Not all jet skis are created equal, and stability is a crucial factor that many new jet ski owners consider.
In this post, I want to go over the most stable models available on the market today and how jet skis are trending when it comes to stability.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a novice seeking a smooth and secure ride, join me as I explore what jet skis offer the best stability.
Why Stable Jet Skis Matter?
It’s not always clear why someone would worry about stability, the most die-hard jet ski riders tend to laugh when stability is mentioned, as getting wet is a part of the fun.
That is why I want to list the reasons why the stability of a jet ski matters, and why it’s one of the biggest factors for new jet ski riders.
- Safer – A stable jet ski is a safer jet ski, especially when you have multiple riders. Jet skis today are doing more things than the jet skis of the past. We have towable tubes, wakeboarders, and reaching much higher speeds than ever before. A larger, more stable jet ski offers more safety to the rider, makes them visible, and it’s easier to get on and off the watercraft from the water or dock.
- More Confidence – A jet ski can be scary to new jet ski owners, and when the jet ski is less likely to flip or roll, it helps build more confidence. More confidence means you learn quicker, get used to the quirks, and have more fun.
- Comfort – With the prices of everything going up, I find people are less likely to go for a boat and instead go with a jet ski as it’s cheaper. For many people, they’re looking for a boat replacement, so a jet ski must be comfortable and stable. A larger jet ski will have a larger seat and take the chop a lot better. Jet skis are getting so much more comfortable that we’re getting long-distance jet skis made for exploring.
- Can Do More – A stable jet ski will be able to do more things, from pull sports, drag racing, cruising and more. When a jet ski is stable and comfortable, you find more things to do and get worn out a lot less.
- Can Go More Places – A larger jet ski is a more stable jet ski, and this means you can go more places and do more things. Long-distance trips need a place to store luggage and fuel, so a larger, more stable jet ski is a must. The ocean is a hard place to drive a jet ski, but a bigger one does better than a smaller jet ski.
- Carry More People – Larger jet skis generally offer superior stability and have the advantage of accommodating more passengers. While the standard seating capacity for most jet skis is three people, it’s important to note that there are also options available with two or single-seater configurations. However, it’s worth mentioning that not all three-person jet skis are created equal. Although they claim to seat three individuals, the space may be more suitable for two adults and a small child due to size limitations. Therefore, when purchasing a jet ski, it is crucial to pay close attention to the seating capacity, as not all three-seaters are designed to accommodate three adults comfortably.
The Most Stable Jet Skis
The most stable jet skis on the market are listed below:
- Sea-Doo – GTX, RXT, and anything with ST3 Hull (Wake Pro, Explorer Pro 170 and Fish Pro & Trophy).
- Yamaha – The FX line-up.
- Kawasaki – The ULTRA line-up.
The models listed are the most stable jet skis from each brand. The reason why Sea-Doo has many models that are stable is because they all share the same hull.
Jet ski manufacturers tend to have 3 or 4 different hulls, but may sell 10 to 20 different jet skis. Having one hull for multiple models cuts down on cost and opens the variety of jet skis that share similar features, like stability.
The Most Stable Jet Ski For Rough Water
Being stable on the lake vs being stable on rough water is different, so it’s important we make the distinction.
When it comes to rough water, the Kawasaki ULTRA hull is the best rough water hull.
The Most Comfortable Jet Ski
Stability and comfort go hand in hand, and there is one hull that truly stands out from the competition.
The Sea-Doo ST3 hull, featured on popular models such as the GTX, RXT, Fish Pro, WAKE Pro, and Explorer Pro 170, takes the title as the most comfortable jet skis on the market today.
Sea-Doo goes above and beyond in prioritizing ergonomics, offering a seat meticulously molded to conform to the human form. Additionally, the handlebars are thoughtfully adjusted to accommodate most riders, ensuring a personalized and comfortable riding experience. With the added convenience of quick access storage, the Sea-Doo ST3 hull exemplifies meticulously designed PWCs that truly caters to the needs of riders.
The level of comfort that Sea-Doo delivers allows them to come out with models made for long rides, like the Explorer Pro 170.
Jet Skis Keep Getting Bigger
Jet skis keep getting bigger and bigger after every iteration change from each manufacturer.
Clearly, the market wants stable and comfortable jet skis, but still have the option of more nimble ones too. Even the smallest jet ski, the Sea-Doo Spark, is still quite large compared to older jet skis.
For instance, let’s consider the Sea-Doo Spark 3up, which measures 120 inches in length. In comparison, the 1996 GTX, known as one of the larger luxury Sea-Doo during its time, had a length of 122 inches. Notably, the Sea-Doo Spark’s width is only 1 inch shorter than that of the 1996 GTX.
The difference is so minimal that the “small” Sea-Doo Spark available today is approximately the same size as the most stable luxury Sea-Doo model from 1996. Moving up in size, the current Sea-Doo GTI body is actually slightly larger than the most stable and top-of-the-line Sea-Doo model of 2007, the GTX Limited.
These comparisons are not unique to Sea-Doo alone; similar trends can be observed across other manufacturers as well. Jet skis have progressively increased in size over the years. Which means, when it comes to stability, newer jet skis generally offer improved chances due to their larger sizes.
How To Make A Jet Ski More Stable
If you already own a jet ski or are considering one that may not provide the level of stability you want, there are several things you can do to enhance its stability:
- Ride fewer people – The more people on the jet ski, the more unstable it becomes. Stick to the weight capacity of your jet ski, instead of the seating capacity rating.
- Avoid Standing Up – When you or the passengers stand up, it makes the jet ski more top-heavy and more likely to roll. Avoid standing up too much and stick to staying low when riding.
- Carry Fewer Items – The stability of a jet ski can be lowered as you add more items to it. To maintain optimal stability, it is best to only carry the needed items and avoid unnecessary weight. For example, don’t carry sand in your sand anchor, refill it every time you anchor the jet ski.
- Learn To Ride In Chop – The way you approach a wave can determine if your jet ski will flip, so make sure to know how to handle riding waves. If you’re worried about stability, avoid riding on rough days and rough water conditions.
- Learn To Trim – Not every jet ski has trim, but the ones that have it, make navigating rough water easier. In rough waters, you want to trim down a little, as the front of the jet ski is more sharp than the rear, so you cut through the water.
- Understand How To Drive & Dock – It’s important you understand how to drive a jet ski and how to dock a jet ski. You should also practice where you can, go in an empty cove and get a feel for the jet ski. You’ll quickly learn the quirks and stability of the watercraft when you practice.
- Go Slow – Reduce your speed when encountering choppy or rough waters. Slower speeds allow for better stability and control, minimizing the impact of waves on the jet ski.
- Avoid 2-strokes – The era of 2-stroke jet skis is fading away, as modern manufacturers have ceased their production due to environmental concerns. These 2-stroke models were often smaller, thanks to their smaller engines. If stability is a priority for you, it is best to avoid 2-stroke jet skis. Some 2-stroke were so bad, they had you start in the water.
To see how unstable jet skis used to be and why to avoid 2-stroke if you care about stability, watch the video below.
Today, you have to try to get wet on many of the bigger models. The Sea-Doo Spark and Yamaha EX are still playful, but not anywhere near as tipsy as the Sea-Doo HX back in the day.
Are Jet Skis Stable?
In general, jet skis manufactured within the last 15 years have significantly improved stability compared to older models. There is an ongoing trend in the industry toward larger jet skis with each new iteration and design update, prompting comments like “these things are the size of boats!” from many of the buyers I would talk to.
As a large guy, I can personally attest to the stability of smaller and modern jet skis like the Sea-Doo Spark, which I own. Despite its compact size, I can confidently stand on its side without it flipping. While it is still possible to flip it deliberately, it requires more effort than with older models.
The larger jet skis such as the GTI and GTX provide even greater stability and give me greater confidence when riding them. However, it is important to note that the stability of any jet ski can be lessened when adding more people and weight to it.
Why Is My Jet Ski So Unstable?
If your jet ski is normally stable and recently has been wanting to flip or roll over more easily, then it’s often a sign you’re taking on water.
Another reason why a jet ski will all of a sudden become unstable is that you have too much weight, either too much gear or too many riders.
There is also the possibility that your jet ski is not being driven correctly, some jet skis have a racing hull that wants to go fast, and if you’re constantly going slow, the hull can dart and feel unstable. It’s important to buy a jet ski that fits your riding style and not because it’s the fastest model they sell.