It’s summertime, and that means it’s time for fun days on the water with friends and family. If you’re considering buying a Jet Ski or other personal watercraft, you probably already know they aren’t cheap. So it’s important to make sure you’re spending your money on a quality machine.

The popular watersports website Boat International recently released its picks for the best jet skis this year. Learn more about which models made the cut, and check out our comparison below.

The best Jet Skis and other personal watercraft

Boat International‘s “The Best Jet Skis to Buy Now” includes eight models, ranging from Best for Beginners to Best for Comfort. One interesting category on the list, Best for Exploring Offshore, goes to the Gibbs Quadski — a jet ski/quad hybrid. You can transition from the road or the beach to the water without changing your position, and it certainly provides an eye-catching cool factor. 

The list even includes a Best for Kids category. The winner is the Yamaha Aqua Cruise, an inflatable battery-operated model that goes only about 2 mph to keep little ones safe. 

For those who want the thrill of a genuine Jet Ski, Sea-Doo, or WaveRunner, there are plenty of spots on the list for you. 

Best Sea-Doos for stunts and touring

The Sea-Doo Spark Trixx is the best model for stunts, thanks to its adjustable handlebar riser that gives the driver fantastic stability and control. Its variable trim system also allows riders to bring the nose up or bury it deeper than other models, making tricks look and feel more impressive than ever. The Rotax 900 H0 ACE engine is quite powerful, and it’s easy to get this machine up to the desired speed. Plus, it features intelligent brake and reverse systems that provide a safe and smooth ride. This Sea-Doo model starts at only $7,699 on the Sea-Doo website. 

If you want a more leisurely personal watercraft (PWC), the Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300 is a fantastic choice. It offers a generous swim platform to hang out on. It also has a shock-proof and water-proof storage area with USB ports to charge your phone and other devices, and its boarding ladder makes getting on and off a breeze. It packs a Rotax 1630 ACE Supercharged engine providing plenty of zip, and the intelligent throttle makes it easy to control. 

This model starts at $17,999, and the Sea-Doo website can help you locate a local dealer. 

Best luxury WaveRunner and best speed Jet Ski

Boat International picked the Yamaha WaveRunner FX SVHO as the winner in its Best for Comfort category, and this three-seat mini superyacht is perfect if you want tons of bells and whistles. It has 20 liters of storage space for your gear, and its cruise control and adjustable steering system offer a smooth and fun ride.

It also comes equipped with a Yamaha Super Vortex High Output 1812cc engine to give you the speed and power you want for an adrenaline rush. This machine starts at $16,499, and you can even build your own model on the Yamaha website. 

Finally, the best Jet Ski for speed is the Kawasaki Ultra 310LX. With its huge 1,498 Eaton Twin Vortices engine, it’s the fastest PWC on the market, Boat International reports. If you’re looking for unmatched thrills, this is probably the machine for you. It also has smart steering, adjustable handlebars, and simple No Wake Zone controls. This beast starts at $18,199, and the Kawasaki website can help you find a local dealer.