Can You Store a Jet Ski On A Moving Boat?

Have you ever wondered if you can store a full size sit down jet ski on a boat? Well, there are some things to really consider here.

Generally speaking, you can store a jet ski on a boat which is at least 40 feet long and has a davit to haul up the jet ski, or a rear tender garage for storage. However, the additional weight at the rear of the boat will impact the performance of the mother vessel, so I recommend storing recreational jet skis on boats which are 60′ feet or longer.

Some superyachts have extensive garages that can store multiple jet skis, but for the typical owner, this is well beyond their means. Often the boat isn’t designed for an additional 800-pounds at the rear.

In this guide, I’ll be talking about some of the real challenges and nuances that come with jet ski storage on boats.

Bringing Jet Skis On Boats

It’s not so clear-cut as to whether you’re able to bring a jet ski with you on the boat. A fishing vessel, for example, probably won’t have the storage space anywhere for a PWC despite having a davit (a crane used for lifting things out of the water) on board.

However, there are certain cruisers designed for bringing additional toys out there on the waterways. They’ll either have additional rear deck storage or a tender garage which can fit a full-sized jet ski. However, the tender will need to be stored elsewhere or towed behind the cruiser while underway.

This is prefered than towing the jet ski itself. Given the tender is often much lighter, and indeed much less expensive too, it’s just better all-round. You’ll get better mileage and higher cruising knots than if you were towing the ski.

What some people do – especially in calmer areas like the Florida Keys or Queensland coastlines, is actually have a member of their travel party ride the jet ski. This is a lot of fun and you can use the main cruiser vessel to create a wave bow which is a lot of fun for jet ski jumping!

Things To Consider

Before you think about getting out there and buying a jet ski to take along with your crusing adventures, there are some things to remember.

1. Do you need to really bring a jet ski? Some places aren’t so desirable to ride in.
2. What will you store your jet ski on? Well, I’ve actually written a guide about jet ski stands which is helpful. You’ll need to make one of these custom for your boat.
3. Can you hire one when you get there instead? The best jet ski riding areas actually have places where you can hire one, however admittedly, these are underpowered and designed for beginner riders.
4. The additional weight impacts your boat’s performance. Chances are that you’ll add in 300kg/1,000lbs extra (likely more) of weight that your boat will have to handle. This changes the way in which it planes across the water and your gas consumption will climb. It’s best to count this weight as an additional 4 passengers as a safety precaution.
5. You’ll need to store additional gas. While your boat may run on diesel, jet skis run on ordinary gas/petrol so you’ll need some gas cans to bring for riding in more remote locations.
6. You may not be able to bring a tender. If your jet ski is taking up additional space on the boat, then you may not have space for a tender. This makes it tough when you’re doing island hopping as your entire travel party will have to go 1 or 2 at a time.
7. You might have to install a davit. Any good marine davit is going to cost a few thousand dollars and does need strong mounting points plus electrical wiring, while taking up additional room on the deck of your boat. This wouldn’t really apply if you have a rear tender garage with winch.

Another thing to consider is that if you do cross countries, then you’ll need to ensure the jet ski is registered and that you have a licence. It will need to go through the same formalities as your main vessel and tender.

In Summary

Bringing a jet ski along for your next multi-day adventure out there on your boat is a great idea. However, it does bring with it some additional headaches.

I’d recommend that you actually bring the jet ski seperately when you’re transitioning between islands or anchorages. This means that someone has all the fun of riding and without the stress of trying to store the ski somewhere on the boat.

Above all else – have some fun out there!