As motorcross bikes are to cars, so jet skis are to boats. Some see them as snowmobiles for the water. Personal watercraft (PWC) are a whole lot of fun, plus they have practical uses as well. The top 15 best jet ski brands of all time make excellent examples of what personal watercraft should be.
What is the criteria for a vehicle to be a personal water craft instead of a boat? In simple terms, a boat you sit in, a jet ski you sit on. Or stand on. The USCG describes personal watercraft as a jet drive boat less than 13 feet in length.
The proper term for the class of vehicle is personal watercraft, not jet ski. Jet Ski is actually a trademark of Kawasaki. Much like Xerox and Kleenex, the term Jet Ski has crossed over into general usage. So, while it may be normal for many people to call a Sea Doo a jet ski, the only time you’ll see Jet Ski mentioned in a manufacturer’s description is if they are referencing Kawasaki in some way.
We’ll use the words interchangeably. Capitalized as Jet Ski, we’re talking about a specific brand, written in lower case as jet ski, we mean it in the generic sense of personal watercraft (PWC). All that said, here we go!
Top 15 Jet Ski Brands
1. Kawasaki
Might as well start here. Kawasaki PWC are called Jet Ski. One of the more powerful PWCs is the Kawasaki STF-15X, a three person water craft with one of the larger engines of any water craft.
Kawasaki is a large manufacturer of motorcycles and ATVs. The first commercially successful jet powered PWC was a Kawasaki stand up jet ski made in 1972. Kawasaki called them Water Jets and Power Skis before standardizing the name Jet Ski which became synonymous with the type of vehicle. Jet Skis can be purchased through Kawasaki dealers and marine shops.
Kawasaki was already a well respected name in motorcycle by 1972. Their Jet Ski was seen by many as water version of a motorcycle. Easy to work on and maintain, Jet Skis are known for reliability. From single person stand up versions, to 3 person craft, Kawasaki has a PWC for most people.
2. Yamaha
WaveRunner is the Yamaha brand of PWC. They make models for racing, luxury models, and models like the WaveRunner EX-R which are smaller and lightweight, holding one or two people and very reasonably priced.
Also a motorcycle company making watercraft and boat engines, Yamaha started up their WaveRunner line in 1986. Besides WaveRunner, Yamaha also makes WaveBlaster and WaterJet. The stream of water shooting up into the air from the back of the PWC is a Yamaha design. Besides looking cool, it makes the PWC more visible to other boaters.
Yamaha engines are durable and well made, the WaveRunner line is very reliable and easy to maintain. Available through marine craft dealers and Yamaha dealers.
3. Sea-Doo
A division of Bombardier Recreational Products, the Sea-Doo brand of PWC has models that are very fun and some, like the FishPro that have extra features making fishing on the water easier.
One of the original PWC was made in 1968. It wasn’t until 20 years later in 1988 that the Sea-Doo line actually took off in the market. A variety of types, sizes, and price points of Sea-Doo are available from marine craft dealers.
Well made, smooth to ride, easy to maintain, Sea-Doo PWC are very popular. The larger models are used for fishing and even for on the water law enforcement. Smaller Sea-Doo are often seen towed behind recreational vehicles going to the beaches or lakes.
4. Bombardier
Bombardier is the industrial powerhouse behind several brands, including the Sea-Doo PWC and Ski-Doo snowmobiles. The Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 supercharged racing PWC is a powerful and extremely fast racing model of water craft.
A true giant in the manufacturing of transportation machines, Bombardier makes jet aircraft, tracked snow vehicles for commercial and recreational use, and even bullet trains. Sea-Doo is a division of Bombardier and is already listed above.
If it comes from Bombardier, it will probably work well for a long time. It’s easy to see why Sea-Doo is a trusted brand of personal watercraft. Hands down one of the top jet ski brands!
5. Polaris
Polaris has stopped making PWC for a short time but recently announced they are getting back into the water sports business again. Models like the Polaris Freedom were very popular.
Like Bombardier, Polaris makes a lot of different vehicles. ATVs, snowmobiles, larger boats, and all electric utility vehicles. Look for Polaris PWC when shopping at your local Polaris boat dealer.
Polaris vehicles are used by law enforcement, fire and rescue, and the military. So you know they are durable and reliable. Polaris PWC also covered uses from commercial to recreational.
6. Jetlev-Flyer
Jetlev-Flyer is a unique type of personal watercraft. A base unit sits in the water and propels a person up above the waves in a waterjet pack. The JF-120 Shark is one of the more popular models of this machine.
Sold only through Jetlev-Flyer, the waterjet packs were first made in 2004. Several other companies were introducing competing units, but Jetlev has the patent for the specific machinery involved.
Expensive and hard to maneuver, waterjet packs seem to be a novelty item for show. At least for now. Many resorts own their own and rent them out to qualified users.
7. Latrex Boats
Primarily a maker of family and fishing boats, Latreex Boats have made some boats, like the Latrex 440, that can be powered by your jet ski. For a while, they also made their own PWC.
Manufactured in the UK, Latrex Boats have models that are meant to be human powered by oars, as well as larger pontoon boats and even commercial marine vehicles. Sold only in the British Isles through authorized dealers.
8. Gibbs Sports Amphibians
Gibbs Quadski is another rather unique vehicle. It’s a four wheeled AWD ATV that converts into a PWC with waterjet power. An amphibious vehicle that allows you to go just about anywhere in the wild.
Gibbs first amphibian went on sale in 2003. They make various designs of wheeled to water vehicles, including heavy duty units suitable for fire/rescue and law enforcement. Only sold direct through Gibbs Sports.
Ell made and heavy duty, Gibbs amphibians are rather expensive compared to a regular ATV or PWC, but being truly amphibious will appeal to many wanting the ultimate in outdoor recreation.
9. Hison
Hison is a Chinese manufacturer of various sporting vehicles, including their own amphibious ATV/PWC the HS-006J5 Crosski.
Started in 2002, Hison makes ATVs, speedboats, jet boats, PWC like jet skis, and amphibians. Available only from authorized importers, Hison is very popular overseas and with recreational rental companies.
As with many imports form China, their models are generally lower priced than the competition, but reliability is still fairly unproven. Form what we’ve seen, they should hold up well against the rest of the PWC makers.
10. Seabob
While not a jet ski in the sense of being able to ride one, Seabobs are a waterjet propulsion personal water transport mechanism. The Seabob F5 can drag you around on or under the water.
Made by Cayago Luxury Seatoys, the concept for an underwater scooter was first built in 1967. Now seen in recreational diving hotspots worldwide, underwater scooter were once the realm of industry and military. Seabob drives can be purchased direct or through dealers.
Very little maintenance is involved, making these very reliable. Anyone spending a lot of time on or under the water will enjoy the extra freedom these units give you.
11. Lampuga
How ready are you to go to the beach or lake now? If you enjoy surfing or sailboarding, the waterjet powered electric Lampuga Boost electric surfboard will probably interest you.
Started in 2011 by the larger Sashay GmbH in Germany, Lampuga is run by watersports enthusiasts who know what is fun. Available direct or through authorized dealers.
Their electric surfboards are simple and well made. Anyone wanting to try something different in watersports will enjoy Lampuga electric surfboards.
12. Castoldi
A major manufacturer or waterjet engines, the Italian made Castoldi engines can be found in custom designed watercraft including jet skis and luxury water vehicles.
In business since 1962, Castoldi engines and boats are sold direct, through dealerships, or made specifically for your own designs.
Very expensive, these engines are super high performance and extremely good quality. Made for those needing the best engine for their personal water sports.
13. Two Oceans
Two Oceans is South Africa’s largest maker of custom luxury marine craft. Some of their most known designs are seen on cruises to the Seychelles tropical island paradise resorts.
Founded in 1989, Two Oceans has a large factory right on Cape Town harbor. Made to order, contact them direct for building your dream boat or PWC.
Perfectly designed and manufactured, Two Oceans crafts are built to last. If you have the means, by all means get one!
14. RFU Jachtspecialist
Yacht makers form the Netherlands. RFU can make large and small boats for you, as well as any type of PWC.
Since 1974 they have been designing and building custom boats and other watercraft for numerous interests worldwide. Custom designed by consultation.
For the utmost in quality, if you can afford their work, you will be assured of enjoying the craft.
15. Yam (Yamaha Motor Germany)
The European version of WaveRunner PWC are made in Germany by Yam. The German made JuperJet WaveRunner is a racing version of the popular PWC made by Yamaha in Japan.
Yamaha expanded into Germany in 1966 and has been making versions of their products. Some with similar specs of their Japanese products and others with different designs.
The best of both worlds, you get Japanese precision matched with German precision. Needless to say, their watercraft are excellent, great for any Europeans wanting to ride the water. For more info, see our homepage for more top brand guides!
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