Jet skis are are built to last as long as you maintain them. Finally, you will want to keep some fuel in the tank and to add fuel stabilizer to the fuel so that it does not become fouled during the winter. if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-watercraftlife_com-medrectangle-4-0')}; Draining water from the engine is essential to keep corrosion and freeze damage from taking hold of the engine parts. If you don’t know much about engines, the basics are that a 4-stroke engine is usually more substantial and can deliver higher torque at lower RPM’s. It isn't the engine that will get you here, it is the care of the boat overall. It’s always wise to take a used jet ski to a dealership for an inspection before you buy, so you can ask them to check the engine hours on the computer at the same time. Only one cold day without proper winterization can incur major damage on a jet ski! Are you wondering how these models can reach such high engine hours? 200 hours if barely broke in for a Yamaha 4 stroke marine engine. four stroke engine is more dependable engine and will last longer between engine maint. This is usually a major factor in the buying decision – and the selling price as well! Just like your car, maintaining engine fluids for your jet ski is very important. Then we highly recommend you visit a jet ski rental company and check their fleet carefully! Because of this, if you’re looking for a 2 stroke, try to choose a second-hand model with around 100 hours on it, but the less the better. If you do not take care of your jet ski, it may not last as long as this average number of hours. so yeah, is it realistic to expect to get 5 years of fishing out of it before binning?? if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-watercraftlife_com-box-3-0')}; The type of engine determines the model of your jet ski that it carries. On one hand, 800 hours is a good amount. A floating jet ski lift keeps your jet ski out of the water for easier storing and works on your PWC. However, it’s good to know that 4-stroke stand up jet skis are also available on the market since 2015. Here are some examples of how owners can abuse their jet skis: As you can see, an inexperienced or irresponsible owner can damage the jet ski in many ways – even if riding only a couple of hours per year! For a general gauge, based on average data, a rider will put on about 30 hours a season. There are even anti-corrosive products for the engine. i want the yamaha fx ho. Riding hard without warming up the engine; Hitting docks, objects, and the trailer, while launching; Running the jet ski out of the water improperly. But don’t worry, fortunately, the newest models save the engine hours on more places in the ski than just in the gauge. In freezing weather, expanding ice can damage the cooling system, intercooler or exhaust system. After your jet ski has been sitting for an extended period, you won’t be able to just fire it back up and hit the water, as tempting as it will sound. What’s more, many service shops refuse to work on skis older than 10 years old. Many factors go into how long your jet ski will last, but you should get a few hundred hours out of it. It’s an essential inspection so never miss it! However, several things only need to be completed for the maintenance of your jet ski once a year. If these important recommendations aren’t followed, it can damage the jet ski in several ways! Additionally, these old 2-stroke jet skis have high gas consumption, and burn oil continuously, which means extra costs for you. In general, 300 engine hours on a 4-stroke jet ski is already considered high usage hours, so it’s always wise to purchase a model with less usage. John W Jordan on August 31, 2020. So we are at the gas station filling up the skis with gas. If we’re talking about performance, we shouldn’t overlook the supercharged engines. Never start the engine of your jet ski if you smell fuel. you will not have to mix oil with the four stroke or replace pistons as often. 4-Strokes will last a long time as long as you take care of them. 2 stroke engine life, from what I'm seeing is 300-500 hours. just remember you will need a larger displacement 4 stroke engine ie 250cc two stroke is equal to around 450cc four stroke. Because of this, high hours on a 2 stroke jet ski isn’t always equivalent to high hours on a 4 stroke jet ski. That’s one of the main reasons why these jet skis last so long! As a general rule, anything over 500 hours is too many hours for a 4-stroke jet ski. How long it takes to break in a 4-stroke jet ski varies based on brand, model, and year. If you don’t want to bother with maintenance, you can even consider renting a jet ski rather than buying one! For more lift information, click here. And while many vintage watercraft can be repaired easily with a wrench and screwdriver, the newest models just give you an error code on the screen and then stop. IF you store your jet ski with fuel in it but no fuel stabilizer, make sure to use fuel cleaner and stabilizer before you start it up for the season. Anyone know how long jet skis last? Also, don’t miss the water test! There's so many skis with new engines because so many people abuse ans neglect there skis. Suzuki 4 stroke usually last 15000 hours. www.WatercraftLife.com is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.”, link to Can You Add a Slide to a Pontoon Boat? Also, you may want to drain out the pump oil, which tends to foul over the season. Let’s compare PWC categories based on their engines! Jet Ski Engine Hours – How Many Hours Does a Jet Ski Last? Lots of rental jet skis have 1,000 hours on original 4-stroke engines at this point. They they sure are fun but will require this maintenance. The 720, 800 and 951 engines will be the last two stroke engines, ultimately replaced by 4-strokes in 2007. I'm specifically looking for skis with a 4-stroke plant for reliability. just remember you will need a larger displacement 4 stroke engine ie 250cc two stroke is equal to around 450cc four stroke. Another important factor regarding the model is whether or not it’s supercharged. Is 100 hours a lot for a jet ski? Sucking up ropes and debris into the pump repeatedly; strictly outlines required service intervals. 2 stroke mercs have the same life as a comparable outboard, as long as the oiling system holds together the engine will last forever. I would expect a boat engine to last longer since they aren’t held at WOT all the time. For example, as recently as 2013, all Yamaha WaveRunners with 4-stroke engines had a recommended break-in time of 10 hours. Engine care can go a long way with your jet ski, and proper storage techniques also make sure you are getting the best from the engine of your jet ski. Again this is data from riders who ride in just the summer months and from others who ride year round. Missed oil changes are bad for the engine, and lack of lubrication on the moving parts can lead to rust, and the list is pretty endless! What’s considered a lot of hours on a jet ski? A well cared for boat will last however. But, a thousand hours of use, is a real ton of hours. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Cover your PWC and store it in a place that is dry for the winter so that it will be ready to rock and roll when the summer months and sun come again! What didn’t change, other than graphics, in 1997 were the HX, GTX and GSX (non-Limited). With a 4-stroke engine, that lifespan could extend up to 1,000 hours. four stroke engine is more dependable engine and will last longer between engine maint. As you can see, there are many factors to consider, but the engine hours still matter, of course. If your choice is a sit-down jet ski, then we recommend you buy a model with a 4-stroke engine. Beyond the engine hours, the age of a jet ski is also important. That’s why rental companies avoid high-performance, supercharged jet skis. Stand-up models are unique in the world of jet skis, and many of them are still come with 2-stroke engines. Another reason is that rental companies are always extremely picky about choosing the most reliable jet ski models on the market, and with good reason. The first 4-stroke Sea-Doo came out in 2002 and the last Sea-Doo 2-stroke … There are many variables that can shorten the lifespan of any pwc. To help your purchasing decision, we at JetDrift have compiled the most important facts about a jet ski engine’s lifespan, as well as some other import factors you need to keep in mind before purchasing a used jet ski! I have been into boats and watercraft ever since I was young. In the past, 2-stroke jet skis were more common, but today, most of the jet skis arrive with 4-stroke engines. Just know that the average 4-stroke lasts, on average, 350 hours. What’s it Made of? But of course, hours on the jet ski don’t always tell the full story. For some maintenance tips, check out the article we covered a few weeks back. When on the lake in many states, they do not have their own set of rules and regulations. This is because after you purchase your ski, over the next 2-3 years, you’ll probably put another 30 (or even more) hours on it, annually. The attitude and care of the owner can directly affect the lifespan of a jet ski. If you do not take care of your jet ski, it may not last as long as this average number of hours. Take out the owners manual and look over your maintenance schedule. Based on the above, it seems there are several jet ski models that can be very durable with proper maintenance, especially the non-supercharged ones. The last thing you need is to spend $10000 and end up with something that you don’t even use once a year. On the other hand, you can destroy your engine easily in a very short amount of time! That works out to only 6 days solid use or 75 days at 2 hours a day. Some dishonest owners install new gauges to reset the jet ski’s engine hours, to try to scam you in this way. This is because 2-stroke jet skis need more attention, as their outdated engines are less reliable and durable. No, but for a good reason. Jet skis can be one of the best parts of being at the water. We will also cover what the differences between jet ski types are, and how to take care of your jet ski better so that it may last longer. ... 4 – Kawasaki Jet Ski STX-15F – Best Jet Ski for speed lovers ... and there’s ample space to hop back on where you to get tossed off in trying to pull one stunt too many. 50 hours per season is the average. Jet ski engine hours are usually the main focus when it comes to purchasing a used jet ski, and with good reason. Sea-Doo Spark Trixx – Best Ski for acrobatics. There are 4-stroke and 2-stroke engines. Additionally, every owner should carefully check their skis before and after rides! When it comes to the lifespan of jet skis, it usually not only depends on engine hours, but several other factors as well. how long will 4 stroke jet ski engine last? You would burn about a gallon of oil every 1,000 miles if you used a two-stroke engine in a car. The 4-stroke engine can last around 350 hours, while the 2-stroke engine will last about 150 hours before a major rebuild. Additionally, keep in mind that the low hours will mean a higher selling price as well. The engine hours are obviously a deciding factor in your purchase as well as the year of the model. Jet skis typically come with either a 4-stroke or 2-stroke engine. Instead, open it up and investigate to see if there is a leak. www.WatercraftLife.com also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. So let’s move on to the most important factors about what can affect a jet ski’s lifespan! it has 175 hours on it but the owner says he has winterized/ de-winterized every year and has changed the oil regularly. Usually, the older the jet ski, the more hours it has on the water. Make sure to always use quality fluids when changing oil or adding oil to mix fuel. Ever since the introduction of the Spark, Sea Doo has … Another thing to compare between various models is whether or not the engines are supercharged. Here is our step by step guide to winterizing your jet ski. Namely, this model is the Kawasaki SX-R 1500, so don’t hesitate to discover this model here! What is the average lifespan of a jet ski? For instance, if you compare a 2-stroke and the 4-stroke engines of jet skis, they are different when determining high hours. Used Jet Ski Buyers Guide: 7 Key Factors to Consider, Buying a Jet Ski: 8 Worst Mistakes You Should Avoid, Jet Ski Costs: Discover the Total cost of Ownership, DISCOVER 2021 PWC MODELS Here is our step by step guide to winterizing your jet ski. The problem imo with getting the same power to weight ratio in a 4-stroke snowmobile is in the transmission. At 1000 hours it will start to exhibit the small problems that often start occurring from old age. Below is a list of the most common techniques to maintain your jet ski and keep it running in peak form.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-watercraftlife_com-medrectangle-3-0')};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-watercraftlife_com-medrectangle-3-0_1')}; .medrectangle-3-multi-108{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-top:15px !important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Additionally, when you select your ski, you shouldn’t have to focus exclusively on the jet ski’s engine hours. Keep this in mind when you select your jet ski, as you can expect a much shorter lifespan for the top performance models! Suzuki’s also are around 3 thousand dollars cheaper. Just like with cars, today’s jet skis are much more complex and are equipped with many extra bells and whistles. Beyond regular service, jet skis need to be winterized in most cases. I am always being told that it is like a motorbike engine so 150 hours in 2 years is only 1.5 hours a week. 33 oil changes = 3,300 hours. You should look your watercraft over and see if there is any significant damage that is easily visible. Would I personally buy a 4-stroke jet ski with 1,000 hours? But again, the condition of the jet ski is more important than the engine hours. In case you can’t find the engine hours, you can take the jet ski to a service shop or dealership where professionals can help you with this issue. As a rule of thumb, the 2-stroke jet ski engines last around 200-300 hours, while the 4-stroke jet ski engines last around 300-500 hours. It’s because many parts like sealings, hoses, electronics are aging even if the jet ski doesn’t hit the water. That will mean noticeable wear which indicates it’s likely time to upgrade your craft. Unfortunately, with a 4-stroke engine… the higher the RPM’s, the lower the life. On the other hand, 2-stroke jet skis are cheap to buy, lightweight, and fun to ride, … link to Do You Need A License to Drive A Jet Ski? A Beginner Guide: 6 New Jet Ski Owner Mistakes – That Even The Old Guys Make; Used Jet Ski Tips And Buying Guide; Pro Tip #874 – Are Aftermarket Jet Ski Pistons Good? The SP is upgraded to the 720 engine and the SPX is the same as the 1996 XP with the 800 engine. First introduced in October 1972, Kawasaki’s WSAA and WSAB “JetSki” models were powered by modified 400cc 2-stroke twin… i am looking to buy a 2006 yamaha jet ski. Although these new inventions are super cool, keep in mind that they may not work well after 5, 10, or 15 years. s*&t, some of the Sea Tow guys are getting like 10,000 hours on theirs. When it comes to 2- stroke jet ski engines, the rule of thumb is that 200 hours are considered high engine hours. I made this the first one because it’s got to be the most important one. And the repairs and parts can be very costly, if at all worth repairing! Additionally, all of the vintage stand ups, and the majority of the current stand up models come with 2-stroke engines. Preforming general maintenance and at mandatory intervals is very important to having a motor that will last long. While they offer amazing performance on the water, you can expect much more maintenance, higher fuel consumption, higher risk of malfunctioning and shorter lifespan. Additionally, these models have the highest price tags and maintenance costs as well! Care techniques can leave you enjoying the sun and water on your jet ski longer than those who don’t care for their jet ski engines. It’s true especially in case of the lower-end models on which screen is typically smaller. My kids and I fell in love with the freedom and fun that jet skis allow after renting … In the heat of the summer, you won’t want to get out of the water. Gasoline outboard motors usually can serve for a solid 1500 hours when taken care of on average. But as a rule of thumb, it’s not recommended you buy anything that is older than 6-7 years old. www.WatercraftLife.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Supercharged engines go much faster than most people want on a jet ski (65-70 mph), and supercharged engines do not last as long as other smaller engines. Finally, adding grease to all the seals and bearings maintains a waterproof seal that will protect your engine. Kawasaki, Sea-Doo, Yamaha, Krash…, © Copyright 2020 | All Rights Reserved | Webdesgin by. In fact, Sea Doo, one of the leading manufacturers of jet skis, phased out the 2-stroke engine in 2007. All engines will last even better with proper maintenance and preventative measures. Yes there is a clean 2-stroke now, but the reliability of the 4-stroke and how 4-strokes are so much easier and forgiving when tuning will overpower the clean 2-stroke appeal from a manufacturers standpoint. We're running jet ski engines in our Yamaha boats so that is a reasonable comparison. One of the reasons for this is that these fleets are inspected regularly, and maintained on a really high-quality and professional level. Not that Jet Skis are getting any cheaper either. producing 230-310 HP depending on the model. Their main advantage is that these jet skis are really agile and fun to ride, offering a vastly different riding experience compared to the current, larger watercrafts, which are considered “couches” by many jet ski riders. If you can find a jet ski with only 50-70 hours, these models could be the best deal for you in the long run. doesnt seem like much for the price of them. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 4-Stroke jet skis can go up to 1,000 hours so long as you do proper maintenance. These motors are extremely powerful, typically producing 230-310 HP depending on the model. The reason for this is that the manufacturers want to keep the craft’s weight low and increase their power-to-weight ratio. you should be able to put about between 250-400 hours yearly [Video], What do Sponsons do on a Jet Ski? Don’t worry, it’s usually pretty easy. … If you’re planning to buy a used jet ski, the best practice is not to buy a model that is older than 6-7 years old and has a maximum of 150-200 hours on it. The 4-stroke engine does not require a mixed solution of oil and fuel, but some 2-strokes do unless it is oil injected. It’s said that the first 1000 hours will be peachy-keen with no problems whatsoever. The best practice is to focus on the younger models with 50-70 hours to find the best deals for the long run. Interesting fact: Formula 1 engines are rebuilt after nearly every race, while a simple engine in a Toyota Camry lasts forever. There are many things that you should do every time you put your Jet Ski in the water. There was always a small amount of ramedial work needed like the odd injector change. I'd assume the 4-strokes would stick around longer. This site is owned and operated by www.WatercraftLife.com. The 4-stroke engine can last around 350 hours, while the 2-stroke engine will last about 150 hours before a major rebuild. I plan to use it most weekends of the year for fishing and diving only. The ski has 80 hours on it. For starters, it’s widely accepted that 2 stroke engines don’t last as long as their 4 stroke counterparts. You could spend all day, every day out on the water on your jet ski. In this article, we will explain how to estimate the number of hours you have before your jet ski dies. 2-stroke engines are not standard nowadays unless you have a Yamaha Superjet as that is the only new ski in production with a 2 stroke, so you probably don’t need to worry about that unless you have an older model. Of course, if you take better care of your jet ski, and do recommended maintenance it may last longer. Why would a 2 year old ski with 100-150 hours be considered thrashed. My boat is 4 years old and going into my 4th season. I have a set of 2007 STX 12f 4-stroke Kawasaki jet skis the red one has a 122 hours and the blue one has 134 hours both are well-maintained and in very good condition current registration and pink slips in hand comes with a nice karavan double ski trailer very fast and fun jet skis very reliable great on gas may be willing to trade hot rod nice pickup send pics of what you have thank you for your Cheap oil can cause havoc. You may even want to lubricate essential parts that move on the jet ski to minimize wear and tear. However, being new to skis I have no idea what type of wear/tear these engines must endure under normal riding circumstances. The sun is shining, and the water is glassy, just waiting to be cut up. Moreover, their small hulls mean they lack seat and storage capacity. Vintage jet skis usually were not equipped with hour meters, but as we’ve discussed earlier, it’s not recommended you buy anything that is too aged! In a ski… anything over 100 hr’s is getting in the danger zone. Another important factor regarding the model is whether or not it’s supercharged. At the end of a long and fun summer in the sun and water, your jet ski is ready to be retired for the colder months of winter. As evidence, you can find jet skis in rental shops with 1000+ hours in their engines, so this is a clue that with proper maintenance, a jet ski can run much longer than we would expect! A jet ski with a 4-stroke engine lasts about 350 hours, while a 2-stroke engine will last around 150 hours. The purchase price of these vintage models may attract you, but they’ll come with much more hassle (and sometimes costs) compared to many newer models. Floating Jet Ski Lifts, Proper engine fluid use, and the ability to identify problems or loose parts before you get on the water can help you to stay safe and limit injuries. Can You Add a Slide to a Pontoon Boat? you should be able to put about between 250-400 hours yearly To sum it all up, the main takeaways are that when it comes to purchasing a used jet ski, the condition and maintenance of the machine is always more important than the engine hours. As you’ll see, the maintenance history is more important than the hours on the jet ski! Their engines are worn out, and create more pollution compared to a new jet ski (or even banned in certain areas!). The 4-stroke engine has become essentially universal in recent years. Are you in need of some real evidence about how important maintenance is regarding how many hours jet ski engines last? It’s also wise to avoid the used supercharged models due their high risks and maintenance needs. Because of this, unless you have mechanical skills and are looking for a side project, it’s recommended you stay away from these vintage watercraft. The Doxford opposed piston Oil engine would run comfortably for 6000 to 7000 hours per year. Of course, if you take better care of your jet ski, and do recommended maintenance it may last longer. And don’t even mention the rust! Some steps need to be taken to get back on the water safely. If you’re considering buying a used jet ski, you need to pay close attention to this detail! But, can you make your 4-stroke last longer? Also, the use of supercharged engines is usually not necessary for the average jet ski user. Here’s why: All 2-stroke sit-down jet skis on the market are pretty old. Also, you will want to clean the jet ski very thoroughly to maintain the sheen and color of the hull and limit corrosion on any essential elements. I am new so please bear with me, but I am being told that 150 hours is extremely high for a ski engine and might need major work done to it. These vintage models were manufactured by Polaris, Honda or Arctic Cat many years ago. If you’re looking for something small, you should take a look at the Rec-Lite category! We'll bet anything that if you're here, reading this article, you love your pontoon boat. What didn’t change, other than graphics, in 1997 were the HX, GTX and GSX (non-Limited). Keep your PWC going longer with these tips for taking care of the engine. If you would like to learn what to check on a used jet ski before buy, don’t miss our step-by-step used jet ski buyer’s guide. Surprisingly, you can find still some of them running on the water, as each brand has its own fan base who are willing to keep these old skis alive. These features include brake and reverse systems, large touch screens, and many other electronic stuff. I wouldn't be surprised to see hundreds of hours on these new 4 strokes befor needing anything at all. So, as you see, proper maintenance is much more important than engine hours! You can find jet skis with a lot of engine hours in good shape, while others are already dead after 100 or even just 50 hours! 3 Great Options. I've heard everything between 200 and 2000 hours. However, the 4-stroke engine will last, on average, upwards of 300 hours, whereas a 2-stroke engine lasts only 150-200 hours.