When it comes to jet ski fuel consumption, it’s safe to say that the average jet ski uses 3-4 gallons of gas every hour. This results in 4-7 hours of riding time and a 70-150-mile fuel range. However, this depends on many factors like the jet ski’s performance, weight, and tank size.
If you want to learn more about jet ski fuel ranges, this post is for you.
We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know on this topic under one roof. No fluff, no affiliate links, just the solid info you need!
How Fuel Efficient Are Jet Skis?
Unfortunately, jet skis are pretty fuel inefficient compared to cars. This is because jet ski engines need to produce a lot of energy to overcome resistance while moving the hull through the water. Additionally, they are typically powered with high-performance (sometimes supercharged) engines, which use a lot of fuel. Finally, jet skis burn much more gas covering the same distance as motorbikes or cars.
How Much Fuel Does a Jet Ski Use?
As a rule of thumb, the average jet ski uses 3-4 gallons of gas per hour.
The most fuel-efficient jet skis are the entry-level Rec-Lite models, as they burn only 2-3 gallons at “best cruise speed.” But if you want to have some adrenalin rushes, you should be prepared for higher gas bills! The more powerful jet skis in the Rec-Lite category can use as much as 6-8 GPH.
In contrast, the least fuel-efficient jet skis on the market are the Performance and Luxury machines. They are powered with 250-310 HP engines, which can burn no less than 20-25 gallons every single hour. Yes, at first glance 25 GPH on a jet ski can be shocking, but these are the hard numbers!
On the other hand, riding a jet ski at full speed for longer distances is not at all common. If you ride only at “best cruise speed,” you can expect 3-5 GPH even on a high-performance jet ski.
As you can see, the fuel consumption of a jet ski is strongly dependent on its speed. Just like any other vehicle, jet skis are less fuel-efficient at full speed, while offering the best fuel range at “best cruise speed.”
This may vary by the model, but you can expect the “best cruise speed” on most jet skis to be in the range of 20-30 mph.
How Far Can a Jet Ski Go on One Tank of Gas?
Generally speaking, the average jet ski can go around 70-150 miles on one tank of gas. But keep in mind that these are just average numbers, as s jet ski’s fuel range is dependent on several factors. The most important factors are its performance, weight, fuel capacity, and environmental conditions. What’s more, as we’ve discussed, its speed also plays a main role in a jet ski’s range.
If you want to regularly cover longer distances, you can equip your jet ski with an auxiliary fuel tank. Another common solution is to mount a fuel can on the rear platform.
For this, you can use regular straps, but some jet skis come with a special connection system. Another option is installing a rack on the rear platform, which can accommodate coolers, fishing rods, and many other types of gear as well.
Jet Ski MPG Chart
Generally speaking, jet ski MPG numbers vary widely, as they range from 3 up to 20 depending on their design and performance. But with reasonable use, the average jet ski gets 7-10 MPG. If we compare jet skis to cars, the difference is significant, as you can expect the average fuel economy on a car to be 25 MPG.
For your convenience we’ve compiled some popular models into this jet ski MPG chart.
Jet Ski MPG Chart
| Model | MPG at WOT | MPG at Beast Cruise Speed |
| Sea-Doo RXT-X 300 | 2.7 | 6.8 |
| Kawasaki Ultra 310R | 2.8 | Na. |
| Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO | 3.3 | 7.3 |
| Yamaha FX HO | 4.6 | 7.2 |
| Yamaha VX Cruiser HO | 5.1 | 7.7 |
| Kawasaki STX-15F | 5.2 | Na. |
| Yamaha EX | 6.5 | 9.2 |
| Sea-Doo Spark 90 HP | 20 | Na. |
| Sea-Doo Spark 60 HP | 21 | Na. |
The numbers are for informational purposes only! For exact specifications visit the manufacturers’ websites or contact the closest dealership.
Do Jet Skis Use Gas?
Yes, every jet ski runs on gas, but it’s good to know that the required type of the gas can vary from one model to the next. This is because Performance jet skis typically use premium gas while lower-powered models run on regular. The specified octane rate is always stated in the owner’s manual.
It’s very important to use the specified gas in a jet ski, as using a different octane level can foul the sensors, which may end in error messages or malfunctions. In the worst cases, this can reduce the performance or even damage the engine!
Conclusion
Jet ski fuel consumption is always the main focus of many buyers, and with good reason. As jet skis are prone to burn a lot of gas, the gas bill is definitely one of the biggest maintenance costs!
As a rule of thumb, the average jet ski gets 3-4 MPG, which results in a fuel range of 70-150 miles and 4-7 hours of riding time.
However, the most powerful jet skis get 20-25 GPH at full speed, meaning that you can dry their tank in just one hour!
References:
https://www.jetdrift.com/jet-ski-gas-consumption/
https://www.jetdrift.com/jet-ski-mpg-how-far-can-a-jet-ski-go/
