode in both fresh and saltwater, there’s no doubt that salt significantly quickens the corrosion process.

Keep in mind that regardless of the cooling system or what type of water you run it in, you need to clean your jet ski properly to avoid problems related to corrosion and rust. Plan on spending some time after each ride flushing the water injection port with clean water, rinsing out the engine bay, and cleaning all interior and exterior components. You’ll keep it in top running condition and lengthen its life.

Who Will Ride the PWC

The size of the PWC is critical. While you might think that a smaller, lightweight jet ski is better for a less experienced rider, when in fact the opposite is true. Larger models have more stability, which is helpful for beginners. Also, if you plan to tow wakeboarders or rafts, getting a big model is preferable. Experienced riders can opt for the leaner, more agile models. This also applies to the jet ski’s specifications. You want to make sure the engine and power fit the rider.

What Accessories Will You Need

Life jackets are a must when riding a personal watercraft. These are required by law, so this is a non-negotiable condition to discuss. You may also want to purchase jet ski covers for transport and storage, a marine GPS unit, safety whistle, dry bags, waterproof phone case, telescoping paddle, tow tube, tow rope, etc. This depends on how you want to use your jet ski and which accessories are useful for the excursion. You can purchase these items in marine shops.

What Condition of the PWC Should You Get

New models are equipped with the latest technology and innovations, so you’ll get the fancy gizmos you want.  Plus, you don’t have to worry about wear and tear or spotty maintenance from previous owners, and many new jet skis come with a warranty. The downside is that they also come with a higher price tag.

Generally, a used jet ski is less expensive than a new one. But, of course, just like a car, it depends on the make and model. Many people advise that those starting out with owning and learning to ride a PWC opt for pre-owned. This allows them to learn how to ride and familiarise basic maintenance tasks. You can also see if you really love owning and riding a PWC and see if you’ll be able to ride it regularly before investing in a new one. If you choose a used jet ski, make sure to check maintenance records and examine the PWC for wear and tear. It’s a good idea to have a marine mechanic check it out.

What Brand Do You Want to Purchase

Some people are diehard Yamaha fans; others will not ride anything but a Sea-Doo. If this is a big deal for you, research your preferred brand and the models it offers. If you are open to any brand, again, do your research and find the best fit for you in terms of power, speed, size, and price.

How You Will Transport the Jet Ski

If you’re lucky enough to live on waterfront property, this is not a problem for you. It’s easier for you to store the PWC. But if you do not, you’ll need a safe and reliable way to transport your jet ski. Consider buying a boat trailer, or, at a local rig at a recreation area, if they allow this.

What Type of Insurance Do You Want to Have for Your PWC

It’s a smart idea to purchase a separate policy for your PWC. It should cover personal injuries, medical costs, and property damage. Some policies also cover you if an insured operator causes the accident. For example, Yamaha insurance and finance offer not only boat insurance (they call it marine insurance) but also to PWCs as well.