Based on our research, 12 of the best jet skis to buy in 2023 are as follows:
- Sea-Doo Spark 3UP Trixx
- Spark Evo Jet Kart
- Yamaha JetBlaster
- Yamaha VX Deluxe
- Sea-Doo GTI SE 170
- Kawasaki STX 160LX
- Sea-Doo RXP-X Apex 300
- Sea-Doo RXT-X 300
- Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300
- Yamaha GP1800R SVHO
- Yamaha FX Limited SVHO
- Kawasaki Ultra 310LX
If you want to find out more about these machines, you’ve come to the right place.
We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know under one roof!
12 of the Best Jet Skis in 2023
1. Sea-Doo Spark Trixx 3UP
The playful 2023 Spark Trixx 3UP is the most advanced model in the lively Sea-Doo Spark family. Classed as a Rec-Lite model, the dry weight of this ski is only 439 pounds.
It comes standard with the “Trixx Package” including a pair of footwell wedges, an adjustable handlebar neck, and the extended trim system.
Thanks to these special features, the ski is capable of performing various jet ski tricks like spins, power slides, and even the iconic “wheelies.”
Even though it’s advertised as a 3-rider jet ski, the Spark Trixx is primarily recommended for solo riding.
Key specifications:
- Category: Rec-Lite
- Engine: 899cc, 3-cylinder, Rotax
- Performance: 90 HP
- Supercharged: No
- Length: 120 inches
- Width: 46.4 inches
- Curb weight: 492 lbs.
- Brake and reverse: Standard
- Fuel capacity: 7.9 gal.
- Storage capacity: 7.4 gal.
- Rider capacity: 3
2. Sea-Doo Spark Evo Jet Kart
The jaw-dropping 2023 Sea-Doo Evo Jet Kart is not literally a jet ski, but an entirely new type of vessel manufactured by American Jet Concept.
The Florida-based company builds these machines by turning a standard Sea-Doo Spark into a mini racing boat with an aftermarket modification kit.
The Evo Jet Kart comes standard with a bucket seat, a car-like steering wheel, and pedal controls. Due to its design, it is often considered the “Go-Kart of the Sea.”
You can find out more about this go-kart-like jet ski in this detailed review.
3. Yamaha JetBlaster
The 2023 Yamaha JetBlaster is basically a Yamaha EX on steroids featuring the same extensions as the Sea-Doo Spark Trixx.
Compared to its Canadian rival, the JetBlaster is slightly larger and noticeably heavier. In return, it has a more powerful engine and greater capacities.
Key specifications:
- Category: Rec-Lite
- Engine: 1049cc, 3-cylinder
- Performance: 110 HP
- Supercharged: No
- Length: 123.6 inches
- Width: 44.5 inches
- Curb weight: 638 lbs.
- Brake and reverse: Standard
- Fuel capacity: 13.2 gal.
- Storage capacity: 7.7 gal.
- Rider capacity: 3
4. Yamaha VX Deluxe
If you are looking for something more stable and predictable, the 2023 Yamaha VX Deluxe is for you.
VX WaveRuners are the best-selling PWCs in the US market, and with good reason. They come with great capacities and extremely reliable, naturally-aspirated engines that makes them great family jet skis.
The high-end model in this breed is the VX Deluxe, which comes with a lot of bells and whistles.
Key specifications:
- Category: Recreation
- Engine: 1049cc, 3-cylinder
- Performance: 125 HP
- Supercharged: No
- Length: 132.7 inches
- Width: 48.8 inches
- Curb weight: 805 lbs.
- Brake and reverse: Standard
- Fuel capacity: 30.1 gal.
- Storage capacity: 18.5 gal.
- Rider capacity: 3
5. Sea-Doo GTI SE 170
The 2023 Sea-Doo GTI series is a competitor of the widely popular Yamaha VX line.
This family includes the top-of-the-line GTI SE 170, utilizing a 1630cc, Rotax engine rated at 170 HP.
Key specifications:
- Category: Recreation
- Engine: 1603cc, 3-cylinder
- Performance: 170 HP
- Supercharged: No
- Length: 130.6 inches
- Width: 49.2 inches
- Curb weight: 847 lbs.
- Brake and reverse: Standard
- Fuel capacity: 15.9 gal.
- Storage capacity: 40.2 gal.
- Rider capacity: 3
6. Kawasaki STX 160LX
The 2023 Kawasaki STX 160LX is the high-end Recreation Kawasaki Jet Ski, released to compete with the GTI SE 170 and VX Deluxe.
It’s built on the proven hull of the predecessor STX-15F, but has a new deck and some innovative features.
The biggest flaw of this ski is arguably that it lacks a brake system.
Key specifications:
- Category: Recreation
- Engine: 1498cc, 4-cylinder
- Performance: 160 HP
- Supercharged: No
- Length: 124.1 inches
- Width: 46.5 inches
- Curb weight: 878 lbs.
- Brake: No
- Reverse: Manual
- Fuel capacity: 20.6 gal.
- Storage capacity: 35.0 gal.
- Rider capacity: 3
7. Sea-Doo RXP-X Apex 300
The 2023 Sea-Doo RXP-X Apex 300 is offered as a limited edition of the high-performance RXP-X 300.
Unlike the standard model, the Apex is marketed with a unique Tech Package, a Hydraulic Steering Damper, and a special design that utilizes some carbon fiber elements.
Its 300 HP supercharged engine and unique features make the Apex the most expensive PWC in 2023.
Key specifications:
- Category: Performance
- Engine: 1630cc, 3-cylinder, Rotax
- Performance: 300 HP
- Supercharged: Yes
- Length: 130.6 inches
- Width: 49.2 inches
- Wet weight: 905 lbs.
- Brake and reverse: Standard
- Fuel capacity: 18.5 gal.
- Storage capacity: 40.6 gal.
- Rider capacity: 2
8. Sea-Doo RXT-X 300
The 2023 Sea-Doo RXT-X 300 shares its 300 HP supercharged engine with the RXP-X and RXP-300 Apex, but it’s built on the much more stable and comfortable ST3 hull.
This innovative platform offers greater stability and a comfortable 3-rider seat, which comes in handy when riding with passengers and on long tours.
Key specifications:
- Category: Performance
- Engine: 1630cc, 3-cylinder, Rotax
- Performance: 300 HP
- Supercharged: Yes
- Length: 135.9 inches
- Width: 49.4 inches
- Wet weight: 954 lbs.
- Brake and reverse: Standard
- Fuel capacity: 18.5 gal.
- Storage capacity: 26.1 gal.
- Rider capacity: 3
9. Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300
The 2023 Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300 is the top-of-the-line model in the Sea-Doo PWC lineup.
It shares its platform and supercharged 300 HP engine with the RXT-X 300, but this model is tuned for comfort rather than performance.
Key features:
- Category: Luxury/Touring
- Engine: 1630cc, 3-cylinder, Rotax
- Performance: 300 HP
- Supercharged: Yes
- Length: 135.9 inches
- Width: 49.4 inches
- Wet weight: 974 lbs.
- Brake and reverse: Standard
- Fuel capacity: 18.5 gal.
- Storage capacity: 26.1 gal.
- Rider capacity: 3
10. Yamaha GP1800R SVHO
The race-inspired 2023 GP1800R SVHO is marketed as the fastest WaveRunner in the Yamaha PWC lineup.
Engineered with performance-minded riders and racers in mind, its nimble hull is paired with a powerful and responsive 1.8L, 250 HP, supercharged engine.
Key features:
- Category: Performance
- Engine: 1812cc, 4-cylinder, Yamaha
- Performance: 250 HP
- Supercharged: Yes
- Length: 131.9 inches
- Width: 48.8 inches
- Wet weight: 880 lbs.
- Brake and reverse: Standard
- Fuel capacity: 18.5 gal.
- Storage capacity: 28.4 gal.
- Rider capacity: 3
11. Yamaha FX Limited SVHO
The 2023 Yamaha FX Limited SVHO is being released as the high-end touring WaveRunner.
It borrows its 1.8, 250 HP, supercharged engine from the GP1800R SVHO, but it’s built on the more predictable FX hull.
If you are looking for the best touring WaveRunner in the marketplace, the FX Limited SVHO is for you.
Key features:
- Category: Luxury/Touring
- Engine: 1812cc, 4-cylinder, Yamaha
- Performance: 250 HP
- Supercharged: Yes
- Length: 140.9 inches
- Width: 50 inches
- Wet weight: 1003 lbs.
- Brake and reverse: Standard
- Fuel capacity: 18.5 gal.
- Storage capacity: 44.5 gal.
- Rider capacity: 3
12. Kawasaki Ultra 310LX
There’s no question that the 2023 Kawasaki Ultra 310LX is the most luxurious PWC right now.
This model was completely redesigned for the 2022 model year and has returned with many innovative features including a dual gullwing glovebox, splash deflectors, rearview camera, and more.
Key features:
- Category: Luxury/Touring
- Engine: 1492cc, 4-cylinder, Kawasaki
- Performance: 310 HP
- Supercharged: Yes
- Length: 140.9 inches
- Width: 47 inches
- Wet weight: 1090 lbs.
- Brake and reverse: Standard
- Fuel capacity: 21.1 gal.
- Storage capacity: 44.5 gal.
- Rider capacity: 3
References:
yamahawaverunners, sea-doo, kawasaki
