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Jet Ski Weight Limit – What Does It Mean?

Yes, there is a jet ski weight limit, and yes you should avoid going over it.

The weight limit on a jet ski is all the passenger’s weight along with everything you carry in the storage compartment.

The weight limit for jet skis ranges from 350 pounds to 600 pounds. That’s approximately 160kg to 272kg. We want to talk about why this limit exists, give you a list of all weight limits, and why you should avoid going over it.

List of Weight Limits on Jet Skis

ManufacturerModelWeight Capacity
Sea-Doo2 UP 60HP Spark352 lb
Sea-Doo2 UP 90HP Spark352 lb
Sea-Doo3 UP 90HP Spark450 lb
YamahaEX485 lb
Sea-Doo2 UP 90HP iBR Spark w/ Conv.352 lb
Sea-Doo3 UP 90HP iBR Spark w/ Conv.450 lb
Sea-DooGTS600 lb
YamahaEX Sport485 lb
YamahaSuperJet1 Person
YamahaEX Deluxe485 lb
Sea-DooGTI600 lb
Sea-DooGTI SE600 lb
YamahaVX530 lb
KawasakiSTX-15F496 lb
KawasakiSX-R1 Person
YamahaVX Deluxe530 lb
Sea-DooGTI SE 130600 lb
YamahaVX Cruiser530 lb
Sea-DooGTI SE 155600 lb
YamahaVX Limited530 lb
KawasakiUltra LX496 lb
YamahaVX Cruiser HO530 lb
Sea-DooWake 155600 lb
YamahaVXR530 lb
Sea-DooGTR 230600 lb
Sea-DooGTI Limited 155600 lb
Sea-DooGTX 155600 lb
Sea-DooGTR-X 230400 lb
YamahaFX HO530 lb
Sea-DooRXT 230600 lb
YamahaFX Cruiser HO530 lb
Sea-DooGTX 230600 lb
YamahaGP1800530 lb
Sea-DooWake Pro 230600 lb
YamahaFX SVHO530 lb
KawasakiUltra 310X496 lb
Sea-DooRXP-X 300400 lb
Sea-DooRXT-X 300600 lb
KawasakiUltra 310X SE496 lb
Sea-DooGTX Limited 230600 lb
YamahaFX Cruiser SVHO530 lb
KawasakiUltra 310R496 lb
Sea-DooGTX Limited 300600 lb
YamahaFX Limited SVHO530 lb
KawasakiUltra 310LX496 lb

Please don’t confuse the weight of the watercraft with its weight limit or weight capacity. The weight of the watercraft is how much it weighs, but the weight capacity is how much it can hold.

What’s The Big Deal?

I’m often surprised by other jet ski rider being so care-free with the weight limit. It’s there for a reason and is not a suggestion.

When you get too much weight on a jet ski, it becomes unstable. When you have an unstable watercraft, it’s harder to control especially at lower speeds where you need the most control. This all leads to it being dangerous around the docks.

Often the lowest weight limit watercraft is also going to be the cheapest while the more expensive ones are going to hold more weight. The Rec-Lite and Recreational categories of jet skis are going to have the lowest weight limit. While the Luxury models are going to have the highest weight limit.

Seat Capacity Matters Too

The lowest seat capacity jet skis are going to have the lowest weight capacity. I have a saying, if it’s a 2 seater then it’s really a 1 seater and if its a 3 seater then its really a 2 seater for “normal” sized adults.

You start noticing my saying more and more when you look at the brochures and advertising as they often only have 2 adults and one child riding. You never see them with 3 grown men riding a tiny Spark or EX because it’s just not possible.

Yes, it can be done, but you risk safety, and you’re going to end up in the water if you have 3 grown big men on a tiny jet ski. Sure, it sounds funny but don’t do it.

Tip: Most jet skis have a rear grab handle for your passengers to hold on to.

rear handles of GTX

I’m a 240-pound man, and I feel very confident riding a 3 or 2 seater spark by myself. I’ve even ridden two of me on my 3 seater spark, it’s possible, and no one fell off. But I would not dare put any more weight beyond that. I’ve also ridden 2up on a 3 seater GTI and had no issues with that; it felt a lot more stable than the 3 seaters Spark that is for sure.

If Weight Is An Issue

If you’re concerned about weight, you’ll want to stick to the bigger models. These bigger models are for example the FX series from Yamaha, GTX or RXT from Sea-Doo, or Ultras from Kawasaki.

If you’re new to jet skis but still want something that’s easier on the pockets I recommend you check out my post on the best beginner jet ski. And no, it’s not a Spark or EX that I recommend.

What If You’re Overweight?

First off, let me state I’m not a doctor.

Second, you need to be aware that it will require a lot of strength to pull yourself out of the water if you fall off. Kind of the feeling when getting out of a pool from a ladder, you’re waterlogged and is much harder then it seems. Then on top of that, you’ll have to balance on the jet ski to get back on top.

Third, make sure the watercraft has some ladder on it as this will make getting back on easier.

And fourth, be aware of the weight limit of the machine. Most watercraft now have a weight limit sticker usually located on the side of the watercraft. With the average weight limit around 600 pounds that is going to be hard to reach by one person. You could have two grown men at 250 pounds each with room left over for 100 pounds of gear and fuel on the bigger models.

One more thing, keep in mind the seat height. I’ve noticed that suspension models give the best ride, but they can also have the highest seat height. The higher you are, the more top heavy you become. Top heavy means you’ll be unbalanced at lower speeds.

6 thoughts on “Jet Ski Weight Limit – What Does It Mean?”

  1. I’m 315lbs. I’ve been able to get onto a jet ski in shallow water using the step on the back, but I’ve never had to do it in open water. My question is, on a 3up Spark with a step, would trying to get on it in open water cause it to sink in the back or would it be able to support me pulling myself up into it.

    Great articles by the way!

    Reply
    • I’m 240 and when I try to get on a 3up Spark from the open water it’s quite hard. The rear end does take a dive and getting up is only half the battle as you have to balance it when getting up. It requires a lot of upper body strength because you’re soaking wet. The bigger models like the GTI’s or GTX are less of an issue, those Sparks can be tricky.

      Reply
  2. Does the weight limit (ie. 600 on RXT300) include the weight of the fuel? I thought it was just humans and cargo.

    Reply

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