Getting a PWC is a pretty big investment, and we know it’s no easy decision to upgrade. We promote taking extremely good care of any vehicle you buy to ensure it lasts you for as long as possible. However, we know that it’s not always realistic and there are a number of factors that are involved with moving on from your jet-ski. So, how long can (or should) you own a Sea-Doo before you replace it? It depends a lot on the individual jet-ski, and your needs and wants as an owner.
What is the maximum amount of time you can own a jet-ski (and have it still work well)?
Brand new, with the proper maintenance and tender loving care, a PWC can last around 300 hours, which equates to approximately 10 years of use. Obviously the more you ride, the shorter the time frame, though 30 hours a year is an ample amount of time for most people.
However, you don’t need to ride your PWC to its last breath before you replace it. How long you can own your jetski can be dependent on a few other factors:
You want a tech upgrade
Like all vehicles, PWC technology only improves over the years, and brands tend to release a new range or model every one or two years. We certainly don’t suggest you upgrade every year… However, product cycles are around nine years, so you have time to get a new model without getting the newest model. Personal preference is often the main reason for upgrading, but there are some technologies that start to become norms off the water (like GPS, tracking systems and app connect) can be vital on the water. When it starts to become unsafe or difficult to hold onto a PWC that has missing or outdated tech, it could be time to start looking at an upgrade.
You haven’t taken as good care of your PWC as you should have
Washing your PWC regularly to avoid rust and debris build-up, as well as ensuring you have regular jet ski maintenance services, including your winterisation service, and storing your jet ski properly all contribute to the longevity of your jet-ski. So, not doing these things can have your PWC losing its ability to run as well as it should. It’s not even necessarily neglect that can stop you being on top of your Sea-Doo; life getting busy and pulling you away from your hobby (and looking after it), or having things outside of your control occur (big extended weather events, temporary financial changes or even moving to a home that doesn’t facilitate undercover storage options), is just reality. We rarely, if ever, see someone coming in for an early upgrade because they weren’t bothered looking after their PWC. Life happens.
You are upgrading from a used PWC
When you get a used PWC, even a very well looked after one, you are only going to get the remainder of its life cycle out of it. However long the previous owner or owners had the jet-ski is shaved off your time with it before you need to get a new one. The benefit of a used PWC is that you get to try out how it fits in your life, as well as seeing what you do and don’t like about it to find the next one.
Are you ready for a new jet-ski? Talk to our friendly team today to start the process of getting a Sea-Doo that’s perfect for you.
