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Essential Things You Should Know Before Buying a WaveRunner

Oct. 5 2022 Lifestyle By Dunfords of Havelock

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FAQs about WaveRunners Answered

Think of a WaveRunner. What's the first thing that comes to mind?

Yup, that's it - a hot summer day, you in a swimming suit, having the time of your life!

There are many benefits to owning a WaveRunner. For starters, WaveRunners are a blast to ride. They’re fast and agile, and allow you to enjoy the outdoors in a whole new way. And, since they’re relatively small and easy to transport, you can take them just about anywhere. Plus, they're quite practical. If you ever wanted to check out that one secluded beach everyone keeps talking about, WaveRunners are basically your best friends - they’re perfect for exploring remote waterways!

So, it's not surprising you're thinking of getting one for your next summer. Before you do though, let's take a closer look at WaveRunners and what you should know before purchasing yours. Read on!

Where to Ride

Before you buy a WaveRunner, it's important to know where you can take it for a ride first.  Canada is the home of many rivers and lakes where you can freely WaveRunner, but there are still some places that don't allow it for safety reasons. If you're not sure where you can take your WaveRunner, be sure to check with your local authorities before making a purchase.

There are also many areas that are designated for WaveRunnering. These areas are usually well-marked and have specific rules that must be followed.

WaveRunning can be a great way to enjoy the water, but it's important to be safe and know where you can and cannot take your WaveRunner. With a little research, you can be sure to find the perfect spot to enjoy your new purchase.

3 Best Places To WaveRun In Canada

Speaking of places where you can enjoy your WaveRunner, here's a list of the best places to WaveRun in Canada. You can rest assured that these places are both safe and fun for taking your new pet for a ride.

Muskoka Lakes

One of the best WaveRunner destinations in Canada for a reason. The amazing scenery is destined to take your breath away. Its waterways are lined with enormous granite and the nearby lakes are a good option if it gets too crowded for you here. Plus - you might also stumble upon a celebrity, it's quite a popular destination among them!

The Rideau Canal

This one offers the best of both worlds: beautiful historic scenery of the country's capital, beautiful nature and under-the-bridges driving will surely make your WaveRunnering experience a memorable one.

Lake Simcoe

Contrary to the popular belief, Lake Simcoe is not just a fishing lake. This lake north of Toronto has great beaches and stunning views of summer cottages and the surrounding nature.

Buying New vs. Used

WaveRunners are great powersport vehicles that can change the way you enjoy and experience the water. But they can be expensive. So before buying, it's important to consider which option fits your budget best - buying new or used WaveRunners.

There are pros and cons to both options. Buying a new WaveRunner means you'll be the first owner and have a warranty. But it also means a higher price tag. Buying a used WaveRunner can be a great way to save money, but you won't have a warranty and may have to do some repairs.

Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to buy a new or used WaveRunner:

  • How much can you afford to spend?
  • What kind of WaveRunner do you want?
  • How often will you use it?
  • Do you want a warranty?
  • Are you willing to do repairs?
     

Answering these questions should help you decide the best option for you moving forward.

What Kind of Insurance Do You Need?

Yes, WaveRunners are fun. However, using them also entails risks to your safety and the WaveRunner itself. So it's important to consider the type of insurance you should get before buying a WaveRunner. In most of Canada, personal watercraft insurance is not mandatory, however, we highly recommend it.

There are two main types of insurance for WaveRunners: liability insurance and hull insurance.

Liability insurance covers any damage or injuries you may cause to other people or property while using your WaveRunner. It's essential to have this type of insurance because WaveRunners are very powerful machines and with improper use, they can be very dangerous as well.

Hull insurance covers any damage to your WaveRunner, regardless of who is at fault. This is important because WaveRunners are expensive, and repairs can be very costly.

When considering insurance for your WaveRunner, get quotes from several insurers. Make sure you understand each policy's coverage and choose the one that is right for you.

How to Maintain the Machine

One of the most important maintenance tasks for WaveRunners is to keep the engine and drive system well-lubricated. This means regularly changing the oil and checking other fluids, such as coolant and hydraulic fluid levels.

You should also check the condition of the engine's spark plugs and air filter. Another important maintenance task for WaveRunners is regularly cleaning the hull and trailer. This will help prevent the build-up of algae and other aquatic plants, damaging the hull and trailer over time.

Finally, you should always check the condition of the WaveRunner's hull and trailer before each use. This includes checking for any cracks or leaks. If you notice any damage, it's important to have it repaired before using the WaveRunner again.

Following these basic maintenance tips, you can keep your WaveRunner in good condition for many years.

How to Transport Your WaveRunner

When you are finally ready to purchase your own WaveRunner, you must make sure you know how to transport it properly. If you do not have a way to transport your WaveRunner, you will not be able to enjoy it as much as you would like. There are a few different ways to transport your WaveRunner, and each has its own set of pros and cons.

The first option for transporting your WaveRunner is to trailer it behind your vehicle. This is the most common way to transport a WaveRunner, as it is relatively easy and requires no special equipment. However, it can be challenging to trailer a WaveRunner if you do not have experience doing so.

Additionally, you will need to ensure that your vehicle can tow the weight of the WaveRunner and trailer.

Using a WaveRunner lift is the second option for transporting your WaveRunner. This is an excellent option if you don't have a lot of experience towing a WaveRunner, as it is much easier to use a lift.

Additionally, WaveRunner lifts are great for storing your WaveRunner when you are not using them. However, WaveRunner lifts can be expensive and may not be available in all areas.

The third option for transporting your WaveRunner is to use a WaveRunner dolly. This is an excellent option for those who want to be able to move their WaveRunner around easily. WaveRunner dollies are inexpensive and can be found at most sporting goods stores. However, WaveRunner dollies are not as durable as other options, and they may not be able to transport your WaveRunner as safely.

No matter which option you choose, make sure you take the time to research how to transport your WaveRunner properly. This will ensure that you can enjoy it for years to come.

What Is The Lifespan Of A WaveRunner?

Most WaveRunner models last for about 300 hours, but with proper care and maintenance, they can last even longer. If you're buying a used WaveRunner, try buying one that has been used for less than 50 hours. 150 hours or more is considered as highly used.

Do You Need A Boating License To Drive A WaveRunner?

Yes. In Ontario, you need two licences and both of them are issued by Transport Canada:

  • Pleasure Craft Licence - this one is often referred to as the boat licence. It's a no-cost Canada-wide boat licence. You can think of it as a licence plate for your ride since it doesn't prove you own it. It's just a series of numbers that are used for identification
  • Pleasure Craft Operator's Licence - this one is often referred to as the boater's licence and this one proves you're allowed to operate the vehicle and you completed the proper training.

The Bottom Line

If you're thinking about buying a WaveRunner, it's important to do your research first. There are a lot of things to consider, from the type of WaveRunner to the best place to buy it. With some research, you can ensure you're getting the best WaveRunner for your needs and budget.

If you are looking for a powersport vehicle dealer, we can help you. Dunfords of Havelock is an authorized Powersports and marine dealership in Havelock, Ontario. We have an extensive in-stock inventory of powersport vehicles and power equipment that you can even test-drive on our 90-acre test track before you buy. Contact us today to learn more, or buy online now!