Quick Tech: Rigging A Jet Ski For Offshore Fishing

December 2, 2014

32763

Out-rigging a personal watercraft for offshore fishing use isn’t as expensive as you might think, but then again, to do it right (and have it last), it takes more than a bunch of PVC pipe and contact cement. If you enjoy the subject of jet ski fishing, then you’ve probably seen this outfitted Yamaha SUV before. I often get questions about how I did it or how much it cost, so I thought I would do a post on the subject.

My brother recently purchased a used 2001 Yamaha SUV 1200 just like the one I’ve been using for a while. It wasn’t the most popular ski Yamaha produced, but the SUV is very stable, the engine is reliable and the extra storage comes in real handy. I rigged it up for him and took some pictures of the process as well.

First off, purchasing a used 2001 Yamaha SUV with 85 hours set us back $5,000. Next, we picked up some necessary navigational equipment, namely a chartplotter/sounder for $500 and a VHF radio and antenna for $180. We also grabbed an Optima gel battery ($150), and some marine grade hardware and wire connectors ($200) as well as some miscellaneous safety equipment (flares, mirror, compass, Spot GPS tracker, dye pack, whistle, air horn, life vest, personal strobe, anchor, rope and chain for around $500). Finally, we dropped the ski off for some custom pipe fabrication to hold our rod holders and cooler ($850).

All in all, we ended up with a pretty nice fishing ski for $7,380 give or take.

before-mod-600x398 — We searched out for a pretty clean 2001 Yamaha SUV 1200. With 85 hours on the clock, it was in pretty good condition for $5,000.

dsc_0027e-600x398 — Extra power is necessary to run all of the extra electronics we have on board. The Optima gel battery was secured in the rearward storage bin.

dsc_0015f-600x398 — We installed the sounder in the bottom of the SUV’s hull.

dsc_0024b3-600x398 — Once our custom-fabricated rod holders were completed, we mounted the VHF radio and antenna to the ski.

dsc_0018e-600x398 — Finally, we mounted the GPS/chartplotter above the handlebars.

dsc_0011j-600x398 — Needless to say, my brother is very happy with how it turned out.

“How I Did It, Rigging A Jet Ski” was originally published by “Jet Ski Brian” Lockwood on July 19th, 2013. You can read the original report here.

8 COMMENTS

Liam December 17, 2014 At 11:00 am

Scared to jet ski , i am afraid of the sea or any sort water area.

- Kevin Shaw December 17, 2014 At 11:17 am
  
  Then why on earth are you reading articles on a jet ski magazine?
  
  - Will April 19, 2016 At 4:40 pm
    
    Maybe he is facing his fear by limited risk exposure.
    
Robin February 25, 2015 At 8:53 am

Where can you ride/fish with your Yamaha 1200 SUV due to emission law changes? We have one and love to fish.

Val February 16, 2016 At 9:48 pm

Where can I find a 4 seater yamaha jetski used? They seem hard to come by. Any ideas or websites? Would really appreciate the info. I am an avid surf fishermen looking to try this sport.

- Kevin Shaw February 17, 2016 At 8:37 pm
  
  Finding a Yamaha SUV is a tough job. We suggest posting a want ad on http://www.greenhulk.net, the Industry’s largest enthusiast forum.
  
Val February 17, 2016 At 8:46 pm

AFter researching about jetski fishing it seems like only the 4 seaters provide enough stability and room from the modifications for saltwater fishing inshore and off shore. What other brands / models of jetskis are appropriate for jetski fishing in shore and off shore? Any info would be much appreciated.

- Leroy! October 12, 2016 At 4:01 pm
  
  Hey Val,
  I fish from a small 3 seater here in NC. You can see a video of my setup @
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4zCDSQIhkE