Do you dream of skimming across the water on a jet ski on your way to an offshore fishing spot? Maybe you want a jet ski to play in the waves at the beach or cruise across the lake?
Jet skis are plenty of fun in all water conditions, and they are way more affordable than buying a boat.
Buying a new jet ski is like visiting the dealer to buy a new motorcycle. You have many top brands looking for your business. Jet skis come in different sizes, horsepower, passenger capacity, and features. If you’re an angler, then you’ll find a dedicated fishing ski waiting for you at the dealer. If you’re into camping and cruising, there’s a jet ski model to calm your wanderlust for adventure.
With so many great options for jet skis, which brand and model do you choose for your new watercraft? This post unpacks the best jet ski models for 2022.
Contents
2022 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310LX: The Best Luxury Jet Ski
Specs and Features
- Rider capacity: 3-persons
- Motor: Supercharged 1,498cc Inline-4 DOHC
- Power: 310-Hp
- Length: 132.7″
- Dry Weight: 1,047.4lbs
If you lust for power, performance, and luxury, you can’t go wrong with the 2022 Kawasaki Ultra 310LX. This flagship model in the Ultra series brings you plenty of power on tap, with a 310-Hp motor blasting the ski to a top-end over 60-mph.
This model has a three-seater capacity and a large 80L fuel tank for an extended range. You get outstanding power and performance, with comfortable handling and excellent maneuverability.
The 2022 UltraLX is powered by the Eaton Twin Vortices Series (TVS) supercharger, giving you unprecedented power. The ski gets an updated deck and decals over the 2021 model, and you get a full digital display and the new reverse trigger included in the 2022 model. Kawasaki retains its hull design with sponsons, and there are spray deflectors that stop the spray from coming over the bow.
You get a JetSound audio system, with speakers mounted below the handlebars and Bluetooth connectivity for your device. Overall, the Ultra 310LX is our top choice for the most powerful, high-performance jet ski available.
Pros
- Supercharged 310-Hp motor
- GPS mount and JetSound Bluetooth audio system.
- Excellent power and handling.
- Luxury seat and updated deck.
Cons
- Expensive.
Sea-Doo FishPro Trophy: The Best Fishing Jet Ski
Specs and Features
- Rider capacity: 3-persons.
- Motor: Rotax 1630 ACR (naturally aspirated).
- Power: 160-Hp.
- Length: 146.8″
- Dry Weight: 898-lbs.
If you’re into fishing, take a look at the 2022 Sea-Doo FishPro Trophy. This jet ski comes with Sea-Doo’s Rotax engine, producing 160-Hp. Sure, it doesn’t have the power of the 310LX, but you get enough speed and power to rival any small skiff or fishing boat, with the ski reaching a top speed of 55-mph.
The FishPro Trophy comes with a cooler/live well mounted to the rear deck, and there’s plenty of room for casting. The standout feature is the built-in fishing seat. Remove the back seat and place it on the pivot stand, and you have a swivel fishing chair. There’s a backrest for the chair in the front storage compartment for a relaxing experience on the water.
The FishPro Trophy comes with a 7-inch touchscreen monitor and GPS system. The FishPro Trophy is the ideal fishing ski and the best choice in its class.
You get all the Sea-Doo features included with this model. You get the iBR (Intelligent braking and reverse) and many others. The FishPro Trophy is the angler’s dream jet ski, and it’s at home on the lake or out at sea.
Pros
- Dedicated fishing design.
- Built-in fishing chair.
- Built-in Cooler/ Live well.
- Garmin GPS and Fishfinder included.
Cons
- Underpowered compared to the 310LX.
- Expensive.
Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO: The Best Racing Jet Ski
Specs and Features
- Rider Capacity: 3-persons
- Motor: Supercharged 1,812cc Inline-4 DOHC.
- Power: 250-Hp
- Length: 140.9″
- Dry Weight: 822-lbs
Yamaha is another trusted brand producing some of the finest jet ski designs. The company revamped its FX series, upgrading the entire range to provide the rider with more power, better handling, and a luxury riding experience.
The new SVHO motor provides 250-Hp, with a supercharged 1,812cc capacity for all the power you need on tap for a fun ride on inland waters or the ocean. It’s also remarkably efficient, sipping fuel at a slow rate. You get built-in air intakes and cooling, allowing optimal performance in all water conditions.
Yamaha hulls are some of the best in the industry. The company uses a proprietary NanoXcel2 material that’s lightweight and strong. The combination of the lightweight hull and powerful motor equal outstanding acceleration, comfort, and high-speed performance.
The Yamaha FX SVHO includes additional storage and a color display for monitoring, trim, speed, and RiDE system status. The styling of this ski is nothing short of breathtaking, and one glance at the FX Cruiser is enough to make you fall in love with the ski’s good looks.
Pros
- Plenty of onboard storage space.
- Supercharged performance and excellent acceleration.
- Lightweight materials in the hull design.
- 7-inch touchscreen display
Cons
- The maintenance schedule requires more attention than other models.
- Locking the glove box is a hassle.
Sea-Doo RXP-X 300: The Best Performance Jet Ski
Specs and Features
- Rider Capacity: 1-person
- Motor: 1,630cc Inline-Three with Supercharger
- Power: 300-Hp
- Length: 130.6″
- Dry Weight: 847-lbs
The Sea-Doo RXP-X received an update for 2022, offering the rider more power, better handling, and excellent stability without compromising acceleration and maneuverability. You get a monstrous 300-Hp, supercharged motor, pushing out nearly as much power as the Kawasaki 310LX.
The latest rendition of the Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 comes with added accessories and features and a race-inspired styling in the design. You get a high-comfort seat with a comfortable riding position. We like how you can support your knees by squeezing them into the side o0f the ski to reduce movement when traversing over rough water.
The Sea-Doo RXP-X is suitable for offshore and inland use, and it’s a great cruiser for touring lakes and waterways. This model is more of a high-performance ski, and you get adjustable handlebars for improving your ride comfort on long trips or races.
You get Sea-Doo’s new iBR (intelligent Brake and Reverse) system included as standard with this model. If you’re thinking about heading out for a cruise, you can set the RXP-X in “ECO” mode to reduce consumption and increase economy.
Pros
- Very fast with excellent power.
- Responsive and maneuverable.
- iBR Braking system included.
- ECO mode for fuel economy.
Cons
- Lack of passenger capacity.
- Performance mode uses a lot of fuel.
Kawasaki SX-R: The Best Standup Jet Ski
Specs and Features
- Rider Capacity: 1-person
- Motor: 1,498cc Inline-Four
- Power: 160-Hp
- Length: 104.5″
- Dry Weight: 551.3 (Curb)
If you’re looking for a standup jet ski over a Waverunner, then the Kawasaki SX-R is the top-rated model in its class. You get a 1,498cc Inline-Four cylinder motor pushing out 160-Hp. The lightweight design coupled with the powerful engine propels the watercraft to a top speed of 62-mph.
The Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R has larger dimensions than its predecessor, bringing more stability to the platform for a comfortable ride in all water conditions. You get excellent handling and maneuverability, and it’s a great choice if you want to play in the waves.
However, this upgraded model’s added bulk and weight make it less suitable for freestyle riders. However, you can expect sharp turns and great handling, despite the extra size in the new model. This jet ski comes built for play, with excellent stability at speed and powerful acceleration.
Pros
- The only standup jet ski in the Kawasaki range.
- Excellent choice for beginners.
- Ideal for playing in the waves.
- Fast and easy to maneuver.
Cons
- Low on storage space.
- Only suitable for one rider.
Sea-Doo RXT-X
Specs and Features
- Rider Capacity: 3-person
- Motor: Supercharged 1,630cc Inline-Three
- Power: 300-Hp
- Length: 130.6″
- Dry Weight: 847lbs
Sea-Doo brings a supercharged model into its lineup with the RXT-X. This model boasts an impressive 300-Hp, using the same 1630 Rotax engine coupled to a supercharged for enhanced performance. This touring version of the RXP-X offers you the same engine features and powerful performance but with more luxury for your rider experience.
The engine reaches a top-end speed of 67-mph, allowing for the fastest cruising speeds. The ride feel is similar to the RXP-X but has a more stable, controlled feel to the driver experience. The only drawback with the high-performance range from Sea-Doo, including the RXP-X, is that they like to drink fuel at a rapid rate. You’ll also need to fuel them with 90 octane gasoline if you want the best performance out of the motor.
Like the RXP-X, the RXT-X comes with the innovative “ECO” mode, allowing you to improve your fuel economy. You get a large rear platform for diving and getting out of the water and a built-in step to make boarding from the water easy.
The ski has plenty of storage, and the seat converts into a 3-person or single rider configuration. With the single-seater format, you get a huge expansion to the rear deck o0f the jet ski.
Pros
- Outstanding performance and fast acceleration.
- Large rear swim platform.
- Converts from single-seater to three-seater.
- Lots of storage space.
Cons
- High fuel consumption in performance mode.
- Higher maintenance demands than other high-end models.
Taiga Orca Sport Electric PWC
Specs and Features
- Rider Capacity:
- Motor: Electric 90-kW.
- Power: 180-Hp
- Length: 117.6″
- Dry Weight: 588-lbs
With gasoline prices going through the roof in 2022, it’s time to consider going electric. The EV trend continues to displace the traditional motoring sector, and it looks like Orca Sport is doing the same for the PWC market. Its all-electric jet ski is the first of its kind and something different from what’s available in the rest of the market.
Manufactured by Tiaga Moors, Orca Sport is the first to market with its new electric model. Other manufacturers have plans for releasing electrics, but we don’t have any information on launch dates. The Orca Sport is the most affordable model in the Tiaga range. You get a 90-kW motor and a smaller 20-kWh battery to power the watercraft.
The electric motor is surprisingly powerful, propelling the PWC to a top speed of 56-mph, and you get a 2-hour runtime between charges. The PWC remains lightweight despite the battery-powered operation, allowing for excellent handling and maneuverability.
You also have options for Performance and Carbon models in the Orca range but at a much higher price tag. They also come with higher top-end speed, reaching an impressive 65-mph. If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, the Tiaga Orca Sport is a top choice in this review.
Pros
- All-electric, no gasoline.
- Powerful performance.
- Quiet running.
- Environmentally-friendly.
Cons
- Limited range.
- 2-hour charge time.
- No charger infrastructure.
Sea-Doo GTI SE
Specs and Features
- Rider Capacity: 2-persons
- Motor: Supercharged 1,630cc Inline-Three
- Power: 170-Hp
- Length: 130.6″
- Dry Weight: 739-lbs
The Sea-Doo GTI SE rounds out our review of the best jet ski models for 2022. This ski is stable and reliable, offering you excellent performance. You get a jet ski built for touring, offering you a 130-hp or 170-hp motor option. The 130-Hp model reaches a top-end speed of 50-mph, and the 170-Hp model tops out at 56-mph.
This ski is designed for a comfortable ride, and it’s lightweight, offering you excellent maneuverability in the water. You get the iBR system included with the ski, and the same design between the 130 and 170 models, with the only difference being the motor capacity.
You get an integrated Bluetooth speaker system and a fun ride out on the water. Overall, we recommend the 170-Hp model over the 130-Hp GTI SE. You get more power and better performance. The ergo-lock seat allows for easy change to the rider position. With the single-seater mode in operation, you get a huge rear swim platform.
Pros
- Excellent power, acceleration, and performance.
- Bluetooth audio system.
- Ergo-lock seat.
- Fuel efficient.
Cons
- Limited storage.
- Expensive.
Jet Ski Buyer’s Guide
Now that you know the top jet ski models for 2022 let’s unpack what you need to know about choosing the right ski for you. Jet skis are available in four types to suit your water activities.
Recreational-Light jet ski
The recreational-light ski is affordable, offering you mid-range performance. Typically, these models have motors ranging from 50-Hp to 100-Hp.
They are a good all-round ski for cruising or touring. However, they aren’t good for performance riding and heavy-duty use in the waves.
Recreational Jet Ski
The recreational jet ski is the most popular option for new buyers. You get a jet ski with a 100-Hp to a 200-Hp motor and top speeds up to 65-mph.
They are faster and larger than the rec-lite ski, and they come with better performance in all water conditions, especially the ocean.
Depending on the engine capacity of the ski, you could use it for leisure, touring, wakesports, and recreational racing.
Luxury Jet Ski
The luxury jet ski is the most feature-rich option in the model lineup. They came with powerful engines, comfortable seating, plenty of storage and passenger space, and entertainment systems.
Most models have power outputs in the 300-Hp range and top speeds of 65-mph or more. Luxury skis are big, offering more fuel tank capacity and storage than the other models. You get a comfortable ride in all water conditions, and premium features are included.
Performance Jet Ski
The performance jet ski is a stepped-up version of the recreational ski. These models are built for power and speed while maintaining excellent maneuverability in tight turns.
These skis are for competition use with better torque, acceleration, and handling than other jet ski models. You get a powerful engine, and they suit experienced riders.
What are the Top Features to Look for in a Jet Ski?
Purpose-Built Design
As mentioned, jet skis come in four different designs. If you’re into fishing or cruising, a luxury ski is the best choice. If you’re a weekend warrior, go for a recreational ski. Go for a high-performance model if you’re looking to play in the waves and race.
Some skis, like the Sea-Doo FishPro Trophy, come with a dedicated design for fishing. There is a jet ski design to suit anything you want to do out on the water. However, you can expect the luxury and high-performance models to have the steepest price tags. If you’re looking for an affordable ski, we recommend a rec-lite model.
Hull
What kind of materials does the manufacturer use in its hull design? Most jet skis feature a fiberglass construction that’s strong and lightweight. Some brands, like Yamaha and Sea-Doo, have proprietary hull construction methods using high-strength materials.
Look for sponsons and stability finds on the hull to allow for better handling and less splash over the bow of the jet ski. It’s important to note that all jet ski models don’t come with support for beaching the vehicle.
You’ll have to speak to the dealer about reinforcing the hull if you want to make a beach landing without damaging the PWC.
Engine Performance
The engine is the heart of the jet ski. You have options for nominally-aspirated or supercharged engines. The supercharged models offer you the best performance. A supercharger increases acceleration and top speed, giving you a more responsive feel when pulling back on the throttle.
Entry-level rec skis come with motor capacities from 150-Hp to 170-Hp. While that’s half the output of a luxury model like the Ultra 310 LX, it’s still plenty of power, and you’ll find it easy to get to top-end speeds above 50-mph.
However, supercharged models cost more to run. They burn through gas quickly and have more stringent and costly servicing schedules.
Handling and Maneuverability
What kind of handling and maneuverability do you need? If you’re cruising or touring, handling is less important than if you’re into sports, racing, or high-performance use.
The hull design and weight of the PWC play the biggest role in determining the handling of the watercraft.
Storage
Some jet skis come with more storage than others. That might be important to you or not, depending on what you want to do with the ski.
Additional Features
Jet skis come with an array of standard features and premium accessories. Onboard Bluetooth audio systems, GPS and fish finders live wells, coolers, and much more.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your ski, ask the dealer for a list of customizations. However, it’s important to note that choosing extras from the dealer will likely add serious dollars to the price tag.
Jet Ski FAQs
Q: Can I “dry-run” my jet ski when it’s out of the water.
A: Yes, we recommend performing a short start to check the motor when you arrive at the staging area at the launch. You can run the engine dry for a minute or two. However, a quick 10-second to 20-second start is all you need to ensure the ski is in working order.
Q: Can I beach my jet ski?
A: No, it’s advisable to never beach your jet ski. The skis you see completing their maneuver have special coatings and reinforcement to the hull to allow for beaching the watercraft. Beaching any of the PWCs in this review may damage the hull.
Q: Can I leave my jet ski in the water overnight?
A: Sure, plenty of people use jet skis for camping trips. It’s fine to leave it in the water, but make sure you tether it to a tree on the shoreline and drop your anchor to prevent it from floating away.
Q: Do I Need to Wear a PFD when riding a jet ski?
A: Yes, you should always wear a Personal Flotation Device when operating a jet ski. If the ski throws you from the water in a high-speed turn, the impact with the water could knock you unconscious. If you’re not wearing your PFD, you’ll sink and drown before rescue can arrive to help.
