8 Best Jet Skis & Other Amazing PWCs (2023)
The personal watercraft (PWC) field keeps getting more specialized, with models designed for exploring, fishing, family fun, and going really fast on the water. These leading manufacturers are packing your 2023 with action. Here are 8 amazing PWCs for 2023 (listed in alphabetical order):
- Kawasaki Jet Ski STX 160 LX
- Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R 160
- Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170
- Sea-Doo Fishpro Trophy
- Taiga Orca Carbon
- Yamaha JetBlaster
- Yamaha WaveRunner GP1800R SVHO
- Yamaha WaveRunner EX Deluxe
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1. Kawasaki Jet Ski STX 160 LX
The flagship of the new STX line, this Jet Ski features fresh styling and improved ergonomics with a solid seat bolster, a wide handlebar, a digital display, and cruise control. A generous 30 gallons of stowage in the bow and a smaller compartment below the aft seat reached via a new slide-and-pivot mechanism.
The proven 160-horsepower 1.5-liter engine offers class-leading performance. A real highlight is the JETSOUND Bluetooth audio system with speakers in the lower footwells that will link to music stored on your device, which can be stashed in the glovebox.
Visit Kawasaki Jet Ski to learn more.
2. Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R 160
Here’s a ride that you never have to share and will never get boring. A descendant of the original Jet Ski, this stand-up model is powered by a smooth, quiet 160-horsepower four-stroke engine. Longer and wider than the original Jet Ski models, the SX-R is much more stable, especially in rough water.
The top speed is about 60 mph, but riding the SX-R is all about agility – this machine carves turns like it’s on rails. The learning curve is certainly steeper than required for a sit-down craft, but that’s why riding the SX-R never gets old.
Visit Kawasaki Jet Ski to learn more.
3. Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170
The Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 is designed to expand your horizons. There is abundant storage with a 25-gallon bow compartment and an aft platform extension that adds almost a foot to the craft’s length and includes three sets of pop-up LinQ attachment points.
Forward of the extension Sea-Doo adds the LinQ Multi-Cargo Rack, offering even more attachment points for accessories like a fuel caddy, dry bags, and a cooler. An 18.5-gallon fuel tank extends your range, and there’s a 7-inch Garmin touchscreen GPS for guidance, an audio system for entertainment, and even a windshield – the first on a production PWC!
Visit Sea-Doo to learn more.
4. Sea-Doo Fishpro Trophy
Angling for adventure was never easier. This premium fishing PWC features a modular swivel casting seat, a 7-inch Garmin GPS/fish finder, and a platform-mounted LinQ Fishing Cooler that converts to a livewell with an integrated pump that constantly feeds fresh water into the reservoir, keeping your catch or your bait alive all day.
Rod holders are attached to that aft cooler. The Fishpro Trophy will get you into some skinny water and is easier to tow and store than a full-size fishing boat.
Visit Sea-Doo to learn more.
5. Taiga Orca Carbon
The Taiga Orca Carbon is the first recreational electric PWC available in North America. This two-passenger model is about the same size and weight as current internal combustion models. Power is provided by a 120 kW (equivalent to 160 hp) lithium-ion battery system and direct-drive jet pump. The right handlebar lever controls forward thrust, the left reverse.
The top speed is reportedly 65 mph, and the range is about 28 miles. Chose from three ride modes: Range for cruising, Sport for all-around riding, or Wild for flat-out speed. Charge it back up with a regular power outlet (which can take up to 14 hours) or with a faster Level 2 connector.
Visit Taiga to learn more.
6. Yamaha JetBlaster
This lightweight craft is ideal for freestyling (and fun). Based on its EX line, Yamaha molds the JetBlaster hull with its lightest NanoXcell composite and drops in the spunky 110-hp TR1 HO engine for an outstanding power-to-weight ratio that produces thrilling acceleration.
Add a wide moto handlebar on an aluminum riser for leverage, angled foot chocks, and electric trim with extended range, and you’ve got a WaveRunner that can spin on a dime and leap off waves and wakes. Three-passenger capacity means this little ‘Blaster is as versatile as its tamer EX-model cousins.
Visit Yamaha WaveRunners to learn more.
7. Yamaha WaveRunner GP1800R SVHO
This rocket is not for beginners. Designed for no-compromise performance, the GP1800R is powered by a 1.8-liter supercharged/intercooled engine unofficially rated at about 247 horsepower.
Squeeze the throttle, and this machine will rocket from 0 to 60 in about 3.0 seconds, with its top speed governed at 68 mph. Other features include a race-proven hull, Connext touchscreen display, auto trim, cruise control/no wake mode, and the RiDE reverse/braking system.
Visit Yamaha WaveRunners to learn more.
8. Yamaha WaveRunner EX Deluxe
Priced just below $10,000, the EX Deluxe model is a great PWC with a sweet price. Weighing just 600 pounds this three-passenger machine is easy to handle. The 100-horsepower TR1 engine will take the EX Deluxe to 50 mph with a single rider.
It has the power to tow for fun water tubing and comes with bonus features, including the excellent Yamaha RiDE electronic reverse control system, a small digital instrument display, and soft Hydroturf mats on the aft deck.
Visit Yamaha WaveRunners to learn more.
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With over three decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to dozens of boating and fishing publications and websites ranging from BoatU.S. Magazine to BDOutdoors.com. Rudow is currently the Angler in Chief at Rudow’s FishTalk, he is a past president of Boating Writers International (BWI), a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.
