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BUYING A SECOND HAND PWC?

BUYING A SECOND HAND PWC?

If you’re looking for an affordable watercraft to get out on the water, a used PWC is generally a good option if you know what to look for. Luckily for you, we’ve put together a few tips to help you find the perfect PWC and start a new life of adventure.

DEALERSHIPS VS. PRIVATE SALES

Being a dealer ourselves, we get many second hand PWCs from customers wanting to trade in to upgrade or in need of some extra cash. We can’t speak for all dealerships but we always do a comprehensive inspection on the PWC before closing the deal. We ask for the rider's history, look for any areas of concern and check the licensing so we know that it is coming from a legitimate owner. The information that we collect will then be passed on to you so you know what you'll be getting into before buying. We will also happily run tests and provide any service history for any of our watercraft.

Private sales on the other hand can be a hit or miss. You can never be 100%. Check out our tips below for more information on our top tips when buying a second-hand vehicle. When it comes to price, there is definitely more freedom to get it lower than at a dealership but we highly suggest getting the PWC inspected just as a precaution. 


WHICH ONE SHOULD I GET?

There are many types of PWCs in the market today and it can be quite overwhelming to find one that is most suitable for you. The main difference between model to model is generally the size and engine power. If the PWC is small, it generally has a lower engine power, lightweight, easy to tow, and easy to maneuver on the water e.g. Sea-Doo SPARK. The heavier and the higher power it has, you can generally fit more people, travel much faster and you will be able to tow water skiers e.g. Sea-Doo RXT-X RS 300. Having this knowledge about the different types of PWCs is a must so you can ensure that you make the right decision when choosing a second hand. If you need any help finding the right one, come in-store and we will be able to point you in the right direction.

DAMAGES

The first thing that we always check is the seats. It can tell you how well the owner looked after their pre-owned ski. Signs of not properly maintaining a PWC are shown by seeing tears or cracks on the seat and this may mean that they have not maintained other parts of the model as well. Also, check for any rust around the engine or pump. If there are signs of rust, or that paint is starting to peel off, it can cause electrical problems in the future. Lastly, we strongly advise to check the compression and pump for any damages. If the compression is low, it means that the engine is blown, definitely avoid this.

LICENSING

Every PWC has a title to the VIN or HIN number. If there is no name to those numbers, it has been stolen. If it doesn’t match the person that you are buying off, then they have either stolen or have another excuse. It’s simple, if you want a legit vehicle, make sure the name matches.
 

WANT TO AVOID ALL THE HASSLE?

You will be able to get peace of mind by buying a brand new PWC that is covered under warranty. Right now, we have a 2020 Sea-Doo SPARK 60 HP ready to ride at $8,999 that includes trailer, registration and warranty. 

If you need help finding a new or used PWC, definitely contact a reputable dealer like ourselves for any help. We also offer pre-purchase inspections just in case you need a second opinion when buying a PWC.