Jet skis should be viewed as an investment that will need to be maintained with further expenditures. For instance, when we acquire a house or a car, we ensure that we have enough money to cover the cost of maintenance.
You might be wondering whether maintaining jet skis is pricey. Conduct not worry; if you can do the maintenance yourself, the fees are not prohibitive.
If you frequently do preventative maintenance on your jet skis, it won’t cost much to maintain them. If you maintain your own jet ski, it will cost you $50 to $100 each year. These are often used in the summer. If you pay a dealer, these expenses might reach $300 or more.
The cost and upkeep of your jet ski depend on the model you choose to purchase. Understanding the workings of a jet ski is the first step in figuring out how much one costs.
The sort of engines that older jet skis have differentiates them from contemporary jet skis. Older jet skis use two-stroke engines, which burn a combination of gasoline and oil. If something goes wrong, maintaining this may become fairly expensive because few shops will repair them any more. If everything goes according to plan, two strokes are less expensive and simpler to maintain than four strokes.
Due to their four-stroke engines’ resemblance to automotive engines, more recent jet skis allow owners to save money. The oil, spark plugs, and air filter will need to be changed, but other than that, they usually don’t require much care unless anything goes wrong.
How Much Does It Cost To Own A Jet Ski?
Initial Costs
The cost of new jet skis varies from $6,000 to $20,000 depending on their performance and amenities. A $100″$500 monthly payment is what you should budget if you want to purchase a jet ski.
And to what many people think, jet skis do not include a trailer! So, in addition to the purchase price, plan to spend between $500 and $1,500 on a jet ski trailer.
Don’t forget to budget for the purchase of extras like life jackets, ropes, bumpers, coverings, and so on. You must also account for the following starting costs:
- Preparation costs
- Delivery costs
- Registration fee
- Trailer registration fee
- Other costs associated with the loan
Gas
You will also have to deal with high gas prices because jet skis have a tendency to burn up a lot of gasoline. Depending on how well they function, jet skis utilize anywhere from 3 to 10 GPH of fuel on average.
Jet skis generally operate for 30 hours per year, using 100″300 gallons of fuel every season. Finally, depending on how hard you ride, it results in a cost of $300″$600 each year!
Service Costs
A jet ski’s maintenance expenditures typically fall into 4 categories:
Periodic maintenances
Winterizing
Pre-ride inspection
Repairing damaged/broken parts
Every jet ski needs one year major maintenance. However, if you buy a new jet ski or ride it frequently, it has to be serviced more frequently. Jet skis also need to be winterized and prepared for the season. For these services to be carried out by experts, you should prepare to pay between $200 and $500 depending on the model of your jet ski and where you reside.
First Service
The most common mistake made by customers when purchasing a new jet ski is forgetting that the first servicing MUST be completed. Although certain first services may be completed in as little as 10 hours, which is much sooner than you expect, I understand that you spent a lot of money on your new jet ski, so it must be done.
The most crucial service you will ever do for it is the first one, which is the true shocker. Many boats need you to take it easy for the first five to ten hours of use during the break-in phase. This will ensure that everything is correctly positioned. Many manufacturers may utilize “break-in oil” for this purpose, which must be withdrawn once the engine has been thoroughly broken in.
With some of the more recent boats only requiring the first service at 50 hours, this first service issue has diminished, but other manufacturers still want the first service at 10 hours. The first service might cost more than any subsequent service you will perform, so be sure to ask your dealer when it is and keep that in mind.
Also excluded is the initial service. It’s common for a dealership NOT to include this in any purchase, despite the fact that many individuals attempt to be cunning with it. A little advice: attempt to get this in writing and include it into the agreement. Hint-hint.
Pick-Ups And Drop-Ins
If you choose not to own a trailer and reside on a lake, a dealer or service facility will frequently pick you up at a lake access. Remember that they won’t do this for nothing.
If you have a trailer and can unload the jet ski, you can avoid this problem.
Depending on how far they must travel to find you, each dealer or business has a different approach. If they need to go a long way or out of their way to retrieve your ski, be prepared to pay extra. If you’re busy, it could sometimes be worth it to pay more to have somebody grab it for you.
On that topic, bear in mind that delivery fees may apply even if you purchase a NEW jet ski.
Storage/Trailering
The expense of storage and hauling is sometimes disregarded when discussing the expenditures associated with owning a jet ski.
A jet ski, however, only operates for 30 hours every season, which means it spends the most of its time either on the trailer or at a marina.
A floating dock at a marina is the most practical place to park a jet ski. But this is also the most costly!
Because of this, many owners just keep their jet skis in the garage. Jet skis often fit in most garages since they are smaller than boats. If you’re contemplating this approach, bear in mind that every time you want to ride, you’ll have to tow your jet ski to the water. This requires more time and resources.
Be aware that many marinas and ramps charge “docking fees” unless you use our finder tool to discover a free boat launch.
Keeping the craft in a self-storage container is another popular option, particularly off-season. Naturally, this entails an additional monthly price.
Insurance
You should buy insurance for your jet ski even though your state does not mandate it.
Depending on a number of variables, including the year and performance of the craft, as well as the insurance plan you select, jet ski insurance can range in price from $100 to $500.
Winterization
Indoor storage is often priced between $60 and $80 per month or between $350 and $400 for a fixed cost at some marinas.
You must winterize the jetski with fuel stabilizer, clean it with antifreeze, and drain the engine bay in addition to storing it. The price varies based on the engine type from $150 to $200.
Another element that many jet ski owners cite as crucial for long-term maintenance of a jet ski is shrink wrapping. This costs roughly $15 per square foot. When storing your jet ski, wrapping it will protect it from the winter weather and airborne contaminants. In contrast to a simple tarp or storage without, it will also prevent moisture from getting inside your jet ski. Another $200 or so will be needed in total.
Your cover will need to be replaced every two to three years if you cover your jet skis and leave them outside, which will cost $180 each time. You must tune up your jet skis at the start of the season after winterizing them. On average, a boat technician will bill $150.
Total winterization costs: $850 to $1100 per year.
License And Registration
Prices will vary according on your state. Florida costs around $25 a year. California costs $65 for the initial year and $50 for renewals. Additionally, a trailer registration fee of around $20 is required.
Total cost: $45/year
Buying New Or Used Jet Skis
I was curious to know if any of these owners would purchase new or secondhand jet skis after discussing maintenance and ownership expenses. The general agreement was that secondhand jet skis are OK if you’re buying one as a boat accessory, play, or secondary source of transportation on the water.
With a modern jet ski or a touring model that can take ice chests, fishing gear, tow inflatables, etc., you will likely have a lot more enjoyment and fun if the jet ski is your primary method of transportation and is not second to a boat on the water.
Other Costs
Finally, keep in mind that there are several other unanticipated expenses, such as cleaning the vessel, U.S. Coast Guard fines, or the cost of purchasing modern components.
A lot of owners also choose to modify their crafts, which is extremely expensive. Jet ski graphic kits range in price from $300 to $500, but the cost of aftermarket performance components can run into the thousands.
Because of this, buying a more potent jet ski is advised rather than tuning a model with lesser performance using aftermarket components.
FAQs About Jet Ski Yearly Maintenance Costs
Are Jet Skis Expensive To Maintain?
Due to their high-performance engines and innovative technological designs, jet skis are relatively expensive to maintain. Generally speaking, the expense of maintaining a jet ski might be comparable to that of a smaller automobile. Remember that overall ownership costs might vary significantly from model to model as they are constantly dependent on a number of variables.
How Much Does A Jet Ski Oil Change Cost?
Due to the fact that each model has a varied oil capacity and labor prices might vary, the price of a jet ski oil change can range substantially (usually $200 to $400). Additionally, the oil change is typically a component of annual service, which also entails some other crucial actions!
How Much Does It Cost To Service A Jet Ski?
A jet ski’s maintenance typically consists of two steps: the yearly service and the winterization, which are sometimes carried out simultaneously. Depending on the model and the location of your dealership, these annual jet ski servicing run between $300 and $600.
Are Jet Skis Expensive To Fix?
Beyond yearly expenses as a rule, you must always be ready for unforeseen charges. Due to the high costs of replacing parts and the professional service shop fees, repairing a jet ski is frequently pricey. For a variety of causes, including an accident or mechanical issue, jet skis may require repair.
How Much Does It Cost To Fill Up A Jet Ski?
Depending on the type, jet ski gas tanks may hold 5 to 20 gallons of fuel. An “average” jet ski has a fuel capacity of 15 to 18 gallons, and petrol costs between $2.50 and $3.00 per gallon. So, based on our calculations, it appears that filling up a jet ski costs between $40 and $60.
Do Jet Skis Hold Value?
Jet ski ownership is unfortunately not a wise investment. They don’t keep their worth well and are not only pricey to acquire but also to operate. It’s because old jet skis are typically less dependable and require more upkeep.
Conclusion
The overall cost of buying a jet ski differs from person to person. In 2023, how much will it cost to own, operate, and manage a PWC? In actuality, it is hard to quantify it.
There are several factors that might affect your spending, including the maintenance costs of the jet skis, sporadic repairs, and the costs of overhead purchases.
This is particularly true when you take into account the substantial variations in models and use. But first, you need to do your homework and figure out which characteristics you actually require.
Simpler Recreation or Rec-lite versions are less expensive than those with additional bells and whistles from the luxury and performance categories.
You may spend between $100 and $200 a month on petrol for a basic Rec-lite PWC that is kept in your garage. This figure varies greatly and may even increase for a financed equipment.
Total monthly expenses start to soar with more pricier models. You would pay significantly more for a fully funded Performance or Luxury watercraft than a rec-lite one. In the end, a variety of dramatically varying elements will determine your final expenses.
Therefore, it is up to you to calculate how much a PWC will ultimately cost you. This will provide you the ability to calculate your own upfront expenses and develop a budget.
FAQs
What’S The Most Popular Jet Ski Brand?
Yamaha consistently ranks as the finest Jet Ski manufacturer and is the go-to option for both novice and experienced jet skiers because it is a dependable and high-performing option.
How Popular Are Jet Skis?
Around 1.5 million jet skis have been purchased in the US alone since the Kawasaki company first debuted them in 1972. Jet skis are now extremely popular among thrill-seeking speed fans. Jet skiing reached its pinnacle in popularity in the US in 2007 with 8.06 million yearly participants; now, there are little over 5 million users.
Which Jet Ski Brand Is The Most Reliable?
Although Kawasaki and Honda jet skis are also noted for their durability, the inventive, revolutionary Yamaha is acknowledged as the most dependable jet ski manufacturer.
Can You Jet Ski From Miami To Cuba?
Although a jet ski trip from Key West to Havana has been documented, nobody is known to have traveled from Miami to Cuba. The travel might theoretically be made, but it would be a logistical challenge and may result in disaster.
Can You Jet Ski From Florida To The Bahamas?
Many Floridians have thought about this subject in the past, and I’m glad to say that it is definitely doable. In fact, many of the local jet ski aficionados frequent this path frequently.
Are Jet Skis Faster Than Boats?
Jet skis are more agile than most speed boats and can go at speeds of up to 70 mph. In shallow water and close to the shore, they may be operated at higher speeds, and some of them have extremely strong engines that make them even faster.
Can You Buy An All-Electric Jet Ski?
It is now feasible to purchase an all-electric jet ski since more manufacturers are releasing electric jet ski models as a result of technological developments. Of course, before you make any purchases, you should think about the advantages of these PWCs.
Can You Fish From A Jet Ski?
A jet ski may be used for fishing, and an increasing number of jet ski owners are doing so these days. Because they can use their jet skis for both fishing and other water-based activities, they may take advantage of their higher versatility.
Do Jet Skis Attract Sharks?
Shark attacks on jet skiers are very rare, despite the sensational headlines, and it’s doubtful that the hum and thrum of your jet ski will attract sharks. By adopting a few simple measures when riding your jet ski, you may further lower the likelihood of an assault.
Can Jet Skis Sink?
The hulls of jet skis have flotation foam built into them expressly so that the bow will stay afloat if they take on water. As a result, although they may partially sink, personal watercraft won’t entirely submerge.
