who has a waverunner? i need a grey one to match my MGM

I would like a boat but the jet boats are all sold out until next year probably. Because of this I am looking for a waverunner to explore around the DC area and the Chesapeake Bay. who has a waverunner and what do you like /dislike? i want a non supercharged Yamaha with the 1.8 motor but they are all sold out so I may be pushed into a SVHO model. I have always wanted a boat and Im excited to start towards one. this and trips to the beach are a big reason I got a truck. I would love to take a waverunner to the Outer Banks and explore the sound. probably stupid to want to match the truck but maybe I will add some blue accents to it!

 

Living in NoVA I can tell you, this is a hole you are going to throw money into, and unless you are retired, rich, and bored, you will not get equivalent use out of these vehicles for the money spent.
If you must I would buy used after having it checked over by a marine mechanic which is $$$

The bay is full of trash, crab pots, and jellyfish most of the year, you don't want to swim in that, ever.
Been there done that.
The bay is also the largest shark breeding/pupping ground in the world I believe I read.
Hard pass.
The bay is often rough, some people like that, most don't.
Even in our last boat a 37ft Formula PC cruiser it can suck fairly often.

The bay and connected rivers are also full of algae and grass that will clog those induction pumps right up, plus sucking up crab pot floats and lines you didn't see is always fun.
Also a LOT of trash, and hidden stumps in the rivers around DC.

For the rivers around DC I won't even wade fish them anymore let alone swim or boat, they are SOOOO polluted, if you seen the trash upriver people leave on the shore that washes down every rain flood where I live that makes it's way down there eventually you would puke
BBQ and diaper water is awesome to swim in

I to want a boat eventually, but mainly for freshwater fishing, so a bass boat or large john boat, something I can put a canopy over for when the wife comes along rarely.
But I won't take it anywhere near those waters.
Currently I have a pedal fishing kayak for cleaner western/southern lakes, resi, rivers, and creeks, but its a lot of work to pedal and a pita much like a boat but slightly cheaper and almost no maintenance lol.

I also spend my summers visiting OBX as much as I can. LOVE it there, especially Hatteras and Ocracoke away from the crummy touristy northern areas.
Even though these days even the south end is packed edge to edge with vacationers all summer
But that's why I go to the drive on 4x4 clothing optional beach areas, it's never too crowded
And F walking on the beach carrying all the beach crap most of us need, NEVER again for me
If I can't drive my truck on the beach I aint going, sorry.
Unless it's a high end waterfront resort beach hotel, and even then I hate being around crowds when I want peace, relaxation, and quiet.

I suggest renting boats/PWC while at the beach if you want to do that, you will save money and major headaches long term.

I totally feel you, I wish I had a boat and or PWC also, but it's simply way to expensive and impractical when I am not rich and work more than I live and play.

Definitely try to color match if you do get something, that's always cool

I recently noticed Cabela's has boats back in stock now so they are slowing restocking in places.
Also you can always find boats for sale, owners are always coming to reality and trying to get rid of them.

Good luck!

 

I live in the DC area....our plan is to get a place with a great view on the bay or a tributary on either side of the bay bridge so we can sneak over for a couple weekends a month. Ideally a couple of hours away or less. I love lake Gaston but I wouldn't use that enough to make sense. Im sure everything you mention is accurate but if its crappy water or no water I will take the crappy water. Carova is my favorite beach in the OuterBanks and thats another major reason for me getting my truck. mile marker 23+ is pretty isolated

 

Hope you like sitting in traffic trying to get over the Bay Bridge. Seven mile backups are common.

 

I think Friday afternoon etc will be a disaster whether its the Bay Bridge or 95 south or anything else. I am thinking Thursday night after traffic dies down. Do you have any experience with that or know of other times that might work?

 

I have two Yamaha waverunners. I went with the the VX deluxe models because they are heavy. Cut through big waves with ease and still go 56mph. These are cruising machines. Other models you will have more fun, but if you want to cruise all day and not get beat up you will want a heavy machine.

I am in upstate NY on the fingers so I know nothing about the area you would be cruising. I would only get Yamaha. 3yrs in and have zero issues. They are start up every time and go!

 

Fridays were getting bad even mid Friday afternoon. Sometimes the backups lasted well after dinnertime. Thursdays are probably better, if you can take the time off.

Sundays going west can have the same backups.

 

Check Pete's Cycle in Severna Park. Seem to have a good selection on website in stock.

 

I know someone selling a cream puff of a 08 Cobalt 252 if you are interested. Little over 100 hrs with the 377 and bravo 3 outdrive if it is big enough for those waters.

 

https://www.yamahawaverunners.com/waverunner/series/luxury/fx-cruiser-ho/

https://www.yamahawaverunners.com/waverunner/series/luxury/fx-cruiser-svho/

these are the ones I am thinking of 1.8 motor with 180 hp or 1.8 supercharged w 250hp the FX series is new for this year

 

I called them the other day...very nice but basically said am SOL this year

 

Kind of surprised given all they show in stock.

 

I guess the ones on the website arent there yet and yamaha announced a 30% reduction...the dealers dont know which units are getting cut so many arent taking deposits until they figure it out. keep in mine im only really looking for an FX HO or an FX HO Cruiser so others may be more available. they also have a recall right now

 

I had a Yamaha 242LSE with twin 1.8’s. Nice boat with plenty of power. The family never wanted to go out (kids older and don’t hang with mom and dad) so I sold it. Good luck finding something now a days.

 

I had a Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO for several years. Got a ton of use here in East Tennessee lakes. This is a 3-seater model and is very large and stable. It is great for cruising. With it being super charged, it gets up and goes when you want it to. It will get up to 65 or so in a heartbeat if you want it to. Had a few mods to it.

mail later got rid of it for an FZR. This is the sportier and 2 person version. Stability is significantly less than the FX Cruiser SHO. Can be a challenge to ride with 2 people.

Yamaha is the Toyota of skis. Sea-Doo is the Ford/Ram. More bells and whistles but overall reliability is decreased.

 

My sister has an FX Cruiser and a GP1800, both several years old and with the SVHO. They are both a blast, but they drink premium fuel.

 

Beware: flip it out at sea alone, it can be really, really difficult to flip back! You can't lift shit, you just go under. Then there is the burning eyes from the salt, not much fun either. Tons of fun, but sure glad those crazy days are behind me!