The want is incredible on this one, having grown up next to the biggest freshwater lake on the planet (in area, not volume). This 1990 Kawasaki Jet Mate is like a Jet Ski that you can carry a couple of friends along with you. The seller has it listed here on eBay in Indianapolis, Indiana – there is no reserve and the current bid price is $3,300.
You were out of luck if you wanted to carry more than two passengers behind you as you sat in the center control center (i.e. chair) which was actually mounted over the engine with a hinged cover. Compared to the Kawasaki Jet Ski, though, this was a veritable limousine. The seller says that this one has the original trailer which is great. What a super fun PWC (personal watercraft) this would be. I wonder if I could tow it behind the Rokon…
The Jet Mate was made from 1989 to 1992 and they look bigger than they really are. They are shorter than some new Jet Skis are but as with almost every other vehicle, they’ve become somewhat bloated and oversized. You can get reverse and even a backup camera on a new Jet Ski. Crazy. This Jet Mate is only 106.7 inches long, just under nine feet. They’re five feet wide and thirty inches high. The seller says that it really gets moving with just two passengers abroad. Here’s a YouTube video showing some specs and photos.
Back to the 1 of 1,200 number. I saw production estimates from 1,400 to 1,200, although a couple of sources said that 1,200 of them were imported to the US so that must be the discrepancy. I mean, the internet is never wrong or confusing, is it? The photo above is a little weird as the engine cover is partially open, but it’s the only one that shows the method of maneuvering this Jet Mate: a joystick! I know, cool, like a video game come to life, or for any of you who are drone pilots, it reminds me of that, too.
This whole rig/vehicle/boat/jet-ski-plus-two/whatever it’s called… personal watercraft, really looks like new to me. I don’t see a single flaw, a nick, scratch, rip, tear, nothin’. Those of you (I’m usually in this camp) who are sticklers for 100% originality may want to close your ears – this one has a different, bigger, better engine than the original Jet Mate would have had. This one “has been recently upgraded to 750cc and new larger stainless steel impeller for the Extra Power.” Notice the emphasis on extra power. Here is a YouTube video showing a 1991 Jet Mate with a 750 cc engine, cool. I would love to own this thing, have any of you seen a Kawasaki Jet Mate?
Looks like a ton of fun in the sun. Heck, I can’t even take a bath these days. I long for the days of life on the water.
@Cellblock Steve – You and me both brother.
Very cool
Blunt force trauma comes to mind when I look at its design elements.
Tow it behind that shorty duster thing below.
I was wondering if someone ever made a motorized paddle type boat, you know, like the swans at the park, well, Scotty found one. Pretty lame, I don’t know about you, but I like to FLY over the water, the faster the better. I suppose there is a market for people who want to go slow, be a good fissin’ vessel, and with the design of a bath tub, I guess that would be fast enough. Now, where’s that marine “LS” motor when you need one?
When I bought my house it came with a paddle boat. One day two buddy’s and I put a trolling motor on it. With a case of beer, up river we went. It was a gas! Kind of a hold my beer moment! A very slow ride and you had to keep your feet away from the pedals. Gave it away shortly after the cruise.
Just over 1900 miles away avoiding the toll roads would be a fun toy on the river
I have never even heard of these….
I have ridden a jet ski, and a Yamaha Wave runner, and even tooled around the Everglades on an airboat.
This is the absolute coolest PWC I have ever seen.
I know someone who has one of these in non running condition. I don’t learn so good when it comes to boats so I picked up a small jet boat to engage in some hooliganism. If I find I like it might grab something like this. I would be the rare boat owner that goes smaller rather than larger.
32 years old and it looks like new. What did they do lock it in a garage and loose the key? I’ve never seen one but it sure looks like it would be a blast to own and play with.
Yes i had a Jet Ski, but never heard or seen one of these, also has bigger boat for sale.
Neighbor across from our cabin had one. Fun rig with the joy stick steering. Turn circles on a dime. Kinda thirsty in the gas department. If closer I’d buy it.
Just needs a couple of Rod Tie Downs and a Live Well so you can get back into places that a normal size Bass Boat can’t get in to….
It could be a lot of fun for the money. Ended:May 02, 2022 , 7:50AM
Winning bid:
US $5,100.00
[ 20 bids ]
Thanks, Mike!
You bet Scotty! If I was in better shape I would have bid. Take care, Mike.