The Yamaha vs. Sea-Doo reliability argument is one of the biggest debates in the jet ski community. A lot of people say that Yamahas are more reliable than Sea-Doos, while many argue with this assertion. Sure, there are a lot of fan boys out there with very strong opinions, so it is not easy to find the truth!
If you are considering buying a jet ski, you probably want to know which one to buy a Sea-Doo or Yamaha?
We at PowerSportsGuide have done the research and compiled the key pros and cons of each brand under one roof!
Yamaha vs. Sea-Doo Reliability
Let’s go down the middle and take a closer look at the Yamaha vs. Sea-Doo reliability issue.
Yamaha WaveRunner Reliability
It seems there are many clues telling us that Yamaha is currently the most reliable PWC brand on the market. Why? These are some of the clues:
- You can find Yamaha WaveRunners in the majority of rental shops.
- Yamahas require fewer repairs and are easier to maintain.
- Yamaha WaveRunners hold their value better when compared to other brands.
Are you in any doubt? We encourage you to do your research!
If you visit any of the jet ski rental shops in the US, you will likely find Yamaha VX WaveRunners in their fleet.
The VX family is known for its low maintenance needs, excellent reliability, and great price/value ratio. All of these factors are very important for rental shops, which is why they typically choose these models.
VX WaveRunners can usually run several hundred hours without an engine rebuild. Some of them can exceed an unbelievable 1000 hours! (With proper maintenance of course!)
Please don’t hesitate in contacting service shops or dealerships for further information. They are likely to confirm that Yamaha WaveRunners are easy to work on and require less attention and care than any other brand.
What’s more, it’s a fact that these machines hold their values better than competitor models.
On the other hand, this does not mean that Yamaha WaveRunners are bulletproof. They are high-performance machines that run on open waters, so they can break down in many ways.
Just like any vehicle, these jet skis do have week points. They don’t feature a wear ring and their timing chain is prone to breaking, especially on supercharged models.
Sea-Doo Reliability
Contrary to popular belief, Sea-Doos can be very reliable, as long as they are properly maintained! This manufacturer not only has the biggest market share, but also the largest segment of returning customers in the PWC industry. In light of these facts, it would be hard to say that Sea-Doos are unreliable!
Then why is it common knowledge that Sea-Doo is much less reliable than Yamaha?
First, let’s face it, there are more Sea-Doos out there than Yamahas. With more Sea-Doos, there is a greater chance that these models would be taken in for servicing.
Also, more than half the members of online forums are Sea-Doo owners. This results in more questions and threads about Sea-Doo reliability issues. This may seem obvious, but many will still disregard it!
Another important factor in the Yamaha vs. Sea-Doo debate is the performance of their engines.
Although the flagship Yamaha models are powered with 1812cc engines, they offer “only” 250 HP. In contrast, Performance and Luxury Sea-Doos are manufactured with 1630cc engines, which put out 300 HP.
This means however that Sea-Doo engines come with 10% less displacement and produce 50 HP more compared to Yamaha engines.
And in the world of powersports, a lower cc to HP ratio always means lower durability and dependability. Again, this is not specific to Sea-Doos. This is true for all internal combustion engines!
Because of the higher performance of the machines, Sea-Doo buyers are more often performance-minded. They usually ride their machines harder and are much more likely to make modifications on their jet skis.
What are the consequences?
The added abuse and modifications make these machines less reliable!
And finally, don’t forget about the countless bells and whistles that the newest Sea-Doos feature. It’s safe to say that Sea-Doo PWCs are always more innovative and come with more features than the other PWC brands in the industry.
For example, Yamaha introduced its brake and reverse system 6 years after Sea-Doo released the industry-first PWC braking system. What’s more, Kawasaki jet skis are still manufactured without this key feature!
At the same time, these additions affect Sea-Doo’s reliability in the wrong direction. It’s is not difficult to see that what does not exists, can’t go wrong.
It also has to be mentioned that some key parts of every Sea-Doo require continuous attention and maintenance.
Due to their high performance, the supercharger needs to be periodically rebuilt on many Sea-Doo models.
Another important and often overlooked part is the carbon ring. Simply put, the carbon ring is the seal on the driveshaft, which is designed to keep water away from the hull.
This ring is a wear item, meaning that it has to be inspected and replaced if it’s worn out. Moreover, the carbon ring can be damaged if the Sea-Doo runs out of the water for too long, or in the aftermath of wave jumping.
Since these are lesser-known facts among Sea-Doo owners, they don’t pay enough attention to these parts (and the maintenance of their crafts in general).
These issues often lead to major damage, or in the worst-case scenario, they can cause many Sea-Doo to sink!
Which is Better, Sea-Doo or WaveRunner?
Many Yamaha owners say that WaveRunners are better than Sea-Doos, as they are more reliable and dependable. Sea-Doo owners argue that Sea-Doos are the better, since they offer more horsepower, more fun, and many exciting features. So, it seems there is no clear winner here!
There is no question that Yamahas are the most reliable jet skis on the market. Their engines are easy to work on and have a high cc to HP ratio. Thus, they last longer and better tolerate modifications.
On the other hand, it’s safe to say that Sea-Doos are not unreliable!
In general, Sea-Doos are considered to be much like German cars. Since they feature complex systems and many bells and whistles, these machines require more attention and maintenance.
In return, they offer higher performance, fresh design, and more convenient accessories.
When it comes to reliability, with adequate maintenance Sea-Doos can be very reliable machines, too. The key is in providing continuous attention and care!
Should You Buy a Sea-Doo or Yamaha?
In a nutshell, you should buy a Yamaha over a Sea-Doo if you are looking for reliability and durability. On the other hand, if you are a performance-minded rider, and looking for the most powerful and stylish machines, you can’t go wrong with a Sea-Doo.
As a takeaway, we’ve gathered the pros of each brand under one roof:
Yamaha Pros:
- Reliability and durability
- Easy to work on
- Biggest displacement in the industry (1049cc/1812cc)
- Higher cc to HP ratio (on the flagship models 1812cc/250HP)
- Simpler systems and parts (no supercharger maintenance, no carbon ring, etc.)
Sea-Doo Pros:
- Higher performance (up to 300 HP)
- Fresh design
- More features and accessories
- More customizable packages
- Better accessibility
- Market-leading manufacturer
As you see, each brand has its own advantages!
Generally speaking, if you are looking for reliability it’s recommended that you stay away from supercharged models. These high-performance models are less reliable and durable, regardless of brand.
The general rule is that non-supercharged jet skis are more reliable, across all brands.
If you are still wondering what you should buy, a Sea-Doo or a Yamaha, keep in mind that you can’t go wrong with either of them. The most reliable models are arguably the Yamaha EX and VX line, as well as the Sea-Doo Spark and GTI models with lower-performance engines.
You should also stick to the lower-equipped models. Don’t forget that with fewer features there is less chance of malfunctions!
As a final word, no matter which one you choose, you will have to pay attention to its maintenance. Overlooked services and care are the leading reason why so many PWCs break down.
And again, it doesn’t depend on the brand!
References
https://www.jetdrift.com/yamaha-vs-sea-doo-which-is-the-better/
