Few things are more freeing and exciting than hitting the open water on a brand-new jet ski. Whether you’re hauling your watercraft to a lake, near the ocean, or on a sprawling river, a summer day spent jet skiing is a day well spent.
Thanks to their growing popularity as a pastime and a financial opportunity (some buyers say a jet ski is the best financial move they’ve ever made), jet skis are now available from more brands than ever.
As such, it’s important to do your homework and choose the right brand–not just the first jet ski brand you see.
Key Takeaways
- The PWC market is dominated by three major brands: Sea-Doo, known for innovation and fuel efficiency; Yamaha WaveRunners, famous for sleek design and smooth handling; and Kawasaki Jet Skis, celebrated for power and performance.
- Prospective jet ski owners should consider the total cost of ownership before buying a jet ski. Account for maintenance, insurance, storage, and fuel consumption costs. (Note that costs range widely depending on the model and usage).
- When buying a jet ski, always account for the depreciation rate.
Exploring the “Big Three” Brands: Sea-Doo, Yamaha, and Kawasaki
Ever since jet skis were first invented in the early 1970s, three brands have dominated the market – Sea-Doo, Yamaha, and Kawasaki. While these three are still considered some of the best jet ski brands, there are plenty of others to choose from.
However, since most people turn to “The Big Three” when they need a fun jet ski, let’s start by learning more about them.
#1: Sea-Doo
In the world of personal watercraft (PWCs), the term “sea-doos” can stir some confusion. For starters, Sea-Doo is both a brand and a specific type of PWC. Secondly, a sea-doo isn’t actually classified as a jet ski; however, because the two crafts are so similar, these terms are used interchangeably. If you’re looking for one of the top jet ski brands, Sea-Doo will almost always grace the top of any best-of list, even though it technically isn’t a jet ski.
At any rate, Sea-Doo is known for producing some of the most innovative and uniquely designed PWCs on the market. Because it’s a brand produced by Bombardier–a producer of some of the world’s best ATVs, snowmobiles, and off-roading vehicles–you can expect greatness when buying a Sea-Doo.
In addition to producing innovative and feature-rich PWCs, Sea-Doo is also known for producing beginner-friendly jet skis, such as the Sea-Doo Spark.
But what makes a Sea-Doo beginner-friendly? Sea-Doos typically don’t go as fast as standard jet skis, but they’re safe, reliable, and look awesome! Sea-Doos also have more beginner-geared features like Intelligent Brake and Reverse technology.
Popular Sea-Doo Models:
There are many great Sea-Doo models to choose from, including:
- Sea-Doo Fish Pro Scout – best sea-doo for beginners and fishing
- Sea-Doo RXP-X-325 – best sea-doo for speed and thrills
- Sea-Doo Spark 60-HP – best budget-friendly sea-doo
#2: Yamaha WaveRunners
Another top contender in the world of jet skis and personal watercraft is Yamaha. Much like Sea-Doo, Yamaha manufactures its version of a jet ski, a Waverunner. Although these aren’t technically categorized as jet skis, Yamaha wave runners are essentially the same thing.
Fair warning: When shopping for a jet ski, you’ll hear the terms “waverunner,” “jet ski,” and “sea-doo” are often used interchangeably.
Most water enthusiasts consider the Yamaha Waverunner to be the top PWC brand on the market. Yamaha offers a wide range of products that can meet any need–whether you prefer a luxury PWC, a high-end fiberglass one, or a jet ski with more power than the competition. If you’re in the market for a universally flattering jet ski, Yamaha is the brand to turn to.
Popular Yamaha WaveRunners
As with Sea-Doo, Yamaha offers a wide range of outstanding PWC models, including:
- Yamaha FX Cruiser HO – best all-around WaveRunner
- Yamaha GP1800r SVHO – best WaveRunner for speed and racing
- Yamaha Superjet Series – best-standing WaveRunner
#3: Kawasaki Jet Skis
When you buy a Kawasaki jet ski, you’re buying from the original jet ski maker. Technically, Kawasaki is the only brand that produces a true jet ski, as Ski-Doo and Yamaha distribute their own versions of the jet ski–which, once again, don’t technically qualify as a jet ski.
Kawasaki jet skis are a happy medium between both Ski-Doo and Yamaha. Ski-Doo prides itself on innovation and producing reliable, beginner-friendly PWCs, whereas Yamaha has some of the fastest, most powerful, and most luxurious PWCs on the market.
Kawasaki blends these two worlds seamlessly, supplying jet skis that perfectly combine innovation, power, and speed. Even still, they are easy to use–for novices and experts alike. Kawasaki also has the widest selection of stand-up jet skis on the market.
Popular Kawasaki Jet Skis
Whether you’re looking for a Kawasaki jet ski model with a supercharged engine, relaxing cruise control, or that performs well in rough water, here are some of the top models to choose from:
- Kawasaki SX-R 160 – best for speed and has the most powerful engine
- Kawasaki Ultra 310LX – best for comfort and extra seating capacity
- Kawasaki STX 160X – best for people on a budget or who are new to the PWC world
Niche Jet Ski Brands
While the big three dominate the PWC market, they are far from the only jet ski brands to choose from. Several newer, niche brands have fought their way into the industry and carved out an impressive share of the market. Therefore, if you want to choose a reliable alternative to Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Ski-Doo, here are your top options.
#1: Krash Industries
Krash is one of the newest names in the jet ski industry, but they’re quickly making a name for themselves. Krash prides itself on making the most affordable jet skis on the market, as well as the most beginner-friendly.
However, Krash does not compromise performance and power for affordability, as their jet skis can match up with the best of the best.
Top Models from Krash Industries
Here are some of their top models:
- Krash Reaper – best for speed and tow sports
- Krash PRED-RR – best for novice jet skiers
- Krash Footrocket – best for tricks, jumps, and water sports
#2: Belassi
If you’re looking for one of the most luxurious personal watercraft to take on the water, Belassi is the way to go. If Krash is the Honda Civic of jet skis, then Belassi is the Bentley or Rolce Royce.
While Belassi epitomizes luxury, comfort, and aesthetics, they don’t skimp on speed and power. It can go from sitting still to blazing 60 mph across the open water in just four seconds and maxes out at over 70 mph.
However, you’ll have to pay a hefty price for all that speed and luxury, as Belassi charges a premium for their jet ski. They’re so confident in their product that they only offer one model, the Belassi Burasca, which you can customize to your liking.
#3: Taiga Motors
If luxury, power, and speed come second to eco-friendliness, consider the Orca jet ski from Taiga Motors. The Orca is one of the only all-electric jet skis on the market, making it the most eco-friendly option available.
An all-electric jet ski, the Taiga Orca is completely silent and extremely powerful. You can choose from the standard Orca or the Carbon Orca, which features a carbon fiber exterior for extra durability.
Jet Ski Ownership Considerations
As you can see, there are plenty of great jet ski brands to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a jet ski endorsed by one of the big three brands – Yamaha, Kawasaki, or Ski-Doo – or want to pursue an alternative brand, here are a few questions to consider before making your decision.
- What is your budget?
- What is your experience level?
- What do you plan to use your jet ski for?
- Are you looking for a jet ski that’s reliable and easy to use or one that’s fast, powerful, and luxurious?
Using these questions as a guide, you can determine which jet ski brand and model is right for you.
Final Thoughts
Once you know which jet ski is right for you, it’s time to pull the trigger and set off on your journey as a jet ski owner. While buying a jet ski is a thrill in and of itself, there are some logistics to tend to, namely, where you plan to store your jet ski when it isn’t in use.
If you don’t have room in your garage due to clutter and other water toys, consider using Neighbor. Neighbor is a peer-to-peer storage marketplace that can help you find safe, affordable storage for your jet ski that’s close to water and easily accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Company Sells the Most Jet Skis?
Sea-Doo is currently the worldwide leader in jet ski sales. They sell more personal watercraft than any other brand in the industry.
What Are Some Niche Jet Ski Brands?
If you’re looking for niche jet ski brands, consider checking out Krash Industries, Belassi Burrasca, Narke, and Taiga Motors. These brands offer unique and specialized options for jet ski enthusiasts.
What Factors Should I Consider When Buying a Jet Ski?
When buying a jet ski, the main things to consider are your budget, what you plan to use it for, and your commitment to eco-friendliness.
Are There Eco-Friendly Jet Ski Options?
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly alternative to traditional jet skis, Taiga Motors and Narke are your best options. They make all-electric jet skis that use zero emissions when you operate them and are essentially the Teslas of the jet skiing world.
