2026 Jet Ski Horsepower Chart For Sea-Doo, Yamaha and Kawasaki Ski

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

• “How much do they cost?”
• “How fast can a jet ski go?”
• “How much power do I need for my jet ski?”
• “Do I really need a 325 hp model?”

Totally valid questions! But let me fill you in on something many new riders don’t realize—speeds in the U.S. are capped at 70 MPH, regardless of the 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 engine power even matter? Well, yeah, but maybe not in the way you think. Let’s break down the current 2026 jet ski horsepower chart numbers.

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 jet ski, 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, hp plays a significant role!

2026 HP Chart

How Much Horsepower Do Jet Skis have?

A jet ski horsepower rating can range between 60 and 325 hp for Yamaha, Sea-Doo and Kawasaki.

Why does HP matter for a jet ski?

While a 70 MPH limit exists, HP isn’t just about how fast you go. It’s also about how quickly the jet ski can get you there.

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

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

HP ranges For A Jet Ski

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

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

Fun fact: Today’s mid-range, like the Kawasaki STX160 or 170 HP Sea-Doo GTI, would’ve been considered absolute monsters for the day.

Are High HP Jet Skis Worth It?

If you’re eyeing a top-tier jet ski (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 HP jet ski use supercharged engines, offering insane acceleration but requiring more maintenance and fuel.
• Break-in period: New jet skis often limit their power the first few hours to protect the machinery. Don’t worry, the jet ski will unleash its 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, a model in the 110–170 hp range will suffice.

For example, the Kawasaki STX160, Yamaha VX or Sea-Doo GTI 170 strikes a perfect balance.

These jet skis have enough muscle to pull Timmy on a tube without guzzling gas or overwhelming a beginner.

Plus, many jet ski offer “Sport Mode,” it can still deliver thrills when you’re in the adrenaline mood.

The Big Players

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

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

A Little History Lesson

Back in the 1960s, a jet ski had a modest 18 hp.

By the 1980s, most jet ski got bumped up to 55 hp coming out the pump.

For the jet ski we have today, we see models up to 325 hp, as if the manufacturers are competing in a never-ending arms race. It’s more or a less a “pissing contest” if you ask me. The models with 150 hp or there about is more than fine.

The Bottom Line

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

Sure, 300+ hp sounds cool, but a mid-range model will provide all the excitement you need—without the added cost, 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 riders, doing 40 MPH on a skis feels like doing 80 MPH in a car. You don’t need a high horsepower speed demon of a jet ski to have an unforgettable ride.