Airstream and Water Toys

[rebel beck]

Need some advice and insight on something we have been thinking about. My son is 9 and is wanting a wave runner. I know 9 he will need adult drivers for sure, but the more we talk about it seems like a good idea. We do a whole lot of camping on a big lake about 30 mins from our house and wave runners there are the rage. So we are thinking 2 may make it into our driveway. Do any of you other Airstreamers do this? Any pro's and con's of brands to be on the look out for.

[klattu]

One word...Kawasaki

Get him a used one to learn on.
The first year will be plenty of...
Sucking up rocks...
Slinding under piers...
Running up on shore with engine still running.
Do all this on a used one, and then pick out the 'if you keep you grades up' hot rod next year.
Lots to learn on how JetSkis stear differently than anything else.

Kawasakis in the 650/750 familty are rock solid dependable.
And the following modle can be found for $1000 or less.
650 TS (flat)
650 SC (flat)
750 SS (v-hull)

The TS is most plentiful, and seldom abused.

Heres some photos...

Blue one is a TS, Pink one is a SC




You can see they have plenty of power...we are pulling a 5 place banana boat here...


This is a X-2,
Very fun and very tough to learn...


And a rare one...
Wet Bike
Fun and very different.


Ski Tow...

[nickcrowhurst]

Originally Posted by rebel beck

Do any of you other Airstreamers do this?

No. Over the past 40 years I've introduced my children and grandchildren to watersports such as kayaking, canoeing and sailing. These introduce them to the magic of the natural world; the sound of water rippling round the rocks , the calls of wild creatures, the flight of dragonflies and the majesty of the oceans. They gain strength from the muscular effort, they breath air uncontaminated by exhaust fumes, they enjoy the sounds of nature unpolluted by exhaust noise, and they do not burn oil and petrol to pollute the atmosphere and water. They learn humility in the face of awesome natural powers. They learn not to spoil the enjoyment of other water users. Some of the most magical waters in the world have been spoiled for me by the use of these jetskis.
Well, you did ask........
Nick.

[rebel beck]

Klattu thanks just what I needed. Yes Nick I agree with you, but our lake here has turned into a boat and jet ski resort so I guess we will have to join them. We went on a canoe trip a few weeks ago and it was soooo nice no motors anywhere. But the main reason for this little purchase is my sons friends all have 4-wheelers and we had a friend hurt really bad on one and my son is begging us for something with a motor and I'm totally against the 4-wheeler, wave runners kinda give us an out to please him and have fun with the whole family, plus kinda be able to have more restrictions on him.
They are all dangerous but with the wave runner I think his parents will be with him more at least for now.


Thanks Guys

[klattu]

The #1 thing to teach him is to always turn your head around, and look behind BEFORE turning.

So many times I have looked around to see some large boat shadowing me.

[tpi]

I think PWCs make great little boats provided they're operated in an adult manner. I've owned them for 11 years now. They're especially useful if you're going out with only 1-3 people at a time. Larger groups require multiple PWCs; at that time seriously consider a boat.

1. I recommend Honda or Yamaha PWCs for reliablility.
2. PWCs are easy to maintain and keep clean, and small to store.
3. The larger ones ride relatively well on rough water, considering their size.
4. The new 4 stroke models are fuel efficient and have clean exhaust.
5. They are just plain fun to ride.

I've ridden my Yamaha 130 miles in a day. It is going on 10 years old with nothing more than minor routine maintenance. It has required no repairs or had no breakdowns. Being an older two-stroke model, it burns a lot of fuel and has a smokey exhaust.

[klattu]

Heres a few on Ebay...



eBay Motors: Kawasaki Jet ski (item 280136674566 end time Jul-29-07 17:05:41 PDT)



eBay Motors: kawasaki jet skies (item 140140977584 end time Jul-29-07 18:39:59 PDT)



eBay Motors: 1993 Kawasaki Jet Ski 750 SS Super Sport Two Seater (item 110152736166 end time Jul-29-07 20:35:50 PDT)


eBay Motors: 1993 Kawasaki Jet Ski 750 Waverunner Seadoo No Reserve (item 200133725480 end time Aug-01-07 18:02:46 PDT)