Owning a Jet Ski: Breaking Down the Pro and Cons

Is a jet ski worth it? Will you get bored? Is it costly? Maybe you’re throwing around the idea of getting one and might be wondering what the perks and downsides are?

For many people, it’s something new and unique to them. Knowing whether or not it will be a good fit is very important to figure out beforehand. These things have some quirks, and a few misunderstandings that you must be aware of.

I want to go over all the PROS + CONS of PWCs so that you’re in the know before you buy!

The Pros of jet skis

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

Simpler and easier than a boat – They’re smaller and often easier to maneuver than a boat.

More control and safety features than a boat – Boats DON’T have brakes, but most modern jet ski do. You also get more features like a learning mode and other things that make having one easier than having a boat.

The motorcycle on the water – It’s like having a motorcycle, but it floats! And one good thing is that you don’t have to worry about it sliding on sand/gravel and holding yourself up.

They have excellent fuel economy – Compared to some boats; you’re going to get great gas mileage. This is a huge advantage, as everything seems to be getting more expensive. If you want to be on the water without spending hundreds on fuel every weekend, a PWC is the answer.

You can do tricks – You can flip, spin, and do many more tricks than a boat could ever do.

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

More Stable Than You Might Think – Some are more stable than you realize, like standing on the side, stable!(Though, this means they’re much bigger than they used to be).

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

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

Riding Clubs and Trips – There are many 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 it 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 as it sits 2 people better.

Easy to Clean – Sooo much easier to clean than a boat and take out for a ride, too.

Smile More – It’s hard to frown while riding. Trust me – you’ll be smiling the first time you take it out.

Storage – Easier to store plus cheaper too compared to a boat. They 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. Holding on to your spouse = a great time!

Every day – It’s something you can ride every day, while the boat will more than likely become the weekend craft.

Makes you feel alive – Gets the heart pumping, no matter what speed you go. It makes you feel alive!!!

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

All the beautiful people – Let’s be honest, you get to see many beautiful people in swimsuits.

Lets dreams come true – For some people, you know you made it in life when you have a Sea-Doo Spark or Yamaha EX are more affordable than you think.

The Cons of jet skis

Cost more than you think – The average person thinks they costs $5k, but in reality, the average price is over $15k. It’s only getting worse with inflation.

Service Cost – Maintenance plus parts cost more for power sports things. Doesn’t matter if it’s a boat, motorcycle, or a PWC – they cost more than similar cars.

Safety Gear is a Must – You need safety gear like life jackets before you drive. Wetsuit bottoms are recommended – just read the warning sticker to learn more about this.

Boating License – There are licenses for many states. 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, too young, you can’t drive. Check out your local wildlife or boating regulations for your state or country. This means you need a license to drive in many states, even if you’re renting. This affects all powered boats.

No Roads – Since there are no roads, you need to be more aware than when in your car.

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

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

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

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

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

You don’t drive it as often as your car – Since you don’t drive it as often as your car you have to keep the battery on charge, which is quite easy to do. If you don’t ride your jet skis 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 for long-term storage like you do in winter months.

The Summer Makes Prices Go Up – They get more expensive during the summer, prices for used ones go up quite a bit.

Extra service for a select few – Some models require more service than others, supercharged models require an additional service – it’s not the cheapest thing. (This is why I say to avoid supercharged models, the 10+ MPH is not always worth it when the non-supercharged models already do 60 MPH).

Can’t drive past sunset – You can’t install lights to allow you to do it, either.

Some are not as stable as others – The REC-LITE models are super playful compared to the luxury models, so be aware about this. If you ask me, for average size adults, a 3 seater is really a 2 seater; a 2 seater is really a 1 seater.

Buying the wrong skis could lead to headaches – I have a post that tells you what to avoid here. The downsides of owning jet skis come at you fast if you buy a bad machine, so make sure to give that post a good read before buying used.