The Quick Truth About Jet Ski Horsepower: Marketing vs. Reality

When most people go jet ski shopping, the first questions they ask are:

• “How much does a jet ski cost?”
• “How fast can a jet ski go?”
• “How much power do I need?”
• “Do I need a 325 horsepower jet ski?”

Totally valid questions! But let me fill you in on something many new jet ski riders don’t realize—speeds in the U.S. are capped at 70 MPH, regardless of engine specs or tweaks.

Even the high-powered 325 horsepower jet skis can’t surpass that limit without adjustments to the speed limiter.

So, does jet ski engine power even matter? Well, yeah, but maybe not in the way you think. Let’s break it down.

A Little Background About Horsepower

To start us off, horsepower (HP) is a unit of power used to measure the rate at which work is done. It was originally developed by James Watt, an engineer who needed a way to measure the output of his steam engines.

It’s interesting to note that one horsepower is defined as the power needed to lift 550 pounds (250 kilograms) of weight one foot (0.3048 meters) in one second. When it comes to vehicles like cars, boats, or watercraft, horsepower is used to measure engine output. Engines with higher horsepower ratings can deliver more power, enhancing the performance of the connected equipment. Speed and acceleration, horsepower plays a significant role!

2025 Sea-Doo, WaveRunner, and Jet Ski Horsepower Chart

Depending on the newest jet ski models, the jet ski horsepower typically ranges between 60 and 325 hp.

Why Horsepower Does Matter Jet Skis (But Not Just Speed)

While a 70 MPH limit exists, jet ski engine power isn’t just about how fast you go—it’s also about how quickly jet skis get you there.

More power means better jet ski acceleration, which is essential for activities like pulling a tube or racing your friends. But jet ski engine output also influences other factors like:

• Fuel efficiency: High-powered jet ski engines burn through gas faster.
• Weight-to-power ratio: This determines how nimble jet skis feel.
• Towing capability: More power makes towing jet ski water toys a breeze.

Jet ski horsepower ranges

Here’s a cheat sheet to help you understand where modern jet skis stand:

• Entry-level models: 60–90 HP (casual jet ski rides or beginners).
• Mid-range models: 110–170 HP (families, tubing, and towing).
• High-performance models: 200+ HP (think jet ski racing, extreme tricks, or adrenaline junkies).

Fun fact: Today’s mid-range jet skis, like the 170 HP Sea-Doo GTI, would’ve been considered absolute monsters 25 years ago.

High-Powered Models: Are They Worth It?

If you’re eyeing a top-tier jet ski model (like the 325 HP Sea-Doo RXT-X), here’s what you should know:

• Fuel type: Premium gas is typically required, adding up at the pump.
• Superchargers: Most high-powered models use supercharged engines, offering insane acceleration but requiring more maintenance and fuel.
• Break-in period: New engines often limit their power the first few hours to protect the machinery. Don’t worry—they’ll unleash their full potential once broken in.

Do You Really Need All That Power?

For most people, you don’t need a 300 HP “overpowered” jet ski to have fun on the water. If your main goal is towing a tube or cruising around, jet skis in the 110–170 HP range will suffice.

For example, the Sea-Doo GTI 170 jet ski strikes a perfect balance. It’s got enough muscle to pull Timmy on a tube without guzzling gas or overwhelming a beginner. Plus, in “Sport Mode,” it can still deliver thrills when you’re in the adrenaline mood.

HP vs. Cubic Capacity (CC)

You’ve probably seen “CC” mentioned on jet skis specs, but here’s the deal: CC measures engine size, not output. While a bigger engine often has upgradablilty, it doesn’t always mean more power.

In fact, some smaller jet ski engines outperform larger jet skis thanks to advanced engineering. So, when comparing models, prioritize HP ratings over engine size.

The Big Jet Ski Players

If you’re curious, here’s where the top brands stand:

• Sea-Doo and Kawasaki: Kings of high HP, with models like the RXP-X 325 and Kawasaki’s 310 HP Ultra series.
• Yamaha: Tops out at 250 HP. They focus less on raw power and more on reliability and fuel efficiency.

Engine Break-In Period

If you just got a high horsepower new jet ski, you may have noticed that it’s limited during its break-in period.

Your new engine is high-performance and needs to be broken-in, so the computer on board will limit your power until after a certain time. There are other things that can limit power, like different modes and keys. Sucking something up or damages will also cause it to limit its power.

A Little History Lesson

Back in the 1960s, jet skis had engines with a modest…18 horsepower.

By the 1980s, they bumped it up to 55 horsepower.

Fast-forward to today, and we see jet skis with up to 325 horsepower, as if manufacturers are competing in a never-ending arms race. It’s more or a less a “pissing contest” if you ask me. An engine with 150 horsepower or there about is more than fine.

The Bottom Line

When shopping jet skis, don’t get caught up in the numbers game.

Sure, 300+ horsepower sounds cool, but mid-range jet skis will provide all the excitement you need—without the added cost, jet ski maintenance, or fuel consumption.

So, ask yourself: what do you actually want to do?

Chances are, you’ll find your perfect match somewhere in the 110–170 HP range. And trust me, after helping many beginner jet ski riders, doing 40 MPH on jet skis feels like doing 80 MPH in a car. You don’t need a speed demon jet ski to have an unforgettable ride.