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

Manufacturer	Model	Weight Capacity
Sea-Doo	2 UP 60HP Spark	352 lb
Sea-Doo	2 UP 90HP Spark	352 lb
Sea-Doo	3 UP 90HP Spark	450 lb
Yamaha	EX	485 lb
Sea-Doo	2 UP 90HP iBR Spark w/ Conv.	352 lb
Sea-Doo	3 UP 90HP iBR Spark w/ Conv.	450 lb
Sea-Doo	GTS	600 lb
Yamaha	EX Sport	485 lb
Yamaha	SuperJet	1 Person
Yamaha	EX Deluxe	485 lb
Sea-Doo	GTI	600 lb
Sea-Doo	GTI SE	600 lb
Yamaha	VX	530 lb
Kawasaki	STX-15F	496 lb
Kawasaki	SX-R	1 Person
Yamaha	VX Deluxe	530 lb
Sea-Doo	GTI SE 130	600 lb
Yamaha	VX Cruiser	530 lb
Sea-Doo	GTI SE 155	600 lb
Yamaha	VX Limited	530 lb
Kawasaki	Ultra LX	496 lb
Yamaha	VX Cruiser HO	530 lb
Sea-Doo	Wake 155	600 lb
Yamaha	VXR	530 lb
Sea-Doo	GTR 230	600 lb
Sea-Doo	GTI Limited 155	600 lb
Sea-Doo	GTX 155	600 lb
Sea-Doo	GTR-X 230	400 lb
Yamaha	FX HO	530 lb
Sea-Doo	RXT 230	600 lb
Yamaha	FX Cruiser HO	530 lb
Sea-Doo	GTX 230	600 lb
Yamaha	GP1800	530 lb
Sea-Doo	Wake Pro 230	600 lb
Yamaha	FX SVHO	530 lb
Kawasaki	Ultra 310X	496 lb
Sea-Doo	RXP-X 300	400 lb
Sea-Doo	RXT-X 300	600 lb
Kawasaki	Ultra 310X SE	496 lb
Sea-Doo	GTX Limited 230	600 lb
Yamaha	FX Cruiser SVHO	530 lb
Kawasaki	Ultra 310R	496 lb
Sea-Doo	GTX Limited 300	600 lb
Yamaha	FX Limited SVHO	530 lb
Kawasaki	Ultra 310LX	496 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.

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.