Are you excited about your very first jet ski or wave runner? Because if you are here, it means the world of Jet Skis has already intrigued you to buy one.
Still confused on where to put your money?
I get your confusion. There are so many options available that deciding on what to buy is always a struggle. Plus, your requirements can differ from what the supposed “best” has to offer.
Don’t worry! I know buying a jet ski for the first time can be overwhelming. So, just take baby steps and find a Jet Ski that ticks off all the boxes for you. Here is everything you need to know about the best jet ski for beginners.
What you need to know before buying your first jet ski?
Brands | Top Brands which are suitable for beginners
- Consider the 3 major brands. Check every model they are offering and look for the specifications you have on your mind.
Older is Cheaper | Wash your Beginners Gene on an Older Jet Ski
- Older models are always cheaper. So, if you are a little tight on budget then, go for older models instead.
Budget Friendly Jet Ski for Beginners
- Spend Judiciously. Have a budget in mind before making your way to the dealership. Furthermore, keep the training and insurance a part of your total budget.
Other:
- Remember that you are new to this Jet Ski fresco, so, don’t spend a lot. You have to travel a long way before you actually finesse riding one. Moreover, many advanced features in high-end Jet Skis won’t be of much use to you
- Don’t settle for any Jet Ski, buy one that speaks to you. Whenever you’ll search for “beginners jet ski”, you’ll come across information that will insist you buy the Rec-Lite models. And, it makes sense as these models are always on the cheaper end and are quite stable for first-time users. However, it is always suggested to buy these models if they have iBR or RiDE or reverse technology. If not, don’t settle for less, buy the recreational model instead!
- Why recreation models? Well, that’s because these models (which include Sea-Doo’s GTI, Yamaha’s VX and Kawasaki’s STX-15F) are more stable and powerful than the Rec-Lite models.
- Opt for a user-friendly Jet Ski that is simple to manoeuvre. Features like a supportive seat, adjustable helm, dry storage aids in slow-speed handling. So, add them to your checklist!
- Love customized jet skis? Then, find out the variety, availability and price of the aftermarket gears before coming on board with a brand.
- Be secure with warranty. The standard Sea-Doo offers two to three years of warranty. However, Kawasaki and Yamaha have been offering a three-year warranty since ages.
- Keep all the requirements on your tips but don’t let it alter your decision. For example, don’t buy a jet ski just because it is powerful or cheap. Look for a brand that is giving you a well-equipped jet ski that will be your companion for time immemorial.
Good REC-LITE JET SKI FOR BEGINNERS
SEA-DOO SPARK Jet Ski for Beginners
Are you looking for a Jet Ski that is basic and adheres to all the points we have mentioned above? Yes? Then the Sea-Doo Spark will be one amazing treat for you. With intelligent brake and reverse technology (iBR) that has the brake, forward, neutral and reverse operations, Sea Doo Spark makes riding easier for any newbie.
It is half the price, half the weight and half the power of any big, powerful, mid-range Jet Ski. To be honest, it delivers what PWC was loved for, fun and accessible entertainment.
It runs on ten times lesser fuel, which is, in fact, great for beginners.
If you are living in a place that has space restraints, then, this PWC will work wonders. It is petite and is so lightweight that you will be able to lift it up with one hand.
Specifications:
- Primarily, it has a hull made from Poly-Tec which makes the PWC lightweight, and resistant to scratches and impact.
- Rotax 900 HO ACE engine
- BRP audio portable system.
- Closed-loop cooling system for increased reliability.
- 120 inches in length and 46 inches wide.
- Tow hook.
- LinkQ attachment system.
- 7.9 gallons of fuel capacity.
| Pros of Rec-Lite series | Cons of Rec-Lite series |
| Light in weight and can be lifted up with one hand | Mirrors are not included but are available as upgrades |
| iBR technology for driving operations and for easier maneuvering | Smaller gas tank. |
| Some SPARK models like come with a learning key. It limits the power for new riders and helps them learn gradually, which is great! | Lower HP than the models in the category by other companies |
| Despite being petite, it has a storing space for life jackets. |
YAMAHA EX – Good for Beginners
Yamaha is a brand of trust and if you have your heart set on this brand, then, Yamaha Ex should be the model from which you should start your Jet Ski adventures.
Yamaha Ex is an affordable choice for any beginner. It gives the user the same Yamaha classic WaveRunner aesthetics at a price that is too good to be true.
Unlike Sea-Doo, Yamaha EX has a fiberglass hull and is still very light on the packaging. With steady riding position and comfortable seats, spending hours on this Jet Ski is quite easy.
And guess what? The best part is that it is a three–seater Jet Ski. All in all, Yamaha EX is a whole package for anyone who loves power, speed and doesn’t want to spend more.
Specifications:
- SMC (sheet molded compound) hull and deck
- 3.14 meters in length
- 1.13 meters in width.
- 578-600lbs dry weight.
- 7 gallon storage.
- 13.2 gallons of fuel.
- 3-cylinder, 4-stroke TR-1 Yamaha Marine Engine.
- SMC (sheet molded compound) hull and deck
| Pros of the Yamaha EX | Cons of the Yamaha EX |
| Higher horsepower than Sea-Doo Spark | It is heavier like most wave runners |
| Value for money | Doesn’t include RiDE system which helps in easy traversing. Instead of reverse, uses a lever on the left hand side which can also be used for brakes. RiDE available in the deluxe version |
| Small, lightweight, manoeuvrable | The storage is spread out, having 3 small areas instead of one large area. This is a little problematic in the long run |
| Under the seat, storage is good and is capable of storing more than just life jackets. | No dual mirrors |
| Excellent Fuel efficiency and fuel tank seventy percent bigger than competition models. | No reboarding step |
| Gas tanks are bigger than Sea-Doo PWCs |
BEST RECREATION JET SKI FOR BEGINNERS
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room first. Why the recreation model? If you are a fan of power and do not wish to limit your speed or adrenaline, then, the recreation model is the best option for you. They are bigger and more stable than the Rec-Lite models which make them more desirable. Here are the top three models suitable for beginners.
Sea-Doo’s GTI 90/130 – Nice for Beginners
If your prime pointers are comfort and reliability, then you will definitely fall in love with Sea-Doo’s GTI series.
It is great on gas and will make your entry into the Jet Ski world a less expensive affair. The fuel tank is 15.9 gallons, so with its fuel-efficiency, enjoying the ride all day long will not be an issue.
From a price point of view, this PWC will cost you as much asthe lower model Jet Skis from a competitive brand.
Its 90 HP engine has enough power to carry a healthy man. Moreover, it can even pull tubes which is an added bonus. However, what makes the GTI series special is its Poly-Tec bottom that makes maneuvering flexible.
Common features of these models are:
- Intelligent brake and Reverse technology (iBR).
- Rotax 900 HO ACE engine (GTI 90)
- Rotax 1503 engine (GTI 130)
- Closed loop cooling system.
- Handle bars with Palm rests.
- 132.6 inches in length and 48.5 inches wide.
- 15.9 gallons of fuel capacity.
- Total storage space of 30.7 gallons.
- Intelligent throttle control (iTC) system.
- Eco mode for high fuel efficiency.
- DESS (digitally encoded security system) key
- Wide Angle Mirrors.
- Tow hook.
- GTI hull made POLYTEC
- Learning Key for new riders.
| PRO | CONS |
| Great Storage space | Smallest Gas tank compared to the models in this category by other companies. |
| iBR technology for driving operations | No reboarding ladder in few models. |
| Closed loop cooling | No cup holders. |
| Different driving modes in some models such as Sport, touring, and ECO | Some models are heavier |
| Learning key | |
| VTS system in few models for ease of performing tricks | |
| DESS key which can only start your machine | |
| Touring seats in some models |
Yamaha’s VX – Top Jet Ski for Beginner
Yamaha VX is the most popular and affordable Jet Ski in the market that has dominated the sales charts of WaveRunners for over a decade.
The vehicle is ideal for acceleration, cruising and even towing because oif its amazing engine. If you love power and performance both, then Yamaha VX might give you the best deal.
For a noob, the hull is perfect. It provides safety, stability and the aggressiveness we expect from a Yamaha Jet Ski.
It is stylish from the EX versions and has ample space to accommodate a family of three. And if you are worried about handling it, then take a breath of relief as it comes with the RiDE feature too!
Common Specifications:
- RiDEtechnology by Yamaha with traction control
- SMC Hull and Deck
- Watertight Storage
- Tow Hook
- Reboarding Step
- Dual mirrors
- 3-cylinder, 4-stroke TR-1 High Output Yamaha Marine Engine
- 1.22 meter wide
- 692 lbs dry weight
- 18.5 gallons of fuel
- 3.35 meters in length
| Pros of VX | Cons of VX |
| Bigger gas tanks out of all the models | Open loop cooling posses an issue as it takes in lake water or sea water cool the engine |
| The reboarding step makes it easier to reboard after a swim and conveniently tuck away whenever not in use | The overall storage is less compared to the Sea-Doo models in this category |
| Lighter hull and deck | The VX possesses less horsepower. |
| Cup holders in the glove box | |
| Cruise assist and no-wake mode | |
| Low speed mode for security is present in the top four models | |
| Cruiser seat available |
Kawasaki’s Jet Ski STX -15F
Kawasaki’s Jet Ski STX -15F is an amazing combination of power and handling. For riders who want their rides to be wild and speedy, STX -15F is an amazing option.
The power of this Jet Ski is such that just after pinning the throttle you will find your watercraft at 60 mph speed. Although it can be overwhelming for some first-time buyers, for others, it can be great thrills.
It is stable and quite dry with large enough seats to accommodate two to three adults. Yet what entices riders the most is its high-tech magnetic theft-prevention keys, one of which provides full power and the other limits speeds for newly trained riders. It is an amazing feature though, as after you become a pro in riding , you can rock some speed.
Top features:
- 4-stroke, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, 4-cylinder inline.
- Induced water cooling system (open loop).
- 16.4 gallons of fuel storage.
- 23.5 gallons of storage capacity.
- Responsive hull design.
- Large rear deck.
- Kawasaki smart steering system.
- Smart learning operation (SLO).
| PROS | CONS |
| Fastest in the category | Dateable model design. |
| Less storage | |
| Reliable design | Operates on manual forward, neutral and reverse |
| Magnetic theft prevention key | cooling |