Which Jet Ski?

[Soccerman06]

Hey, I really dont know much about jet skis beyond brand name and what they have in the manuals. Ive been looking at a new Yamaha VXR and Kawasaki Ultra LX. I got both dealers to be within a few hundred of each other and both to throw in a nice tube. So it comes down to service (which both are superb at) and the machine itself. The features are roughly the same, missing some in one model and some on the other. So anyone that has had experience with either of these 2 brands and/or models feel free to share.

Yamana pros:
faster, lighter
can use regular gas
good at cornering (pro for me)

Kawasaki pros:
better in choppy water (which theres a lot of here)
more of a cruiser (pro for younger/older family members)
I know the dealer personally (bought boat from them)

 

[SearchMaster]

My brother-in-law has two of these:

http://www.kawasaki.com/products/product-details-features.aspx?autoplay=false&id=484&scid=0

All I can say is....holy shit that thing is fast.

 

[RGUN]

You should head over to boattest.com and take a look at the fuel consumption curves. We have a Bombardier and love it, but if I were to buy one today I would get a Yamaha VXR. If you look at the fuel consumption curves, the Yamaha is WAY more fuel efficient then the Kawi. They all have roughly the same top speed, the forced induction models just get there quicker, at the huge expense of fuel.

 

[SuperSix]

I had a Yamaha GP760 for over 10 years - loved it. Zero maintenance (aside from spark plugs, batteries, trailer service, etc) and a lot of fun.

 

[slag]

Kawi, no question. Its already a luxury item, so gas shouldn't really be a concern. Like you said, the kawi really excels in chop and rough water which is where you want the hookup and comfort. Both are bulletproof designs, its just how you use it that dictates which to get which sounds like the Kawi is better suited to your use.

 

[Soccerman06]

Damn split opinions dont help!

 

[the DRIZZLE]

I have an Ultra 150, which is smaller than either of these and pretty bad in rough water. If the Kawi is the better rough water ski, I'd say get that.

 

[Soccerman06]

Ended up getting the Yamaha, pics sat when it arrives.

 

[slag]

Either one was a good choice. I'm sure it will provide hours upon hours of enjoyment.