The Top 8 Types Of Jet Skis

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Welcome to the exhilarating world of jet skis. Despite their simple design, the jet ski is surprisingly complex.

For starters, jet skis go by many names, including “water scooters” and “personal watercraft”.

Some folks even refer to these watercraft by popular brand and model names, such as Polaris Industries’ “Sea-Doo,” or Yamaha’s “Wave Runner”—both of which have become shorthand for “jet ski” in the same way “Kleenex” has become a shorthand for “tissue.”

With more uses than there are nicknames, the jet ski is not only a go-to for thrill-seekers ready to zoom across the water’s surface at up to 70 miles per hour. While some jet skis are designed for speed, others offer a more leisurely ride. Some jet skis are even designed for specific interests, like fishing or tow sports.

In addition to recreational use, jet skis are an invaluable, life-saving tool for lifeguards and the US Navy alike.

Exploring the jet ski market can be overwhelming. Fortunately, this guide to the different types of jet skis will be your life raft in rough waters.

A spinning jet ski

Jet Skis vs. Boats

When it comes to jet skis, one size does not fit all. The best jet ski option for you will depend on your budget, experience level, desired speed, and the amount of available storage space in your garage.

But let’s back up a bit. Before you’re ready to decide on the type of jet ski that’s right for you, you’ll need to answer a much bigger question: Is a jet ski or a boat right for you?

If you’re considering buying a jet ski as an alternative to a boat, make sure to read up on the different types of boats and explore a first-time boat-buying guide to help you make your choice.

When making this decision, consider your storage capacity, as boats are more challenging to store. If you have limited space, a jet ski could be the perfect boating vehicle for you.

Stand-Up vs. Sit-Down Jet Skis

Jet skis fall into one of two categories, stand-up and sit-down models.

Stand-up jet skis tend to be smaller and less expensive. While easier to store, this type of jet ski can only be ridden by one person. Note that stand-up jet skis are, overall, the sportier option, as they were specifically designed for freestyle riding and doing tricks.

Sit-down jet skis, on the other hand, are generally larger and can often fit up to three people. This jet ski type is much better suited for tow sports than a stand-up jet ski. There is also a much larger selection of sit-down jet skis, meaning you can find one for cruising as well as speeding.

Here, we’ve further broken down the most popular types of jet skis:

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1. Rec-Lite Jet Ski

Sea-Doo jet skis

If you’re new to jet skiing and looking for an affordable option, Rec-Lite jet skis are a great choice. These budget-friendly watercraft are lightweight, fuel-efficient, and easy to use. They are perfect for a leisurely ride down across calm waters and lakes. Here are a couple of popular options, along with their approximate starting prices:

  • Sea-Doo Spark
    • Starting at $6,999
  • Yamaha EX Series
    • Starting at $7,999

Keep in mind that Rec-Lite jet skis are made for novice riders, so they are not as powerful as their high-performance counterparts.

2. Electric Jet Skis

A jet ski riding off into the distance.

Electric jet skis are the best eco-friendly option. Unlike most jet skis, which are powered by gas, these watercraft offer a range of advantages, such as zero emissions, low noise levels, and reduced maintenance requirements.

You can choose from stand-up, sit-down, and tow sport models. Here are a couple of great options:

  • Free Form Factory Gratis X1
    • Starting at $17,990
  • Candela C-7
    • Starting at $240,000

Electric jet skis do have a more limited range compared to their gasoline-powered counterparts. This means you’ll need to plan your rides carefully and consider recharging options.

3. Racing Jet Ski

A stand-up jet ski, performing tricks

Calling all adrenaline junkies. Racing jet skis are the prime choice for those who want an accelerating ride. These performance jet skis are built with a focus on agility, speed, and precise maneuverability.

While many sit-down jet skis can be used for racing, all stand-up jet skis are considered racing jet skis. That’s because standing provides riders with unparalleled control and responsiveness. Here are some popular models:

  • Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R
    • Starting at $11,599
  • Sea-Doo RXP-X 300
    • Starting at $15,799

Although these high-performance jet skis provide an exciting ride, keep in mind that they have high fuel consumption and require frequent maintenance.

4. Fishing Jet Ski

A Yamaha Wave Runner Jet Ski

As the name implies, fishing jet skis are designed specifically for anglers. These jet skis offer specialized features, like rod holders, coolers, and compartments for securely stowing fishing gear.

If you’re planning on fishing, consider the following jet skis:

  • Sea-Doo Fish Pro
    • Starting at $15,099
  • Yamaha WaveRunner FX HO Cruiser
    • Starting at $14,799

While fishing jet skis are intended for anglers, they are still compact vehicles and may not accommodate all types of fishing gear.

5. Touring Jet Ski

A Yamaha jet ski that can fit up to three people.

Touring jet skis are perfect for long, relaxing days on the water. These jet skis are characterized by their comfortable seating, storage space, larger fuel tanks, and spacious hulls. Here are two popular options:

  • Yamaha FX Cruiser HO
    • Starting at $14,799
  • Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170
    • Starting at $17,999

Touring jet skis do tend to be larger, so make sure you have enough space to accommodate the vehicle. These watercraft are also not as agile as some other jet skis, and they tend to be more expensive.

6. Luxury Jet Ski

A jet ski sitting on the beach

Looking to splurge? Luxury jet skis offer the perfect balance between comfort, power, and advanced features if you’re willing to spend a little extra.

Some of these vehicles are equipped with dual gloveboxes, splash deflectors, and even underwater cameras. These are some luxury options:

  • Sea-Doo GTX Limited
    • Starting at $16,599
  • Yamaha FX Limited SVHO
    • Starting at $19,999

In addition to being pricier, luxury jet skis also tend to be larger, so make sure you have enough storage space.

7. Recreational Jet Ski

Photo taken from the perspective of driving a jet ski

Recreational jet skis are the perfect choice for families. These watercraft offer the perfect balance between comfort and stability and are suitable for extended rides with space for up to three riders. Here are a couple of recreational options:

  • Yamaha EX Series
    • Starting at $7,799
  • Kawasaki Jet Ski STX 160
    • Starting at $11,399

While they do offer a bit of everything, recreational jet skis do have a few downsides. Compared to other jet ski types, these aren’t the fastest nor the most powerful option.

8. Tow Sport Jet Skis

A jet ski with tow hooks

If you enjoy other water sports, such as wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing, consider a tow sport jet ski. These watercraft often feature tow hooks, a wakeboard rack, and a tow pylon.

Tow sport jet skis provide the necessary strength and stability for towing at high speeds. Here are some options:

  • Sea-Doo Wake Pro 230
    • Starting at $16,499
  • Yamaha FX HO Cruiser
    • Starting at $14,799

Because tow sport jet skis are optimized for towing activities, they are a little less versatile for other types of water recreation, like racing or freestyle riding. They also tend to be larger and heavier.

The Best Fit for You

Deciding which jet ski is best for you will depend on your budget, how many passengers you would like it to hold, the speed you need it to go, and any other specialized features.

If you’re worried about storing your jet ski, you may consider opting for a smaller watercraft. Some riders even rent out storage spaces through storage marketplaces like Neighbor to fulfill their jet storage needs.

From the sporty racing jet skis to the budget-friendly Rec-Lite watercraft, there’s a jet ski for everyone. Embark on your next jet ski adventure with these 8 popular types of jet skis.

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