Try to get as much information as possible from the seller (receipts, last overhaul on engine/pump, any newer parts already installed...).

Inspect the hull for cracks, soft spots in the floor, rot in the stringers or transom wood.
Inspect the wiring at the engine and under the dash for burns or loose connections.
Inspect the cables for smooth operation (throttle, forward/revers, place diverter...)
Inspect the engine to make sure the distributor is at the back 

Welcome to SCJB

a lot of things to consider,
1) what is the intended use
2) how fast do you want to go
3) power and jet (brands)
4) can you work on it/ do you want too?
5) brand, some will be more$$ but will hold a resale value better i/e hallett or hawaiian
6)$$$ you say about 7k, that will get you a lot of boat in this weak market

just some things you will need to answer for us to guide you to a solid purchase, and maybe just maybe you wont go down the painfull path that many of us have.

ralph

Hey Tom, don't you mean Deck Ornaments.?


Which reminds me, I really need to get me one of those for my float.

got me one of those!!

lastly the boat should SCREAM out at you.  theres SOOO much to choose from.  if its not screaming BUY ME, walk away and wait another day on craigslist.  your boat will pop up.

Besides all of the hull/engine/pump inspections, I think the above advice is also very important.  Good one! 

Thanks guys for all of the replys, that is axactly what I was looking for. I might be going to look at one this weekend that's if my hood/deck orderment/ wife changes her mind of going out of town.

Well I sent a message to a one of the guys here on scjb and was asking on how he was throwing that nasty rooster tail of his. Y'all probably know who that would be, he told me to get a boat first witch I totally understand, it's like teaching a kid to ride a bike with no bike. Hahah. Any way my plan is when I do eventually get this vessel all I want it for is to throw the wickedest ( don't even know if that's a word) roostr tail. I don't care about speed. Just planning on what set up to run on the pump. I know a split bowl needs to be preasent and a diverter.

I'm going to take my time in finding the right boat and some what of the right set up for my jet boat needs. It might be soon or it might be next season, well se what's out there and what's to come.

And again thanks guys for all the feed back it's great.

Dan

the only thing a boat that i was buying said was HELP ME

Hopefully the boat doesnt talk to you quite like this.....or maybe you might talk to the boat:
 

Hey I live close to you, come look at my boat. I am gonna let it go for 4500 turn key boat... super clean. Im am in Stockton.