[Bob45]

Is there a Jet Ski club in The Villages? They look like fun, but I would not like to go out on one without others for safety reasons. A club would be best but a like minded individual/couple or two would be good also.
BTW, I do not own one. I am looking into the possibility of getting one.
Thanks, Bob

[ElDiabloJoe]

Originally Posted by Bob45

Is there a Jet Ski club in The Villages? They look like fun, but I would not like to go out on one without others for safety reasons. A club would be best but a like minded individual/couple or two would be good also.
BTW, I do not own one. I am looking into the possibility of getting one.
Thanks, Bob

Hi Bob, I've got a couple up north at the lake house, but I wouldn't dream of having one in Florida for two primary reasons:

1. Saltwater = very bad for jetski's;
2. Freshwater in Florida = gators.

Besides, depending on your physical condition and riding style, they can be very rough on the lower back.

[Topspinmo]

If I was 40 years younger I’d love to have one.

[Michael G.]

There a lot of fun in calm waters, but watching those surfers in Hawaii having Jet Skis chase
after them in Hugh waves, those guys are nuts.

[Mortal1]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

There a lot of fun in calm waters, but watching those surfers in Hawaii having Jet Skis chase
after them in Hugh waves, those guys are nuts.

"hugh" waves? related to Hugh Hefner? Hugh downs? or perhaps "huge bollocks"?

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

Hi Bob, I've got a couple up north at the lake house, but I wouldn't dream of having one in Florida for two primary reasons:

1. Saltwater = very bad for jetski's;
2. Freshwater in Florida = gators.

Besides, depending on your physical condition and riding style, they can be very rough on the lower back.

Disagree. Jetski's are basically just small boats, and, as with any boat in salt water requires a little extra maintenance. As for the fear of gators🐊 in freshwater, it doesn't seem to deter other small boats, canoes or kayaks. Enjoy your jet ski and have fun.
😃

[fdpaq0580]

Bob45,

Sounds like you have have not had or used a jet ski before. Before you purchase one, suggest you rent one to make sure that is really what you want. Try before you buy.

Fred

[BrianL99]

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580

Disagree. Jetski's are basically just small boats, and, as with any boat in salt water requires a little extra maintenance. As for the fear of gators🐊 in freshwater, it doesn't seem to deter other small boats, canoes or kayaks. Enjoy your jet ski and have fun.
😃

"Just small boats"? I assume you've never owned a Jet Ski or a real boat. That's like saying a motorcycle is just a small car ... other than traveling on similar surfaces, they're completely different.

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by BrianL99

"Just small boats"? I assume you've never owned a Jet Ski or a real boat. That's like saying a motorcycle is just a small car ... other than traveling on similar surfaces, they're completely different.

Sorry, you assume wrong this time. Grew up on sailboats in the Pacific. Power as well. Sailed from ports in Mexico to Glacier Bay, Alaska. Traveled the world on ships thanks to U.S. Navy. More could be said, but enough life experience in boating, navigation, handling, repair and maintenance to feel comfortable standing by my posts here.
Oh, got the motorcycle vs car comment covered too.
Like I said in my last post, try before you buy. Rent one to learn how to operate it and maintain it properly in the places you will want to use it. Have fun, and be safe.
🚢⛵🚤🚣

[rjn5656]

You can rent one on Rt 441 as you get to Tavares.

As far as gators are concerned, they are not going to come near you.

[shut the front door]

I own one. First, about the salt water, it is a non-issue with modern day Sea Doo. The water does not travel thru the engine. Mine is a 2021 and gets the best gas mileage of any personal watercraft on the market. I can take it out to the chain of lakes and use it all day long and only use about a quarter of a tank (it holds 22 gallons). It also has braking system, trim, and sport mode which makes riding a wheelie a total blast. I take it to the chain of lakes, as well as to crystal river out to the gulf. Haven't regretted my purchase one bit. Beware, they are just like new cars, you will pay full price right now.

[ElDiabloJoe]

May I suggest you read a few of the maintenance type articles and some of the blogs re: difference between closed-loop (Sea-Doo) and open-loop (everyone else) PWCs at Steven in Sales '-' Helping you with Jet Ski Gear, Tips, Reviews, and Guides!

[Bob45]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. I plan to continue to try to find a group or club to ride with. I will probably rent one to see what I would be getting into. I envision day trips, or maybe overnighters. Then there is the problem of storing it.

Bob

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

May I suggest you read a few of the maintenance type articles and some of the blogs re: difference between closed-loop (Sea-Doo) and open-loop (everyone else) PWCs at Steven in Sales '-' Helping you with Jet Ski Gear, Tips, Reviews, and Guides!

Bob45,
ElDiablo's suggestion is a very good one. Really will help to get a good idea of what you are getting into.