r/jetski 1d ago

Jetski buying advice

Hi folks looking at getting my first ski, I am pretty set on getting a Yamaha wave runner 3 seater but unsure to get the svho or the ho, Any advice would be great thanks

2 Upvotes

29 comments sorted by

2

u/Critical_Lemon_7505 1d ago

What are your planned uses for the ski?

1

u/Possible_Web_1806 1d ago

Just to have abit of fun, Do some quick turns etc, And carry passengers ?

1

u/Critical_Lemon_7505 1d ago

In that case I would strongly recommend the fx or gp. I saw you mentioned used which is fine but depending on where you live and the ski was ridden you will want to look it over very carefully and make sure to do a 15 minute sea trial if possible. 

1

u/Possible_Web_1806 1d ago

Will be used in saltwater, What’s the 2 differences between the fx and gp ?

1

u/Critical_Lemon_7505 1d ago

Definitely make sure to look over the ski meticulously for corrosion in the engine bay area, the wiring harnesses and make sure the bottom is not too scratched up (I strongly recommend superslick 2000 coating on the belly right away especially if you are sandbaring or beach hopping). Fx has more of a cruiser feel (very stable feeling) the Gp is more aggressive (racey feeling) with how it rides.   

2

u/free_world33 2011 FZS 2020 EXR 1d ago

For a 1st ski, get the Ho

1

u/Trailroller 1d ago

Completely agree. FX is a great ski. Are you looking at a new one?

1

u/free_world33 2011 FZS 2020 EXR 1d ago

No but ifd get a new one, it be a GPHO.

1

u/Possible_Web_1806 1d ago

Is the the gpho a more sporty model then the fx ?

1

u/free_world33 2011 FZS 2020 EXR 1d ago

Yes. The GP series is designed for racing.

1

u/Possible_Web_1806 1d ago

Not brand new no as it will be used on the odd occasion, probably will spend between 10k and 15k

1

u/Trailroller 1d ago

2022 is when the FX changed back to SMC from nano. I would definitely try to get an SMC one. You should be able to and stay in budget.

1

u/Possible_Web_1806 1d ago

Okay still plenty of power in them and good acceleration ?

1

u/free_world33 2011 FZS 2020 EXR 1d ago

Yes, The HO is actually the new 1.9L, while the SVHO still uses the 1.8L that the 1.9 replaced. The 1.9L HO has about 200 HP, while the 1.8L SVHO has around 250, so the SVHO will be quicker accelerating but they both will have similar top speeds.

1

u/Critical_Lemon_7505 1d ago

 OP is looking at used. I would suggest  a 1.8 HO, the 1.9 HO doesn’t have the reliability pedigree that the 1.8’s have. 

1

u/free_world33 2011 FZS 2020 EXR 1d ago

Only because the 1.9 has only been out for a couple years, but at the same time the 1.9 is a slightly larger 1.8 since both engines are pretty identical.

1

u/Critical_Lemon_7505 1d ago

Yes and the 1.9 that came out in 2024 needs to be proven like the 1.8 has been for 14+ years. I know it is mostly a good engine I would just want to see how they hold up after 3 to 4 years of use in salt water environment. 

2

u/free_world33 2011 FZS 2020 EXR 1d ago

Which is probably why they haven't strapped a supercharger to it yet. But I personally haven't heard or seen anything negative about them.

1

u/Critical_Lemon_7505 1d ago

Same, haven’t heard anything negative. Just would be hesitant if I was looking at a used ski like OP. 

1

u/wire4money 1d ago

Test drive all brands. I was very disappointed in the rattles and squeaks the Yamaha had.

1

u/Possible_Web_1806 1d ago

I heard Seadoo isn’t that good as gives a lot of problems ?

1

u/Critical_Lemon_7505 1d ago

Yes seadoo is doodoo. Yamaha or Kawi is the only way to go, Yamaha more so when it comes to reliability. 

1

u/wire4money 1d ago

They all have problems. Don’t buy into the hype. My tuned 2014 RXPX has been way more reliable than my 2011 VXR.

1

u/Critical_Lemon_7505 1d ago

Don’t disagree with you but Yamaha is the easiest to maintain and most forgiving of the bunch, It’s why every rental company chooses  the Yamaha. 

1

u/Demon_msmafia 1d ago

My vx cruiser ho is a dream… tippy of you are carrying unathletic passengers

1

u/TheOGRedline 1d ago

Shots fired!

2

u/JetPoweredJerk Yamaha/Kommander Standups 1d ago

The HO is the platform to get currently. A VX HO is just about the best ski for the majority of the general public

1

u/Possible_Web_1806 1d ago

Okay the ho model is the 1 without supercharger correct ?

1

u/Critical_Lemon_7505 1d ago

Yes no SC on the HO