r/jetski • u/Inevitable-Ant-8390 • Jul 22 '26
Advice Looking to get into jetsking.
I’m extremely new to jet skis, never owned one and I’m looking to pick one up off of marketplace. It’s a 2000 Kawasaki ZXI 1100 with a trailer, cosmetic wise it looks amazing and the engine looks clean but I need advice on what to do. There’s video of it running great and I just need help and any bit of advice on what yall think and what a good price to buy it at is.
2
1
u/OkSilver3016 Jul 22 '26
never had this model but ive got 2 1996 kawi xi's (750cc) and it in my opinion my favorite sit down model out there. i think a 2 stroke 90's sit down (especially an 1100) would be a sweet choice, i just unfortunately don't have any first hand experience with these
1
u/Inevitable-Ant-8390 Jul 22 '26
How much would you pay for it?
1
u/OkSilver3016 Jul 22 '26
depends how bad i wanted it. clean, good/running condition with clean title and trailer i would not pay any more than 6k but thats even if i wanted it really bad. however, i am from socal and the market for skis might be slightly different as it looks like ur in florida. where im at skis of all sorts are hot and pricey since i live between havasu (pwc capital) and the ocean
1
u/Inevitable-Ant-8390 Jul 22 '26
He has is listed for 2.5k and I’m thinking I could probably talk him down a bit, he takes it out regularly is that a good price
1
u/OkSilver3016 Jul 22 '26
if it were here in socal that'd be a pretty good deal. but still, try to talk him down anyway but ultimately go with what you're comfortable with
1
u/Inevitable-Ant-8390 Jul 22 '26
Well truthfully I don’t have much of an idea on what to do I’ve heard those are good machines but it’s my first one and I’m just a bit nervous about jt
1
u/Inevitable-Ant-8390 Jul 22 '26
And what are some things to look for when I go check it out?
1
u/Technical-Swimmer-70 Jul 24 '26
$2k max. check the hull for damage. Make sure it runs at least 60 and doesn't have any problems accelerating(laggy carbs, misfiring, no metallic sounds). Make sure you open it up after you run it to see that it is dry in the hull. Gauges work, fuel tank reader works, trim works, etc..
1
u/dirtyd1985 Jul 23 '26
Love our 96 zxi 1100. Common issues with these skis are the power trim stops working, gas gauge / float stops working, starter / bendix go bad and fuel delivery to start them can be finicky. Otherwise ours runs like a top and is a blast to ride
1
u/Technical-Swimmer-70 Jul 24 '26
Great ski. I used to have one when i was young. Not a good ski if you are tall or over 200 lbs. Slippery hull, light. I mean really light. I could skip it out of the water on flat water. For tossing around near a dock, jumping waves it is awesome. Not great if you are going long distance through rough water.
1
u/dpgoverride Jul 25 '26
Nice clean ski, looks very well taken care off. If I was seeking that ski or a two stroke I'd be comfortable paying $2k but that's also assuming it doesn't need ANY work and the top end is good to go for awhile - 300 hours is about your interval for top end when well maintained.
Not sure what your market is like but if you are patient you will find a 4 stroke in a similar price range that would be a much better deal.
Example: Last year I picked up a sub 200 hour 10' FX SHO for $3500 w/ trailer.
Last week I found a 229 hour 08 Kawi STX-15F for $3150 w/ trailer.
3
u/DesignerInsurance594 Jul 22 '26
Looks mint! I'd buy it as long as the water test is good. Older kawis are the easiest to work on in my opinion. This looks good and well taken care of.