How Much Does A Jet Ski Cost?
Jet Skis come in many different models and brands, each of which has different benefits worth considering.
Before you make a purchase, you need to understand the various factors that influence the price of a Jet Ski and what to expect from each model.
Cost Varies Based on Model Type
There are three different model types available on the Jet Ski market: performance, luxury, and recreation or rec-lite options.
These options are suitable for specific buyers and should be carefully considered.
Performance
The first type of Jet Skill we’ll examine is called a performance model.
This classification breaks down into multiple different choices, each of which is designed to put speed, acceleration, and handling above all other considerations.
While performance Jet Skis aren’t uncomfortable by any means, most of their extra cost focuses on enhancing the engine and the steering option.
Think of these models as the sports cars of the Jet Ski world.
Their improved engine and better handling make them the fastest and easiest types to control, as long as you have some experience with Jet Skis.
Like sports cars, however, you can expect these models to cost much more than the other two types on the market.
We’re talking thousands of extra dollars for purchasing and maintenance.
A majority of this extra cost comes in the supercharged engine typical in most Jet Skis.
Supercharged motors are designed to tap into the power of the engine more effectively and include a variety of design enhancements that make them faster and more efficient.
And since these units are designed for speed and control, they are often smaller than luxury and even recreational models.
Therefore, these options are the right choice if you have ridden Jet Skis in the past and feel comfortable handling them.
Just as importantly, you must be ready to pay extra for gas because they typically need a higher-octane option.
Read through your instruction manual before you purchase one of these models to get an idea of what kind of fuel you need for its operation.
Luxury Jet Skis
These models are somewhat similar to the performance options discussed previously.
Many have the same type of acceleration and top speed as those models and provide a myriad of benefits that are slightly different than performance options.
For example, luxury Jet Skis typically utilize thicker hulls that make them a little heavier on the water while you ride.
As a result, these Jet Skis are often a little harder to handle and rarely possess the same kind of agility and quick turning that you get from performance models.
However, they are a good choice if you want a steady and comfortable vehicle that your whole family will love.
They come with a myriad of unique elements that make them stand out from other models.
For example, these Jet Skis may come with radios, various types of GPS units, multiple storage centers, and more.
These luxury items drive up the price of your Jet Ski and can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the cost.
The exact cash increase will vary.
Later on in this article, we’ll examine the different models and brands to give you an idea of what to expect.
Just know that these models are probably the best choice for those who either have a lot of money to spend or who have already mastered riding a Jet Ski.
Those with little experience on these items may find that they either can’t afford them or that they struggle to control them.
As a result, you may want to consider a better starter option to ensure that you get the best choice.
Recreation or Rec-Lite
Lastly, the lowest-priced Jet Skis on the market are the recreation or rec-lite models.
Though these designs may vary slightly between different brands and classifications, their basic look and feel are the same.
As a result, you can often buy one of these types and get the same benefit that you would receive from others.
In many circles, these models are the most popular for many buyers.
Typically, these models are designed to be the least expensive and least luxurious models of Jet Skis on the market.
They will lack most of the comfort items found on a luxury vehicle.
However, they are also typically less powerful and handle with less accuracy than a performance option.
This lack of bells and whistles keeps the price of these Jet Skis low and make them an excellent first-time choice.
For example, you could buy a low-performance rec-lite Jet Ski and try it out to see if you even enjoy these vehicles.
Some people spend thousands of dollars more on a performance model only to find that Jet Skis aren’t their style.
Likewise, this model is also a smart choice for younger riders because these models lack the kind of excessive speed that may make the unit hard to handle.
However, the fact that these models lack the same design features characteristic of performance and luxury models doesn’t mean that they aren’t worth your time.
Many of these Jet Skis are designed to be a great choice for years.
Some people never upgrade from a recreation or rec-lite model simply because they get all the power that they want from this model.
As a result, you need to read below to get an idea of what elements may change your price and how to consider them when making a purchase.
Price Also Varies Based on Brand
Three major manufacturers produce a majority of the Jet Skis on the market today: Sea Doo, Kawasaki, and Yamaha.
The prices between their different models vary based on the specialty of the manufacturer and other elements congruent between varying vehicle types.
Sea Doo
This manufacturer may be the most popular or well-known manufacturer of these watercraft options.
They were one of the pioneers of this vehicle and have maintained a steady market presence.
Most of their success comes from providing high-quality Jet Skis at fair prices.
Though they rarely produce performance-heavy choices for buyers, they do have a few different higher-end options from which you can pick.
As a result, Sea Doo is often a good choice for first-time buyers because it can give them an insight into the sport.
The cheapest model available from this manufacturer is the Spark.
A rec-lite Spark 2 UP 60HP model costs just $5,399 or so, depending on the dealer.
Upgrades to the Spark cost $5,999 – 90 HP model – up to $7,599.
Upgraded models of Sea Doo Jet Skis include the GTI Recreation model – $7,699 to $8,999 – up to Sea Doo’s most expensive model, the luxury RXT X 300 – $16,199.
Like with other manufacturers that we will examine on this list, prices will vary depending on factors discussed in more depth after this section.
Kawasaki
The Kawasaki brand is typically associated with dirt bikes and motorcycles.
However, this Japanese manufacturer is getting into producing a broader array of Jet Skis and is one of the better options available.
While they are often among the priciest manufacturers from which you can choose, they make up for it by producing some of the highest performance items on the market.
For example, their lowest-priced model is the STX-15F Performance, which is about $9,699 or so.
Their only luxury model, the Ultra 310LX nearly tops $18,000.
As a result, anybody interested in low-priced Jet Skis may want to try out another manufacturer.
Kawasaki does not produce inexpensive models and does not make any recreation or rec-lite options.
That said, you typically won’t run into as many operational problems with these vehicles as you would with other manufacturers.
Simply put, a Kawasaki watercraft is designed to last for years without running into any complications.
As a result, they may make a great choice if you don’t plan on buying a new model soon.
Yamaha
Yamaha is one of those manufacturers that always seems to produce high-quality products no matter what they make.
And the quality of their Jet Skis remains very high.
Like Sea Doo, they produce many different recreation or rec-lite options for the market.
However, they also provide luxury and performance choices, which makes them an excellent middle ground between Kawasaki and Sea Doo.
For example, their rec-lite model – the EX – is available for just $6,999.
That cost is higher than Sea Doo but lower than Kawasaki.
The same is true of their SuperJet Performance model – $8,499 – and their highest-priced FX Limited SVHO Luxury option $16,899.
Though their luxury and performance choices are not as high-quality as the Kawasaki options, they are a slight step-above Sea Doo.
Yamaha is also a smart choice for those who want to get into racing.
This manufacturer typically provides a variety of different race-ready options that will help make your ride smoother and easier to handle.
This benefit is significant if you plan on competing at all on your ride.
Other Factors That Influence Jet Ski Cost
Although the type of Jet Ski and the manufacturer will heavily affect the price of your vehicle, many other factors will increase or decrease its cost.
These factors will vary heavily based on multiple factors, each of which is worth examining in depth. Just a few of these elements include:
• Make – The make and model of the Jet Ski will increase the price depending on its quality
• Insurance Needs – Faster and more luxurious Jet Skis will cost more to insure
• Age – Jet Skis, like all motor vehicles, lose their value over time
• Engine Power – Engines with lower HP are worth less than more powerful options
• Accessories – Any extras you add to the engine, such as various types of storage areas, will increase your vehicle price
• Upgrades – If you’ve upgraded your model with any new elements, your price will increase
Although these elements have been briefly discussed in the list above, let’s break down these aspects below to get a more in-depth understanding.
Doing so will enhance your purchasing experience and ensure that you buy a Jet Ski that you can trust.
Make and Model
The Jet Ski make varies depending on multiple factors, including its accessories and the power of its engine.
For example, the lowest-priced STX-15F performance by Kawasaki has a 90HP motor and many amenities that make it an exciting purchasing choice.
However, the Ultra 310LX has a higher horsepower level and amenities such as cup holders, Bluetooth radios, and high-quality speakers.
Insurance Needs
Insurance providers will adjust their Jet Ski policies based on a multitude of factors.
For example, higher-priced models need more expensive plans to match their investment cost.
And high-performance vehicles cost more to insure because they are more dangerous than those with less power.
Age
Older models, on the same note, also cost more to insure because of their age.
Beyond the extra insurance cost, you may find that some older models are considered “classic” and may require more cash to buy.
Generally, though, newer models cost more simply because they are better in quality and construction.
Engine Power
Higher-powered engines will increase the cost of your Jet Ski, sometimes by hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
The options from which you can choose will vary depending on the manufacturer.
Buying the highest-performing vehicle isn’t always the right choice, particularly if you’re new to Jet Skis and feel uncomfortable driving them.
Accessories
Extra accessories will increase the price of your Jet Ski.
These accessories include any decorative elements you may want to add – such as new paint – or enhancements to any radio that you may have installed on your Jet Ski vehicle.
Other items, such as storage bins, also cost more.
Upgrades
Lastly, any enhancements you make to your Jet Ski’s chassis or engine will increase its price.
For example, adding a new supercharged engine will boost its cost.
Fins and other decorative elements also increase the Jet Ski’s worth because they enhance the vehicle’s performance.
Some buyers may not even need these enhancements, which is why a little common sense is so essential.
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