I’ve seen a massive uptake in the popularity of fishing jet skis in the last 7 years. They have gone from relatively unknown to being quite mainstream.

It’s a little wonder too. Boats just cost too much money in my opinion and unlike a fishing boat, a jet ski can be used for multiple purposes such as adventuring and tow sports.

So in this guide, I’ll help you find the right jet ski to bag a seriously nice catch!

The most popular fishing jet skis are:

1. 2022 Sea-Doo Trophy 170

Naturally, I’ll kick this list off with a jet ski that’s absolutely designed for fishing. One that sees guys proudly showing off their catches just about every day in Facebook groups around the world. Most owners are pretty happy with the design characteristics, especially with the wider hull that allows you to stand up quite easily. The only downside? The price which starts at $17,799 USD or $27,309 AUD. Ouch!

Sea-Doo created the Trophy only a couple of years ago after seeing the massive rise in existing owners retrofitting their personal watercraft with a cooler and rocket launchers to hold fishing rods. We’ve come along way with technology but in the past, such modifications were cumbersome, caused damaged to the bodywork and often voided the warranty. The Trophy 170 very much changed all of this and I’m glad that this model has had a huge uptick in global sales.

2. 2022 Yamaha VX Deluxe

If you don’t want to spend all that money and you don’t have a desire to be skirting along at 60-knots, then I’d go for Yamaha’s VX Deluxe. This jet ski is a recreational model with a rear swim platform that’s just big enough to fit a cooler and some rod holders.

Unlike the rest of the VX range which all have a cruiser seat, you can sit on the VX Deluxe seat both ways because it’s relatively flat. Considering that most guys fish off the rear of their jet ski, this makes this one a wise choice. The relatively cheap price-point means that you can fit this all out the way you want and still have change left over for fuel rather than spending up on the Fish Pro. I’d personally love to see Yamaha come out with their own unique fishing jet ski, but for now, at least, this is their best option around town.

3. 2022 Sea-Doo Fishpro Scout 130 or 170

I’ve been a huge fan of the Fishpro 130 for a while. It’s very affordable and is designed for budget-friendly fishing adventures. You can get some excellent accessories such as a cooler and rod holders, or even a trolling motor!

If you’re looking for a jet ski that is more performance/cruiser orientated, then go for the 170. These are perfect if you’re wanting a jet ski to use 80% of the time for cruising around and towing tubes, while using it for fishing the remaining 20% of the time.

4. 2022 Yamaha EX Deluxe

The cheapest fishing jet ski that money can buy is the Yamaha EX, though the EX Deluxe would be better suited as it comes with a reboarding step. These models are more popular with rental fleets given their bare-bones price. If you wanted a jet ski instead of a cheap boat in order to go fishing on weekends and aren’t concerned at all about performance then this is a good choice.

Now – a word on safety. Because these are recreational-lite jet skis, they aren’t the best for standing up and throwing lines into the water. You won’t necessarily tip over if you stand up and lean to the side (much the same way in standing up in a canoe) but it’s certainly easier to capsize an EX than their big brothers, the VX series. If your budget permits, I’d certainly choose the VX Deluxe over this model.

Getting Started

So I’ve now shown you 4 great jet skis which are perfect for outfitting when fishing in the rivers, lakes or even calm oceans. Did you know that I’ve also written some related guides? That’s what Jet Ski Advice is all about – the content!

1. How do you make your first trip a safe one? Then read my guide about heading out there for an adventure safely: 👉 How To Go Jet Ski Fishing
2. What accessories can you buy which makes your trip much more enjoyable? Well, I’ve also created a guide for that: 🤙 Best Jet Ski Fishing Accessories

With that in mind, I’m hooking up the trailer in 5 minutes and heading for the boat ramp. Yes, I’m off for another adventure.

See you out there!

Let’s imagine that the stars aligned in the universe and you’re showered with a large chunk of moolah that needs to be spent on an investment…like a quick PWC! They’re investments, right?

Well, that’s a discussion for our accountants to figure out. It’s great spending the time to research and figure out what the rich guys are buying.

Now, you’d be mistaken for thinking that Yamaha and Sea-Doo have fast jet skis. Instead, that title belongs to a German company.

The fastest commercially-available jet ski that individuals can purchase is the Mansory Black Marlin 550, a model based on the Sea-Doo RXT-X 260RS. With a tune-up to 550 horsepower all powered by its supercharged 1,494cc Rotax engine, speeds of more than 80 miles per hour are achieved. Pricing as of early 2021 is almost $70,000 US-Dollars.

How does this machine get so friggin fast and capable of reaching highway speeds within seconds of pulling on the throttle? Well, let’s take a look.

The Engine

To achieve such impressive specs, the team at Mansory have put in 10,000+ man hours to create this weapon for the waterways. I’m always surprised that the legendary Rotax engine can be tuned right up to such an extent and I certainly can’t wait to see the performance of electric jet skis in the very near future.

Body Work

The body of the Black Marlin is actually different than Sea-Doo’s base. They’ve used computer modelling to ensure that less drag is experienced. What you’ll get is a more aggressive design which is dynamic and even somewhat futuristic.

Removing Unnecessities

Just like removing the spare seat from race cars, the team at Mansory have removed any additional weight including the speakers and anything else which could potentially slow you down. The body plastics were even removed and replaced with lighter carbon fibre, and combined has saved almost 10kgs. They even changed the seat given the existing leather seat is quite heavy.

Constant Improvement

The team may not be selling a huge among of these models (I think less than 20 are on the waterways of the world right now) but they’re seeking to constantly improve the characteristics and eventually lower the price. For now, at least, you’d be looking at owning one of the coolest looking personal watercraft that will certainly turn heads at the boat ramp.

Other Fast Jet Skis

Of course, there are notable additions to this list. The type that you should consider as a slightly tuned down version fo the Black Marlin 550 yet they’re just as powerful.

These include Kawasaki’s 2021 Ultra 310R as well as Yamaha’s GP1800R SVHO and its legendary EXR model. These are seriously tough to contend with and not for the faint-hearted. If you simply want one of the best jet skis that not just goes fast, but is great to live with, and is affordable too, then the Sea-Doo GTI is plentiful.

If that’s your first jet ski, then you might find (just like I did) that it’s all that one really needs to have fun out there in both fresh and salt water environments.

A jet ski can be a great way to experience our local waterways, but buying one that can tow others behind opens up an entirely new world of possibilities.

Personally, I love the notion of being able to use a jet ski for more than one purpose. And considering that most jet skis today have a tow hook at the rear, it’s only more reason to make the most of things.

Then again, not all of them are properly set up for towing effective. The Sea-Doo Spark, for instance, can tow tubers but doesn’t make for the most enjoyable experience and the engine itself does struggle.

So in this guide, I’ll show you 5 jet skis to consider if towing tubes, wakeboarders and waterskiers is your thing. I have no bias in my recommendations and it’s based on my own research since I too was looking for the right model for my family.

The most popular jet skis for tow sports are:

1. 2022 Sea-Doo Wake Pro

Did you know that Sea-Doo actually made a model EXACTLY for tow sports? Similar to their fishing model, they listened to the needs of the PWC community and created the Wake Pro 230 and previously it came in a 155 and 170 HP variances.

What’s need about this jet ski isn’t just the wakeboard rack or the massive space at the rear for passengers to get themselves ready, nor is it the massive amount of storage. It’s actually the hull designed matched with the engine technology allowing for a stable ride for those standing. It’s not really designed as such for total recreational riding solo, so you wouldn’t go reaching 60-knots with this but as for entertaining others, you’ve got the perfect machine.

2. 2022 Yamaha FX LTD SVHO

Yamaha hasn’t really got a jet ski that’s created from the ground up for tow sports, but they do have the FX LTD SVHO which is close enough. Its performance specs means that you’ll have no problem in having yourself, your spotter and two people at the rear on a large tube. Better yet, you can still ride this on your own and have an awesome time.

3. 2022 Sea-Doo GTI/GTR

I really love the GTR and it’s my choice of jet ski here in Australia. In the United States, it’s known as the GTI which pumps our 230 horsepower which is more than enough to tow 2 adults on a tube. Better yet, it’s more affordable than the Wake Pro while also being more than capable of being ridden in the ocean.

When I head down to my local waterways here, it doesn’t take me too long to see this model out there either cruising around or towing others with a smile on everyone’s face. If you’re aiming to ride solo 70% of the time and tow others 30% of the time, then this is a great option as the perfect middle ground.

4. 2021 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO

A good alternative to Sea-Doo’s GTR230 is the FX Cruiser HO. It sits in the performance category while also being reasonably affordable and easy to handle. Its super-charged engine can give a bit of a boost to those needing to stand up quickly, while the deep seats provide something for the riders to brace on to, together with a good-sized swim deck for getting set up.

5. 2022 Yamaha VX Limited HO

The last on my list is the Yamaha VX Limited HO. This is in Yamaha’s recreation category and it wouldn’t be my first choice when it comes to a jet ski for tow sports because the naturally aspirated engine can struggle to get water skiers up on plane. You see – it’s not just about engine capacity but acceleration capacity too. If you’re simply towing your kids around on tubes or even a banana boat, then this is no problem at all. Best of all, it’s roughly half the price of all the other models on this list!

Getting Started

Now that you’ve got some fair idea of what jet ski you’ll want to buy, now it’s time to head into the dealerships. Both Yamaha and Sea-Doo have competitive financing options so you can ride away without spending a fortune. I’d budget around $2,000 for the extras such as a trailer, registration, insurance, life jackets and tubes for some fun future weekends on the waterways!

Happy hunting and I’ll see you out there real soon!

A lot of newer jet ski owners stick to riding in lakes and rivers, but they’re completely missing out on some serious fun. In some cases, they just don’t have the right jet ski.

If you’re out there shopping for a new performance-orientated jet ski that can handle the punishment of the open ocean, then you’re in the right place! I’ve done the research to show you what’s worth looking into.

Best Jet Ski for Salt & Rough Water

The lighter jet skis in the recreational-lite range just aren’t really capable to handle the rough waters of the ocean. Even the recreational models like the GTI and the VX often can struggle to get up on plane and knock over those rogue waves.

These are the most powerful jet skis for the ocean:

1. 2022 Sea-Doo RXT-X / RXP-X

If you want a beast of a jet ski that can handle even 2 to 3-foot swell, then you’re going to be spending quite a few dollars. The most expensive jet skis of 2021 are the Sea-Doo RXT-X at $26,599 as well as the RXP-X at $24,799 which is approximately 3 times more expensive than jet skis typically cost. For that outlay, you can certainly expect not just massive power on tap (a 300-hp Rotax engine is standard) but the weight of the PWC helps it to power through the surf. Either would certainly be my first choice personally, but not every one’s first choice either which brings us on to the next model.

2. 2022 Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO

The biggest contender to Sea-Doo’s powerhouse models is the FX Cruiser SVHO and let me tell you, this one is a beast! Expect your arms to be real sore after just a couple of hours on this weapon of a machine. I do find the Sea-Doo range to be better equipped to really tackle the hard stuff but there isn’t much that the FX Cruiser couldn’t knock off. A 30-mile ride between islands or heading to the Bahamas should be no problem at all for this weapon.

3. 2022 Sea-Doo GTX Limited

Another Sea-Doo to consider is the GTX which is a more toned-down version of the RXT-X and RXP-X models. If you’ll fear that the power would be too excessive but you still want to plow down through the tough ocean swell, then I can recommend the GTX especially as it’s more budget-friendly. You’ll also find some luxury features such as a swim platform and Bluetooth speakers.

4. 2022 Yamaha FX HO

Much like the GTX, Yamaha’s FX HO is a tuned-down version of its big brother rival. If you’re the type that will struggle with so much power on tap, or you simply want performance in a lighter hull, then this one is for you. More than enough power to ride between islands yet easy enough to load back on the trailer after a heavy day of riding. Plus it’s more affordable too!

In Summary

There you have it! You’ll need some serious dollars in the bank account to move towards purchasing one of these big machines and some muscle power too. It takes a certain type of individual who is committed to handling all the power on tap.

In most cases, it’s best to hit the open ocean solo though tandem is acceptable in calm conditions. As always, check the weather forecast and tide tables. Also, given the power that these machines have, the dealers can provide a solid orientation and there will always be a learner mode if you need the power to be tuned down.

Stay safe and I’ll catch you out there!

So you’re looking to start your very own rental business. That’s the dream of many individuals looking to combine their passion with their daily work.

Now – your biggest expenditure is the purchase of your fleet. You might be looking to buy 4 to 10 jet skis in bulk from one of the main manufacturers. For that reason, I created this very simple guide to steer you in the right direction.

After looking at the purchase choices and preferences of numerous hire companies across the world, I’ve come to these conclusions. None of these is based on brand preferences or allegiances since I’m not a fanboy of either brand and would easily own both.

Kawasaki, given they are performance-orientated, doesn’t have any jet skis suitable for the rental industry and so you’re left with only Yamaha and Sea-Doo to work with. It’s generally the rec-lite series that works best to reduce upfront expenditure and ongoing maintenance costs.

These are the best choices for a jet ski rental fleet:

1. 2022 Sea-Doo GTI 90

I did the research and found the GTI 90 is ideal for the rental industry as its upfront cost is quite reasonable and the non-supercharged model is great for reducing your fuel overheads. Not only this, but it’s quite safe as a jet ski and won’t cause concern for the individual since the power is quite tame.

Some companies I researched also went for the GTI 130 but this is really best for those who are running open ocean tours. If you’re only running a lake-side rental business, then the GTI 90 makes the perfect model.

2. 2022 Yamaha EX and EX Deluxe

The EX really does mirror the GTI 90 quite well and if you’re a Yamaha fan, then this model will suit your business very well. I did see slightly more business owners choosing the GTI 90 but the EX is actually slightly cheaper although its mid-2000’s aesthetics don’t look quite that good for Instagram

Yamaha has their own in-house finance and could help you set up the entire business with remarkably low-interest rates. The EX Sport and Delux models are also excellent if you don’t like the aqua-look of the 2021 EX.

3. 2021 Sea-Doo Spark

Now some people would wonder why I didn’t list the Spark as the first on this list, and there are several reasons for this. It’s a great model and excellent for a rental business fleet, but it may struggle to attract hirers.

You see, some people really know their jet skis well and the Spark is largely considered to be quite slow and doesn’t quite perform that well. Some individuals may choose one of your competitors if they have the EX and GTI 90 as their slightly more powerful. I would opt for the 2021 model for price savings in the used market if you choose this for your rental fleet.

4. 2022 Yamaha VX-C

Sometimes the recreational-lite series just isn’t enough for riding in some areas. If you’re planning to head out into the ocean and expect the entire party to be hauling at 40-knots, then the Spark and other models will struggle with their lighter hull design.

The VC-C is a recreational jet ski that starts to verge into the performance spectrum. If riders have a passenger then this ski will better cut through the waves leaning to a smoother ride without feeling like being thrashed around.

5. 2022 Sea-Doo GTX

The last on our list is actually one of my favorite jet skis for first-time riders! It also happens to be ideal for the hire industry as an ocean-going contender. The GTI SE is also a great model to consider in this spectrum.

While some would say that the GTX is an overkill for first-time riders and in some sense I would agree, but sometimes you need the right jet ski for the owner or tour leader. Then this is the model I would choose as it’s possible to tow a broken down jet ski if it happens (and it does happen, but it’s rare). The cost of the GTX (almost 2.5x the cost of a Spark) obviously puts off many who have a hard budget for the entire fleet.

Getting Started

There we have it! 5 top choices for fitting out your rental fleet with personal watercraft. You’ll have some budget options as well as those better suited for when conditions aren’t so glassy.

I’ve also created a guide on How to Start A Jet Ski Rental Business which is a worthwhile read. It really does give you the lowdown on what one should expect.

Also, don’t forget about the importance of locations, marketing and reliability. It’s not just about the actual fleet at the end of the day. You could get a discount on some used models but the dealers often provide a volume discount on the new models as you effectively become a marketing channel for them. In other words, the riders become excited and decide to buy a PWC themselves.

If one dealer says no to a volume-based discount and letting you effectively advertise for them…then go to the next one! It’s that easy.

Catch you out there!