5 Best Yamaha Jet Ski in 2024: Your Ultimate Guide

by | Last updated Jun 1, 2024

Best Overall Yamaha FX Cruiser HO
Yamana Jet ski

Unmatched comfort with a 1.8L engine, premium sound, and tons of storage, perfect for long cruises.

Best Value Yamaha EX Series
Yamana Jet ski

This super fun jet ski with a 1.0L engine fits three riders at an amazing price. It’s the perfect starter jet ski.

Most Featured Yamaha GP1800R SVHO
Yamana Jet ski

Blazing speed, race-ready handling, sleek design, and the ultimate adrenaline rush.

Are you looking to cut through the waves this summer?

Yamaha WaveRunners are the ultimate ride for water sports fans, but with so many models, where do you even start?

Don’t worry—we’ve combed through the specs and features of the latest Yamaha jet skis to pick the top five.

Whether you want lightning speed, family-friendly fun, or a budget-friendly thrill, a perfect Yamaha is waiting for you.

Get ready to make a splash!

Yamaha Jetski

TL;DR:

Our Pick

Yamaha FX Cruiser HO: This is the king of comfort-focused jet skis.

  • Plush seats and spacious design
  • Plenty of power with a 1.8L engine
  • Great features like storage and sound system
  • A bit on the pricier side

What’s the Best Yamaha Jet Ski for You?

The answer depends entirely on your needs!

Yamaha Waverunners offers a huge range of styles and features.

If you’re ready to explore your options, we’ve found the absolute best Yamaha jet skis for various needs.

Whether you crave speed, luxury, or a rec-lite blast of fun, these top picks will have you ruling the waves.

1. Yamaha FX Cruiser HO

This jet ski is the king of comfort on the water. It’s got plush seats and a spacious ride that makes long days out a breeze. Think of it like Yamaha Waverunners’ SUV.

Yamana Jet ski

Our Take

0out of 10

The Yamaha FX Cruiser HO loses a point for its price tag, but it's an absolute dream if you prioritize a smooth ride and plenty of features.

Key Benefits

  • Purpose: Perfect for cruising, exploring, and even light tow sports.
  • Engine Power: Plenty of zip with a 1.8L High Output engine.
  • Seating Capacity: Comfortably fits up to 3 people.
  • Features: Includes tons of storage, a premium sound system, and Yamaha's RiDE system for easy handling.
  • Budget: Pricier, but you're paying for that extra luxury.
  • Warranty: Standard Yamaha warranty applies.

Pricing

Yamana Jet ski

Pros

  • Supremely comfortable ride
  • Tons of storage space
  • Great all-around performance

Cons

  • Not the fastest jet ski out there
  • On the expensive side

2. Yamaha GP1800R SVHO

This is a speed machine! If you want to go fast and carve up the water, this is the Yamaha Waverunner for you. Just be ready to hold on tight!

Yamana Jet ski

Our Take

0out of 10

The Yamaha GP1800R SVHO is a blast but loses some versatility points. If you want raw power and love the feeling of owning the water, it's worth the investment.

Key Benefits

  • Purpose: Built for pure adrenaline and aggressive riding.
  • Engine Power: A supercharged 1.8L engine puts out insane horsepower.
  • Seating Capacity: Room for 1-3, but meant for a thrilling solo ride.
  • Features: Race-inspired design, including a performance seat and upgraded handling.
  • Budget: Top-of-the-line pricing.
  • Warranty: Standard Yamaha warranty applies.

Pricing

  • Starting MSRP: $17,599
  • Upgrades: Limited options since it's already geared towards performance.
Yamana Jet ski

Pros

  • Blazing fast acceleration
  • Handles like a dream on tight turns
  • Looks super sleek

Cons

  • Not as comfy for long cruises
  • Fuel efficiency isn't its strong point

3. Yamaha EX Series

This is the perfect starter jet ski! It's fun, zippy, and the most budget-friendly Yamaha Waverunner around. Don't let the price fool you; these pack a surprising punch.

Yamana Jet ski

Our Take

0out of 10

The Yamaha EX Series loses points for advanced features, but it's a fantastic value! Perfect if you want thrills on a budget or are looking for a family-friendly jet ski.

Key Benefits

  • Purpose: Great for first-timers, recreational riding, and pure joy on the water.
  • Engine Power: The 1.0L engine delivers plenty of fun without being overwhelming.
  • Seating Capacity: Comfortably fits up to 3 people.
  • Features: Lightweight design for nimble handling, some storage options available.
  • Budget: Most affordable Yamaha lineup.
  • Warranty: Standard Yamaha warranty applies.

Pricing

  • Starting MSRP: Starts around $7,799
  • Upgrades: Choose from models like the EX Deluxe for extra storage and features.
Yamana Jet ski

Pros

  • Super easy to learn and ride
  • Great fuel efficiency
  • Awesome price point

Cons

  • Not the fastest option out there
  • Limited features compared to pricier models

4. Yamaha SuperJet

Okay, this one's a total wild card! Think of it like motorcycles or jet skis. It's a stand-up model, so you need some skill to ride it. If you love tricks and big air, this is your machine.

Yamana Jet ski

Our Take

0out of 10

The Yamaha SuperJet is a niche beast! It loses points for practicality but gains them back if you value a thrilling, challenging ride and love to show off your skills.

Key Benefits

  • Purpose: Pure adrenaline, tricks, and freestyle riding.
  • Engine Power: 1.0L engine, but the focus is on agility, not raw speed.
  • Seating Capacity: Solo rider only.
  • Features: Designed to be lightweight and maneuverable, with no frills.
  • Budget: More affordable than traditional sit-down models.
  • Warranty: Standard Yamaha warranty applies.

Pricing

  • Starting MSRP: Around $9,799
Yamana Jet ski

Pros

  • Super agile and fun to throw around
  • Great for learning tricks
  • More affordable than most Yamaha Waverunners

Cons

  • Not for beginners – it takes some practice to master
  • No storage or creature comforts
  • Not ideal for cruising

5. Yamaha VX Series

This is a fantastic middle-ground jet ski! It offers a solid mix of features, power, and value. Perfect for families who want something with a little bit of everything.

Yamana Jet ski

Our Take

0out of 10

The Yamaha VX Series is a great "does it all" choice. It loses points for not being the best at any one thing, but it's a highly dependable and fun jet ski for various needs.

Key Benefits

  • Purpose: All-around fun, from cruising to light watersports.
  • Engine Power: Several engine options, from the Zippy 1.0L to more powerful versions.
  • Seating Capacity: Comfortably fits up to 3 people.
  • Features: Some storage, good handling, and, depending on the model, possible upgrades like speakers.
  • Budget: Mid-range pricing, with variations based on the chosen model.
  • Warranty: Standard Yamaha warranty applies.

Pricing

  • Starting MSRP: Around $11,000 - $14,000 depending on the model
Yamana Jet ski

Pros

  • Versatile and fun for most riders
  • Good balance of performance and features
  • Decent value

Cons

  • Not the fastest or most luxurious option
  • Doesn't stand out in any one specific area

What to Consider When Buying a Yamaha Jet Ski

  • Purpose: Speed demon, family cruiser, or angler? Different models excel at other things.
  • Engine Power: Look at horsepower and whether you want a supercharged option for extra zip.
  • Seating Capacity: How many riders do you need to accommodate?
  • Features: Think storage, sound systems, and tow hooks. Do you need the bells and whistles?
  • Budget: Yamaha offers a range of price points. Be realistic about what you can afford.

Key Insight: Even the most powerful Yamaha jet ski is useless without a good trailer, so factor that into your budget!

How Do Yamaha Jet Skis Keep You Comfortable?

Yamaha puts a lot of thought into making your ride enjoyable.

Plush seats, specially designed hulls to cut through choppy water, and handlebars positioned for a good riding stance all make a difference.

Higher-end models even have luxury features like sound systems and ample storage so that you can explore to your heart's content.

Remember, comfort can be personal!

A powerful, performance-focused jet ski might feel less comfortable for a beginner than something more stable.

It's always best to try a Yamaha Waverunner out before you buy.

Driving a JetSki

Buyer's Guide: How We Conducted Our Research

Selecting the top 5 Yamaha jet skis wasn't easy! To ensure only the best recommendations, here's how we did our research:

  • Focused on Need: We considered different riding styles, whether it's speed, comfort, or budget-friendly fun.
  • Evaluated Features: We evaluated each model's engine power, tech, handling, seating, and storage.
  • Compared Prices: We assessed starting MSRPs and the value you get for the price.
  • Weighed the Negatives: We analyzed what each jet ski might be missing compared to others.
  • Researched the Brand: We looked at Yamaha's reputation, warranty, and overall customer support.

Wrapping Up

Picking the perfect Yamaha jet ski can be tough!

Hopefully, this guide has given you a better idea of what's out there.

Remember, the best choice is the one that fits your needs and makes you smile every time you hit the water.

I've spent years riding and reviewing jet skis, so trust me, a little research goes a long way in finding the perfect ride!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the cheapest Yamaha jet ski?

The Yamaha EX Series is their most affordable lineup, great for beginners and budget-minded riders.

Which Yamaha Waverunner is the fastest?

The Yamaha GP1800R SVHO takes the crown, thanks to its supercharged engine and race-inspired design.

Do Yamaha jet skis come with a warranty?

Yes, they come with a standard Yamaha warranty, offering you peace of mind.

Can I take a Yamaha jet ski in saltwater?

Absolutely! Yamaha designs them to handle both freshwater and saltwater adventures.

What's the best Yamaha jet ski for fishing?

The FX Series offers stability and storage, but you can customize many models with fishing accessories.

Fahim Joharder

Fahim Joharder

Author

An avid kayaker & fisherman, explores waterways globally, sharing his passion for water sports and conservation through captivating stories and tips.

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