The Pro and Cons Of Getting A Jet Ski – Is It Worth It?

Maybe you’re throwing around the idea of jet skis and might be wondering what the cons and pros?

For a lot of people, a jet ski is something new and unique to them. Knowing whether or not jet skis are going to be a good fit is very important to figure out beforehand.

I want to go over all the GOOD and BAD that goes along with owning a jet ski so that you’re in the know before you buy.

The Pros!

Nothing else like it and faster than you think – Driving 35mph in your car feels like nothing, but with on jet skis it feels like you’re flying. You don’t have a cabin around you like in your car, and the surrounding water gives you a feeling you can’t get anywhere else.

Simpler and easier than a boat – Boats can be big and have a lot going on compared to jet skis. A jet ski is smaller and often easier to maneuver than a boat.

More control and safety features than a boat – Boats don’t have brakes, but most of the modern jet skis do. You also get more features like a learning mode and other things that make having jet skis easier than having a boat.

The motorcycle of the water – It’s like having a motorcycle, and it floats! And, with a ski you don’t have the worries of a motorcycle, like sliding on sand or holding yourself up.

Some jet skis have stupid good fuel economy! – Compared to most boats and other crafts; most jet skis get better gas mileage. It’s one of the pros that don’t get talked about enough.

You can do tricks – With jet skis you can flip, spin, and do many more tricks than a boat could ever do.

Prices are good in the winter – Prices for a used jet skis go down in the winter and slow months. You can also get good deals on prior year jet skis when they release new models.

More Stable Than You Might Think – Some models are more stable than you realize, like standing on the side and jumping kind of stable.

Servicing – To be honest, with the right tools and mindset, servicing a watercraft is not hard. But it is having the right jet ski tools, and knowing how to do it is the hurdle to overcome.

Dealerships – Many jet ski dealerships are easy to deal with because they’re in the business of selling toys. So don’t expect to go in thinking of the horror of buying a car, it’s way different from buying a jet ski.

Riding Clubs and Trips – There are many jet ski riding clubs or trips to join so you don’t get bored.

Water Only Attractions – There are new fun things to try out like restaurants and attractions that are only located by water. Could even beach the jet ski to have a picnic for 2.

If you can, buy two – It’s always more fun when you and someone else go for a ride together. Also, when in doubt, buy a 3 seater jet ski as it sits 2 people better.

Easy to Clean – A jet ski is much easier to clean than a boat or take out for a quick ride, too.

Smile More – It’s hard to frown on a jet ski. Trust me; you’ll be smiling and grinning the first time you take it out.

Storage – Jet skis are easier to store, and cheaper too compared to a boat. PWCs can fit in a garage or a shed and anything similar you already have.

Great for Couples – Jet skis are more personal, couples get to hold on to each other, unlike a boat.

Every Day – A ski is something you can ride every day, while the boat will more than likely become the weekend craft and something that is a chore to take out.

Makes you feel alive – It gets the heart pumping, no matter what speed you go, it’s one of those pros that got to feel.

Takes the stress away – Just the water rushing by and all the worries of life fade away when you’re riding jet skis.

All the beautiful people – Let’s be honest, you get to see and be near plenty of beautiful people in swimsuits when on a jet ski.

Lets dreams come true – For some people, you know you made it in life when you have a jet ski, also jet skis like the Sea-Doo Spark or Yamaha EX are more affordable then you think. Nothing cooler than bragging to your friends that you have jet skis!

---

The Cons!

Cost more than you think – The average person thinks a jet ski is $5k, but in reality, the average price is over $12k. You can get the Sea-Doo Spark jet ski that starts around $7k in 2025.

Service Cost – Maintenance and parts cost more for power sports stuff. This doesn’t stop at jet skis, but affects boats, motorcycles, or other toys as they cost more than the equivalent of a car.

Safety Gear is a Must – You need jet ski safety gear like life jackets before you go out. Wetsuit bottoms are recommended too, just read the warning sticker on the glove box of your jet ski to learn more.

Driver’s license – There are rules and licenses for many states on jet skis and boats. It’s one of those cons that doesn’t get talked about enough. For example, in my home state of North Carolina anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 has to take a boaters safety course and pass. 

Age – There are age limits on all watercraft, too young, and you can’t drive. Check out your local wildlife or boating regulations for your state or country.

No Roads – Since there are no roads, you need to be more aware than when in your car. People are reckless on jet skis, so you need to pay attention and not do something stupid.

No Trailer, pay for pickups – If you don’t get a trailer, expect to pay for pickup or drop-ins for your jet ski. Many jet ski owners forget or don’t understand, it costs money to pick people up.

Jet Skis don’t come with trailers – Here is a post going over that here.

First Service – The First Jet Ski Service is not always included, it’s the most important service you can do, so make sure to get it done.

Insurance – While many places don’t require jet ski insurance, you’ll be a fool not to get it.

Below Freezing – You have to winterize jet skis if you live somewhere that gets below freezing. It’s one of those cons so may don’t know about.

You don’t drive it as often as your car – Since you don’t drive a jet ski as often as your car, you have to keep the battery on charge, which is quite easy to do. If you don’t ride a jet ski for a month or two, the battery can become weak. But if you ride more than once a month, then you’ll be fine. This is more of an issue for long-term storage like you do in winter months.

The Summer Makes Prices Go Up – Jet ski models get more expensive during the summer, prices for used ones go up quite a bit.

Extra service for a select few – Some jet skis require more service than others, supercharged models require an additional service that amounts to every 8 to 10 years depending on how much you drive them, sometimes earlier than that if you drive it a lot.

Can’t drive a jet ski past sunset – Also, you can’t install lights to allow you to do it, either. More here.

Some jet skis are not as stable as others – The REC-LITE jet ski models are super playful compared to the luxury and performance jet skis, so be aware of this. And if you ask me, for average size adults, a 3 seater jet ski is really a 2 seater and a 2 seater is really a 1 seater.