In general, 4-stroke jet skis last between 300 and 500 hours, whereas 2-stroke jet skis typically last between 150 and 250 hours. As you shall see, however, this relies on a variety of variables, including the maintenance, the performance of the jet ski, and how it is utilized. While many neglected boats blow up in their first season, you may discover rental jet skis that are totally operational and have engines that have more than 1000 hours on them.
This post is for you if you’re looking for a secondhand jet ski or just curious about how long they typically last.
Without further ado, let’s begin with the most crucial elements that have an impact on the number of hours that a jet ski is usable!
5 Factors That Affect A Jet Ski’s Lifespan
It is reasonable to state that a jet ski’s longevity is primarily influenced by 5 things. These are listed below:
- Maintenance
- Year of manufacture
- Features and capabilities
- How it’s used
- Environmental conditions
- Let’s take a closer look at each!
1. Maintenance
As a general rule, maintenance is the most significant aspect that impacts a jet ski’s longevity. The jet ski will survive longer if it is maintained well, as one might expect.
The service history of a secondhand jet ski is sometimes more significant than the engine hours when making a purchase! A more experienced jet ski that has been maintained carefully is usually in much better shape than a neglected younger one.
This is due to the fact that, unlike what many people think, maintaining jet skis is not simple. They don’t need as much upkeep as jon boats, for example.
A jet ski may be irreparably destroyed by only one incorrect annual service or winterization!
2. Year Of Manufacture
The year of manufacturing is another crucial element. In general, the engine and parts of a jet ski are more durable the newer it is.
It is evident that antique 2-stroke boats require more frequent engine rebuilds as compared to earlier and newer variants. On the other hand, compared to the modern, more complicated 4-stroke power sources, these engines can be rebuilt far more easily.
Remember that the most recent jet skis have several bells and whistles as well. These features can also be problematic! In comparison, without all these delicate components, older jet skis were rather straightforward.
So, a new jet ski or an older jet ski, which is better?
Simply put, it is advised that you stay away from the older 2-stroke versions if you dislike working on engines. They demand a lot of “carb labor” and constant attention.
It’s also helpful to know that many repair facilities won’t take on jet skis older than ten years.
3. Performance
High performance and a short lifetime go hand in hand in the realm of powersports. Jet skis, sadly, are not an exception.
You may anticipate having fewer engine hours as the jet ski engine output increases. For vehicles with superchargers, this is especially true!
On many jet skis, the supercharger not only causes significant engine wear and tear but also requires periodic rebuilding. Neglecting a blown supercharger is not a smart idea since it might destroy the entire engine.
We advise you to avoid purchasing a secondhand supercharged jet ski. For the same price, you may undoubtedly get brand-new, non-supercharged versions.
4. How It’s Used
A jet ski’s longevity can also be significantly impacted by the rider’s attitude. Sadly, a lot of owners simply hop in and press the gas without warming up the engine!
It can quickly damage the engine if the user often rides the craft at top speed or favors “race-style” beginnings. This is due to the fact that running a car at full speed is hazardous for it, especially in cold weather.
In addition, the common habit of wave jumping may result in a misaligned engine or shattered parts.
As a result, as you can see, a lot relies on the owner’s mindset!
5. Environmental Conditions
Finally, the environment can have an impact on the number of hours a jet ski is usable.
Riding a jet ski in seawater may cause corrosion, and rough water and wind can increase engine wear and tear. Because of this, jet skis that are used for offshore journeys deteriorate more quickly.
If a jet ski operates frequently in murky water (even in water that is just three feet deep! This could harm the pump, impeller, wear ring, and other components. In the worst situation, debris might jam the cooling system and seriously harm the engine.
How Many Hours Does A Jet Ski Engine Last?
As you can see, it varies on a wide range of conditions, but 2-stroke jet ski engines typically survive between 150 and 250 hours. The biggest benefit of 4-stroke jet ski engines is their extended lifespan; you may anticipate them to last between 300 and 500 hours.
Although many other elements can go down over time, keep in mind that engine wear is the primary longevity concern with jet skis.
On jet skis, corrosion is a very typical issue that frequently results in electronic issues as well. And after a while, it might get tiresome to keep identifying flaws in the electric system of jet skis!
Another problem is that contemporary jet skis only show a fault code on their screens in the event of a failure. In this instance, you must consult the manual or use a code reader to read this code.
Additionally, the majority of problems have the same language next to them when you search for a solution: “See an authorized dealership.”
Manufacturers do not want you to be able to repair your jet ski, for sure! They prefer that you take it to a dealer instead. Because of this, maintaining a jet ski is expensive and time-consuming.
The basic rule when it comes to engine rebuilds is that a 2-stroke jet ski engine can be rebuilt considerably more easily and inexpensively. It is, however, needed more frequently, usually between 150 and 250 hours.
Many owners just do their own 2-stroke engine rebuilding. However, it must be noted that this calls for some mechanical know-how and the appropriate equipment!
Rebuilding a 4-stroke engine is more difficult than doing it on a 2-stroke engine. As a result, repair businesses often handle this, which might result in high repair costs.
How Many Hours Is Considered A Lot For A Jet Ski
Examining the engine hours of secondhand jet skis, let’s see.
It is advised that you get a modern 4-stroke jet ski if you are a novice. Unless you have a specific need for a stand-up, buying a 2-stroke jet ski is pointless.
It’s not advised for novices to maintain a vintage 2-stroke jet ski since it needs a lot of expertise, time, and patience. You should instead look at the more recent 4-stroke versions!
You need to know how many hours are too much for a jet ski in order to make the best choice. Simply defined, even if a jet ski has a 4-stroke engine, more than 100 engine hours are excessive. As a result, buying a jet ski with more than 100 to 150 hours on it or that is more than three to five years old is not advised. Why?
This is due to the fact that the typical owner uses their jet skis for 30 hours a year. As a result, after three to four years, 100 to 150 hours of usage appear to be “normal.”
In addition, you should use it for at least a few years before selling it, which will add another 100″150 hours to its usage.
Therefore, it is safe to state that you shouldn’t get a jet ski if it has more than 100 to 150 hours on it if we do the arithmetic.
Finding a jet ski with less than 100 hours is recommended since you may anticipate getting many more hours out of its engine!
Why Do Jet Skis Only Last 300 Hours?
The 300″500 hour lifespan of a jet ski can be attributed to two primary factors. They first perform at a really high level, which causes a lot of wear and tear. The issue is that they are utilized in water, thus after each trip, you practically always discover water in the engine area. Long-term effects include rusting and other damage, particularly if the jet ski is used in saltwater.
Regarding performance, keep in mind that jet skis typically have 100-310 HP and have 900-1,800cc engines. This performs at a very high level! Cars with the same displacement, however, typically have less horsepower. They last longer as a result.
How do You Check the Hours on a Jet Ski?
A jet ski’s gauge prominently displays this number, making it simple to verify the hours. Sometimes you have to push a button to locate it, like the “Mode” button. You must use caution, though, since the owner may just reset the engine hours when the gauge is changed!
As a result, it is advisable to take a jet ski in for a complete check before buying it. A diagnostic cable and software are used by the dealer to read the actual engine hours because the use history is maintained in the computer.
FAQs
We’ve gathered the most typical queries on the subject as a takeaway!
How Are Jet Ski Hours Counted?
The hour meter on a jet ski starts recording how long the engine is running as soon as you turn it on. Both “jet ski hours” and “jet ski engine hours” refer to this figure.
How Do You Check The Hours On A Jet Ski?
The engine hours on a jet ski are easily visible on its display. The best strategy is to have it examined in a dealership before you buy because it might be changed!
How Many Hours Do Jet Skis Usually Last?
In general, 2-stroke jet skis last between 150 and 250 hours, whereas 4-stroke jet skis last between 300 and 500 hours. But bear in mind that it relies on a variety of elements, including engine output and how the jet ski is operated or maintained.
Is 100 Hours A Lot On A Jet Ski?
On a jet ski, 100 hours is often regarded as high usage. You may anticipate seeing 100 hours on jet skis that are three to four years old because the typical user rides for roughly 30 hours each year.
Why Do Jet Skis Only Last 300 Hours?
Due to significant engine wear and corrosion from seawater, many jet skis barely survive 300 hours. Additionally, several jet skis explode during their first season of use! In comparison, you may get well-kept rental jet skis with more than 1000 miles on them! Finally, it appears that some degree of chance is involved.
