Jet skis come in a wide variety of types and brands, each with a unique design. Others are intended for comfort, tricks, fishing, etc., while some are made for speed.
Depending on the type, a jet ski’s peak speed can range from 40 to 70 mph.
Due to a gentleman’s agreement with the US coast guard, the top speed of a standard jet ski is limited to 70 mph. Jet skis shipped outside of the US, however, frequently have a speed restriction of 80 mph rather than 70 mph.
Although the top speed of a jet ski is 57 mph, many novice riders seldom exceed 40 mph while they are still learning the ropes. Many rookie riders are shocked when they realize that 40 mph on a jet ski feels like 80 mph in a vehicle.
Which Jet Ski Is The Slowest?
The Rec-Lite models, which are said to be the most entry-level jet skis on the market, are undoubtedly the slowest jet skis. They had 4-stroke engines with 60″110 HP and a passenger capacity of two to three. (They are only comfortable for 2 adult riders, though.) These slower jet skis can go up to 42 to 50 mph, which is rather fast on the water!
How Fast Are Jet Skis In The Recreation Category
Recreational jet skis may reach high speeds of 50 to 55 mph. These versions, which provide far more space and comfort than Rec-Lite boats, are excellent family jet skis. These jet skis, which have 125″170 HP engines, have little trouble accommodating 3 adult passengers. Additionally, they can effortlessly pull a wakeboarder!
Top Speed Of Luxury And Performance Jet Skis
The flagship models in each manufacturer’s line-up are the Luxury and Performance jet skis. They have engines ranging from 160 to 310 HP, several of which are supercharged. All of these jet skis have power units that enable them to reach speeds of 60″67 mph. It’s reassuring to know that these jet skis’ capabilities are electronically constrained thanks to a pact between the U.S. Coast Guard and the jet ski industry.
How Fast Are Stand Up Jet Skis?
Stand-up jet skis may go at speeds of up to 45″60 mph, despite the fact that they are not intended for the quickest speeds. These jet skis allow you to ride while standing (or kneeling), as their name suggests. They lack a seat and a storage area, therefore they cannot transport people or any equipment.
Let’s take a look at the top jet skis on our list!
1. Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO
The outcome of Yamaha’s comprehensive overhaul of the FX series is this.
This model’s brand-new SVHO engines ensure a smooth ride with plenty of power. It has a peak speed of 70 mph, a 250 horsepower engine, and three rider seats. It even has a lightweight hull and an integrated security system. It has a 7-inch colorful touchscreen display and a lot of extra storage for your stuff.
This jet ski’s SVHO (Super Vortex High Output) engine makes it versatile and efficient on the water. Its hull is made of NanoXcel 2, a robust and lightweight polymer.
2. Sea RTX ‘X
Another quick Jet Ski on the market is the Sea RTX -X. It is useful in rough waves due to its light platform, speed, and maneuverability.
Its 300 horsepower engine can accelerate to an astounding 60 mph in a matter of seconds and has a peak speed of 67 mph. It has a ton of storage, is trustworthy, and is extremely steady.
3. Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R
Due to its size, weight, and durability, this jet ski can provide riders with exceptional acceleration and speed. It features a four-stroke motor and is the only stand-up jet ski sold under the Kawasaki name.
It is capable of acceleration and has a peak speed of 62 mph. Its engine generates 160 horsepower. Due to its greater size and width, this jet ski is quite stable in the water and can be an excellent choice for novices.
4. Yamaha Exr
This jet ski is a lightweight, maneuverable, sturdy, and simple to drive vehicle. It is quick on the water with a 110 horsepower engine and a peak speed of 54 mph. It features a big tank, considerable storage, and three comfy seats.
With most of the popular features from the Yamaha EX series still present, this is an enhancement. On the water, it operates rapidly and responsively.
5. The Yamaha Vxr”67+ Mph
Yamaha offers a range of high-performance jet skis, but as you might guess from the name, the VXR is the finest of the best. The 739-pound monster can carry three passengers and go at over 67 mph on open water.
The Yamaha waverunners, one of Yamaha’s most current models, were released in 2019. They have long been a go-to vessel for the coast guard since they feature a brake (thank goodness), choices for reverse, and some storage for your goods, including your life jacket.
Tips For Making Your Jet Ski Go Faster
1. Modify Your Jet Ski
Adding or removing parts that can accelerate your jet ski is necessary to reach your top speed.
If you modify your personal watercraft’s parts, you should be able to reach your desired max speeds.
However, producers of jet skis often invalidate the guarantee after the watercraft is no longer offered for sale.
2. The Conditions Should Be Right
Riding on a clear day will improve your jet ski’s top speed.
Because of the additional drag, top speeds might be impacted while cruising through choppy, salty water.
Both high air pressure and high humidity might make your engine run poorly.
3. Rider’s Weight
Even though your huge fuel tank has the capacity to contain more gasoline, your jet ski will run better if it has less fuel and fewer stuff in the storage compartment rather than a full tank and more passengers than necessary.
However, because running out of petrol might leave you stranded, you should always check your fluid gauge.
4. Tuning Your Jetski
Your jet ski might benefit from upgrades made by tuning companies.
They are able to make the necessary changes so you can satisfy your demand for speed.
Hiring specialized tuning companies to complete the task correctly and securely is a far better strategy than doing it all yourself if you want to boost your speed.
5. Impeller Upgrade
Your jet ski’s impeller is a rotor with metal blades. It spins within the tank and helps to increase the pressure of the water.
It functions as a boat propeller, using the power of the engine to drive the jet ski. If your impellers are correctly balanced, your jet ski will operate at its peak performance.
Before replacing your impeller, look at the various designs because some are intended to boost speed while others improve acceleration and other advantages.
What Makes A Jet Ski Fast?
Jet skis or personal watercraft have a distinctive design in comparison to other watercraft like ships and traditional boats. They are not large enough to include many inventions, nor do they have a boat railing.
Instead, these boats are comparatively small and only fit a few people on the seat. These boats are therefore exclusively designed for speed. They are built with great mobility, quick acceleration, and speed in mind.
Let’s examine some of the key characteristics that set a jet ski apart from other watercraft.
Engine
Personal Water Crafts’ motor is powered by an inboard engine rather than an outboard one. An engine-driven pump-jet draws water in and shoots it out of the other end at a high rate of speed. The jet ski is then propelled forward on the water by a strong thrust and driving force created as a consequence.
Standard jet skis typically feature a 1500cc four-stroke engine with roughly 150HP. As a result, some individuals even prefer to power their boats with a motorbike engine that has a similar horsepower.
Your PWC may easily attain a speed of 35 to 40 mph with 150 HP. To virtually double your speed, you may install engines with 250 or 300 HP or more, which will boost your peak speed.
Furthermore, a strong engine will increase your acceleration, enabling you to accelerate quickly to your peak speed.
Impeller
Jet skis, as opposed to traditional boats, have an impeller installed within the engine tube that draws in water and pushes it out the other end.
Impellers must withstand severe wear and tear, thus it is understandable that producers must pay special attention to their design for the best performance.
Three premium stainless steel blades are often installed on jet skis to exert pressure on the water stream. The steel blades not only offer toughness but will also give the engine a longer lifespan.
Weight
The lightweight body of a jet ski is one of the main factors contributing to its speed. A jet ski typically weighs between 700 and 800 pounds and is small enough to only accommodate a few people at once. In order to achieve faster acceleration, it even reduces the unnecessary weight of equipment and people.
In addition, depending on your needs, there are many different types of jet skis available on the market, from Rec-Light and recreational versions to performance and stand-up ones.
Smaller PWCs are preferable for solitary rides and a risk-free burst of excitement because large PWCs are unsafe on choppy waves.
FAQs
How Fast Does The Average Jet Ski Go?
The average jet ski’s top speed is probably between 50 and 55 mph. These models are often found in the Recreation category.
Is 45 Mph Fast For A Jet Ski?
Yes! Contrary to common opinion, a jet ski can go at speeds of up to 45 mph. This is because riding a jet ski feels quite different from driving a vehicle! Since there is no windscreen or other form of protection, you are totally unprotected from the elements. Additionally, you are considerably closer to the sea than you would be in a boat. All of them significantly heighten the sensation of speed!
How fast does a 60 HP jet ski go?
The base Sea-Doo Spark, which has a peak speed of 42 mph, has three engine options, the smallest of which is the 60 HP engine.
How Fast Does A 90 Hp Jet Ski Go?
90 HP jet skis have a top speed of 40″50 mph. The Sea-Doo Spark 90 HP models with a peak speed of 50 mph are your alternatives if you’re looking for a brand-new jet ski with 90 HP. The GTI 90, a 90 HP Sea-Doo with a peak speed of 42 mph, is another model in the fleet.
How Fast Does A 110 Hp Jet Ski Go?
A 110 HP jet ski typically has a top speed of 52″54 mph on favorable days. In standard Yamaha JetBlasters, 110 HP engines are available, but Sparks have 90 HP engines that can be increased to 110 HP using a Maptuner.
How Fast Does A 130 Hp Jet Ski Go?
The 130 HP engine choice is shared across the majority of GTI-based Sea-Doo vehicles, including base GTI models and the Fish Pro Scout, ensuring a peak speed of 52 mph.
How Fast Does A 170 Hp Jet Ski Go?
The GTI SE 170, Wake 170, GTX 170, and Fish Pro Sport/Trophy versions all feature Sea-170 Doo’s HP engine. Under ideal circumstances, these skis have a top speed of 55 mph.
How Fast Does A 230 Hp Jet Ski Go?
The well-liked supercharged 230 HP engine option, which provides a (restricted) peak speed of 67 mph, is available on several excellent Sea-Doos.
How Fast Does A 300 Hp Jet Ski Go?
Jet skis with 300 HP have a top speed of 67 mph under ideal circumstances. These potent vehicles’ engines receive a supercharger boost, increasing their peak speed and providing them with incredible acceleration. On the other side, this results in increased maintenance expenses and decreased dependability.
How Fast Does A 1500cc Jet Ski Go?
Depending on the type and brand, 1500cc jet skis may reach speeds of 55″67 mph. 1500cc supercharged jet skis have a top speed of 67 mph, whereas non-supercharged ones are likely to hit 55 to 60 mph.
Can A Jet Ski Go 80 Mph?
A jet ski can travel at 80 mph, although this speed requires significant adaptations. Typically, they include disabling the speed limits and adding aftermarket performance components. (Only for racers!)
Can A Jet Ski Go 200 Mph?
No, jet skis are not capable of speeds of 200 mph. But let’s face it, this would be a dangerously high speed for such a tiny boat. The fastest jet ski in the world has a peak speed of 127 mph.
Why Are Jet Skis Limited To 67 Mph?
Production jet skis have a top speed restriction for safety reasons. Jet skis have been becoming faster and faster over time, therefore in 1999 the Coast Guard decided to cap their highest speed at 67 (65+2) mph.
