The Pro and Cons Of Getting A Jet Ski – Is It Worth It?

Maybe you’re throwing around the idea of jet skis and might be wondering what the cons and pros?

For a lot of people, a jet ski is something new and unique to them. Knowing whether or not it is going to be a good fit is very important to figure out beforehand.

I want to go over all the GOOD and BAD that goes along with owning jet skis so that you’re in the know before you buy.

The Pros of owning a jet ski

Nothing else like it and faster than you think – Driving 35mph in your car feels like nothing, but with on a jet ski it feels like you’re flying. You don’t have a cabin around you like in your car, and the surrounding water gives you a feeling you can’t get anywhere else.

Simpler and easier than a boat – Boats can be big and have a lot going on. A jet ski is smaller and often easier to maneuver than a boat.

More control and safety features than a boat – Boats don’t have brakes, but most of the modern jet skis do. You also get more features like a learning mode and other things that make having jet skis easier than having a boat.

The motorcycle of the water – A jet ski is like having a motorcycle, but it floats! And you don’t have the worries of a motorcycle, like sliding on sand and holding yourself up.

Some jet skis have stupid good fuel economy! – One of the pros that doesn’t get discussed much, compared to most boats; you’re going to get better gas mileage.

You can do tricks – With a jet ski you can flip, spin, plus do many more tricks than a boat could ever do.

Prices are good in the winter – Prices for used jet skis go down in the winter months. You can also get good deals on prior year jet skis when they release new models.

More Stable Than You Might Think – Some jet skis are more stable than you realize, like standing on the side of it stable.

Servicing – To be honest, with the right tools, servicing a jet ski is not hard. But it is having the right tools and knowing how to do it is the hurdle to overcome.

Dealerships – Many jet ski dealerships are easy to deal with because they’re in the business of selling toys. So don’t expect to go in thinking of the horror of buying a car, it’s way different buying a jet ski.

Riding Clubs and Trips – There are many jet ski riding clubs and trips to join so you don’t get bored.

Water Only Attractions – There are new fun things to try out like restaurants and attractions that are only located by water. Could even beach the jet ski and have a picnic for 2.

If you can, buy two – It’s always more fun when you can go ride with someone else. Also, when in doubt, buy a 3 seater jet ski as it sits 2 people better.

Easy to Clean – A jet ski is much easier to clean than a boat and take out for a quick ride, too.

Smile More – It’s hard to frown on a jet ski. Trust me; you’ll be smiling the first time you take it out.

Storage – A jet ski is easier to store and cheaper too compared to a boat. Jet skis can fit in a garage or a shed you already have.

Great for Couples – More personal, couples get to hold on to each other, unlike a boat.

Every Day – A jet ski is something you can ride every day, while the boat will more than likely become the weekend craft.

Makes you feel alive – A jet ski gets the heart pumping, no matter what speed you go. A jet ski makes you feel alive!

Takes the stress away – Just you and the water rushing by, all the worries of life fade away.

All the beautiful people – Let’s be honest, you get to see and be near plenty of beautiful people in swimsuits when on a jet ski.

Lets dreams come true – For some people, you know you made it in life when you have a jet ski, and jet skis like the Sea-Doo Spark or Yamaha EX are more affordable then you think. Nothing cooler than bragging to your friends that you have jet skis!

The Cons of owning a jet ski

Cost more than you think – The average person thinks a jet ski is $5k, but in reality, the average price is over $12k. You can get the Sea-Doo Spark that starts under $7k in 2025.

Service Cost – Maintenance plus parts cost more for power sports stuff. This doesn’t stop at jet skis, but affects boats, motorcycles, or other toys as they cost more than the equivalent of a car.

Safety Gear is a Must – You need jet ski safety gear like life jackets before you go out. Wetsuit bottoms are recommended too, just read the warning sticker on the glove box of your jet ski to learn more.

Driver’s license – There are rules and licenses for many states on jet skis and boats. For example, in my home state of North Carolina anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 has to take a boaters safety course. 

Age – There are age limits on jet skis, too young, and you can’t drive. Check out your local wildlife or boating regulations for your state or country.

No Roads – Since there are no roads, you need to be more aware than when in your car. People are reckless on jet skis, so you need to pay attention and not do something stupid.

No Trailer, pay for pickups – If you don’t get a trailer, expect to pay for pickup and drop-ins for your jet ski.

Jet Skis don’t come with trailers – Here is a post going over that here.

First Service – the First Service is not always included, and it’s the most important service you can do, so make sure to get it done.

Insurance – While many places don’t require jet ski insurance, you’ll be a fool not to get it.

Below Freezing – You have to winterize them if you live somewhere that gets below freezing.

You don’t drive it as often as your car – Since you don’t drive a jet ski as often as your car, you have to keep the battery on charge, which is quite easy to do. If you don’t ride a jet ski for a month or two, the battery can become weak. But if you ride more than once a month, then you’ll be fine. This is more of an issue for long-term storage like you do in winter months.

The Summer Makes Prices Go Up – Jet skis get more expensive during the summer, prices for used ones go up quite a bit (supply and demand).

Extra service for a select few – Some jet skis require more service than others, supercharged models require an additional service that amounts to every 8 to 10 years depending on how much you drive them, sometimes earlier than that if you drive it a lot.

Can’t drive a jet ski past sunset – And you can’t install lights to allow you to do it, either. More here.

Some jet skis are not as stable as others – The REC-LITE models are super playful compared to the luxury jet skis, so be aware of this. And if you ask me, for average size adults, a 3 seater jet ski is really a 2 seater and a 2 seater is really a 1 seater.