Jet ski batteries don’t last forever, but buying the correct jet ski battery can help extend their life.
It doesn’t matter if you need a Sea-Doo battery, Yamaha battery, or a Kawasaki jet ski battery; I’ll show you what I consider the best and which ones you’ll need for your jet ski.
What you’ll learn:
- What is the best jet ski battery?
- What battery fits your jet ski?
- How to keep your jet ski battery from dying every year.
- Common questions people have about jet ski batteries.
- And how to change your jet ski battery.
The Best Jet Ski Battery
The best jet ski battery is a ETX16L, ETX20L, or ETX30L, depending on what size you need.
What Size Yamaha Battery To Buy
If you have a Yamaha jet ski, you need a size 16L battery*.
ETX16L is what I recommend, but you can often find these part numbers that work for it too… ET16L, B2317RP, UT16L-B, UB16L-B
What Size Kawasaki Battery To Buy
If you have a Kawasaki jet ski, you need a size 20L battery*.
ETX20L is what I recommend but these other part numbers will work too… MBTX20U, UTX20HL, UTX20HL-BS, B2015, YTX20HL, MBTX20UHD, DURAGM-20L
What Size Sea-Doo Battery To Buy
- Before 2002, needs a size 16L.
- 2002 to 2007 2-Stroke needs a size 16L.
- 2002 to 2007 4-Stroke needs a size 30L.
- 2008 to 2015 needs a size 30L.
- 2014 and up Spark needs size 20L.
- 2016 and up Sea-Doo needs a size 20L.
Get the batteries here:
Note: The ETX30L is a sealed battery that is shorter than the unsealed one, so a spacer is needed and should come with the battery.
- ETX16L is what I recommend but these part numbers will work… ET16L, B2317RP, UT16L-B, UB16L-B
- ETX20L is what I recommend but these part numbers will work… MBTX20U, UTX20HL, UTX20HL-BS, B2015, YTX20HL, MBTX20UHD, DURAGM-20L
- ETX30L is what I recommend but these part numbers will work…UIX30L, B3121, MBTX30U, YIX30L
How To Tell If You Have a 2-Stoke or a 4-Stroke
How can you tell if you have a 2-stroke or a 4-stroke jet ski? Look for the dipstick on the top of the engine. It’s either a yellow or red dipstick cap located at the top of the engine, as shown below.
If you have a dipstick, you have a 4-Stroke jet ski. If you have a Sea-Doo made on or after 2008, then it’s for sure a 4-Stroke.
Check out our guide to help you further know if you have a 2-stroke or a 4-stroke.
How To Find The Age Of Your Jet Ski?
To find what year your jet ski was manufactured is easy for boats and jet skis.
On the back of your jet ski, you will have your VIN. It’s most often on the upper side of the rub rail, but older jet skis it will be under.
The VIN last two digits tell you the year it was manufactured.
Using the images above, we can see the first image ends in D212, so it’s a 2012 model. E414 would be a 2014 model, and a J220 would be a 2020 model.
How To Make Your Battery Last?
If you’re not keeping your jet ski battery on charge when you’re not using it for over a month, the battery will only last one riding season.
Keeping your jet ski battery on a charge is super easy to do with solar panel chargers*. They’re quite affordable and far easier to deal with than wall chargers.
I go over how to use them and where to get solar chargers here.
When I’m not riding my jet ski, I use the quick connect and hook up the solar charger. Doing this, I have gotten over 5 years out of my sealed battery. I got my Spark in 2014 and did not change the battery until summer 2020.
What if a solar charger won’t work? If a solar charger won’t work, I recommend getting a wall charger. You’ll want a smart battery charger like this here*, so it won’t overcharge the battery. The battery charger needs to be 12 volts and less than 2 amps.
Should You Install A Battery Switch On Your Jet Ski?
No, do not install a battery switch on your jet ski.
I’ve had a few people do this, and it never works out.
The problem is not that the jet ski consumes a little bit of power when you’re not using it, but the fact that lead-acid batteries sulfate and die when they’re not used.
This is why I love solar chargers. The solar charger does charge the battery (very slowly) but what it does better is maintaining the battery. It maintains the battery by keeping it active, which keeps it from sulfating and dying. The solar charger is basically “tickling” the battery instead of letting it sit and do nothing, which kills it.
What Voltage Are Jet Ski Batteries?
All jet skis use a 12-volt battery.
You also must charge the jet ski battery at 12 volts. Do not charge beyond 2-amps when using a battery charger, as the small batteries can’t handle it. You control the amps by the charger you buy, so only buy 12-volt battery chargers at or below 2-amps.
New batteries should also be charged and never assume they 100% ready to go out of the box.
My Jet Ski Clicks?
If your jet ski gives one click, then it’s a bad starter relay.
If your jet ski gives multiple clicks, then it’s a bad battery.
To fix this, I have a guide here.
How To Change A Jet Ski Battery?
The most common tools you’ll need to change a jet ski battery are…
- 10 mm wrench and socket
- 13 mm socket
- Phillips head screwdriver
- 12-in extension
Here are videos showing you how to change batteries in jet skis.
Is it better to run 2 batteries or one 32amp battery? I have sound, fish finder and marine radio on my seadoo 2022 170 I was just about to run two batteries when i saw a video in Australia who runs a 32 amp single
Thoughts??
The most ideal would be two batteries with a battery switch. When one battery dies, you switch to the good battery. If there is no battery switch, then basically you already have two batteries acting as one, but having one big battery will be slightly better due to weight, cranking and durably plus ease of use.
I have a 09 Yamaha vx 110 is a small lawn mower battery that has 350 cca to much I understand it is slightly bigger in size but I made a tray for it to fit will it harm the electronics or affect the charging system the old battery had 260 cca
It’s best to stick with the correct battery, a lawn mower battery can’t handle the beating of the waves.
Hi and thanks for all the great info you provide. I have 2006 Honda Aquatrax F 12. Just turned 100 hrs. I have been trolling w it and 2 times the battery has not started after trolling 2-3 hrs. Luckily I carry small rechargeable jumper that fires it right up while I’m out there. Is it normal the battery will drain at idle in 2-4 hrs? after going straight in at full 3/4 throttle after dead battery it fires Rt up once back at dock. Battery reads 14.7 at idle on tester. Going to replace the battery. So main questions are: 1)do Honda’s drain battery at idle
2) what battery do you recommend for Aquatrax?
3) what do you think of Yuasa batteries for skis?
Thank you
It should not drain while running at idle. Your stator or rectifier could be going bad. I recommend a sealed lead acid battery like the ETX20L.
Hi Steven,
I have a Seadoo Fishpro 2019 that has a fishfinder, sound system as well.
Would you get a MBTX20U or MBTX30U ?
Thank you!
You need the size 20 battery, so the MBTX20U. The 30 would be way too big to fit in your battery compartment.
Steven – I have the Yamaha VX. OEM battery is YB16CL-B but what do you think of AGM batteries vs. Lead (especially in colder weather)? If AGM is ok, which one do you recommend?
AGM or sealed lead acid batteries are always better but they still need to be put on a smart charger if you don’t ride for more than a few months.
Hi steve, i have a 2004 seadoo GTX supercharged and have replaced the lead acid battery with a:
CYL10073 X2Power 30L-BS 12.8V 560CA Lithium Powersport Battery (because i read those can withstand all winter time without a charge and still start)
I put it in and it starts great, but now i read that its not good for any ski/motorcycle because some over or undercharge the battery. Should it be ok? What do you think?
I would stick with the sealed lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries need a special charger and an onboard charge controller for each cell to keep it in tip-top shape. A lead-acid battery is simpler and if kept on a charge during the winter will last a few years at least. I keep the solar charger on my battery when I’m not using it and my battery lasted 5 years.
The link you have for the 20xl Sea Doo battery shows it not in stock and no expected return date. No one locally has batteries nor does Lowes. Can you give me a different recommended battery for my 2017 Sea Doo?
The “Weize YTX20L-BS” will work. https://www.amazon.com/Weize-YTX20L-BS-Performance-Sports-Maintenance/dp/B07PLNZQBQ
I have an 01 Polaris Virage 1200. It has the 16L battery but I have had issues when the power dropped while cranking and wouldn’t start. The charging system is ok but since I’m
Changing the battery anyway would it be better to go with the 18L if I can make it fit.
I would use the battery size that is made for the watercraft. Either the battery you have now is bad or something else is keeping from cranking. Make sure the connection on the cables are clean, you need shiny copper showing, and you don’t have anything blocking the pump. A jet ski that old might have a worn out starter motor and make it sound like the battery is weak.
Hi, this seems to be a great forum to discuss Batteies for PWC. Thank you. I have ‘inherited’ a 1998 Seadoo GTX 2 Stroke. Original Battery is a 16L i think. When I look on walMart cross reference, it recommends the es-tx30L. You also recommend the 30L. I noted that the battery compartment is my concern. will the etx30L fit the narrower size compartment? I dont see dimensions on the battery link. SIdeNote: i’m a 40 year boater with a 32 yr old evinrude. YES- solar trickle charger is the easiest Battery maintainer. My batts last 5-7 years! I also remove the batt every winter, bring them inside and trickle charge 1/month for 3 days.
The size 30 battery will not work for your 2-stroke, you need the size 16. Here is a link to the EXT16L battery that will work for your jet ski at Walmart. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Deka-ETX16L-AGM-Power-Sport-Battery-325-CCA/515680381
Hi Steven,
I have a 2018 GTX 155 and was looking for replacement battery. Is the ETX20L by Deka the correct size?
Thanks in advance!
Yes, the 2018 GTX 155 in the new body gets the ETX20L.
I have a 2014 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO. Based on your comment about some 4 stroke Yamaha Waverunners use the 2 stroke battery I am not sure which one to purchase. Can you help me out please? Thanks!
You want to get the 16CL-B style battery.
Big thanks!!
What are your thoughts on using lithium batteries in jet skis/wave runners?
I’m not a fan of them. They cost more and don’t fit in the mounts that are made for lead-acid batteries that jet skis have. You’re better off getting the correct size lead-acid battery for your jet ski and when you’re not using it keep the battery on a charge with either a smart battery charger or a 5-watt solar charger.
Hello, I have 2002 gtx 4 tec seadoo. I just bought it and it came with a 230 cold cranking amp battery that is a lawn tractor battery. I’m going to by the proper battery tho I have a question. Is this battery way under to start this 4 tec engine. Thank you
Yes, that is way under the CCA needed. The EXT30L has 400 and that is what you need. It’s also important to get the proper size battery so that it fits in the battery cage properly. Too small of a battery and it bounces around and can yank and destroy the battery cables and other components in the engine bay.
Thanks for the thread, its very informative. I have a Yamaha 2010 VX deluxe that I use to troll fish in Hawaii, will the 30L fit in my jet sk?, i since I read your suggestion about not using the 16L. Please advise! Thanks!
A size 30 will not fit your Yamaha. The 30L is for some Sea-Doos, you need a 16L for your Yamaha.
Hi Steven, I bought a new battery for a 1989 Yamaha wave runner 500. That old ski died right afterwards, and my husband bought us a 3 seat Seadoo GTR that is a
2014 year model. Can we use the Yamaha battery for the Seadoo? Thanks
That 2-stroke battery won’t work in that model, you’ll need to get the correct ETX30L battery for that Sea-Doo.
Hey Steven,
2 questions:
1. How much cranking amperage should a 97 Sea Doo have to start? My battery has 325.
2. Should the cranking amperage charge up with the trickle charger? My colts charged, but my cranking amps stayed about half way.
Thanks
325 CCA is fine for a 2 stroke. It sounds to me that your battery has gone bad. It’s the amps that start the engine, not the voltage. Take it to your local auto parts store and ask them to load test it, load testing is how you confirm it has enough power to start an engine.
Thanks! Although it was a new battery, it was confirmed it was a dud. Glad it’s that and not something major!
Great thread and video, very helpful. I have an 07 Seadoo Gtx 155, sitting in my Florida garage for a while and let the battery die. I removed the battery, charged it through the cycles (charging >80%full>full) using my battery tender junior which is also a smart charger, but when I connected the terminals the light went back to red indicating a charge. 24 hours later and it still isnt even at 80%. Can there be an internal issue causing it to not hold a charge? Hoping it’s the battery, bought the ski used about 2.5 years ago haven’t changed battery once. Usually keep it on a tender
Sounds like the battery is worn out. You’ve been doing everything right with keeping a smart charger on it but the battery could be old and worn out if you never replaced it since you got it.
Hi Steve! Really useful comments on your website. I own a 2010 gtx 155. Always the same problem with the batteries. I think they are to small to crank a 1500 cc engine. Is it possible to put a bigger battery ( Lets say 50 amp) on the ski? I have this question about the stator, one time someone told me I could ruin the electric parts having a bigger more powerful battery. Is this correct? With a 50 amp battery the engine starts really good and its more reliable than ever.
Thanks for your help.
It’s best to stick to the ETX-30L size battery for your Sea-Doo. The battery should fill up the space that the cage you use to hold the battery in place for your Sea-Doo. Dry cell ETX-30L’s will need a bottom spacer because they’re shorter than the manufacturer battery but still fill up the cage. So it’s not possible to fit a bigger battery into your Sea-Doo. I’ve seen people use smaller batteries but they don’t have enough cracking apps to start the craft and this might be your issue. Make sure to use an ETX-30L in your Sea-Doo and not a 20L or 16L, there should be a number on the battery telling you the size of it whether it is a 30, 16, or 20.
Forgot to mention that it wasn’t as tall as my yuasa OEM so I had to place something on top to keep the straps tight. Was asking if I should have bought the 30 that you mention above – what do you think? This site is a great resource
Yamaha uses a smaller battery then the size 30 I recommend above, the size 30 is for a select few Sea-Doo’s. They should have given you a spacer as some AGM batteries are smaller than the liquid ones you get from the factory.
I am going to charge my jet ski battery it’s a Yamaha 2 stroke do I set the charger at 6 or 12 volt when charging
Set it to 12 volts. Make sure to stay under 2 amps too.
Steve
If you store your jet skis in a garage can you leave them in the jet ski and charge them? Should you still disconnect the terminals?
Thanks, Scott
It’s recommended that you disconnect the cables before charging.
Hello, sorry another question. I see people say all the time, in the winter when not using ski to pull the battery out and charge it out of the ski. Is this true that the battery must be pulled out and not connected to the ski or is it okay to leave it in the ski and charge it in the ski still connected? Thanks!
For the battery you want a size 30L, I like to use ETX30L which is the 4-stroke battery I mention in the post above. If you can take out the battery and keep it on charge during the winter. The biggest reason is so that you can store the battery in your garage or somewhere that is dry and warmer than where you keep your jet ski. If you keep your jet ski outside during the winter then get a solar battery charger that is under 5 watts and keep it charged that way, here is more info on that… https://www.steveninsales.com/need-solar-panel-jet-ski-battery/ I have a video here on how to take a battery out here… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRk7FDFd1Hw
Hi Steven.
I serviced my jest ski a year ago at the dealer and put it straight back into storage in my garage without using it after the service.I bought a new battery at the sametime aswell and left it sealed inda the box until today. I took jetski out today as im planning on using next weekend. . . And wanted to just start it up so to be sure its ready for next weekend. I placed the brand new battery in and tried to start it but it refuses to start.
The gauges and modes showed up on the display screen and the warning light flashes but there is no warning description or code on the screen.
Tried starting a good few time with no luck.
Then eventually i tried to start it a last time and it still wouldnt start, but this time on the display screen it just shows the word “Start”. . .nothing else. . .and ot still wont start up either. Im baffled. . . Pleas help me.
Sounds like a dead battery. It’s not good to leave a battery untouched for a year, it sulfates if it doesn’t get a charge. You can try charging it to see if it will come back but more then likely it will need to be replaced. If you plan on not using your jet ski for a month or two it’s best to keep the battery on a smart charger like we talk about in the post or if you keep it outside you can use a solar charger that is less then 5 watts. I currently use a 1.8-watt solar charger on my jet ski battery.
Make sure the battery terminals very tightly screwed on. My 2stroke didn’t want to start even though display was working. It just not enough for current to flow in so jetski doesn’t even bother to make any starting sequence.