Fastest Jet Skis To Shred the Seas in 2023
Whether you call it a jet ski, waverunner, or water scooter, a personal watercraft (PWC) is a veritable fun factory among boat-ish toys. Still, for some PWC fanatics, fast isn’t quite fast enough, and the envelope could always use pushing. For those aquatic thrill seekers, only the fastest jet skis will do, like the Yamaha GP1800R SVHO and Sea-Doo RXP-X 300.
What are the fastest jet skis in 2023?
Here are some of the fastest stock Sea-Doo, Yamaha, and Kawasaki jet skis for 2023:
| Model | Power output | Starting price |
| Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 | 300 hp | $16,499 |
| Yamaha GP1800R SVHO | 250 hp | $16,499 |
| Yamaha FX Limited SVHO | 250 hp | $19,999 |
| Sea-Doo GTX 300 | 300 hp | $17,899 |
| Kawasaki Ultra 310LX | 310 hp | $18,299 |
“Fastest” stock jet ski is a bit of a misnomer. I can detect your dissatisfaction, dear reader. Fret not, for there is a method behind the madness. For U.S. waters, even the most potent and capable PWCs are governed to around 70 mph for safety concerns. Some models quote a top speed of 67 mph, while others claim closer to 70.
At the end of the day, most of these models will catapult fun-seekers to 60 mph in around 3.5 seconds, faster than a BMW M240i xDrive with grippy AWD under the best road conditions. However, seasoned skiers will tell you that, not unlike cars and motorcycles, a tune will wake these sea monsters up. For instance, a JP racing Stage 1 flash for the Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 promises top speeds of over 79 mph.
What is the fastest jet ski you can buy?
With 300 horsepower and a top speed akin to the swiftest competition from Kawasaki and Yamaha, the Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 is one of, if not the, fastest stock jet ski on the market. Of course, the model’s governed top speed means it isn’t going to pull away from competitors on the top end.
Furthermore, the 2024 Sea-Doo lineup includes an RXP-X 325, which ups the Rotax engine’s power output to 325, 10 more than a V8-powered, fifth-generation Ford Mustang Bullitt.
How fast is the Yamaha GP1800R SVHO?
While the Yamaha GP1800R SVHO is down around 50 horsepower compared to the Sea-Doo’s 300-horsepower Rotax, the Yamaha is swift enough to hit about 67 mph before its governor kicks in. In fact, Jet Drift reports that the Yamaha model is one of the fastest jet skis on the market.
How fast does the Yamaha FX Limited SVHO go?
Like the GP1800R SVHO, the Yamaha FX Limited SVHO is limited to around 67 mph despite its generous 250-horsepower supercharged four-cylinder engine. However, the FX Limited SVHO uses an entirely different hull. That’s right; the FX rides on a touring platform as opposed to the GP1800R’s GP platform.
Is a Seadoo GTX a 3-seater?
The Sea-Doo GTX 300 seats three people on its touring platform. Better yet, the GTX 300’s 1.6L three-cylinder Rotax produces enough power to do its best ejector seat impression. Hold on tight.
Moreover, with the same 300 horsepower that the razor-sharp RXP-X 300, it’s easily a contender for one of the fastest jet skis on the market.
What is the top speed of the Kawasaki Ultra 310LX?
The 2023 Kawasaki Ultra 310LX is a sleeper among PWCs. It rides on a smooth, luxurious platform, and it will summon 310 horsepower from its four-cylinder mill. As a result, the Ultra 310LX will happily hit its top speed of around 67 mph.
Of course, the thrust-happy Kawasaki demands nearly $2,000 more than the Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 or Yamaha GP1800R SVHO.
Can a jet ski go 90 mph?
Due to restrictions and governors, no stock jet ski can travel at 90 mph. However, with modifications and tunes, some of the 250+ horsepower models have the potential to reach 80 or 90 mph.
What’s your jet ski, waverunner, or water scooter of choice? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
