Best New Jet Skis Under $10k [Sea-Doo vs. Yamaha vs. Kawi]

Since jet ski prices have skyrocketed, models under $10k are becoming increasingly rare. The budget jet skis available in this price range only include Rec-Lite models like the Sea-Doo Spark and Yamaha JetBlaster. Starting prices of these skis are $6,999 and $7,999, respectively.

If you want to find out more about these jet skis and some slightly more expensive alternatives, this post is for you.

We at JetDrift have compiled the most affordable jet skis by brand under one roof!

Table of Contents

Best New Jet Skis Under $10k

If you are looking for a new jet ski under 10k, the Rec-Lite category is for you.

This breed includes the smallest and lightest models available, which are powered by fuel-efficient 60-110hp 4-stroke engines.

Thanks to a compact size and lightweight construction, they are very easy to handle and can even be towed by a sedan.

In return, they are primarily recommended for solo rides and offer very limited capacities.

Rec-Lites are great for playing around on inland waterways and close to the beach, but are not recommended for longer offshore trips.

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about the most affordable Rec-Lite jet skis in detail.

2025 Sea-Doo Spark

If you are looking for a Sea-Doo for under $10k, the lively Spark series is for you.

Released as the budget Sea-Doo in the fleet, the Spark has been around since 2014.

The Canadian manufacturer offers many different models in this line, which are as follows:

As the name suggests, Trixx versions are designed with PWC tricks in mind.

They are equipped with some model-specific features including an extended VTS, adjustable custom handlebars, and foot wedges.

The rest of the model line lacks these features along with the unique Trixx color scheme, but they also come with more affordable price tags.

2025 Yamaha JetBlaster

You can only find a couple of WaveRunners under $10k in Yamaha’s fleet, like the entry-level JetBlasters.

Introduced in 2022, this series was Yamaha’s answer to the extremely popular Sea-Doo Spark series.

These rival skis share a lot in common, including a playful Rec-Lite platform, and the aforementioned features.

During the first years, the JetBlaster was nothing more than an advanced EX WaveRunner, but in 2025 it was completely redesigned.

This season, you can find five different budget WaveRunners in this breed, which are as follows:

Best New Jet Skis Just Over $10k

If you don’t mind stretching your budget a bit, you may want to know what kind of jet skis you could buy for just over $10k.

In the ballpark of $10k-$15, you can find Recreation skis, which represent the next level in the jet ski hierarchy.

Unlike their tiny Rec-Lite siblings, they are built on significantly larger bodies and offer greater capacities.

Hence, they can carry passengers and cover longer distances without any issues. On the other hand, they are larger, heavier, and less playful.

In 2025, the most affordable skis in this line are as follows:

Yamaha VX

The bestselling WaveRunners are in the VX category every year and with good reason.

Yamaha’s engineers designed these models to be dependable, predictable “all-around” jet skis, and they did a really good job.

The reliability of VX Yamaha jet skis is legendary, but the VX line stands out in this crowd. They are powered by smooth, non-supercharged engine options rated at 125-180hp.

Marketed for rental shops, the simplest and most durable unit in this breed is the VX-C, which is available for $10,599 in 2025.

Prices of its more advanced configurations are as follows:

Sea-Doo GTI 130

The Sea-Doo GTI has been competing with the Yamaha VX for a long time.

Just like its Japanese challenger, the GTI also enjoys a mid-sized platform and remarkable capacities.

You can expect the performance of its Rotax 4-stroke engines to be somewhere around 130-170hp.

Available models and prices in 2025:

Kawasaki STX-160

Even though it has a significantly smaller market share, Kawasaki is still considered a member of the “Big Three” PWC manufacturers.

Introduced in 2020, the Kawasaki SXT-160 was released as the most affordable “budget” Kawasaki jet ski in the lineup.

But contrary to popular belief, this ski isn’t an all-new model designed from scratch.

Instead, it’s an upgraded STX-15F with a new top deck, reverse system, and a few more bells and whistles.

In 2025, the available STX 160 jet skis and their price tags are as follows:

Takeaways

To the greatest regret of many fans, fewer and fewer new jet skis are available for under $10k.

A few exceptions include the less-featured versions of the Yamaha JetBlaster and Sea-Doo Spark.

These models are classed in the Rec-Lite family, which is considered the entry-level category in the jet ski market.

Due to their small body and limited capacities, they are mainly used for playing around rather than for longer trips. Carrying passenger(s) is also tricky with them since they are very tippy and have small seats.

In the $10-$15k price range, you can choose among the far more comfortable mid-sized jet skis like the Sea-Doo GTI, Yamaha VX, or Kawasaki STX 160.

Labeled as Recreation models, these machines are larger, roomier, and can be used for a variety of activities.

Unless you are looking for the most affordable jet ski in the marketplace, you should consider these models over a Rec-Lite, especially if you are a beginner rider.

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