[madmaxx]

My advice to the OP is to get a1996 $900 Kawasaki ZXI 1100 two stroke jet ski for the following reasons:
1) you wont care about scratches
2) you wont care about new scratches
3) it didnt cost anything so no expectations
4) it goes 62 mph on a 600lb machine, zero to 30 in 1.8 seconds
5) Outside of hitting a bridge or submerged object little risk to injury
6) the two stroke pisses off all the environmentalist with a passion
7) you can get 9 cans of beer in the front with ice
8) parts are a dime a dozen and for the most part free
9) accleration is soooooooooooooooo fun and there is no risk to your health.

Do not buy a new one which is representative of a couch and weighs 900lbs, if you want that buy a boat. In all honesty I have had more fun on my jet ski than the Cobra, but you need to be in good shape to fully enjoy it.