Top 10 Touring Jet Skis 2027
Top 10 Touring Jet Skis 2027
Direct Answer
The Best Overall touring jet ski for 2027 is the Sea-Doo GTX 300, starting around $17,899, which pairs a 300-hp Rotax 1630 ACE engine, a stable ST3 hull, and standout long-range comfort features like a wide touring seat, iControl Brake and Reverse (iBR), and a 7.8-inch color display to top the class for all-day cruising.
The Best Value pick is the Yamaha VX Cruiser HO, starting near $13,499, which delivers genuine touring ergonomics, a 180-hp 1.8-liter SVHO engine, and a comfortable three-up seat for thousands less. This list is built for cruisers and touring riders who want a planted ride, a roomy seat, real storage, and the range to explore a shoreline all day — whether the budget sits under $14,000 or stretches toward a loaded $20,000 flagship.
Every pick below uses real 2026–2027 model-year specs and MSRPs.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each watercraft against what touring riders actually prioritize for long, comfortable days on the water. We leaned on published data from Personal Watercraft (PWC) magazine, The Watercraft Journal, boats.com, Discover Boating, and manufacturer specification pages from Sea-Doo, Yamaha, and Kawasaki. The weighting:
- Ride comfort and stability — 25%
- On-water performance and range — 20%
- Value and price — 15%
- Seating, storage, and layout — 15%
- Features and tech (display, brake, audio) — 15%
- Resale and reliability — 10%
A ski that nails top speed but beats you up in chop, or wins on horsepower but skimps on storage, drops fast. The winners balance comfort, capability, and cost for the long-haul rider.
1. Sea-Doo GTX 300 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Starting MSRP: $17,899 | Best for: Riders who want the most complete all-day touring machine
The 2027 Sea-Doo GTX 300 is the benchmark luxury tourer. Power comes from the supercharged Rotax 1630 ACE producing 300 hp, mounted in the deep-vee ST3 hull that measures 137.6 inches long with a 49.4-inch beam and a hefty dry weight near 859 lb for planted stability in waves.
It carries three riders, holds 18.5 gallons of fuel, and offers a class-leading 40+ gallons of storage including a direct-access front bin. The iBR electronic brake and reverse, 7.8-inch wide color display, and ergonomic touring seat make it effortless to pilot for hours.
A top speed near 67 mph comes without nervousness.
Pros:
- Smooth, supercharged 300-hp Rotax 1630 ACE engine
- Best-in-class storage exceeding 40 gallons
- iBR electronic brake and reverse for confident control
- Wide, supportive three-up touring seat and 7.8-inch display
Cons:
- Heaviest hull here at roughly 859 lb dry
- Premium trims push pricing past $18,500
Verdict: The GTX 300 wins on balance — comfort, control, storage, and effortless range with no weak spot.
2. Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO
Starting MSRP: $18,799 | Best for: Touring riders who want maximum power and a premium helm
The 2027 Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO is the most powerful tourer on this list, built around the supercharged 1.8-liter SVHO four-cylinder making roughly 250 hp. The NanoXcel2 hull spans 140.9 inches with a 50-inch beam and a dry weight near 838 lb, giving it a confident, planted ride in open water.
It seats three, holds 18.5 gallons of fuel, and features Yamaha's Connext 7-inch touchscreen with adjustable RiDE dual-throttle brake and reverse. A tall touring seat, full-length footwell padding, and a top speed near 67 mph make it a long-distance favorite.
Pros:
- Strong supercharged 1.8-liter SVHO engine near 250 hp
- Connext 7-inch touchscreen with deep customization
- RiDE dual-throttle handlebar brake and reverse
- Plush three-up cruiser seat and refined ergonomics
Cons:
- Highest entry price in the group at $18,799
- Storage trails the Sea-Doo GTX
Verdict: A powerful, refined tourer — pick it for the strongest engine and Yamaha's helm tech.
3. Kawasaki Ultra 160LX
Starting MSRP: $14,999 | Best for: Big-water riders who want a large, stable hull at a fair price
The 2027 Kawasaki Ultra 160LX brings Kawasaki's largest-displacement platform to the value-conscious tourer. Its 1,498cc supercharged inline-four makes about 160 hp, mounted in a deep, heavy hull measuring 140.9 inches with a 48.8-inch beam and a substantial dry weight near 1,047 lb that shrugs off rough water.
It seats three, carries a huge 20.6 gallons of fuel for long range, and includes a deep-vee hull that tracks straight at cruising speed. Standard electronic cruise control and generous storage round out a comfortable big-water package.
Pros:
- Largest fuel tank here at 20.6 gallons for long range
- Heavy, deep-vee hull stays composed in big chop
- Supercharged 160-hp inline-four with strong midrange
- Comfortable three-up seating and standard cruise control
Cons:
- Heaviest ski here at roughly 1,047 lb dry
- No electronic brake system
Verdict: The big-water value tourer — buy it for sheer range and a hull that loves rough conditions.
4. Sea-Doo Wake Pro 230
Starting MSRP: $16,099 | Best for: Touring families who also want watersports versatility
The 2027 Sea-Doo Wake Pro 230 blends touring comfort with tow-sports capability. Power comes from the supercharged Rotax 1630 ACE rated at 230 hp, in the planted ST3 hull at 137.6 inches with a 49.4-inch beam and a dry weight near 836 lb. It seats three, holds 18.5 gallons of fuel, and adds a retractable ski pylon, board racks, and a wakeboard-specific tow mode.
The iBR brake and reverse, cruise control, and roomy storage make it as comfortable for shoreline touring as it is for pulling riders.
Pros:
- Versatile 230-hp tourer with full watersports kit
- Retractable ski pylon and integrated board racks
- iBR electronic brake and reverse for towing control
- Stable ST3 hull with plush three-up seating
Cons:
- Less outright power than the 300-hp flagships
- Watersports gear adds weight and cost
Verdict: The do-it-all tourer — ideal if your weekends mix long cruises with towing the kids.
5. Yamaha VX Cruiser HO 💎 BEST VALUE
Starting MSRP: $13,499 | Best for: Riders who want real touring comfort for the least money
The 2027 Yamaha VX Cruiser HO is the smartest value play in touring. The naturally strong 1.8-liter High Output (HO) four-cylinder makes about 180 hp, mounted in the NanoXcel hull measuring 131.9 inches with a 48.4-inch beam and a light dry weight near 720 lb that makes it easy to handle on and off the trailer.
It seats three on a genuine cruiser seat, carries 18.5 gallons of fuel, and includes Yamaha's RiDE dual-throttle brake and reverse plus a 4.3-inch display and cruise control. A top speed near 56 mph is plenty for relaxed exploring.
Pros:
- Lowest entry price of any top pick at $13,499
- Genuine three-up cruiser seat and RiDE brake/reverse
- Light 720-lb hull is easy to load and maneuver
- Strong 180-hp 1.8-liter HO engine with cruise control
Cons:
- 4.3-inch display is smaller than premium rivals
- Top speed trails the supercharged flagships
Verdict: The value champion — nearly everything a tourer needs at the lowest sticker on this list.
6. Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300
Starting MSRP: $19,499 | Best for: Luxury buyers who want every touring amenity standard
The 2027 Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300 is the loaded flagship of the GTX line, built on the same 300-hp Rotax 1630 ACE and stable ST3 hull at 137.6 inches with a 49.4-inch beam and a dry weight near 869 lb. It seats three, holds 18.5 gallons of fuel, and bundles premium extras: a BRP Audio-Premium sound system, LinQ cargo with a removable cooler, adjustable handlebar and seat, and the 7.8-inch wide display.
The iBR brake and reverse plus 40+ gallons of storage make it the most amenity-rich tourer you can buy.
Pros:
- Loaded with premium audio, cooler, and LinQ cargo
- 300-hp Rotax 1630 ACE and stable ST3 hull
- Adjustable handlebars and seat for custom comfort
- iBR brake/reverse plus 40+ gallons of storage
Cons:
- Most expensive ski in this group at $19,499
- Heavier than the standard GTX 300
Verdict: The luxury pick — choose it when you want every touring amenity included from the factory.
7. Kawasaki Ultra 310LX
Starting MSRP: $18,599 | Best for: Power-hungry tourers who want raw thrust and a plush helm
The 2027 Kawasaki Ultra 310LX marries Kawasaki's most powerful engine to a fully loaded touring package. The supercharged 1,498cc inline-four cranks out about 310 hp, the most on this list, inside a deep 140.9-inch hull with a 48.8-inch beam and a heavyweight dry weight near 1,058 lb.
It seats three, carries a large 20.6 gallons of fuel, and adds a JETSOUND 4S audio system, electronic cruise control, and a plush touring seat. With a top speed near 67 mph and immense storage, it's a long-range bruiser.
Pros:
- Most powerful engine here at roughly 310 hp
- Huge 20.6-gallon tank and big-water hull
- Standard JETSOUND audio and cruise control
- Plush touring seat and generous storage
Cons:
- Heaviest ski on the list at roughly 1,058 lb dry
- Premium fuel and weight raise running costs
Verdict: The power tourer — buy it for maximum thrust and range in a loaded big-water hull.
8. Yamaha FX Limited
Starting MSRP: $20,099 | Best for: Buyers who want a fully equipped touring flagship with audio and cooler
The 2027 Yamaha FX Limited tops Yamaha's touring range with the supercharged 1.8-liter SVHO making roughly 250 hp in the NanoXcel2 hull at 140.9 inches with a 50-inch beam and a dry weight near 859 lb. It seats three, holds 18.5 gallons of fuel, and bundles a premium audio system, cooler, fenders, dual cup holders, and the Connext 7-inch touchscreen with RiDE brake and reverse.
The deep, planted hull and full accessory kit make it a no-compromise long-distance cruiser.
Pros:
- Loaded with audio, cooler, fenders, and accessories
- Supercharged 1.8-liter SVHO near 250 hp
- Connext 7-inch touchscreen with RiDE control
- Planted NanoXcel2 hull built for big water
Cons:
- Highest sticker price in this group at $20,099
- Accessory kit adds weight to the package
Verdict: The fully loaded Yamaha flagship — pick it for a turnkey luxury tourer with every extra included.
9. Kawasaki Ultra 160LX (SE Touring)
Starting MSRP: $15,999 | Best for: Riders who want a big hull, audio, and value in one package
The 2027 Kawasaki Ultra 160LX SE Touring builds on the 160LX with added comfort and tech for relaxed cruising. The 1,498cc supercharged inline-four makes about 160 hp in the deep 140.9-inch hull with a 48.8-inch beam and dry weight near 1,058 lb. It seats three, carries 20.6 gallons of fuel for long range, and adds an upgraded touring seat, JETSOUND audio, and color display.
The combination of a stable big-water hull and standard amenities makes it a comfortable mid-priced tourer.
Pros:
- Big 20.6-gallon tank and stable deep-vee hull
- Standard JETSOUND audio and color display
- Comfortable upgraded touring seat
- Strong value for a fully equipped big ski
Cons:
- Heavy hull near 1,058 lb is a chore to load solo
- 160 hp trails the supercharged flagships in thrust
Verdict: The equipped value tourer — a big, stable, amenity-rich ski without the flagship price.
10. Yamaha FX Cruiser HO
Starting MSRP: $15,699 | Best for: Touring riders who want FX comfort without supercharger upkeep
The 2027 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO delivers the big FX touring platform with the simpler naturally aspirated engine. The 1.8-liter High Output (HO) four-cylinder makes about 180 hp, in the NanoXcel2 hull measuring 140.9 inches with a 50-inch beam and a dry weight near 819 lb.
It seats three, holds 18.5 gallons of fuel, and includes the Connext 7-inch touchscreen, RiDE brake and reverse, and a plush cruiser seat. With a top speed near 60 mph and no supercharger to service, it's a low-maintenance long-distance choice.
Pros:
- Full-size FX touring hull and Connext touchscreen
- Naturally aspirated 180-hp HO engine for easy upkeep
- RiDE dual-throttle brake and reverse
- Plush three-up cruiser seat and refined ride
Cons:
- Less thrust than the supercharged SVHO models
- Pricier than the smaller VX Cruiser HO
Verdict: The low-maintenance FX tourer — full-size comfort and tech without supercharger service costs.
Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?
What to Look For When Buying a Touring Jet Ski
- Hull size and stability — A longer, heavier deep-vee hull (the Kawasaki Ultra and Sea-Doo ST3) stays composed in chop and tracks straight at cruising speed; lighter hulls are easier to trailer but busier in waves.
- Fuel capacity and range — Touring is about distance. The Kawasaki Ultra's 20.6-gallon tank stretches farther between fuel stops than the 18.5-gallon norm; match range to how far you roam.
- Seat and ergonomics — Confirm the cruiser seat actually supports three and that footwells and handlebars suit your frame. An adjustable seat and bars (Sea-Doo GTX Limited) pay off on long days.
- Brake and reverse — Electronic systems like Sea-Doo iBR and Yamaha RiDE add real control for docking and emergency stops; the Kawasaki line lacks an electronic brake.
- Storage and amenities — Look at usable gallons, a front bin, audio, and a cooler. The Sea-Doo GTX exceeds 40 gallons of storage, a meaningful edge for all-day trips.
- Engine type and upkeep — Supercharged engines (300 hp Rotax, SVHO) bring speed but require more maintenance; naturally aspirated HO engines lower running costs.
What matters less than marketing implies: a few mph of top speed, badge names, and peak horsepower bragging rights. For touring, seat comfort, fuel range, stability, and a confident brake affect your day far more than a 0–60 sprint.
FAQ
Which touring jet ski is the best overall for 2027? The Sea-Doo GTX 300 earns our top spot for balancing a smooth 300-hp Rotax engine, a stable ST3 hull, class-leading storage over 40 gallons, the iBR brake, and an effortless all-day ride with no major weakness.
What is the best value touring jet ski? The Yamaha VX Cruiser HO starting near $13,499 delivers a genuine three-up cruiser seat, a 180-hp 1.8-liter HO engine, RiDE brake and reverse, and cruise control for the lowest price on this list.
Which touring jet ski has the longest range? The Kawasaki Ultra 160LX and Ultra 310LX carry a large 20.6-gallon fuel tank, the biggest here, giving them the longest range between stops for serious touring.
Which touring jet ski is the most powerful? The Kawasaki Ultra 310LX leads at roughly 310 hp, ahead of the 300-hp Sea-Doo GTX 300 and the 250-hp Yamaha FX SVHO models.
Do touring jet skis have brakes? Sea-Doo models use iBR (iControl Brake and Reverse) and Yamaha uses RiDE dual-throttle brake and reverse; the Kawasaki Ultra line offers reverse but no electronic brake.
How many people can a touring jet ski carry? Every ski on this list seats three riders on a touring or cruiser seat, with the Sea-Doo GTX and Yamaha FX offering the most supportive long-distance seating.
Bottom Line
For 2027, the Sea-Doo GTX 300 is our Best Overall touring jet ski — starting around $17,899, it wins on ride comfort, a smooth 300-hp Rotax engine, class-leading storage, and the confident iBR brake. The Yamaha VX Cruiser HO, from about $13,499, is our Best Value, delivering real touring comfort and a strong 180-hp engine for the least money.
If your needs lean toward maximum power, the longest range, or a fully loaded luxury helm, use the decision tree above to route yourself to the Kawasaki Ultra 310LX, the Ultra 160LX, or the Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300 instead. Buy on comfort, stability, and range — not headline top speed — and you will enjoy every mile.
Sources
- Personal Watercraft (PWC) magazine — touring ski reviews
- The Watercraft Journal — model tests and specs
- boats.com — personal watercraft buying guides
- Discover Boating — PWC basics and shopping
- Boating Magazine — on-water testing
- Sea-Doo — 2027 GTX touring specs and pricing
- Yamaha WaveRunners — FX and VX Cruiser specs
- Kawasaki — Jet Ski Ultra lineup specs
- BoatTEST — performance test data
*Touring jet ski review — best touring jet ski 2027, reviews, ratings, prices, and a review of the top personal watercraft picks for buyers.*