The 5 Best Jet Skis for Big Guys [Video]

Based on research, the five best jet skis for big guys are as follows:

If you want to find out more about these models, you’ve come to the right place.

We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this post!

Can a Big Guy Ride a Jet Ski?

Unlike their tiny predecessors, today’s full-size jet skis can even be ridden by big guys. This is no surprise since the latest touring jet skis look more like boats than personal watercraft. The weight capacity of these machines varies between 500 and 600 pounds, so they can carry more riders and plenty of gear.

Interestingly, vintage 2-stroke jet skis were actually “water toys,” designed for playing around near the shoreline.

The first commercially-successful models were Kawasaki stand-up jet skis, which required a lot of bodywork and athletic skills to ride.

Since the ‘90s the sit-down type runabout jet skis have become more prevalent and are manufactured by the “Big Three” (Kawasaki, Yamaha, Sea-Doo).

The first sit-down jet skis were built on small agile hulls and housed 2-stroke twin engines. Like their stand-up brothers, these machines were also very lightweight and nimble.

They also featured a small uncomfortable bench seat, and had minimal capacities.

Due to their design and dimensions, these tiny jet skis become very tippy with a bigger operator or a passenger onboard.

But everything changed in the early 2000s when the main PWC manufacturers introduced 4-stroke jet ski models.

Since then, sit-down jet skis have become larger and larger with their engine power skyrocketing as well.

The difference is obvious in the picture below, where we compared a Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 with its vintage predecessor, the Sea-Doo XP:These large stable touring jet skis can safely carry a big rider and even passengers with ease.

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and compare the best “big guy jet skis” by brand:

The 5 Best Jet Skis for Big Guys

1. Sea-Doo GTX 170

The cheapest “big guy Sea-Doo” is arguably the Sea-Doo GTX 170. Like the entire GTX family, the GTX 170 is built on the innovative ST3 hull, offering industry-leading stability.

It packs a naturally-aspirated, 1630cc Rotax engine, which comes with the iBR brake and reverse system as standard. The weight limit of this model is a remarkable 600 pounds.

If you’ve fallen in love with Sea-Doos but you are on a budget, the GTX 170 is for you!

Key features:

Engine: 1630cc, 3-cylinder, Rotax
Hull: ST3
Performance: 170 HP
Supercharged: No
Length: 135.9 inches
Width: 49.4 inches
Height: 44.8 inches
Dry weight: 776 lbs.
Weight capacity: 600 lbs.
Brake and reverse: Standard (iBR)
Fuel capacity: 18.5 gallons
Overall storage capacity: 26.1 gallons
Rider capacity: 3

2. Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170

One of the best Sea-Doos for big guys is arguably the all-new Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170. As the name suggests, this machine is designed with long tours and adventures in mind.

This ski is also built on the ST3 hull but it has a 7.4-inch long rear deck extension.

Thanks to its extended hull, the Explorer Pro 170 offers great predictability and outstanding rough water handling.

The tow-sport intended Wake Pro and the versatile Fish Pro Trophy are also built on the same extended ST3 platform.

If you are looking for more power, you can’t go wrong with any supercharged ST3-based Sea-Doo, like the GTX Limited 300, or the RXT-X 300. Unfortunately, they are more expensive and burn much more (premium) gas.

Any of these can carry one or more riders up to a maximum load of 600 pounds.

The key features of the Explorer Pro 170:

Engine: 1630cc, 3-cylinder, Rotax
Hull: Extended ST3
Performance: 170 HP
Supercharged: No
Length: 143.3 inches
Width: 49.2 inches
Dry weight: 837 lbs.
Weight capacity: 600 lbs.
Brake and reverse: Standard (iBR)
Fuel capacity: 15.9 gallons
Overall storage capacity: 52.3 gallons
Rider capacity: 3

3. Yamaha FX HO

If you are looking for the cheapest “big guy WaveRunner”, you should take a look at the Yamaha FX HO.

It shares its stable hull with other FX models, but its naturally-aspirated engine and simple features translate to a lighter weight and lower running costs.

This jet ski comes standard with many innovative features, including:

Engine: 1812cc, 4-cylinder, Yamaha
Performance: 180 HP
Supercharged: No
Length: 140.9 inches
Width: 50 inches
Height: 48.4 inches
Dry weight: 840 lbs.
Brake and reverse: Standard (RiDE)
Fuel capacity: 18.5 gallons
Weight capacity: 530 lbs.
Overall storage capacity: 44.5 gallons
Rider capacity: 3

4. Yamaha FX Limited SVHO

The Yamaha FX Limited SVHO is a supercharged, 250 HP configuration of the base HO.

It also comes with more bells and whistles including a 7″ Connext Infotainment System with Color Touchscreen, cruise control, and a more comfortable touring seat.

Like its smaller brother, the FX Limited SVHO is also highly recommended for heavy jet ski riders.

Key features:

Engine: 1812cc, 4-cylinder, Yamaha
Performance: 250 HP
Supercharged: Yes
Length: 140.9 inches
Width: 50 inches
Height: 48.4 inches
Dry weight: 877 lbs.
Brake and reverse: Standard (RiDE)
Fuel capacity: 18.5 gallons
Weight capacity: 530 lbs.
Overall storage capacity: 44.5 gallons
Rider capacity: 3

5. Kawasaki Ultra 310LX

The Kawasaki Ultra 310LX is the most powerful machine on our list. This model was introduced for the 2022 season as Kawasaki’s top-of-the-line runabout jet ski.

It’s built on an extremely large platform and equipped with a large adjustable seat. Thanks to its heavy weight and deep-V hull design, the 310LX offer excellent stability and comfort even in rough water conditions.All good points for big jet ski riders!

On top of that, it’s equipped with a wide range of luxury features including a rearview camera, and innovative storage units like gullwing dual gloveboxes.

Key Features:

Engine: 1498cc, 4-cylinder, Kawasaki
Performance: 310 HP
Supercharged: Yes
Length: 140.9 inches
Width: 47 inches
Height: 48.8 inches
Dry weight: 950 lbs.
Curb weight: 1089.3 lbs.
Brake and reverse: Standard (KSRD)
Fuel capacity: 21.1 gallons
Weight Capacity: 496 lbs.
Overall storage capacity: 44.5 gallons
Rider capacity: 3

Conclusion – Which is the Best Jet Ski For a Big Guy?

There’s no question that the best jet skis for big guys are the touring models. These machines are built on large stable touring hulls and powered by high-performance engines.

The two budget models in this class are the naturally-aspirated Yamaha FX HO and the Sea-Doo GTX 170.

If you are looking for more power, you should take a look at the supercharged Yamaha FX Limited SVHO or any supercharged Sea-Doo built on the ST3 platform.

Some models like the Wake Pro, Fish Pro Trophy, and the Explorer Pro 170 come with an extended rear platform, which translates into higher stability and buoyancy.

Other PWC classes including the small Rec-Lite, Recreation, and Performance families include much smaller and much more agile models with lower weight capacities.

Due to their sporty attitude and agile nature, stand-up jet skis are not recommended for big riders.

It’s also good to know that each jet ski has its specific weight capacity, which is clearly stated in their operator’s manual. As a rule of thumb, a touring jet ski can carry anywhere from 500-600 pounds with ease.

Make sure to check the owner’s manual and do not exceed this limit for safety reasons!

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