The unmistakable buzz of a jet ski is something we all recognize on a day out to the beach or lake. Known generically as personal watercraft or PWCs, these fun, sporty recreational vessels soared to popularity in the ‘70s and ‘80s and have remained a firm favorite ever since.
Jet skis have come a long way from those early models, which were smaller than today’s and were originally designed to ride standing up. These days, we’re seeing ever beefier models, with all manner of electronics, luxury additions, and comfortable seating for two and even up to four people. The vessels are stable and fun, easy to maneuver, and offer all the adrenaline-pumping enjoyment you could want. They can easily be trailered, too, making them popular lake boats , and they’re also one of the top water toys to have on your boat if it’s large enough.
The jet ski started life as the brainchild of Kawasaki, and its brand name, Jet Ski, has now become commonly used by boaters regardless of brand, although the term PWC is also used widely and Yamaha call all their models WaveRunners. It was Clayton Jacobson II of Arizona, a motocross enthusiast, who is credited with first designing what was essentially an on-water motorbike.
Despite the worldwide popularity of the jet ski, you may be surprised to learn that there aren’t all that many brands building them. Yamaha, Kawasaki and Sea-Doo (made by Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP)) have long dominated the market, with dozens of new models to choose from and hundreds of past used models. However, as we’ll see here, there are some up and comers building some excellent jet skis that are competing with the big boys. In this article we look at some of the best brands for different uses, but it’s important to note that there is a big overlap and what might be the best brand for one person, may not tick all the boxes for another.
Kawasaki Ultra 160LX. Kawasaki photo.
The Best Stand-Up Jet Ski
For jet skiing purists, nothing else will do except a stand up jet ski. The skill of learning to maneuver the vessel, the adrenaline and exhilaration of the ride, and the more compact size is what jet skiing is all about. While the vast majority of jet skis these days are sit-down versions, there are still plenty of stand ups to be found that have combined the original vibe with modern technology and engineering. Stand-up jet skis are usually at the lower end of the price bracket, retailing for around $10,000 for a new one.
Kawasaki
Japanese brand Kawasaki has always offered a stand up model of their jet skis right from the get go in 1973, and there are plenty to be found on the used market. Their current 2023 model, the Jet Ski® SX-R™ 160, features a V-shaped hull and four-stroke engine that offers huge torque and great maneuverability. With a flat out speed of 60+ mph, it’s one of the fastest jet skis on the market too. Kawasaki jet ski for sale
Yamaha
The second of the three big players in the PWC world is Yamaha, and their standup range—along with all their other Wave Runner models—are world renowned. The current Superjet has its DNA in racing, and the compact model is the ultimate lightweight, ultra-fast machine. You get all the world-class engineering you’d expect from a brand that has been fine tuning its WaveRunners (don’t call it a jet ski to the Yamaha dealer) for decades. Yamaha jet ski for sale
Kawasaki SX-R. Kawasaki photo.
The Best Sit-Down Jet Ski
Sit down jet skis have become the biggest selling style by a long way, and they offer comfort, stability, and the ability to take up to four passengers. They’re larger and heavier than their stand-up counterparts, making them feel more like small boats than watercraft. They offer extraordinary speeds, incredible maneuvering ability, and all manner of extras such as reversing cameras and the latest in electronics.
Yamaha
The big boys of the jet ski world rule the roost when it comes to sit-down models, and there is little competition for Yamaha, Sea-Doo and Kawasaki. Yamaha’s new range is simply vast, and then there’s all the hugely successful used models too, making choosing the best WaveRunner a challenging task. Whether it’s the sporty two-person JetBlaster or the three-person, high-performance FX Cruiser SVHO, you know you’re getting decades of expertise and craftsmanship.
Kawasaki
Look at any Kawasaki sit-down jet ski and it’s easy to see where the inspiration came from. With a huge history and range of super bikes, their jet skis, too, have the same high speed, high performance, and high precision we expect from the pioneers of the jet ski. With a huge repertoire of models new and old, large and small, high end and affordable, Kawasaki will always be industry leaders.
Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO. Yamaha photo.
The Best Jet Ski for Fishing
For the most part, jet skis are multi-functional and, unlike other types of small boats, there aren’t lots of different styles for different activities. The one exception to that general rule is when it comes to fishing and these days the idea of fishing off a jet ski is gaining popularity. While the concept of quiet fishing with a trolling motor, and the roar of a four-stroke engine don’t exactly seem symbiotic, wait until you’ve seen the line-up from the three biggest players in the jet ski world.
Sea-Doo (BRP)
Sea-Doo are leading the pack when it comes to cleverly thought-out jet skis designed for tournament-level fishing. The latest FishPro range comes with the vital trolling motor alongside a rip roaringly fast 170 hp engine. On the back, you have a raised swivel chair, rod holders, and a livewell with an integrated fresh water pump. All you need for a day of fishing is at your fingertips on a PWC that can easily be managed by yourself. Sea-Doo has been making jet skis for decades and this is the culmination of their expertise and diversification into more activity-specific models. Sea-Doo jet ski for sale
Yamaha
Yamaha held the fishing jet ski (sorry, WaveRunner) crown for years until Sea-Doo leaped into the field with their impressive range. Now it’s hard to pick a winner, and thankfully we don’t have to. The WaveRunner FX range isn’t marketed as a purely fishing vessel, but can be beautifully adapted to become one. Add the Jet Fish package to the wide stable hull, perfect for reeling in your catch, and you have a tournament-ready fishing vessel.
Sea-Doo FishPro Scout. Sea-Doo photo
The Best Electric Jet Ski
Where the Big Three are being quickly out-played is in the electric jet ski sector. With the boom in electric boats soaring at almost the speed of land-based vehicles, it was a matter of time before the notoriously noisy, gas-guzzling jet ski shifted gears and joined the electric parade. With some brands offering 100 percent electric power, it means gone is that high-pitched buzz and instead you have zero emissions and zero noise.
Taiga
Taiga’s 100-percent-electric Orca jet ski range offers the exciting performance that you want, with a silence that allows you to hear the waves splashing under the hull. With up to 160 hp, they pack a punch when it comes to speed, and the Orca Carbon does so with the only fully carbon fiber hull and deck on an electric PWC on the market. Taiga is a company whose entire ethos is based on electrifying the adventure market, and they focus on off-road vehicles such as mountain, trail, and utility snowmobiles, as well as their Orca range of PWCs. Taiga official website
Maverick Chances are you won’t have heard of T3emp3st or their 350hp Maverick jet ski before, and that’s because this elite, bespoke California-based company is pretty niche. But if you’re on the hunt for one of the most luxurious, James Bond-style electric PWCs available, then these are your guys. With a dedication to protecting the ocean, they build electric exploration vehicles for elite government agencies and superyachts. Maverick for sale
Taiga Orca. Taiga photo.
The Best Affordable Jet Ski
As always at Rightboat we put an emphasis not wholly on affordability—which is entirely relative—but on value for money. The major players in the jet ski world all have big ranges, allowing them to offer lower-priced models that may have fewer features, but still retain the world-class engineering and customer service for which they’re renowned. There are many brand new jet skis on the market for under $10,000, and as low as $5,000. And of course the used market offers excellent value for money, too, allowing you to buy a higher-end model for much less.
Sea-Doo (BRP)
Sea-Doo have long ensured they offer entry-level and affordable jet skis to their impressive range. Models such as the Spark—the cheapest new jet ski on the market—can be purchased for just over $5,000 for a two-seater, and despite their 899cc 60-horsepower Rotax 900 ACE engine can reach speeds of 40 mph thanks to the molded, ultra-lightweight hull.
Krash Industries
A newcomer to the jet ski world, Krash Industries are making waves with their super-cool, professional-level jet skis. But in the words of the manufacturers “our core principle is to offer professional quality watercraft at an affordable price”. The price starts around $13,000, but you get a whole lot for your money, including a full carbon hul, KV 1200cc engine, and edgy styling. Krash Industries official website
Krash Industries Footrocket. Krash Industries.
The Best Luxury Jet Ski
The spectrum of jet skis is simply enormous, from fun and functional, to racing level, and super luxurious. Built like small superyachts, luxury jet skis feature the latest in electronics with a dashboard to match any supercar, and engines that are take-your-breath-away powerful. With plenty of custom features and colors to choose from, these beautiful machines will certainly turn heads.
Belassi
Austrian-made Belassi has wowed the jet ski world with its ultra-luxurious Burrasca model. The name means “storm” in Italian, and it has certainly stirred one up. Described as a superbike of the sea, it can go from a standstill to 62 mph in less than four seconds and reach a top speed of 74 mph. With an integrated GPS and precision engineering it’s no wonder it retails for around $59,300. Belassi for sale
T3mp3st
The Maverick model makes our list because there is little competition when it comes to a luxury jet ski. This custom, ultra-fast, ultra-sleek jet ski is so much more than its incredible good looks and is able to tackle some of the biggest surfing waves with ease thanks to its deeper V hull. And in a stroke of genius, it’s also able to convert into a RIB. This mean machine will set you back $150,000 for the jet ski and $500,000 for the full RIB package. T3mp3st official website
Belassi Burrasca. Belassi photo.
Things to Consider When Buying a Jet Ski
There are many choices when it comes to buying a PWC, and so you need to think long and hard about what will work for your needs. Do you need one that’s lightweight and trailerable? Or able to accommodate three passengers? An electric jet ski? From gas mileage to engine size and more, there is lots to consider including;
Engine size: Consider the engine size, horsepower, or thrust you want your jet ski to have. If you’re a beginner you might want to consider getting a smaller engine while you get used to the handling. If you have gained some experience and are ready to buy, then consider one with the largest engine you can afford so you don’t have to upgrade later.
Gas mileage: You might want better gas mileage if you plan to use your PWC regularly or over long distances, whereas if range isn’t important to you, consider a sportier jet ski with less gas mileage. Electric versions have varying levels of battery life, so range is important to take into account there, too.
Size/passenger capacity: The more passengers your jet ski can accommodate the larger it will be. Three-seater jet skis tend to be around 20 feet while four-seaters are around 24 feet in length. Consider where you will store your jet ski and how you’ll transport it before making a decision.
