2024 Jet Ski Top Speed Chart [Sea-Doo, Yamaha, Kawasaki]

How fast can a Jet Ski go? – This is a typical question of the majority of the PWC enthusiasts, as well as curious newbies.

In the world of motorsports, the majority of the owners have a performance-minded perspective. They buy their toys to experience the thrill and rush of riding on the waters.

To have the best experience, they want to own the fastest Jet Ski or Sea-Doo available on the market and hunt for the best models one season after another.

If you are here, you probably also want to know the current Jet Ski top speed as well as WaveRunner and Sea-Doo top speed numbers.

For your convenience, we, at JetDrift, have collected the top speeds of all of the current PWC models into one chart. Along with these, we have also collected some tips for how you can make your watercraft faster.

If you are curious about the top speed of the fastest PWC in the world, you can find a summary, as well as a video about the current record holder in this article.

Without further ado, let’s check out the current Sea-Doo, WaveRunners, and Jet Ski top speed numbers in one chart!

2024 Sea-Doo vs. WaveRunner vs. Jet Ski Top Speed Chart

In this chart, you can find the top speeds of all current Jet Ski, WaveRunner, Sea-Doo, and Krash models head to head. You can shorten the rows by clicking on the headline to shorten the models by the specs or by manufacturers.

If you would like to discover each model, don’t hesitate to click on the names. You can find specs, pictures, videos as well as head-to-head comparisons by clicking on the links!

Brand	Model	MSRP ($)	HP	Top Speed (mph)
Sea-Doo	Spark 60 for 2	6 999	60	42
Yamaha	EX	7 799	100	50
Sea-Doo	Spark 90 for 3	8 299	90	50
Sea-Doo	Spark 90 for 2	8 399	90	50
Sea-Doo	Spark Trixx for 1	9 099	90	50
Yamaha	EX Sport	9 099	100	50
Sea-Doo	Spark Trixx for 3	9 699	90	50
Yamaha	EX Deluxe	10 199	100	50
Yamaha	VX-C	10 199	125	53
Yamaha	Superjet	10 699	100	54
Yamaha	EX Limited	10 799	100	50
Yamaha	JetBlaster	10 899	110	54
Yamaha	VX	11 399	125	53
Sea-Doo	GTI 130	11 499	130	52
Kawasaki	STX 160	11 999	160	62
Kawasaki	SX-R 160	11 999	160	62
Sea-Doo	GTI SE 130	12 299	130	52
Yamaha	VX Deluxe	12 399	125	53
Kawasaki	STX 160X	12 599	160	62
Yamaha	VX Cruiser	12 799	125	53
Sea-Doo	GTI SE 170	12 899	170	55
Krash	Footrocket	13 199	145	NA
Krash	Reaper	13 199	145	NA
Krash	Pred-RR	13 199	145	NA
Yamaha	VX Cruiser HO	13 599	200	65
Yamaha	VX Limited	13 999	125	53
Sea-Doo	Wake 170	14 099	170	55
Sea-Doo	GTR 230	14 099	230	67
Kawasaki	STX 160LX	14 299	160	62
Yamaha	GP HO	14 499	200	65
Sea-Doo	Fish Pro Scout 130	15 099	130	52
Sea-Doo	GTX 170	15 199	170	58
Yamaha	VX Limited HO	15 299	200	65
Yamaha	FX HO	15 699	200	65
Sea-Doo	GTX 230	16 199	230	67
Yamaha	GP SVHO	16 799	250	67
Sea-Doo	GTR-X 300	16 999	300	67
Yamaha	FX Cruiser HO	16 999	200	65
Kawasaki	ULTRA 160LX-S	17 199	160	52
Sea-Doo	Fish Pro Sport 170	17 399	170	55
Krash	Footrocket Pro	17 499	145	NA
Sea-Doo	GTX 300	17 899	300	67
Kawasaki	ULTRA 160LX	18 199	160	52
Sea-Doo	Wake Pro 230	18 399	230	67
Sea-Doo	Explorer Pro 170	18 899	170	55
Sea-Doo	RXP-X 325	19 199	325	67
Kawasaki	ULTRA 310X	19 199	310	67
Yamaha	FX SVHO	19 299	250	67
Sea-Doo	GTX Limited 300	19 699	300	67
Yamaha	FX Cruiser SVHO	19 799	250	67
Sea-Doo	Explorer Pro 230	19 899	230	67
Sea-Doo	RXT-X 325	19 999	325	67
Kawasaki	ULTRA 310LX-S	20 199	310	67
Yamaha	FX Limited SVHO	20 399	250	67
Sea-Doo	Fish Pro Trophy 170	20 499	170	55
Kawasaki	ULTRA 310LX	21 199	310	67

The numbers used in this chart are for information purposes only and are not provided by the manufacturers. 

The Top Speeds of Different PWC Categories

Based on the comparison chart above, we have concluded.

As you can see, the top speed of a PWC is highly depended on its engine power.

Not only the horsepower, but the curb weight of the watercraft is also one of the biggest factors, as it affects the power-to-weight ratio, which is as important as the power itself!Beyond the PWC’s specifications above, the top speeds may change due to several conditions:

• US Coast Guard speed limiters
• Your weight
• Your riding style
• Weight of the gear and fuel on you
• Water conditions
• Air conditions

It means the top speed measured by you on the same model could be different and vary from ride to ride!

And don’t forget that the most accurate way to measure your speed is a GPS unit, as PWC speedometers usually show higher numbers than the actual speed.

The top speed of the entry-level stock PWC models

As you can see, even the slowest PWC models, the Sea-Doo Spark 60 for 2 can run as fast as 42 mph. If you wondering if this speed is too slow for a PWC, you should know that in a car, 42 mph does not seem fast at all!

Even this speed is good on the water, as the feeling of riding the water is different compared to in a car.

It’s mainly because you’re more exposed to external factors, especially to the wind. PWCs are not equipped with windscreens or other protective gear, so you feel like you going much faster. And you sit much lower to the surface of the water than in a boat!

In conclusion, riding a watercraft with 42 mph feel so much faster than in a car. You will find it fast, especially if you are a beginner!

The top speed of the average stock PWC models

When it comes to the average PWC’s top speeds, it’s safe to say that it is usually somewhere around 50-60 mph.

You can find these models typically in the Recreation PWC category. They arrive with naturally aspirated (non-supercharged) engines produced with around 100-180 HP.

These models are usually the most popular models on the market as they are reliable, have moderate fuel consumption, and have lower maintenance costs as well in general.

Beyond their cost-effective operation, they offer plenty of storage space with great weight capacity and convenient seats for 3 riders.

If you are not looking for the fastest PWC on the market, rather the best family Jet Ski or Sea-Doo, the Recreation category is definitely for you.

The top speed of the fastest stock PWCs

If you are looking at the top speed numbers of the fastest PWC models, you can see that all of these models can reach 67 mph.

Are you wondering why all of these models have the same top speed?

Before the year 1999, there were no regulations regarding PWC speeds in the United States. This led to some serious accidents and dangerous situations.

Later on, the U.S. Coast Guard took control of the situation and put a speed limit in place according to which the newly manufactured watercraft in the U.S. could not go above the top speeds of 65 mph.

The manufacturer had to install speed limiter units into the U.S. models that could limit the power of the engine. Due to this, the top speeds were artificially capped. It means that you can achieve only 67-70 mph with top performance stock watercraft.All of these performance PWCs are powered with supercharged engines, offering 180-310HP depending on the model.

If you have no experience with PWC, you need to be careful because it’s not recommended to start with these crafts. If you are looking for the best PWCs for beginners, don’t miss our latest post on the topic.

If you would like to discover the top speed of each PWC brand, as well as some advantages and disadvantages, don’t stop reading here!

Kawasaki Jet Ski Top Speed Specs

How fast can a Jet Ski go? Depending on the model, Kawasaki Jet Ski top speed numbers vary from 54 – 67 mph.

The slowest Jet Ski is the Ultra LX Jet Ski with a top speed of 54 mph. This model arrives with the same hull as the performance models, while it produces only 160 HP.

Thanks to its good fuel range and reliability, the Ultra LX is popular among average buyers and considered the best fishing Jet Ski as well.If you want something more nimble and playful, you should look at the new Kawasaki STX 160 series. These models are the upgraded version of the STX-15F, which offered the same 160 HP engine and can reach 62 mph.

However, there aren’t real tests for the new STX 160 series available, regarding the fact that these models arrive with the same engine and in the same weight range as the STX-15F, we can expect around the same top speed on these Jet Ski models.

It’s the same issue with the SX-R Stand Up Jet Ski’s top speed, powered with the same engine it can reach around 62 mph again.

The top speeds of the performance Jet Skis are definitely the highest in the Kawasaki’s fleet, they hit 67 mph in stock condition. You can choose from four different models:

• Kawasaki Ultra 310X Jet Ski top speed: 67 mph
• Kawasaki Ultra 310LX Jet Ski top speed: 67 mph
• Kawasaki Ultra 310LX-S Jet Ski top speed: 67 mph

How fast does a Kawasaki STX-15f go?

The Kawasaki STX-15f can go as fast as 62 mph, as this jet ski is powered with a 160 HP, 4-stroke, 4 cylinder, non-supercharged engine.

How fast does a Kawasaki STX-160 go?

Just like the STX-15f, the top speed of the Kawasaki STX-160, 160x, and lx is 62 mph. Because the STX-160 series arrives with the same engine, pump, and hull, as the STX-15f, you can find differences only in the top decks and features.

How fast is the Kawasaki Ultra LX?

Although this model belongs to the Ultra family, the Ultra LX is also powered with the 160 HP non-supercharged engine option. With this power source, the Kawasaki Ultra LX’s top speed is 52 mph.

How fast is the Kawasaki 310 jet ski?

Unlike its smaller brothers, the Kawasaki Ultra 310 series is manufactured with a supercharged, 310 HP engine. Thanks to this stronger power plant, the top speed of all Kawasaki 310 jet skis is limited to 67 mph.

How fast does a stand-up jet ski go?

The new Kawasaki SX-R 160 stand-up jet ski can go as fast as 62 mph. Unlike the competitor stand-up models, the SX-R 160 is powered with a 160 HP 4-stroke engine, which makes the new SX-R the fastest stand-up jet ski on the market.

Yamaha WaveRunner Top Speed Specs

Would you like to know how fast can a WaveRunner go?  When it comes to Yamaha WaveRunner’s top speed numbers, they don’t get left behind Kawasaki’s Jet Skis.

Even their entry-level models, the Yamaha EX series can go as fast as around 50 mph while the JetBlaster offers 54 mph.

If you looking for a bigger WaveRunner, the VX series is for you. They can reach a top speed of around 53 mph, except for these VX Cruiser HO and VX Limited HO models, which can reach 65 mph thanks to the new upgraded 1.9L HO Yamaha marine engine.Yamaha’s luxury WaveRunners, the FX series, arrive with supercharged and non-supercharged engines as well.

The non-supercharged Waverunners, like the FX HO or the FX Cruiser HO with the aforementioned new engine, can run even 65 mph, while the supercharged FX SVHO Line can run as fast as 67 mph.

You can expect the same top speed on the performance WaveRunners, namely, the GP HO and GP SVHO.

Sea-Doo Top Speeds

Would you like to know how fast can a Sea-Doo go?BRP’s Sea-Doo top speed numbers vary widely, as they have the largest fleet from all manufacturers. It also means that you can choose from several good models if you consider buying one.

Their low-end model is the Spark 60 HP, which is currently the cheapest Sea-Doo on the market.

The Spark 90HP and Spark TRIXX models can run around 50 mph while the GTI 130 series around 52 mph.

The BRP’s dedicated fishing watercraft, the 2024 Sea-Doo Fish Pro’s top speed is around 55 mph, while the performance Sea-Doo’s top speed can reach easily 67 mph.

How to reach the top speed on your PWC?

As you would have understood by now, the top three fastest Jet Skis, Waverunner, and Sea-Doo models have it in them to go much faster than 65 – 67 mph, although they can’t do so straight off the shelf.

PWC fans know it pretty well that if you wish to have a faster ride, the best thing for you to do is modify your craft so you can achieve more power. But everybody does not want to modify or bring changes in their craft.

Due to this, before you delve into the PWC modifications, here are some easy tricks you can adopt for getting higher top speed on your PWC.

Modifications – Make your PWC faster

As far as the modification is concerned, there is a wide range of tunings kits and aftermarket parts you can choose from.

A common method of PWC modification is installing a special speed control override module, through which you can make your engine perform to its full capacity. You would have to install a different impeller with this unit too.

You can find these units at the famous watercraft performance specialist including RIVA Racing or PWC Muscle. You could reach up to 75 mph on the basis of this modification only. Do you want to make your watercraft more faster?

If you require more performance and speed from your PWC, there are many ways to do so.

You can install racing kits and

aftermarket performance parts that could make

your PWC’s top speed into the 80-90 mph range.

You should also know that only those manufacturers offer you the option of modification who are planning to enter some contest or competition.

It is not recommended that casual PWC users modify their PWC, it is possible and many are doing it. You just need to find a service shop that would assist you.

Last but not least, know that your watercraft’s warranty might get affected if you go through with the modification. But it is not a definite thing. At the end, everything depends on the manufacturer and your dealership.

The top speed of the world’s fastest modified watercraft

Depending on the above information, you might wonder about the fastest modified PWC present in the world – that also has made it to the world record.

The top speed ever to be achieved on a watercraft was by Uva Perez, who made a record by riding a modified Yamaha Waverunner at a whopping 127 mph.

The fastest and the most powerful of WaveRunner models are famed because of their capacity for modification and to achieve amazing speeds. Perez’s modified Yamaha was no exception.

Conclusion

As you must have known by now that Sea-Doo, WaveRunner and Jet Ski top speed numbers vary at large, depending on the model.

We have also described how PWC speeds depend on many factors including the climate and even your weight.

If you wish to boost your PWCs power or want to participate in a racing competition, you could modify your machine. But always remember to take the necessary safety measures and ride safely. Do not forget to follow the rules when you are out on the water.

For testing the speed and acceleration of the models from leading manufacturers, check out our watercraft rental locator and infographic guide here.

For detailed information regarding available models, you can find specs, pictures, and videos in our Sea-Doo vs Waverunner vs Jet Ski comparison tool here!