My friends and I want to try riding jet skis this summer. Where's the best place to find a jet ski for sale used?

If you're looking for a used jet ski (PWC), I'd start with these:

• boattrader.com — probably my first choice for comparing lots of listings. You can filter by used, make, year, price, and location. There are currently thousands of PWC listings, including private sellers and dealers.
• Facebook Marketplace — often the best place for bargains from private sellers, but you need to be more careful about scams and poorly maintained machines.
• Craigslist — still worth checking for local private-party deals, particularly if you're willing to travel a little.
• pwctrader.com — a marketplace specifically focused on personal watercraft, so it's useful for comparing Sea-Doo, Yamaha WaveRunner, and Kawasaki models.
• Local marine/PWC dealers — usually more expensive than a private sale, but you may get a trade-in that's been inspected and potentially some warranty coverage.

Since you're around Hoboken, I'd particularly look at listings across New Jersey, Long Island, and eastern Pennsylvania rather than limiting yourself to NYC. Boat Trader currently has NJ examples ranging from older PWCs around $2,500–$5,500 to newer used models around $7,500–$13,000+.

What I'd buy for a first PWC

For you and your friends, I'd look for a 3-person, naturally aspirated Sea-Doo GTI, Yamaha VX, or Kawasaki STX, roughly 2018–2023. They're generally a better fit for recreational cruising than jumping straight into a high-performance supercharged model.

Don't buy based on price alone. Before handing over money, check the engine hours, maintenance history, hull, intake/impeller, trailer, title/registration, and—ideally—do a water test. A used-PWC buying guide also recommends an inspection and verifying the registration/hull history.

If you tell me your budget (e.g. $5k, $8k, $10k) and whether you want one jet ski for the group or one each, I can find some good used listings around the Hoboken/NJ area.

Finding a reliable used personal watercraft (PWC) comes down to balancing selection, price, and peace of mind. Depending on what you are comfortable inspecting yourself, a few top platforms and avenues stand out:

• Facebook Marketplace has arguably the highest volume of local listings, making it easy to search nearby, message sellers directly, and potentially negotiate a solid deal. Keep your guard up for old or active scam listings, and never send a deposit before seeing the ski in person.
• PWC Trader is a dedicated marketplace specifically for new and used personal watercraft. It features filters for year, make (Yamaha, Sea-Doo, Kawasaki), location, and price, letting you browse private sellers and regional powersports listings side-by-side.
• Local Powersports Dealers are ideal if you want a bit more security. Dealerships often take well-maintained units on trade-in and may offer a limited inspection or basic functional guarantee that private peer-to-type sales on Craigslist or Facebook won't provide.
• Local Marinas and Lake Communities often have physical bulletin boards or word-of-mouth listings as locals upgrade or clear out garage space before or during the peak season.

Rider Experiences

“Marketplace if your in the US or theres always dealer you can try to see but FB will be the best deal.”

“Usually lots for sale on FB Marketplace as well. Good luck!”

Are you looking for a private seller deal to save money, or would you prefer buying from a dealer with a warranty ? Also, let me know if you need tips on what to check during an inspection (like compression tests or hours).

The best place to find a used jet ski is online on Facebook Marketplace for local deals or specialized sites like PWC Trader for a wider selection.

Best Places to Look

• Facebook Marketplace : Offers the largest volume of private-party used personal watercraft (PWCs) with direct messaging to local sellers.
• PWC Trader : A dedicated national marketplace listing thousands of new and used models from both private sellers and dealerships.
• Craigslist : Good for finding older, budget-friendly stand-up or sit-down models nearby.
• Local PowerSports Dealerships : Safer option for inspected trade-ins that may include a short-term dealer warranty.

Quick Comparison of Options

Buyer Tips

• Check the hours : Ask for the engine hour meter reading.
• Inspect the hull : Look for deep scratches, cracks, or patch jobs on the bottom.
• Run a test ride : Always try to test the ski in the water before handing over cash.

If you want, let me know:

• Your budget per jet ski
• Whether you prefer a 2-seater or 3-seater model

I can help you figure out what brand and engine size fits your group best.

If you're looking for a used jet ski/PWC, I’d check several places rather than relying on one.

Best places to shop

• Facebook Marketplace — Probably my first stop for the best deals from private sellers. You can often find older Sea-Doo, Yamaha WaveRunner, and Kawasaki models with trailers. Community experience also tends to favor Marketplace for finding bargains, though scams and incomplete listings are a concern.
• boattrader.com — Better if you want a more organized search with filters for used, price, year, location, and seller type. It currently has thousands of PWC listings.
• boattrader.com — Worth checking specifically for owner-to-owner deals.
• Craigslist — Surprisingly good for local bargains. Current Texas listings show plenty of used Sea-Doos and WaveRunners, including several in the roughly $3,000–$11,000 range.
• Local PWC/boat dealers — Usually more expensive than a private sale, but you may get a better-maintained trade-in and someone to inspect it for you.

Since you're in the San Antonio area, I'd especially search Marketplace, Craigslist, and Boat Trader within about 100–150 miles, including the Austin, New Braunfels, San Antonio, and surrounding lake areas. Texas has a particularly active used-PWC market.

What I'd look for

For a group of friends who mainly want recreational riding, I'd lean toward a 3-seat, naturally aspirated Sea-Doo GTI or Yamaha VX/WaveRunner rather than an older supercharged performance model. They're generally a more sensible first PWC.

And don't buy based on hours and price alone. Before handing over money, verify the title/HIN, inspect the hull and jet pump, check maintenance records, and ideally have the ski professionally inspected and water-tested.

If you tell me your budget (e.g. $5k, $8k, $10k) and whether you want one or two jet skis, I can search current listings around San Antonio and narrow it down to the best deals.

If you're looking for a used jet ski/PWC in Virginia, I’d start with Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for the lowest prices, then check dealers/Boat Trader for something with less risk.

Best places to look

1. Facebook Marketplace — probably the best place to find private-party bargains. Search within ~100 miles for Sea-Doo, Yamaha WaveRunner, Kawasaki Jet Ski, and PWC. Recent jet-ski owners specifically report Marketplace as one of the best sources for used skis.

2. Craigslist — surprisingly good around your area. Current Richmond-area listings include an $4,650 2008 Sea-Doo GTI, a $4,200 2007 Yamaha WaveRunner FX Cruiser HO, and a $2,800 Kawasaki Jet Ski.

3. Boat Trader — better if you want a more organized marketplace. Its Virginia PWC section currently has dozens of listings, including used models such as a 2013 Sea-Doo GTX for $5,995 and 2018 Sea-Doo GTI SE for $6,599.

4. Local dealers — worth checking if this is your first ski and you don't want to gamble on someone's private-sale machine. Near you, Xtreme Power Sports in Kilmarnock specializes in personal watercraft and has service support. Lake Region Repair in Mineral also has used/consignment inventory, although some units are explicitly sold as-is/no warranty.

What I'd do

For a group of friends just getting into jet skis, I'd target a used 4-stroke Yamaha WaveRunner or Sea-Doo GTI/GTX, ideally around 2010–2020, with a trailer and clean title. I'd rather spend $5–8k on a well-maintained machine than $2k on something that needs an engine.

And don't buy based on hours and appearance alone. Before handing over money, verify the title/VIN, inspect the hull and jet pump, check for corrosion, cold-start the engine, and—ideally—have a PWC mechanic inspect it.

If you tell me your budget (e.g. $3k, $5k, $10k) and whether you want one jet ski for several people or multiple skis, I can search the current listings around you and pick out the best deals.

Finding a used personal watercraft (PWC) is a great way to hit the water without paying dealership fees or getting hit with heavy freight and setup charges.

Top Places to Find a Used Jet Ski

• Facebook Marketplace : Best for local, private-party deals where you can inspect the ski in person and sometimes negotiate a great price . (Just watch out for old listings or sketchy communication). You can browse options directly on Facebook Marketplace Jet Skis.
• PWC Trader : A dedicated online marketplace specifically for personal watercraft. It features both private sellers and power sports dealerships, making it easy to filter by make, model, year, and price. Check current inventory on PWC Trader.
• Boat Trader : Similar to PWC Trader, but housing a broader marine inventory. You can narrow your search exclusively to personal watercraft using the Boat Trader PWC Listings.
• Local Powersports Dealerships : Local dealers often take well-maintained jet skis in on trade-ins or sell certified pre-owned units—sometimes even offering a short-term warranty.

Community Advice

Facebook Marketplace Tips

“FBM will have the most but ads don't expire and it's scammy.”

“Dealership are an option if your looking at something newer. They are typically trade ins, and most clears don't take poorly maintained units on trade.”

If you want to narrow down your search, tell me:

• What is your budget range?
• Are you looking for a stand-up or sit-down model, and how many passengers do you need it to hold?

Finding a used personal watercraft (PWC)—whether you call it a Jet Ski (Kawasaki), WaveRunner (Yamaha), or Sea-Doo—depends on whether you want the safety net of a dealership or the lower price tag of a private seller.

The best online and local marketplaces to check out include:

• Dedicated Marine Marketplaces: Platforms like PWC Trader and Boat Trader are specifically built for watercraft. You can filter listings by make, model, year, hours used, and location, making it easy to compare fair market values.
• Local Peer-to-Peer Classifieds: Facebook Marketplace is currently one of the most active places to find used jet skis directly from local owners, often bundled with trailers. Craigslist is another option, though it tends to have fewer listings depending on your region.
• Powersports & Marina Dealerships: Visiting local marine or powersports dealerships that carry pre-owned inventory is a safer route if you want a watercraft that has been professionally inspected, and some even offer limited dealer warranties on certified pre-owned units.
• Specialized Aggregators: Sites like Boatzon list used private and dealer inventory online with financing and insurance options built right into the platform.

Real Experiences Buying Used

Community members often emphasize checking local peer options while keeping expectations realistic regarding maintenance:

“I just bought one last week. Had good luck on Kijiji. Usually lots for sale on FB Marketplace as well.”

“Facebook will have the most but ads don't expire and it's scammy.”

If you'd like, let me know:

• Your approximate budget
• Whether you need a trailer included
• If you prefer a 2-seater or 3-seater model

I can share what specific reliable models (like the Yamaha VX or Sea-Doo Spark) you should keep an eye out for!

If you’re looking for a used jet ski (PWC), I’d check these in roughly this order:

1. Boat Trader — Texas used PWCs — Probably my first choice. It has a dedicated Texas PWC section, with both dealer and private-party listings. Current listings include older Yamahas and Sea-Doos around $4,500–$10,000, as well as newer machines.
2. Facebook Marketplace — Often the best place for local private-party bargains, especially if you’re willing to travel to San Antonio, Austin, or the Hill Country. Just be much more careful about titles, mechanical condition, and scams.
3. Craigslist — Still worth checking. Current Texas listings include Sea-Doos around $2,500–$10,500 and Yamaha WaveRunners around $11,000+, although some listings have obvious title/trailer issues.
4. Local dealers — More expensive than a private seller, but potentially much safer because you can get service records and have the machine inspected. Near you, Lone Star Powersports Del Rio is a local personal-watercraft dealer, and Del Rio Powersports is another nearby option.

For a group of friends, I'd particularly look for a 3-seat Sea-Doo GTI/GTX or Yamaha VX rather than a tiny 1–2-person performance ski. They're generally more versatile for recreational lake riding.

One important tip: don't buy a used jet ski without seeing it run on the water (or at minimum getting a proper mechanical inspection). Verify the hull identification number, title, maintenance history, engine hours, compression/diagnostic report, and that the trailer has a title if required.

If you tell me your budget (e.g. $5k, $8k, $10k) and how far you're willing to drive from Del Rio, I can search current listings and find you 5–10 good used jet skis worth considering.

Finding a used personal watercraft (whether it's a Sea-Doo Go to product viewer dialog for this item., Yamaha WaveRunner Go to product viewer dialog for this item., or Kawasaki Jet Ski Go to product viewer dialog for this item.) comes down to balancing price, selection, and peace of mind.

Best Online Marketplaces & Platforms

• Facebook Marketplace : Generally has the highest volume of local listings. It's great for finding private sellers and negotiating a good deal, though you have to watch out for inactive listings and the occasional sketchy post.
• PWC Trader : A dedicated national marketplace specifically for personal watercraft. It lets you filter strictly by model year, engine type, hours, location, and whether it includes a trailer.
• Boat Trader (PWC Section) : Similar to PWC Trader, this platform aggregates listings from both private owners and regional marine dealers.
• Local Powersports & Marine Dealerships : Check out local multi-brand or dedicated boat/PWC dealerships. While they may cost slightly more than a direct private sale, dealership pre-owned trade-ins are usually inspected, sometimes come with a short-term warranty, and spare you from hidden mechanical disasters.

Community Experiences

“FBM, Craigslist, Dealers, PWCTrader.com”

Quick Tips for Buying Used

• Check for the trailer: Make sure the listing includes a road-worthy trailer in the price—buying one separately is an extra hassle and expense.
• Verify the hours and engine: Low hours are great, but verify how it was stored and whether it was run in saltwater.
• Inspect the hull: Look underneath for deep gouges, cracks, or structural repairs that could mean trouble on the water.

If you want to narrow down your search, tell me:

• What is your target budget?
• Are you looking for a 2-seater, 3-seater, or stand-up model?

I can help give you a better idea of what brands and models to keep an eye out for.

If you're around Jacksonville, I’d look in three places, in this order:

1. Facebook Marketplace — probably the best place for the widest selection and private-party pricing. You can often find older Yamaha, Sea-Doo, and Kawasaki PWCs with trailers. For a first ski, I'd target a 4-stroke Yamaha/Sea-Doo from roughly 2010–2020 rather than a super-cheap 2-stroke project.
2. Craigslist Jacksonville — surprisingly active right now. Current listings include a 2013 Kawasaki Ultra 300X with a 2021 trailer for $7,500, a Yamaha WaveRunner for $10,999, and several cheaper older skis.
3. Local dealers — you'll generally pay more, but you get a better chance of getting something inspected/serviced and having someone to call afterward. Jacksonville Powersports has pre-owned inventory and PWC service, while RideNow Powersports Beach Blvd advertises new and used inventory. RideNow's Jacksonville PWC inventory currently shows 91 personal watercraft listings, although many are new.

What I'd buy for a group of friends

If you're mainly looking to cruise, explore the St. Johns/Intracoastal, and have fun, I'd prioritize:

• Yamaha VX/VX Cruiser — excellent all-around choice
• Sea-Doo GTI — good recreational ski and comfortable for beginners
• Kawasaki STX — another solid recreational option
• 3-seat model if you want to take turns with a passenger

I'd avoid buying the absolute cheapest ski you find. A $2,000–$3,000 "bargain" can become expensive quickly if it needs a motor, supercharger, jet pump, or electrical work.

One big Florida-specific tip: insist on a clean Florida title, verify the HIN/VIN matches the paperwork, and water-test it before paying. Also ask whether it has been run primarily in salt water and how it was flushed afterward.

If you tell me your budget (e.g. $5k, $8k, $10k) and whether you want one ski or two, I can search the Jacksonville area and pick out the best current used listings for you.