Jet skiing is super exciting! It’s like riding a motorcycle on the waves—it’s fast, fun, and lets one experience various sights and sounds while on water. So, it can’t be overemphasized that most people who love the ocean will also love a jet ski. But, picking a quality option to sell can be tricky. Sellers must think about the type, important features, and how much consumers are willing to spend. But these only scratch the surface of choosing jet skis.
This article will delve deeper into all the factors retailers must weigh up to ensure they pick the perfect jet skis to offer their buyers in 2024.
Table of Contents
The Jetski market: A brief look at its growth
Top 6 factors to consider when choosing jet skis in 2024
Conclusion
The jet ski market: A brief look at its growth
The global jet ski market accumulated US$ 2.85 billion in value in 2023. Experts predict the market will grow past US$ 5.20 billion by 2033 at a 6.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). The market owes its significant growth to the rising interest in recreational activities and water sports. Growing travel and tourism industries, particularly in Europe and the United States, are also pushing demand for jet skis.
Based on the above report, the gasoline segment accounted for over 60% of sales in the jet ski market in 2023. Also, recreational jet skiing generated more revenue in 2023, approximately 40% of the global market. North America is the dominant region, leading with an impressive 60% share.
Top 6 factors to consider when choosing jet skis in 2024
Consumer’s riding location
Will consumers be using their jet skis in lakes/rivers or the ocean? The desired riding location has a larger impact on jet skis than most people think. Both fresh and saltwater can make a jet ski rust and corrode over time—though saltwater can speed up this process. The solution to this problem lies in the jet ski’s cooling system and consumer maintenance.
Some swear by jet skis with closed-loop cooling systems. They believe such jet skis are better at handling saltwater rides. Closed-loop systems use the water around the PWC (personal watercraft) to cool the engine without the water going inside. On the other hand, jet skis with open-loop cooling let the water from outside go through the engine—usually resulting in fast rusting.
But no matter what kind of cooling system sellers offer with their jet skis, they won’t last if consumers don’t clean them well after each ride. That means flushing out the water injection port, rinsing the engine bay, and washing all the parts inside and out with fresh water. Hence, sellers must prioritize PWCs with easy-to-reach parts to make maintenance easy and doable for the average consumer.
Type
The next thing businesses need to know is that there are two types of jet skis, including stand and sit models. Stand-up jet skis are more like water motorcycles. They have small and lightweight designs that make doing tricks and stunts incredibly easy. However, they need some expertise, including good balance and skill.
Contrarily, sit-down jet skis are bigger and heavier. They feel like regular boats, allowing users to sit comfortably while riding. Sit-down jet skis are perfect for cruising around or towing things. The best part is they are easier to control and more comfortable to ride, especially if consumers have friends or family with them.
But there’s more! Several types exist under the sit-down category, offering different purposes and performances. Check them out below:
Rec-Lite
These jet skis are simple and compact! They offer small, lightweight designs that don’t use much fuel. And the best part? They are incredibly affordable. Rec-Lite jet skis are perfect if consumers are new to jet skiing or want to go easy on lakes or rivers.
Recreational
These jet skis are the middle-of-the-road options—they are neither too big/slow nor too fast/slow. Recreational jet skis are just right for many people. They also offer the perfect balance between cost and features, making them ideal for consumers hoping to cruise, tow, and do a bit of racing without breaking the bank. Even better, recreational models have more storage space and offer more features than their rec-lite cousins.
Luxury
If consumers want something more luxurious, they can’t go wrong with these jet skis. They are fancy, comfortable, and built for relaxation. Obviously, luxury jet skis are more expensive than other models, but they come with all the bells and whistles. They have big, comfy seats, tons of storage space, and multiple cool features to make rides smooth and enjoyable.
Jet ski size
Choosing the right size jet ski is super important! Even though smaller ones might seem easier to handle, bigger ones are better for beginners because they’re more stable on water. So, if beginners are the target consumers, a bigger jet ski might be the way to go. If sellers also target consumers planning on towing, bigger jet skis will be the better choice—they can handle the extra weight without feeling wobbly. Usually, the more experienced riders will choose smaller, more agile jet skis. Here’s a general size chart for different jet ski types.
| Length (in) | Width (in) | Riders | Category |
| 80 to 100 | 25 to 30 | 1 | Stand-up |
| 90 to 110 | 40 to 80 | 1 to 2 | Sit-down (rec-lite) |
| 110 to 130 | 45 to 50 | 1 to 2 | Sit-down (recreation) |
| 150 to 150 | 52+ | 2 to 3 | Sit-down (luxury) |
New or pre-owned
New jet skis have all the latest features and exciting innovations, depending on the year and model. Manufacturers often ship them with warranties, so consumers can rest assured they won’t break down unexpectedly. However, they always have a higher price tag.
On the other hand, pre-owned jet skis are usually cheaper than new ones- But just like bikes, it depends on the model and brand. However, many suggest beginners start their jet skiing adventure with pre-owned jet skis. That way, consumers can learn how to ride and care for their jet skis without spending too much money upfront.
If sellers decide to go with pre-owned jet skis, they must check maintenance records to spot any signs of wear and tear. Sellers may hire mechanics to conduct proper inspections, ensuring everything is in great shape before selling.
Top features
Jet skis come packed with various features to make experiences with them memorable. This aspect is where sellers can compare different ones to find the best options for their target audience. Remember that each feature influences performance, durability, efficiency, and safety. Here’s a look at some of the most important features to look for in jet skis.
Engine size and power
Since jet skis are vehicles, engines are what makes them go. However, their size indicates how much power they have, measured in cubic centimeters, or cc for short. Basically, the bigger the number, the more power the jet ski engine can dish out. Then there’s horsepower, which shows how strong engines are. More horsepower is a huge indicator of a faster jet ski.
Usually, jet skis with bigger engines and more horsepower will reach amazing speeds. But at the cost of affordability. In addition to high upfront costs, such jet skis consume more fuel, making them expensive to run. Not to mention, they also need high maintenance if consumers want to enjoy their super performance.
Hull design and stability
The jet ski’s hull design affects its stability, how well it handles it, and the ride’s quality. There are three main hull design types jet skis can have: flat bottom, deep V, and hybrid. Flat bottom hulls are wide and flat, providing good stability and maneuverability in calm water—but can be less stable in rough water. Deep V hulls are narrow and deep, offering stability and comfort in rough water, but may not be as stable and maneuverable in calm water. Hybrid hulls combine features, providing a balanced performance in various water conditions.
Conclusion
Getting a jet ski is a big deal for consumers. That’s why sellers must do careful research and planning before offering these vehicles—as no one would like to feel like they got less than what they paid for. The best part is jet skis are in high demand now! Google data shows these vehicles have a whopping 1.2 million searches in February 2024. So, if businesses want to attract part of this potential consumer base, they can leverage the tips discussed here to stock up on the best jet skis for rental or sales in 2024.
