Tips for Choosing the Best PWC, Part 2
In part 1, we reviewed the history and the basic mechanics of PWC’s, along with tips on how to select a PWC that suits you and your family.
There are three major players in the U.S. personal watercraft market, Kawasaki Jet Ski, Sea-Doo and Yamaha Wave Runner, all with dealers around the nation making purchase, service and repairs easy.
There are also several fledgling companies about to enter the market (if their projections are carried out) including one electric PWC and one high-end model that is projected to cost almost $80,000!
Here’s a look at some of the more interesting models available for 2023, whether you need a high-performance standup model for single riders, a large, luxurious sitdown design for three or something in between.
The Belassi Burrasca is a high-end PWC built in Austria. The engine is a three-cylinder turbo-charged in-line 1602 cc four-stroke that puts out 320 hp according to the company, one of the most powerful stock engines in the industry. Its vacuum-infused hull includes carbon fiber in stress areas for added strength without excessive weight, and the finish is automotive grade paint rather than gelcoat. A GPS is standard; www.belassi.com.
Kawasaki is the original “Jet Ski®”: the company pioneered the personal watercraft business starting in 1973, and the term is trademarked to them.
Models range from the stand-up SX-R-160, priced at $11,399, to the three-rider Jet Ski® Ultra 310 LX at $19,999.
The stand-up SX-R 160 is powered by a 1498 CC (91.4 CID) supercharged in-line four cylinder engine and weighs just 550 pounds: acceleration is what it’s all about. It’s priced at $11,399.
Top end of the line is the three-rider Jet Ski Ultra 310 LX. It includes high-end audio system and well as three-position adjustable seat among other features. All also include a rearview camera mounted behind the rear seat which can be monitored via the instrument panel, convenient when towing a waterskier or wakeboarder as well as alerting to traffic approaching from the rear; www.kawasaki.com.
Krash builds several models of single-rider stand-up PWC’s powered with a two-cylinder 997 cc two-stroke that puts out 130 hp per the manufacturer. With a weight of under 320 lb. dry, all are said to deliver impressive acceleration, and the listed top speed is 46 mph.
The Foot Rocket model is designed for trick riders—the company says it’s capable of flipping off its own wake or grabbing air behind a wakeboard boat. Price is about $13,200; www.krashindustries.com.
The QuadSki is a unique—and we do mean unique—combination of a four-wheeler or ATV vehicle with a PWC. You drive it to the water, launch from most any beach or shallow incline by motoring right in, and then fold up the wheels and kick in the waterjet.
Power is from a 1300-cc four-cylinder. The machinery for driving the wheels and the wheels themselves add considerably to the weight—about 1,333 lb according to the company, or close to twice the weight of a full-sized conventional PWC, but reportedly it can run at 45 mph on the water; https://quadski.com/quadski.
Sea-Doo
Sea-Doo makes a full lineup of PWC’s ranging from their affordable Spark Trix models up to their high performance RTX-X. They also make specialty models for fishing and touring.
The Sea-Doo Spark Trix is an entry-level model priced at just $7,699, yet large enough to carry two riders. It’s available with a Rotax 900 ACE 60 hp engine that uses just 1.94 gal. (7.34 L) of fuel per hour making it the most efficient PWC engine in the industry per the manufacturer. A faster-accelerating 90 hp engine is also available.
The Sea-Doo Explorer Pro is the only PWC currently available with a windshield, designed to shield riders during long trips. It’s also got extra storage and a “bumper” up front to allow landing on rough shorelines among other touring features.
The top-end Sea-Doo RXT-X is powered by a Rotax 1630 ACE engine that puts out 300-hp making it the company’s top performance PWC, suitable for taking on big waves and other challenges where power and torque matter. Price is about $18,800.
Last but not least--combine a PWC with a fishing boat and you get the Sea-Doo FishPro. It’s available in three models, with the top end Trophy 170 at about $19,600 including a Garmin 7” sonar/gps, aerated livewell, swiveling fishing seat and the upgraded 170-hp Rotax engine; www.sea-doo.com.
Strand Craft
The Strand Craft Daytona GT—not yet in production—will be the only V8 powered PWC in the industry, and assuredly the most expensive, per the company. Designer/CEO is Norwegian Kurt Strand, who says the PWC’s are to be built in Florida. This is so far a concept PWC only, but the company says production will start late this year. They will cost approximately $79,000, which may be a bit much for all except those who want one for the garage of their 100-footer; www.strand-craft.com
The Taiga Orca is a battery-powered PWC with an electric motor that produces the equivalent of up to 160 horsepower, according to the manufacturer.
Equipped with automotive standard recharging connector ports built for all-weather usage, the Orca can integrate with existing dock power supply or electric vehicle charging networks. Level 2 charging restores full charge in 3.5 hours, per the company, while Level 1 requires 14 hours. Range is up to 45 km
(28 miles) with a full charge. Base price is $17,490. Production is not underway but they are taking pre-orders; (www.taigamotors.com)
Yamaha Freestyle WaveRunners welcome standup riding. The Yamaha SuperJet is powered by the company’s three-cylinder four-stroke TR-1 engine producing 100 hp, which delivers amazing acceleration in the 375 lb (170 kg) hull. Base price is $10,499.
The Yamaha WaveRunner EX base model starts at just $7599. It’s powered with a 3-cylinder 4-stroke TR-1 engine, and weighs just 578 pounds (262.2 kg).
At the other end of the scale, Yamaha’s premium FX Limited SVHO is an XL PWC designed for three riders, for tow sports and for high-end performance with the company’s 1898 cc four-stroke engine pushing the 877 lb (398 kg) machine to maximum speeds. The RiDE system allows for rapid deceleration while keeping both hands on the hand grips, and the 7” Connext touchscreen display allows keeping tabs on fuel and other functions. Base price is $19,999; https://www.yamahawaverunners.com.