Originally Posted by
JoshC
Yamaha are very reliable, and stable.
Seadoo's closed loop cooling is great for sea use, and they have probably the best riding hulls out of all brands. Simple pump system with wear rings that are easily changed when you lose thrust over time.
Kawasaki's are pretty reliable too, but basic ones are big and underpowered, and not as easily serviced.
I would stay away from supercharged ones, one more thing to cost money, and they tend to need more servicing.
However if you want to deep water pull big people skiers and wake boarders you'll want more than 150hp.
You need a three person one, they're bigger obviously but much more stable for water sports and better in rough water.
Five of my mates and I all bought jet skis about five years ago for exactly what you're looking for one to do, diving and fishing and mucking about with family. They are great for all those activities. They're simple to launch, light to tow.
We used to fish over at Stewart Island quite regularly. We'd get there much faster than a boat, and in rougher weather with ease. You get soaked though, we'd just wear wetsuits. Spent hours on the lake skiing and on ski biscuits etc.
I had a Seadoo, mates had Kawasaki's and Honda. They could not keep up on a long run, the Seadoo's stability and ride was superior in my experience.
Probably what will sway you will be dealer and servicing back up - who is closest to you and has a good rep. Down here there was virtually no-one, I did all my own servicing.
If I were buying again I'd probably go Yamaha for back up and long term reliability. Most rental places in the states run Yamaha because they do huge hours.
Like any thing, you look after it and it'll give you hours of hassle free service.
I sold mine to finance into a 3.3m jet boat which I sold after a year to buy a Stabicraft as I moved back coastal.