Top 10 Personal Watercraft (Jet Skis) 2027

Direct Answer

The Best Overall personal watercraft for 2027 is the Sea-Doo GTX 300, starting around $17,999, which pairs the supercharged Rotax 1630 ACE engine making 300 hp, a stable playful-yet-planted hull, class-leading iBR (Intelligent Brake & Reverse), and 40+ gallons of storage to beat the field on the metrics families and touring riders care about most.

The Best Value pick is the Sea-Doo Spark 2-Up, starting near $6,499, which delivers genuine on-water fun, the lightest dry weight in the class at roughly 425 lb, and remarkably low running costs for buyers who want a real jet ski without a five-figure check. This list is built for families, watersports riders, anglers, and touring cruisers who want stable hulls, modern braking, and a sensible total cost of ownership — whether the budget sits under $8,000 or stretches toward a loaded $22,000 flagship.

Every pick below uses real 2026–2027 model-year specs and MSRPs.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each personal watercraft against the priorities real shoppers tell dealers and survey firms they actually care about. We leaned on published data from Boating Magazine, BoatTEST, Discover Boating, boats.com, Watercraft Journal, and manufacturer pages from Sea-Doo, Yamaha, and Kawasaki. The weighting:

• Build quality and reliability — 25%
• On-water performance — 20%
• Value and price — 15%
• Comfort and layout — 15%
• Features and tech — 15%
• Resale — 10%

A craft that nails top speed but flunks comfort, or wins on price but bleeds reliability, drops fast. The winners balance all six.

1. Sea-Doo GTX 300 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $17,999 | Best for: Touring riders and families who want one craft that does everything well

The 2027 Sea-Doo GTX 300 is the most complete sit-down PWC you can buy. It runs the supercharged Rotax 1630 ACE engine making 300 hp from 1,630cc, pushing a top speed near 67 mph on the stable, deep-V ST3 hull that measures 140.7 inches long with a 49.4-inch beam.

It carries a 15.9-gallon fuel tank, seats three riders, and offers a massive 40.5 gallons of storage with the watertight phone box and direct-access front bin. Sea-Doo's iBR braking, intelligent throttle (iTC), a 7.8-inch color display, and an available audio system round out a craft that tours, tows skiers, and idles around the dock with equal ease.

Dry weight lands near untrailered 858 lb rigged.

Pros:

• Supercharged 300-hp Rotax 1630 ACE with strong midrange
• Class-leading iBR braking shortens stopping distance dramatically
• 40.5 gallons of secure, easy-access storage
• Stable ST3 hull keeps families confident in chop

Cons:

• Premium pricing once you add audio and trailer
• Supercharged engine asks for premium fuel

Verdict: The GTX 300 wins on balance — power, braking, storage, and comfort with no real weak spot.

2. Sea-Doo Spark 2-Up 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $6,499 | Best for: First-time buyers who want maximum fun per dollar

The 2027 Sea-Doo Spark 2-Up is the smartest value play on the water. Its Rotax 900 ACE engine makes 60 hp (or 90 hp with the optional 900 ACE turbo-free HO), enough to hit a top speed near 50 mph on the lightweight Polytec hull that measures just 110 inches long.

At roughly 425 lb dry, it is the lightest mainstream PWC sold, so a small SUV can tow it and one person can manage it at the ramp. It carries a 7.9-gallon fuel tank, seats two riders, and sips fuel all day. Add the iBR brake package and a small storage bin to make it a genuine starter craft that costs a fraction of the flagships.

Pros:

• Lowest entry price of any top pick at $6,499
• Lightest dry weight in class near 425 lb
• Outstanding fuel economy from the 900 ACE
• Available iBR braking even at the entry level

Cons:

• Minimal storage and no large display
• 60-hp base engine feels slow for heavier riders

Verdict: The Spark is the value champion — a real jet ski, featherweight and cheap to run, for under $7,000.

3. Yamaha WaveRunner FX Cruiser SVHO

Starting MSRP: $18,799 | Best for: Long-distance cruisers who want Yamaha refinement

The 2027 Yamaha WaveRunner FX Cruiser SVHO is the touring benchmark from Yamaha. Its supercharged 1.9L SVHO marine engine makes about 250 hp from 1,812cc, driving the craft to a top speed near 67 mph on the NanoXcel2 lightweight hull measuring 140.9 inches long with a 50-inch beam.

It carries an 18.5-gallon fuel tank (the largest here), seats three riders, and packs the Connext 7-inch touchscreen with adjustable handlebars and a plush two-tier cruiser seat. RiDE dual-throttle braking and reverse gives it confident low-speed control, and 44.3 gallons of storage makes overnight runs realistic.

Pros:

• Largest fuel tank in the group at 18.5 gallons
• Connext touchscreen and refined cruiser ergonomics
• RiDE braking with intuitive low-speed handling
• Smooth supercharged 1.9L SVHO with great range

Cons:

• Higher entry price than the Sea-Doo GTX
• 250 hp trails the 300-hp flagships on paper

Verdict: A superb long-haul cruiser — the refined, big-range choice for touring riders.

4. Sea-Doo RXP-X 325

Starting MSRP: $19,299 | Best for: Performance riders who want the quickest hole-shot

The 2027 Sea-Doo RXP-X 325 is the muscle car of the lineup. The supercharged Rotax 1630 ACE engine now makes 325 hp, the most power in any production PWC, launching the craft toward a top speed near 70 mph on the aggressive T3-R hull with an ergonomic race seat that locks the rider in through corners.

It measures 130.6 inches long, carries a 15.9-gallon fuel tank, and seats two riders. iBR braking, adjustable handlebars, and a launch control mode make it both fast and controllable, while a wide step-up boarding platform aids reentry.

Pros:

• Most powerful production PWC at 325 hp
• Race-tuned T3-R hull carves corners aggressively
• iBR braking plus launch control for fast, safe runs
• Locked-in ergonomic seat inspires confidence

Cons:

• Stiff ride punishes longer cruises
• Premium-fuel supercharged engine raises running cost

Verdict: The performance pick — buy it for the hole-shot and cornering, not all-day touring comfort.

5. Yamaha WaveRunner GP HO

Starting MSRP: $13,499 | Best for: Sport riders who want speed without flagship pricing

The 2027 Yamaha WaveRunner GP HO brings race-bred handling at a friendlier price. Its naturally aspirated 1.9L HO marine engine makes about 200 hp, good for a top speed near 62 mph on the lighter GP hull known for sharp, predictable cornering. It measures 131.9 inches long with a 48.4-inch beam, carries an 18.5-gallon fuel tank, and seats three riders.

The GP HO skips supercharging for lower maintenance, pairs RiDE braking with a focused riding position, and includes a 4.3-inch display. It is the enthusiast bargain that has dominated closed-course buoy racing for years.

Pros:

• Race-proven GP hull with razor-sharp cornering
• 200-hp non-supercharged engine keeps maintenance simple
• Large 18.5-gallon tank for a sport craft
• Strong value at a $13,499 starting price

Cons:

• Sport ergonomics are firm for casual cruising
• Less storage than the FX cruiser models

Verdict: The smart sport buy — flagship handling and big range without supercharged upkeep.

6. Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310LX

Starting MSRP: $18,999 | Best for: Big-water riders who want the biggest, most stable hull

The 2027 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310LX is the heavyweight cruiser of the class. Its supercharged 1,498cc inline-four makes 310 hp, driving the largest hull here — 140.9 inches long with a 47.6-inch beam and a hefty untrailered 1,047 lb — to a top speed near 67 mph.

It carries the biggest fuel tank-class capacity at 20.6 gallons, seats three riders, and offers an enormous 56 gallons of storage. The LX adds JETSOUND audio, electric trim, a premium seat, and a 5-inch TFT display, making it a stable, dry-riding platform built for offshore runs and rough water.

Pros:

• Massive 20.6-gallon fuel tank for true long range
• Huge 56 gallons of storage, most in the class
• Heavy, stable hull stays dry and planted offshore
• Premium audio, electric trim, and TFT display

Cons:

• Heaviest craft here is a handful at the ramp
• No true braking system like iBR or RiDE

Verdict: The offshore cruiser — pick it for big-water stability, range, and storage above all.

7. Yamaha WaveRunner VX Cruiser HO

Starting MSRP: $13,199 | Best for: Value families who want a do-it-all recreational craft

The 2027 Yamaha WaveRunner VX Cruiser HO is the best-selling recreational platform in the world for good reason. Its naturally aspirated 1.9L HO engine makes about 180 hp, pushing a top speed near 60 mph on a forgiving hull that measures 131.9 inches long with a 48.4-inch beam.

It carries an 18.5-gallon fuel tank, seats three riders, and adds the two-tone cruiser seat, RiDE braking, Connext 4.3-inch display, and a tow hook for skiers and tubers. With 24.6 gallons of storage and proven reliability, it nails the family-fun mission at a sane price.

Pros:

• Reliable 180-hp 1.9L HO with no supercharger to service
• Comfortable cruiser seat and family-friendly hull
• RiDE braking and Connext display included
• Big 18.5-gallon tank for long lake days

Cons:

• Not as fast as the supercharged flagships
• Display and storage trail the FX series

Verdict: The family value champ — comfortable, reliable, and fast enough for tubing and cruising.

8. Kawasaki Jet Ski STX 160LX

Starting MSRP: $12,799 | Best for: Budget shoppers who want naturally aspirated reliability

The 2027 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX 160LX is Kawasaki's value recreational pick. Its naturally aspirated 1,498cc inline-four makes 160 hp, enough for a top speed near 62 mph on a stable hull measuring 128 inches long with a 46.5-inch beam. It carries a 20.6-gallon fuel tank, seats three riders, and the LX trim adds JETSOUND Bluetooth audio, a comfortable seat, mirrors, and a fuel-economy mode.

With 35 gallons of storage and no supercharger to maintain, it is a low-stress family cruiser with long range and a friendly sticker.

Pros:

• Large 20.6-gallon tank and 35 gallons of storage
• Naturally aspirated 160-hp engine is simple to own
• JETSOUND audio and comfort features on the LX
• Affordable $12,799 entry into a full-size craft

Cons:

• No braking system on board
• 160 hp feels modest against supercharged rivals

Verdict: A dependable budget cruiser — buy it for simple ownership, range, and value over outright speed.

9. Sea-Doo GTI SE 170

Starting MSRP: $12,499 | Best for: Recreational families who want Sea-Doo features for less

The 2027 Sea-Doo GTI SE 170 is the brand's recreational sweet spot. Its naturally aspirated Rotax 1630 ACE engine makes 170 hp, good for a top speed near 56 mph on the stable, easy-turning GTI hull measuring 130.6 inches long with a 48.4-inch beam. It carries a 15.9-gallon fuel tank, seats three riders, and brings real Sea-Doo tech: iBR braking, iTC throttle, a wide touring seat, adjustable handlebars, and a 5-inch display.

With 30.8 gallons of storage and the lowest-effort handling here, it is the calm, confidence-building family pick that still includes the safety of iBR.

Pros:

• iBR braking and iTC throttle at a mid-tier price
• Stable, beginner-friendly GTI hull
• 170-hp Rotax with no supercharger upkeep
• 30.8 gallons of storage and a comfy touring seat

Cons:

• 56-mph top speed lags the sport models
• Display is smaller than the flagship GTX

Verdict: The easygoing family pick — iBR safety and Sea-Doo comfort without the flagship price.

10. Sea-Doo Spark Trixx

Starting MSRP: $8,999 | Best for: Trick riders and budget thrill-seekers

The 2027 Sea-Doo Spark Trixx rounds out the list as the playful budget pick built for tricks. Its Rotax 900 ACE turbo-free HO engine makes 90 hp, enough for a top speed near 50 mph on the featherweight Polytec hull measuring 110 inches long. At roughly 439 lb dry, it is tiny and tossable.

The Trixx package adds extended-range VTS (variable trim system) for nose-up wheelies, adjustable handlebars with a riser bar, and step wedges for stand-up moves. It carries a 7.9-gallon tank, seats two riders, and includes iBR braking — making it the most fun-per-dollar trick machine on the water.

Pros:

• Trick-ready VTS, riser bar, and step wedges
• Featherweight 439-lb hull is easy to throw around
• iBR braking included for safety
• Strong fun-to-price ratio at $8,999

Cons:

• Tiny storage and no large display
• Not built for long-distance touring

Verdict: The trick specialist — buy it for wheelies and dock-to-dock fun on a budget.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a Personal Watercraft

• Braking and reverse — A real braking system like Sea-Doo iBR or Yamaha RiDE shortens stopping distance and makes docking far safer, especially for new riders and families. Kawasaki currently omits it.
• Engine type and upkeep — Supercharged engines (300–325 hp) thrill but ask for premium fuel and more maintenance; naturally aspirated 160–200 hp craft are simpler and cheaper to own.
• Dry weight and towing — A 425–440 lb Spark tows behind almost anything and is easy at the ramp; a 1,000-plus lb Ultra needs a stout vehicle and two people to launch comfortably.
• Fuel capacity and range — Tanks here run from 7.9 gallons on the Spark to 20.6 gallons on the Kawasaki and Yamaha cruisers; bigger tanks mean fewer dock stops on long days.
• Storage and seating — Touring riders should weigh the 40–56 gallons of storage on flagship cruisers; confirm three-up seating if you plan to carry the whole family.
• Display and tech — A larger color or touchscreen display (Sea-Doo 7.8-inch, Yamaha Connext) adds navigation, settings, and audio control that small recreational craft skip.

What matters less than marketing implies: a 2–3 mph top-speed difference between flagships, badge colors, and quoted horsepower peaks. Braking, weight, storage, and reliability shape your real-world enjoyment far more than the spec sheet's headline number.

FAQ

Which personal watercraft is the best overall for 2027? The Sea-Doo GTX 300 earns our top spot for balancing a 300-hp Rotax engine, class-leading iBR braking, 40.5 gallons of storage, and a stable touring hull with no major weaknesses.

What is the best value jet ski? The Sea-Doo Spark 2-Up starting at $6,499 offers a genuine jet-ski experience, the lightest dry weight near 425 lb, and low running costs, making it the value leader for first-time buyers.

Which jet ski is the fastest? The Sea-Doo RXP-X 325 is the most powerful production PWC at 325 hp and reaches roughly 70 mph, just ahead of supercharged rivals from Yamaha and Kawasaki that top out near 67 mph.

Which personal watercraft has the most storage and range? The Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310LX leads with about 56 gallons of storage and a 20.6-gallon fuel tank, making it the long-range, big-water champion.

Do jet skis have brakes? Yes on most modern Sea-Doo and Yamaha models — Sea-Doo iBR and Yamaha RiDE provide on-water braking and reverse that shorten stopping distance and ease docking; Kawasaki currently does not offer an equivalent.

Which jet ski is best for a first-time rider? The Sea-Doo Spark 2-Up for lightweight ease, or the Sea-Doo GTI SE 170 for a stable full-size hull with iBR braking, are the most confidence-building starter craft.

Bottom Line

For 2027, the Sea-Doo GTX 300 is our Best Overall personal watercraft — starting around $17,999, it wins on a 300-hp Rotax engine, class-leading iBR braking, generous storage, and touring comfort. The Sea-Doo Spark 2-Up, from about $6,499, is our Best Value, delivering real jet-ski fun at the lightest weight and lowest running cost in the class.

If your needs lean toward maximum power, sharp cornering, big-water range, or trick riding, use the decision tree above to route yourself to the RXP-X 325, GP HO, Ultra 310LX, or Spark Trixx instead. Buy on braking, weight, and total cost of ownership — not headline horsepower — and you will be happy season after season.

Sources

• Boating Magazine — personal watercraft reviews and rankings
• Discover Boating — PWC buyer's guides
• BoatTEST — jet ski tests and specs
• boats.com — personal watercraft listings and reviews
• Watercraft Journal — PWC news, specs, and shootouts
• Sea-Doo — 2027 GTX, RXP-X, GTI, and Spark specs
• Yamaha WaveRunners — FX, GP, and VX specs
• Kawasaki — Jet Ski Ultra and STX specs
• Personal Watercraft Industry Association — safety and ownership data

*Personal watercraft review — best jet ski 2027, jet ski reviews, ratings, prices, and a review of the top PWC picks for buyers.*