Fast personal watercraft like Jet Skis and WaveRunners offer a level of fun and excitement that is hard to match. Speed. Power. Open water. That’s what the top jet skis are all about.
The speed of personal watercraft (PWC) like Jet Skis, Sea-Doo, and WaveRunners delivers a unique adrenaline rush. If you’ve got a need for speed and want to know which machines actually deliver, you’re in the right place. This year’s fastest PWC models are built to dominate the waves with raw performance and tight control.
Let’s kick things off by talking about why speed on the water makes all the difference.
Why Speed Matters in Jet Skis
Speed is what separates the average ride from an all-out experience. When you’re ripping across the water at 65+ mph, it’s not just a rush. It’s freedom. Faster jet skis give you the ability to cover more distance, carve harder turns, and take on tougher water conditions with confidence. Whether you’re racing buddies, jumping wakes, or just eating up miles on a big lake, more speed means more fun-and more control when it counts.
But it’s not just about going full throttle. High-speed models usually come with better handling, tighter hull designs, and more responsive throttles. You’re getting sharper, smoother performance across the board.
Think of speed as the starting point. The real question is: how much power can you handle?
8 Best Jet Skis of 2024!
Key Performance Factors That Impact Jet Ski Speed
Speed on a personal watercraft comes down to more than engine size. If you’re looking to go fast, you’ve got to look under the hood (and the hull). The engine’s the obvious piece: more horsepower equals more top-end speed. Most high-performance models are pushing well past 300 horsepower, and some are creeping close to 400. That’s superbike territory, just on water.
But speed isn’t just about brute force. Hull design matters-a lot. A deep-V hull slices through chop better and gives you more stability at high speeds. Lightweight materials like fiberglass-reinforced composites can cut down drag and help you accelerate faster. A solid power-to-weight ratio-including dry weight-is critical. Lighter frames, like those using carbon fiber components, give a serious edge in acceleration.
Then there’s tech. Some models come speed-governed out of the box but can be unlocked with tuning kits or racing keys. And don’t forget rider load-every extra pound slows you down.
Bottom line: the fastest skis balance power, precision, and weight. Miss one, and you’re leaving speed on the table.
Here's a rundown of some of the fastest models available:
- Kawasaki Jet Ski® Ultra® 310
- Top Speed: ~67 mph (stock, ECU-limited)
- Engine: Supercharged 1,498cc inline-four, 310 hp
- Why it dominates: The Ultra 310 is a powerhouse wrapped in premium design. Known for its supercharged performance and heavy-duty hull, it crushes waves and handles like a champ. Add in its large fuel tank and touring-friendly features, and you’ve got a machine that does it all.
- Pros:
- Supercharged power and torque
- Stable in rough water
- Loaded with tech (launch control, 7" display, reverse braking)
- Cons:
- Heavy compared to sportier models
- Price tag reflects its premium features
- Yamaha GP SVHO
- Top Speed: ~67-68 mph
- Engine: Supercharged 1.8L (~250 hp)
- Why it’s a top contender: Built for closed-course dominance, the GP SVHO is lightweight, sharp in the corners, and dialed in for aggressive riding. It’s a racer’s favorite for a reason.
- Pros:
- Lightning-fast response
- Nimble and agile
- Great aftermarket support
- Cons:
- Rougher ride in choppy water
- Fewer comfort features than touring models
- Sea-Doo RXP-X 325
- Top Speed: ~68 mph
- Engine: 325 hp Rotax 1630 ACE
- Why it stands out: Sea-Doo’s newest race weapon brings explosive holeshots, aggressive cornering, and digital ride modes that fine-tune every session. It’s built to win.
- Pros:
- Launch control for brutal starts
- Deep-V hull grips like crazy
- Customizable ride settings
- Cons:
- Not ideal for beginners
- Less plush than touring skis
- Yamaha FX SVHO
- Top Speed: ~67 mph
- Engine: Supercharged 1.8L (~250 hp)
- Standout traits: The FX SVHO balances muscle and luxury. With tons of storage, a stable hull, and touchscreen tech, it's perfect for long, fast rides with a little more comfort.
- Pros:
- Long-distance touring meets speed
- Stable, confidence-inspiring hull
- Smooth ride for passengers
- Cons:
- Heavier than race models
- Slightly slower off the line
- Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300
- Top Speed: ~65-66 mph
- Engine: 300 hp Rotax engine
- Why it’s here: Want sports-level speed and a lounge chair vibe? The GTX Limited 300 brings the best of both. Long fuel range, plush seating, and tech for days.
- Pros:
- Rider-friendly and super stable
- Massive fuel capacity for all-day runs
- Cruise control + sound system
- Cons:
- Not as nimble as sportier models
- More cruise, less carve
Notably, Yamaha WaveRunner GP1800R SVHO, Yamaha’s fastest WaveRunner, reaches approximately 67-68 mph, powered by the 1.8L Super Vortex High Output engine. The fastest production personal watercraft (PWC) "jet ski" currently available on the market is the 2024 Sea-Doo RXP-X 325 RS. In real-world testing, this model achieved an average top speed of 73.6 mph (118.5 km/h), with peak runs nudging 74.6 mph (120.1 km/h).
Here's a quick comparison table:
| Model | Top Speed (mph) | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki Jet Ski® Ultra® 310 | ~67 | Supercharged 1,498cc inline-four, 310 hp |
| Yamaha GP SVHO | ~67-68 | Supercharged 1.8L (~250 hp) |
| Yamaha WaveRunner GP1800R SVHO | ~67-68 | Supercharged 1.8L |
| Sea-Doo RXP-X 325 | ~68 | 325 hp Rotax 1630 ACE |
| Yamaha FX SVHO | ~67 | Supercharged 1.8L (~250 hp) |
| Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300 | ~65-66 | 300 hp Rotax engine |
How to Choose the Right Fast Jet Ski for You
If you're just getting into high-performance skis, don’t jump straight into the most extreme model. Something like the Yamaha GP 320SS or Sea-Doo GTX-R 300 gives you serious speed with a little more forgiveness. You’ll still feel the rush, just without getting tossed the first time you hammer the throttle.
More experienced riders? Go big. The Ultra 400X or RXP-X 350 were built for power junkies who know how to handle it. You’ll appreciate the sharper handling, stronger acceleration, and tuning flexibility.
Also think about where you’re riding. Choppy lakes, open ocean, calm rivers-each terrain rewards different hull designs and features. And if you’re planning long days on the water, don’t ignore comfort: seat design, storage, and ride stability all come into play.
Fast isn’t one-size-fits-all. Match your machine to your experience, your water, and your goals-and the speed will take care of itself.
Maintenance and Safety Tips for High-Speed Jet Skis
Fast skis need more than just gas. They need respect.
High-performance watercrafts put stress on every part: the engine, the impeller, the hull. Skip the upkeep, and you’ll go from 70 mph to stuck-on-the-dock real quick. First rule? Stick to the maintenance schedule. Oil changes, coolant flushes, and supercharger checks aren’t optional-they’re your ticket to keeping that power dialed in. Pushing 300+ hp through a lightweight frame takes a toll, and systems like SVHO propulsion need attention. Launch control modules and advanced handlebars also need calibration over time.
Second, inspect your jet pump and impeller regularly. These parts take a beating at high speeds and need to be clean and damage-free to keep your acceleration crisp.
Now, let’s talk safety. Fast jet skis demand full attention. Wear a properly fitted life vest, use a kill switch lanyard every time, and don’t ride without checking conditions. Even pros can get surprised by chop or debris at high speeds.
Want to stay fast? Keep your gear tight, your machine clean, and your head in the game.