Jet Ski that is also known as the brand name of a personal watercraft (PWC), is a small size jet-propelled vehicle that is ridden like motorcycles and very easy to maneuver and skims across the water surface.
This type of vehicle is mainly used for recreations like fishing and so more. There are two types of Jet Skis available which allow you to sit down or stand up while you ride them. PWCs with runabout style can carry 1 to 3 people at most.
A Japanese company name Kawasaki has first used the term “Jet Ski” in the 1970s to describe their PWCs. And now they use their brand name for all of their PWC products.
Since then other manufacturers like Sea-Doo, Yamaha, etc have also developed their own type PWCs and gained popularity as much as Kawasaki!
So How Much Does A Jet Ski Weigh?
In recent days there are many different types of PWCs available on the market and these models come in different sizes and weights.
On average a lighter jet ski can weigh around 400 pounds or 181 kg and the larger models can weigh around 1200 pounds or 544 kg. Average size models can weigh around 750 pounds or 340 kg.
Do Jet Skis Have Brakes?
Jet skis do not have brakes but most jet skis have features that can reverse the direction of impellers. Also jet skis have throttles similar to motorcycles. Jet skis work in two motions and they are sucked in the water and then eject back.
How Much Does A Jet Ski Cost?
You can get a new jet ski for $5000 if you want to buy low to medium quality models. If you want to buy higher models then the cost can be anywhere near $20000 or more. An example of the cheapest model currently available on the market is Sea-Doo Spark and the most expensive model is Kawasaki Ultra 310LX.
What Does Curb Weight Of A Jet Ski Mean?
Most manufacturers of different PWCs specify their model’s weight with two terms. Dry weight and curb weight. Dry weight refers to the weight of the jet ski alone without gas, oil, gears etc.
And curb weight of a jet ski refers to the weight of the jet ski itself along with gas, oil, gears and accessories etc. It is the weight that is ready to go out of the water.
According to Kawasaki “Curb weight includes all the necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90 percent capacity) and tool kit (if supplied)”.
Dry Weight Examples Of Different Jet Skis From Different Brands
| Brand | Models | Net Weight Range (Pounds) |
|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki | SX-R(stand up) | 503 |
| Kawasaki | Ultra 310 series | 900-950 |
| Krash | All models (stand up) | 270-320 |
| Sea-Doo | Spark series | 400-500 |
| Sea-Doo | GTI series, GTX 170, Wake 170 | 600-800 |
| Sea-Doo | RXT, RXP, GTX, GTR series | 800-900 |
| Sea-Doo | Fish Pro, Wake Pro 230 | 800-900 |
| Sea-Doo | SUPERJET(stand up) | 306 |
| Yamaha | EXR, EX series | 500-600 |
| Yamaha | VX series, GP1800R | 600-800 |
| Yamaha | FX series | 800-900 |
Note: above are the weight example of different models from different manufacturers. You can get detailed information if you visit the respective manufacturer’s website.
What Are The Factors That Affect Jet Ski Weight?
Have you ever wondered why some jet ski’s weights are average and some jet skis weights are excessively higher? Below we have described the factors that directly affect jet skis weight.
Hull Materials: Hull is an important part of any jet skis. Fiber-reinforced plastic or FRP is a very durable and lightweight material. Others are NanoExcel, Polytech etc.
Engine Stroke: Engine stroke is another crucial part of any jet skis that directly affect jet skis’ weight. Two-stroke jet ski engines are lightweight and four-stroke jet ski engines are heavier.
Fuel Capacity: Fuel tanks of jet skis range from 5 gallons to 20 gallons. As it is recommended to fill up your jet skis 100% before you go to ride, so the extra gas adds a lot of extra weight.
Gear: Gears you carry with you will also make your skis heavier. Gears like a life jacket, helmet and other life-saving accessories will add extra weight.
Storage Capacity: The storage capacity of your jet ski plays a role in overall weight. Extra cubbyholes and hiding spaces provide extra weight to your ski.
Additional features: Comfortable seat, cooler, rack, fishing accessories etc will also provide extra weight to your jet ski.
How Much Weight Can A Jet Ski Hold?
On average a jet ski can hold around 350 pounds to 600 pounds or 159 kg to 272 kg. This includes 1 to 3 riders with a maximum 200 pounds or 90.71 kg weight each and fuel, storage, and any added accessories, etc.
Example Of Different Jet Ski Models Weight Limit:
Kawasaki Ultra 310 LX: 496 pounds
Kawasaki Ultra 310R: 496 pounds
Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300: 600 pounds
Sea-Doo RXT-X 300: 600 pounds
Sea-Doo RXP-X 300: 400 pounds
Sea-Doo Wake Pro 230: 600 pounds
Sea-Doo Wake 155: 600 pounds
Sea-Doo 2 up Spark: 352 pounds
Sea-Doo 3 up Spark (90 horsepower): 450 pounds
Yamaha EX Deluxe: 529 pounds
Yamaha EX Sport: 529 pounds
Yamaha EX: 529 pounds
How Much Does A Jet Ski Trailer Weigh?
Most jet ski trailers are made up of different components like a hitch, winch, receiver lock, ball, ratchet straps etc and these components contribute to their overall weight. On average you can get a jet ski trailer within 200 to 300 pounds or 90.71 kg to 136 kg with 1000 pounds or 453.5 kg loading capacity. Although depending on the making materials, size and other factors these numbers can vary. Some heavier jet ski trailers can weigh around 1400 pounds or 635 kg.
How Much Does A Jet Ski Trailer cost?
Depending on size and models you can get a new jet ski trailer within $700 to $9000. A single jet ski trailer can cost around $700 to $1500 and if you buy a double jet ski trailer then the cost can be $2000 to $3000.
How Much Does A Jet Ski Engine Weigh?
Depending on designs and features on average a jet ski engine can weigh around 80 pounds to 260 pounds or 36 kg to 118 kg. The smallest two-stroke jet engines weigh around 80 pounds to 150 pounds or 36 kg to 68 kg each.
How Much Does A Jet Ski Engine Cost?
You can get a jet ski engine within $600 to $3000. On average a Kawasaki jet ski engine costs start from $600 to way up to $2700. And if you already have a jet ski engine and need to rebuild or fix some problems then you may need to spend a maximum of $300 to $400. But repairing individual parts can cost you around $500 or more. No doubt that rebuilding any of your PWC engines will save you a lot of money.
How Long Does Jet Ski Last?
On average a new jet ski can last for 10 years from the purchase date or first use. This means on average you can enjoy 300 hours on open seas. But if you maintenance properly then you can vastly prolong the lifespan of your jet ski.
How Much Is Insurance On A Jet Ski?
On average, a jet ski’s annual insurance cost is between $200 to $500. Although lower models annual insurance cost can be between $200 to $300 and high-performance jet ski insurance costs can be even much higher.
How Long Do Jet Ski Engines Last?
On average a two-stroke jet ski engine can last for 200 hours to 300 hours and a four-stroke engine can last for at least 300 hours to 500 hours.
Fun Facts:
>>In 2006 Adriaan Marais and Marinus du Plessis from South Africa traveled from North America to Panama Canal in 95 days by Jet ski which was 10729 miles!
>>You must follow marine instructions to drive jet skis!
>>You must be skilled enough to drive jet skis.
>>In Florida USA People under 14 are not allowed to ride jet skis!
>>Before Kawasaki introduced the first stand-up watercraft or jet ski in 1973, personal watercraft was designed in Europe in the 1950s as water scooters but did not reach commercial viability as they were not very popular!
>>Like dirt bikes jet skis have many models that have a lot in common design!
>>The fastest Jet Skis are Sea-Doo’s RXP-X, Kawasaki’s Ultra 310R, and Yamaha’s FZR that can run around 80 mph when fully loaded by riders and tank and accessories!
