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Whether you crave the thrill of a high-speed race in the ocean or the laziness of an afternoon spent pulling a tube full of children around a lake, jet skis offer recreational fun for everyone. And for some, jet skis, are an affordable and accessible alternative to boat ownership. With so many jet skis on the market, there’s a lot to consider when purchasing. Our guide to the best jet skis can help you narrow down the choices and find the perfect personal watercraft.
Product FAQ
1. What’s the Best Jet Ski for Towing Family and Friends on Inflatables?
For these types of outings, the best jet skis will have enough seats to accommodate 3 or 4 people and enough horsepower to tow the inflatable and the person on it. However, you probably don’t need one of the ultra high-powered jet skis for this level of recreation. These supercharged models often have a more limited fuel range anyway.
2. What Advantages Do Stand-Up Jet Skis Offer?
Image source: Pixabay
Stand-up jet skis require the driver to stand for the duration of the ride. Stand-up jet skis are generally powerful and offer a great deal of agility and maneuverability, making them ideal for racing and for serious sportsmen. But because driving in a standing position is difficult, these models are best suited for experienced, physically fit sportsmen. Two-seat jet skis, as well as larger models than can accommodate 3 or 4 passengers, are more common than stand-up watercraft and are better suited for most drivers.
3. What Kind of Hull Should I Go For?
The bodies of some jet skis are better suited for the calm waters of lakes and dams, while others are built for cutting through choppy waves. Still other models are light and nimble and designed for competitive racing. Generally speaking, jet skis that are short and narrow are the most maneuverable, but they can be difficult for beginners to control. Longer and wider jet skis are more stable and are better in rougher conditions, but you give up some maneuverability with these larger watercraft. If you’re unsure about the best hull for you, ask the salesperson you’re working with for a recommendation.
4. What’s the Best Jet Ski Brand?
Seadoo, Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki manufacture some of the most popular brands of jet skis. As you shop around for the best jet skis, think about what your budget is and how you’ll use the jet ski. Will you use it to compete in races? Or do you envision spending lazy summer afternoons on the water with friends? Figuring out your budget and what your plans are for the jet ski will help you narrow down your selection.
5. What Else Should I Consider before Purchasing a Jet Ski?
Many consumers forget to think about storage and towing capacity. You’re going to need a place to store the jet ski during cold winter months. A garage of storage shed often works well. If your storage capacity is limited, a smaller jet ski may be the best choice for you. Another reason to opt for a smaller, lighter jet ski is if you have limited towing capacity. Larger jet skis must be towed by a truck or another large vehicle.
6. Should I Insure My Jet Ski?
Yes. You’ll want to investigate your insurance options and the potential costs before you purchase your jet ski. Sometimes drivers who are new to operating watercraft are deemed a higher risk by insurance companies and are charged more for their policies. Be sure to ask about ‘lay up’ months in the off season. During lay up months when you aren’t using the watercraft, some insurers will allow you to scale back your policy to just fire and theft coverage, saving you money.
7. What Is a Lanyard Ignition?
A lanyard ignition is a key safety feature on jet skis. The lanyard connects the driver’s wrist to the ignition. If the driver falls overboard in an emergency, causing the lanyard to separate from the ignition, the jet ski will automatically shut off.
8. What’s the Difference between a 2-Stroke and a 4-Stroke Jet Ski?
These names refer to the number of strokes that pistons take during a single cycle in a jet ski’s engine. Jet ski engines with 2 strokes are lighter, but they are gradually being phased out because they burn more fuel and pollute more. Engines with 4 stokes are quiet, have cleaner emissions, and have higher fuel efficiency. Try to avoid purchasing a jet ski with a 2-stoke engine.
9. How Will I Learn How to Operate the Jet Ski?
Jet skis come with owners manuals. When you take possession of your new jet ski in the showroom, the dealer will also go over some basic operational and maintenance information. Even though you’ll be excited about your new purchase, it’s important to listen carefully and take notes during this process so that you have all the information you need to successfully operate your jet ski.
How We Reviewed the Best Jet Skis
Image source: Pixabay
There are an endless number of jet skis on the market. When evaluating the best jet skis, we took into consideration a range of factors including the speed and power of the watercraft, its ease of handling, and the comfort and amenities it provides.
Overall Price Range of the Best Jet Skis
The best jet skis range in price from about $7,000 to $17,000. Jet skis on the lower end of that price range will have smaller amounts of horsepower and modest speeds of around 50 mph, but they still are a fun way to spend an afternoon on the water. Lower-priced models can also be a great way for novice drivers to try out the experience. More expensive jet skis have higher overall quality, reach higher cruising speeds, and feature more built-in comfortable features like storage compartments, larger boarding steps, and digital controls.
What We Reviewed
- Seadoo GTI 130
- Honda Aquatrax R-12X
- Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO
- Seadoo Spark
- Kawasaki 800 SX-R
- Yamaha Waverunner FZ R
- Sea-Doo RXP-X 300
- Kawasaki 300 LX Ultra Jet Ski
- Seabreacher Z
- Uboat HP Sport Sub 2
Seadoo GTI 130
Features
Seadoo’s GTI 130 jet ski is ideal for family recreation and for those who are new to the sport. This 3-seat personal watercraft is equipped with an Intelligent Brake and Reverse System that makes it easy to throttle, shift out of neutral, and reverse without losing control. This watercraft is easy to operate and has plenty of storage space under the seat and in the glove box. The Seadoo GTI 130 is lightweight enough that it can be towed by a sedan, making it easy to move between recreational spots.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Intelligent Brake and Reverse System
- Underseat storage and glove box
- Handle grips with palm rest
- Ideal for new users
- Can be towed by a sedan
- Anti-theft security system
- Nimble in the water
Cons
- Not as much horsepower as some other jet skis
Price
$$
Where to Buy
Warranty
The Seadoo GTI 130 comes with a 12-month warranty.
Honda Aquatrax R-12X
Features
If you want power and speed in a jet ski, you want the Honda Aquatrax R-12 X. This 2-seat jet ski has a 165-horsepower engine that makes it ideal for racing and a compact hull that gives it a high level of maneuverability in the water. This jet ski also has lots of bells and whistles. The exhaust system is designed to minimize noise, a keyless ignition guards against theft, and a limit mode allows the owner of the jet ski to set a maximum speed when novice drivers are behind the wheel. If you’re looking for an adrenalin-packed ride, Honda Aquatrax R-12X is a good choice.
Pros
- Powerful in the water
- Ideal for racing
- Maneuverable
- Keyless ignition
- Handles turns well
- Noise-minimizing exhaust system
- Precision handling
Cons
- Less onboard storage than some other jet skis
Price
$$
Where to Buy
Warranty
THe Honda Aquatrax R-12X has a 12-month warranty.
Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO
Features
The Yamaha FX Cruiser Sho combines a large, powerful engine with a full suite of amenities. This jet ski, which can accommodate up to 3 people, has cruise control, adjustable steering, and a no-wake mode. It’s also equipped with design features that ensure comfort, like a built-in beverage holder, watertight onboard storage, and drains in the footwells that keep those spaces from filling with water. This is a full-service jet ski for operators who want a powerful ride in a stylish, comfortable watercraft.
Pros
- Large, supercharged engine
- Adjustable steering
- No-wake mode
- Cruise control
- Built-in beverage holder
- Ample onboard storage
- Fuel efficient
- Runs on unleaded fuel
Cons
- Heavier than some other jet skis
Price
$$$
Where to Buy
Warranty
The Yamaha FX Cruiser Sho comes with a 12-month warranty.
Seadoo Spark
Features
The Seadoo Spark is playful, versatile, and designed for all around fun on the water. The Spark features Seadoo’s Intelligent Brake and Reverse System, which makes it easy to throttle, shift out of neutral, and reverse without losing control. This jet ski is easy to operate. It’s also compact and lightweight enough that you can easily tow it between recreational spots with a sedan and store it during cold-weather months. Another feature of the Seadoo Spark is its closed-loop cooling system, which prevents saltwater and debris from getting into the engine ensuring reliable performance.
Pros
- Easy to handle
- Intelligent Brake and Reverse System
- Can be towed by a sedan
- Ideal for families and new riders
- Comes with at tow hook
Cons
- Less onboard storage than some jet skis
- Not as powerful as some models
Price
$
Where to Buy
Warranty
The Seadoo Spark comes with a 12-month warranty.
Kawasaki 800 SX-R
Features
The Kawasaki 800 SX-R is designed to accommodate a single, standing driver. With its powerful motor, this jet ski is designed for aggressive racing even in choppy conditions. This jet ski has a top speed of 65 mph and is best suited for experienced operators who are able to control the watercraft while standing or crouching. This jet ski has a small onboard storage area and anti-corrosive dirt bike-style handlebars.
Pros
- Powerful engine
- Magnetic ignition switch guards against theft
- Low fuel and engine warning lights conveniently located
- Easily removable bilge drain plugs
- Anti-corrosive dirt bike-style handlebars
Cons
- Not ideal for novice drivers
- Limited onboard storage
Price
$$
Where to Buy
Warranty
The Kawasaki 800 SX-R jet ski comes with a 12-month warranty.
Yamaha Waverunner FZ R
Features
Yamaha’s Waverunner FZ R is a super-fast cruiser for 2 people. It can be driven either standing or leaning forward, requiring the skill of an experienced driver. But those who can handle this type of watercraft are rewarded with a powerful and nimble ride. This jet ski makes tight turns easily and is stable even in choppy conditions. It also offers a luxury-class ride complete with a comfortable bolstered seat, dual cup holders, an extra-large boarding platform, and a glove box.
Pros
- Agile and fast
- Cruise control
- Supercharged engine
- Extra-large boarding platform
- Underseat storage
- Glove box
- Dual cup holders
- Comfortable seat
Cons
- Not ideal for novice drivers
Price
$$$
Where to Buy
Warranty
The Yamaha Waverunner FZ R comes with a 12-month warranty.
Sea-Doo RXP-X 300
Features
The Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 is a 2-seat jet ski designed for racing. The narrow racing seat, angled footwell wedges, and adjustable ergonomic steering allow drivers to lock into position for a fast and controlled ride. The RXP-X 300 features Seadoo’s Intelligent Brake and Reverse System and closed-loop cooling system.
Pros
- Designed for racing
- Powerful engine
- Narrow racing seat
- Intelligent Brake and Reverse System
- Racing handlebar
- Adjustable steering
- Tow hook
Cons
- Larger than many other jet skis
Price
$$$
Where to Buy
Warranty
The Seadoo RXP-X 300 comes with a 12-month warranty.
Kawasaki 300 LX Ultra Jet Ski
Features
The Kawasaki 300 LX Ultra Jet Ski is a luxury watercraft that combines power, durability, easy acceleration, and a top speed of roughly 65 mph. This jet ski accommodates up to three passengers and has a grab bar for the rear passenger. A 5-way adjustable handlebar accommodates all driving types, and a Smart Learning Operation mode helps novice drivers learn the ropes. This watercraft boasts more fuel capacity than many others, giving you the maximum amount of time on the water before needing to refuel. Cruise control and an all-digital control panel round out the amenities on this watercraft.
Pros
- Large, powerful engine
- 5-way adjustable handlebar
- Smart Learning Operation mode for new drivers
- More fuel capacity than some other jet skis
- Cruise control
- All digital control panel
Cons
- Heavier than some other jet skis
Price
$$$
Where to Buy
Warranty
The Kawasaki 300 LX Ulta Jet Ski comes with a 12-month warranty.
Seabreacher Z
Features
The Seabreacher Z is a unique bubble-topped watercraft that can cruise along the surface, roll, or dodge waves by jumping over or diving under them. The Seabreacher Z has a top speed of 50 mph on the water’s surface and 20 to 25 mph underwater. Generally, the Seabreacher dives just a couple of feet under water, but it is capable of going down 5 or 6 feet for brief durations. An unconventional watercraft, the Seabreacher Z has a dolphin-style body and can be custom painted according to the customer’s preferences. This 2-seat watercraft is sure to make a statement on the water and give passengers a unique experience.
Pros
- Quiet engine
- Custom paint
- Panoramic canopy
- Fully retractable snorkel
- Marine grade stereo system
- Unique
Cons
- Much more expensive than traditional jet skis
Price
$$$
Where to Buy
Warranty
Warranty information for the Seabreacher Z is not available.
Uboat HP Sport Sub 2
Features
For the waterman who has everything, the Uboat HP Sports Sub 2 offers a new and unique experience. The Uboat is a personal submersible vehicle that can operate at depths of up to 325 feet and function autonomously for as long as 6 hours at a time. This 5,000-pound vessel can fit onboard super yachts for recreational purposes or be towed behind a car. It accommodates one pilot and one passenger.
Pros
- Easy launch and recovery
- Simple to operate
- High and dry access hatch
- Operates in depths of up to 325 feet
- Air conditioned
- Touchscreen interface
- Leather sport seats
- Modern, streamlined design
- Unique
Cons
- Much more expensive than traditional jet skis
Price
$$$
Where to Buy
Warranty
Warranty information on the Uboat HP Sport Sub is not available.
The Verdict
The best jet skis combine comfort and easy operation with enough horsepower for a full afternoon of adventure and fun. Two of our favorites were the Yamaha FX Cruiser Sho and the Kawasaki 300 LX Ultra Jet Ski. Both jet skis accommodate up to 3 passengers, meaning you can bring a couple of friends along for the fun. Both jet skis also offer a comfortable array of amenities. The Yamaha FX Cruiser has a built-in beverage holder and drains in the footwells that keep those spaces from filling with water. The Kawasaki 300 LX has a grab bar for the rear passenger and a 5-way adjustable handlebar. Detailed touches like these make your time on the water especially comfortable and enjoyable.
Featured Image: Pixabay
