The popularity of Personal Watercrafts or ‘Jet Skis’ has risen manifold over the past few years.
And we aren’t surprised one bit.
Jet Skis are cool, fast, powerful and a whole load of fun. The rumbling engines, the shiny wetsuits, the adrenaline, the speed, the spray of sea foam, it’s inimitable.
They are like snowmobiles, only made for the surf.
If you have ever watched Jet skiers ride the waves like they were being chased by coppers, as if their life depended on it, you’ll secretly start to yearn for one of those mean machines.
Only, Jet Skis aren’t like a Jon Boat that you can hop on and control like it was second nature.
Not even close.
You Might Also Like:
- Can You Wakeboard Behind a Jet Ski?
- Can you use a Jet Ski for Fishing?
- How Old Do You Have to Be to Drive a Jet Ski?
Jet Skis can crash, you can hit hurricane swells, you can fall off the ski, you can end up in the middle of the ocean with a dead engine, you can flip the ski, you can crash into an oncoming boat or a fellow Jet skier.
Tons of things can go wrong if you don’t know what you are dealing with.
That’s where we step in.
We have created this guide for first-timers who are keen to wet their toes in the whole Personal Watercraft scene.
And we have topped it up with a list of 10 of our favorite Jet Skis in 2022.
By the end of this blog post, you will be armed with enough information about Jet Skis to make a decision about the purchase.
You will either walk into a dealership and select the best Jet Ski for yourself or you will join the band of Jet Ski haters who think it’s nothing but a nuisance.
Strap in and enjoy the read.
(Skip to read our recommendations for the top 10 Jet Skis)
What is a Jet Ski?
A Personal Watercraft, commonly known as a Jet Ski, is a small boat that’s propelled by a jet drive engine and is controlled by handlebars that are similar to those in motorcycles.
The term Jet Ski became synonymous with the PWC after Kawasaki launched its first personal watercraft under the brand name in the year 1974.
Since then, Jet Skis have undergone a dramatic transformation.
They have gotten bigger, faster and meaner.
Newer models boast of a horsepower rating similar to large outboard engines and accelerate like a Harley Davidson motorbike.
In fact, a lot of people these days look at Jet Skis as an affordable alternative to powerboats. You can get yourself a Jet Ski for fraction of the cost of a used powerboat.
It’s easier to fuel, tow, store and maintain.
Moreover, you can do pretty much everything with a Jet Ski that you can do with a boat. You can cruise on the water, tow a single rider tube, just chill at the cove and nowadays, you can even fish with it.
Specialized fishing Jet Skis are fitted with an accouterment of fishing accessories making them capable of everything from bass fishing on the lake to fishing for Bluefin in offshore waters. (Click here to know more about Jet Ski fishing.)
The real draw of the Jet Ski though comes from the experience.
It gets you a lot closer to the water than any other form of marine conveyance can.
You will feel the wind and the waves on your face. It’s an intimate experience, as many seasoned Jet Skiers say.
What else lets you make 20-feet dives in the air in the middle of a large swell?
How do Jet Skis work?
In concept, a Jet Ski works just like a Jet aircraft. It sucks in a large amount of water through an intake and the same water is released under high pressure through a much smaller outlet, which provides it with the thrust.
It hardly has any working parts under the planar which makes it less likely to malfunction on the water.
Even for reversing, the jet ski relies on a simple mechanism called the ‘thrust deflector’ which is similar to a bucket and it eliminates the need for an expensive gearbox.
So, when you switch from forward to reverse, the engine on a ski does not undergo the stressful load/unload cycle as in a boat engine.
The Pros and Cons of a Jet Ski
A lot of people throw around the idea of owning a personal watercraft. But reconsider their decision at the last minute because they develop doubts about it.
Let’s face it. Fast, powerful machines aren’t everybody’s cup of tea.
Not that Jet Skis are getting any cheaper either. The last thing you need is to spend $10000 and end up with something that you don’t even use once a year.
Here are some pros and cons of Jet Skis that might help you understand it better.
Pros
- They are fast. A Jet Ski can have top speeds of up to 70 mph. That might not seem like a lot if you compare it with driving in a car. But with no cabin around you, the wind hits you like nothing that you’ve ever experienced. The speed can be put to good use, particularly if you are into Jet Ski fishing or looking to cross a body of water in little time. Else, it is perfect for performing stunts or just cruising.
- They are easier to drive and control than a boat. Most new Jet Skis come with learning modes and other features that allow newbies to get some hands-on practice. Also, they have brakes.
- They are more stable than they look like. Believe it or not, Jet Skis are very stable. Some of them are stable enough for you to stand on the side.
- They are easier to tow and store than a boat. Why you even can store two of them on a trailer in a small garage. As far as towing is concerned, even the heaviest Jet Ski won’t weigh much over 1000 lbs. That’s easy for an SUV or a Sedan to pull.
- They are perfect watercraft for couples.
- There are many Jet Ski clubs with activities and rides for Jet Ski owners. New York for example, holds the ‘New York City Jet Ski Invasion’ every year.
Cons
- They can be more expensive than you think. A lot of first timers expect to land a new Jet Ski for under $5k. That’s not the case. Most new Jet Skis cost $10-12k on an average. You might be able to land a decent used one for less than $6k though.
- Maintenance and spares might cost more than what it does for a car.
- You need to account for the cost of the mandatory safety gear and equipment.
- You will need to buy a separate trailer as Jet Skis typically don’t come with trailers. Although some dealers may offer a trailer along with the PWC as a package deal. Else, you pay for storage at the marina just like you’d do with a boat.
- Many states require you to attend a ‘boaters’ safety course’ before you can drive a Jet Ski.
- If you live in a place where it can get below freezing, you will need to winterize your jet ski.
- You can’t drive them post sunset. You aren’t allowed to install lights on them either.
Types of Jet Skis
There are two types of Jet Skis that you’ll come across at a dealership.
There’s the solo Jet ski, which as implied by the name, is designed for a single rider and must be operated standing up. The use of Solo Jet Skis is usually limited to recreational entertainment.
Sports Jet Skis on the other hand are used for transportation in many parts of the world. These can seat up to 3 riders and are generally preferred by families as well as fishermen as there’s ample room to fit accessories like rod holders and live wells.
Within these two categories, you have sub-categories like Lite Recreational which are better suited for lakes and rivers, recreational which are mid-level skis a little bigger than lite recreational models, performance skis which are built for speed, sport skis which are only made by Seadoo, and Luxury skis which are crammed to the brim with features.
Things to know before you buy a Jet Ski
If all the information that you’ve read so far makes you want to head to the nearest dealership and pick yourself a swanky new solo ski, then hold on to your guns for a wee bit longer.
Here are some more pointers for you to consider before you go PWC shopping.
Take a guided PWC tour with an experienced driver or rental company. This should give you a good idea of what to expect from a PWC. Along with the positives, this will also reveal some of the shortcomings to you first hand. Assess whether it is indeed a watercraft suited for your likes and dislikes.
Factor in the cost of training. There are many courses that you can take, like the RYA Personal Watercraft Proficiency course or boating safety course which will teach you the basics of launching, driving and docking a ski. It also certifies you for using a Jet Ski in many countries outside of the UK. In the USA, there are online portals that offer USCG certified courses that you can check out.
Completing a basic safety course might also qualify you for a discount on your insurance in some parts of the USA.
Factor in the cost of Insurance. Insurance is not mandatory in many states in the US. But we highly recommend that you get one. You do not want to venture into the water on a PWC without insurance.
Think about how easy it is to access ski-friendly venues. Many states and beaches have laws in place which restrict Jet Ski usage to a specific offshore distance. Others have specific days on which Jet Skis are allowed. Be aware of the local laws and restrictions if any. What good is it if you have to drive 100 miles every time you want to get on the waters?
Still think a Jet Ski is worth your time and money? Read on.
How to ride a Jet Ski
We mentioned earlier that Jet Skis are easier to drive than what it appears to be.
But that doesn’t mean that you can just hop on one and ride it like you’d ride a motorcycle on the road.
Here are a few tips for first-timers riding a Jet Ski.
Rent a ski. Try before you buy.
Take time to understand how the controls work. Most manufacturers will give you a detailed instruction booklet and a user manual. Take your time reading this. In addition to this, there are detailed videos on YouTube that guide you through the basics for different Jet Ski models. You might want to check them out before you venture on your maiden drive.
Know the buttons, the controls, and the various gauges. How do you go forward, reverse or put the watercraft in neutral? Learn how to engage the brakes. Learn how much throttle you need to launch the ski. Some high-end performance skis can go from 0-50 mph in just 3-seconds. That’s faster than some sports cars. So, go gentle on the throttle and do it in secluded waters away from the crowd.
Do not use the sports mode or activate any of the performance modes right away.
You might notice that your body is very stiff when you drive a ski for the first time. It’s completely normal. But try to stay relaxed. Lean forward slightly, bend your elbows and your ride will get easier. Keep your eyes ahead rather than on the handlebar or just off the bow. This will let you drive straight.
Neutral in a Jet Ski is very different from the neutral in a car. You might notice that the Jet Ski will move for a while even when you shift to neutral. So ensure that you have enough room in front of you before you.
At top speed, a Jet Ski might move almost 300-feet before it sputters to a stop. Ensure that you steer clear of other watercraft and obstacles if any. Keep the finger on the throttle at all times. If you notice that you might crash into something, use the throttle to divert the watercraft away to safety before you slow down again.
Docking
Docking a PWC is a skill that will come with practice, a lot of it, and patience.
If you have a SeaDoo or a Yamaha that comes with iBR or RIDE, then it becomes a lot easier. But if you don’t, then docking will be one of the most essential skills that you need to master.
The trick is to go as slow as you can without crashing into the dock or fellow vessels.
If your PWC has reverse or neutral, you can tap forward, slow down a tad and then shift to reverse when you are close to the dock. Keep repeating this until you dock safely. Once again, you’ve got to be very slow when you dock. We cannot emphasize this enough.
If the PWC does not have reverse or brakes, then learn to do a spin while in neutral. This will help minimize the momentum allowing you to get really slow when you approach a dock.
Tip: Do not wait until you are at the dock. Start preparing for docking when you are at least two hundred feet away from the dock.
Many a time, you might be docking on a rocky shoreline with no ramps for a Jet Ski.
Get yourself a drive-on floating dock. It is the cheapest and easiest way in which you can dock a PWC.
PWC lifts can be mounted to the dock as well. These will lift the PWC above the water and can be very useful in preventing flooding. However, these are usually more expensive.
Then there are shore ramps which can be installed on any type of shore. You can even get extensions for these.
Pick one that serves the purpose without costing an arm and a leg.
Understanding No-Wake Zones
No Wake Zones are specifically created near coves, docks or near the shoreline to minimize waves that can damage other boats or affect docking and unloading.
These can be identified by floating white cones.
Always idle in no-wake zones, lest you want to invite a ticket (and a worst one at that) from the water police.
Essential equipment that you cannot drive without
There are a variety of jet ski accessories available for purchase. Some of them are required, others are just practical additions that might come in handy. Here’s a brief list.
Required
- Life jackets. For all the people on the PWC.
- An air horn or a whistle. Most lifejackets these days are equipped with a whistle
- Lanyard. This will keep you from being separated from the Jet Ski in case you fall off
- Mirrors
- Some sort of ID
- Fire extinguisher
- Registration documents or number
Must-haves
- Smartphone with GPS or a GPS tracker
- First aid kit
- Anchor
- Distress flag
- Folding paddle
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof cover for cell phone
- Bilge pump
- Fenders to protect your PWC from bumping
- Solar charger
What to do if you fall off a Jet Ski?
Most modern Jet Skis are incredibly stable and you’d have to be really inexperienced or try to pull an impossible stunt to fall of them.
But it’s possible.
If you do fall off, use the safety lanyard to switch off the engine. (Provided that it’s attached to your lifejacket or your wrist when you started the Ski.)
If the Jet Ski has rolled over, follow the rollover instructions on the rear and try to get it rolled back immediately.
Try to get back on the ski. If you have one with a re-boarding step, it’s easy.
Else, this will test your upper body strength as well as your balancing skills. Don’t be alarmed if the nose of the Jet Ski tilts upwards when you try to board it. It might wobble a lot depending on the size of the watercraft. Use your knees to board the Jet Ski.
It will be a lot harder than you imagine as you will be soaking wet and this will add to your body weight.
Do’s and don’ts while driving a Jet Ski
All the instructions in the world cannot prepare you for foolhardiness. So here’s a list of do’s and don’ts while you hop on that Jet Ski.
Do’s
- Always wear a lifejacket and have the safety lanyard attached to you
- Practice in an empty part of the lake or river
- Keep a safe distance from other vessels and people
- Keep the necessary safety equipment. Check everything before you start to drive.
- Stick to the maximum passenger limit according to the watercraft
Don’ts
- Do not try to match the speed or skill of more experienced riders. Go slow.
- Do not drink and drive
- Do not drive after sunset.
- Do not spill fuel on the water
- Do not litter
Jet Ski Etiquette
The number of people who consider Jet Skiers to be a nuisance is increasing steadily. And there’s a reason for the aversion.
Some Jet Skiers tend to forget that they are sharing the water with swimmers, fishermen, boats, and surfers. They drive recklessly tossing every rule in the book to the wind.
Do not be that annoying Jet Skier.
Follow basic Jet Ski etiquettes. Here are some of them.
The right of way: If you are crossing a boat or a paddle boat or another jet ski, the vehicle on the right has the right to pass. This is a very simple rule that can make the water enjoyable for everybody.
If you are not following this, you are just an annoying rider who’s blocking the way. Yield and let them pass.
Don’t speed near the shoreline: Waterfront property owners, in particular, has a disdain towards Jet Skis due to this very reason. So do fishermen.
Be vigilant: Keep an eye out for boats, swimmers, loungers and everything else. Expect that others may not be as vigilant as you are and may make mistakes.
Do not make a lot of noise near the shoreline.
Top 10 Jet Skis & Brands in 2022
All said and done, here are 10 of our favorite PWCs in 2022, jet ski brand buying guide. (Not necessarily in this exact order)
1 – Best Entry Level Jet Ski
Yamaha’s EX range of PWCs are quite popular among recreational users due to its fast acceleration and smooth performance.
Not to mention that these models are lightweight and come with gobs of onboard storage by Jet Ski standards.
This is the Waverunner EX, the latest addition to this range in 2022.
It sticks to the entry-level pricing. But comes with a capacity to seat three people, Yamaha’s Ride system which makes it a breeze to operate and an electronic braking system.
At the price, the combo is unbeatable.
Yamaha’s NanoXcel2 hull keeps things light and powered by a recalibrated engine, the EX provides an exciting ride on the water.
Shift the weight and you can make deft turns and slides without ever feeling imbalanced.
Despite the family-friendly seating, the EX is compact enough to tuck into a tiny garage for winter.
Our only gripe with the EX is the LCD display that’s limited to reading information about fuel and speed. But that’s a con that we’re willing to overlook.
If you are in the market for an entry-level Jet Ski for your family, look no further. The Yamaha EX will give you the wave runner experience without breaking your bank.
New: $7,199
Used: $4,000 and up
You can read more about it here.
2 – Sea Doo Spark – Best Budget-priced option
For a long time, buyers looking for a decent Jet Ski in the sub-$10000 price bracket had limited choices.
Jet Skis were too expensive for a budget-minded shopper.
That’s until Sea Doo came along and launched their range of budget-priced PWCs, led by the Sea Doo Spark.
The Spark is everything that a beginner Jet Skier looks for. It is small, it is fast, it is fuel efficient and it is affordable.
Can seat 2 or 3 people, can be customized from the ground up and is available in 60 (Rotax 900 ACE) & 90 HP (Rotax 900 HO ACE) configurations.
At just over 400 lbs., it is half the weight of the nearest entry-level models. And you can tow this with a sedan.
But don’t be thrown off by the size or the weight. The spark is no muck with the bat in the water.
It can hit top speeds of 50 mph, can spin on its nose, comes with a reverse system and stay stable enough for three riders to enjoy a smooth ride.
At the same time, there is enough acceleration to keep the thrill-seeker interested.
If you are cash strapped while shopping for Jet Skis, we highly recommend the Sea Doo spark. You won’t be disappointed one bit.
New: $5699 and up
Used: $4200 and up
You can read more about it here.
3 – Sea-Doo Spark Trixx – Best Ski for acrobatics
Ever since the introduction of the Spark, Sea Doo has been on a roll. It has been consistently stretching the limits of the entry-level price tag by introducing models that can hold their ground against the higher-priced competition.
The Spark Trixx being the latest addition to their range.
As the name implies, the Spark Trixx is the Sea Doo Spark modified to make it more agile on the water.
A seasoned Jet Skier that we spoke to, called it the Wheelie King. And you’ll see why, the moment you hop on to the Trixx.
It is designed with a variable trim jet that will let even rank beginners do enviable-wheelies on the water. Keeping you stable during the theatrics are angled footrests that are positioned just near the footwells.
With the 900cc Rotax ACE engine under the hood, you can generate a max of 90HP with a top speed of 50 mph. While that Yamaha waverunner may roar past you with ease, we bet that they cant pull off the stunts that you can with the Sea doo trixx.
By the way, it can seat up to 3 riders and comes with telescopic handlebars that give you better control.
If speed is what you seek, we have better options for you. But if its jumps, flips, and wheelies that catch your fancy, then here’s the Sea Doo Trixx for your consideration.
New: $7,899 and up
Used: $6,000 and up
You can read more about it here.
4 – Kawasaki Jet Ski STX-15F – Best Jet Ski for speed lovers
Kawasaki, the guys who coined the term ‘Jet Ski’ are back with another brute of an addition to their ensemble range of skis, the STX-160X.
While it is touted as a rec-lite Jet Ski, the STX-160X is a mean, fast machine that goes from 0-30 in the blink of an eye (2 seconds to be precise) and has a top speed of 65mph.
It retains Kawasaki’s winning design that has largely remained unchanged. The hull is designed for speed. But it does fairly well in choppy waters.
It can seat up to 3 riders (comfortably with room to spare) and there’s ample space to hop back on where you to get tossed off in trying to pull one stunt too many.
Powering the STX-160X is a 4-stroke, 1498cc that delivers a best-in-class 160 HP. At this price point, there’s no other Jet Ski brand or model that even comes close to this.
To top it off, the STX-160X is as beginner-friendly as you need. There’s Kawasaki Smart Steering and Smart Learning Operation (SLO) which keep you from accidentally crashing by over speeding.
The only possible niggle with the STX-160X is its design, which looks a tad outdated in comparison. Also, it has a very low seating which tends to be problematic for tall riders. Otherwise, it’s a winner all the way.
New: $11,499 and up
Used: $8,000 and up
You can read more about it here.
5 – Sea-Doo GTI SE – Best Family Jet Ski
The GTI SE is the Sea Doo Spark’s bigger sibling that boasts of more features while keeping the price tag under the ‘affordable’ $10000 cap.
Aimed at recreational users, it is powered by the same Rotax 900 HO ACE 899cc engine that tops at 90 HP. So, while you won’t win any races with this, the GTI SE might be the closest you can get to a family Jet Ski.
It can seat 3, is stable enough in both smooth and choppy waters and there’s enough finesse in the handling to make aggressive turns if need be.
Sea Doo throws in the Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC) which is a fancy name for a beginner-friendly cruise mode, an electronic variable trim and a more aggressive sport mode which will stretch the capacity of that engine to the max.
You can also switch to an Eco mode for those longer trips where conserving fuel becomes more important than spraying foam.
The LCD display is put to good use here as you can get information about trim position and clock in addition to the usual.
Some other noteworthy extras, as 30 gallons of onboard storage, an anti-theft security system, and the reverse brake.
The GTI SE weighs 640 lbs. which is heavier than the spark but lighter than the beefier Jet Skis in this category.
The acceleration while decent is not enough to keep speed-mongers interested though.
New: $10,599 and up
Used: $8,000 and up
You can read more about it here.
6 – SEA-DOO FISH PRO – Best Jet Ski for fishing
The Fish Pro is Sea Doo’s attempt at wooing the ever-increasing number of anglers who like to fish on PWCs.
This meaty jet ski comes factory-fitted with an accouterment of fishing accessories.
It is designed on Sea Doo’s 12-foot 3-inch GTX Limited hull platform. But there are a bunch fishing-friendly additions thrown in for good measure.
There’s the 11.5-inch swim platform that’s used to attach the 13.5-gallon cooler. You can even stand behind this when you fish.
It comes with a recessed surface on the lid that features four-rod holders, tackle and baits storage and trolling slots.
Seats are flatter to facilitate sideways sitting whereas mounted on the helm is a Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 62cv.
Under the hood, the Fish Pro is powered by a 155 HP Rotax 1530 engine that gives it a top speed of 50mph.
At a time when even recreational users are using after-market fittings to rig their Jet Skis, the Sea Doo Fish pro takes the guesswork out of it.
You can hop on and start angling right away.
New: $14,999 and up
Used: $12,000 and up
You can read more about it here.
Performance range Jet Skis
7 – Yamaha WaveRunner FX Cruiser SVHO
If you have the bankroll, then there’s no better pick than the FX Cruiser SVHO.
This is Yamaha’s premium offering that boasts of features that will make everything else in this list of best jet skis seem pale in comparison.
A large intuitively-positioned, touchscreen display that allows you to check and adjust the speed, maintenance schedule and fuel consumption, an accessory mount that lets you attach everything from speakers to fish finder and action cameras with ease, and a streamlined design that can ride smoothly on the roughest of waters.
The FX Cruiser is powered by Yamaha’s Super Vortex High Output engine that delivers a whopping 250HP with a top speed of 69 mph.
It can seat 3 riders comfortably and feels like riding a powerful cruiser on the waters.
The caveat is that it has a dry weight of 820 lbs. and will take a substantial amount of storage space.
Like we said earlier, definitely not for the budget-minded shopper.
New: $17,499 and up
Used: 12,000 and up
You can read more about it here.
8 – Kawasaki Jet Ski SXR
The SXR marked Kawasaki’s return to the stand-up Jet Ski market, one that it hadn’t ventured into since 2011.
7-years in the making, it is every bit drool-worthy.
It sits on the top of Kawasaki’s offerings in their range of 310-HP Jet Skis and is beefier than all previous iterations.
It is 8’ 9” long and 30” wide towering over the earlier standup models and even Yamaha’s superjet by a fair margin.
The 1498cc inline-four, four-stroke engine gives it 160 HP with a top speed of 69 MPH. The acceleration, as expected, is top-notch.
It has a deeper, dramatic V-shaped hull below the bond line that makes side-to-side handling a cinch, a wider bow and a motocross-style handlebar that lets it glide over the waves. Excellent weight centralization translates into a smooth performance without feeling imbalanced even in choppy waters.
The learning curve that came with stand-up models has been dramatically reduced in this one. It doesn’t porpoise one bit, nor does it want to nose dive. You will feel as comfortable as you would on a three-seater, entry-level Jet Ski.
New: $11,099 and up
Used: $8000 and up
You can read more about it here.
9 – Sea-Doo RXP-X 260
All those entry-level models might make one think that Sea-Doo doesn’t have a more powerful offering in its line-up.
Here’s the RXP-X 260, that boasts of a 4 cylinder, 4-stroke engine that delivers 260HP with a top speed of 67mph with 0-30 in 2-seconds.
Speed, acceleration, this one packs it all.
However, it is the handling that makes it pop out from among similar-priced competition.
The RXP-R features 90-degree winglets, round chines and a central running pad, that enhance the inside lean when you make deft turns.
Club this with the unique hourglass figured seats that allow you to put those leg muscles to good use, the RXP-R allows you to make amazing 180-degree turns, spraying foam like a pro.
Insert a key and the Intelligent brake and reverse (iBR) system limit the top speed to allow novices to board the craft. This same system also allows you to stop the watercraft in half the distance that it takes for conventional crafts, as well as start in neutral.
Can seat three of a family. Although taller riders may feel a tad cramped due to the design.
Overall, the RXP-X 260 is a terrific Jet Ski for beginners as well as someone who’d like the extra speed and acceleration when they outgrow the novice modes.
New: $14900
Used: $11000 and up
You can read more about it here.
10 – Yamaha WaveRunner VX Limited
The Waverunner VX limited is the top model in Yamaha’s VX range of PWCs which is considered to be the bestselling range for family use.
The VX limited packs in all the bells and whistles that it possibly can while retaining the affordable price tag.
At the forefront is the towable tube, tube holder and the 12v compressor to inflate it.
But those are just neat add-ons to an otherwise feature-rich Jet Ski.
It is powered by the new TR-1 HO engine that goes from 0-30mph in just 2.3-seconds. Club that with a NanoXcel deck that weighs just 668-pounds, you have a three-seater with a cruiser seat, that’s easy to tow and as fast as you need. Almost forgot to mention that it has an impressive top speed of 53 mph.
The VX Limited has a short wheelbase as compared to some of Yamaha’s heftier models. This gives it stable side-to-side handling and amazing turns.
Yamaha throws in the RiDE system as standard in the VX series. In addition to this, you can shift from forward to reverse without taking your hands off the handlebar. And if you do need to take them off, shift to the No-Wake mode (designed for No-wake zones) or the Cruise assist, which lets users fine-tune the speed for long-distance cruising.
Overall, if you are looking at a family PWC that’s crammed to the brim with goodies, the Waverunner VX is one of your best bets.
New: $12,849 and up
Used: $10000 and up
You can read more about it here.
Closing thoughts
That, folks, sums up our guide to Jet Skis. We hope that you enjoyed reading this and that it helps you understand whether the PWC is indeed a watercraft that you would like to invest in.
A Jet Ski is a very versatile boat that can offer fun and practicality in an affordable package.
Don’t let hearsay fool you into believing anything else.