Are you guilty of calling every personal watercraft a jet ski? It happens quite a bit, but a jet ski and a waverunner are two different things.
But don’t worry; we’ll help you navigate these uncharted waters and explain the differences between jet ski and waverunner technology, so you can decide which watercraft is a better fit for you.
Before you purchase a jet ski or a waverunner, this is the information you will need.
Jet Ski vs. Waverunner At a Glance
Before we dive into the finer differences between jet skis and wave runners, we’ll give you a high-level overview of the key differences. That way, you have a general idea of what you can expect when shopping for a personal watercraft.
The bottom line is that Kawasaki developed the jet ski, and Yamaha developed the waverunner.
| Feature | Kawasaki Jet Ski | Yamaha WaveRunner |
| Trademark | Registered trademark of Kawasaki | Registered trademark of Yamaha |
| Design | Sporty design, 22.5-degree deep-V hull for agility | User-friendly design, emphasis on comfort |
| Performance | High-speed, advanced capabilities like KSRD and power modes | Balanced performance, reliable engines |
| Models | Ultra 310 series is known for speed and storage | VX and FX series cater to family-friendly outings |
| Handling | Agility and swift maneuvering | Stability and smooth operation |
| Speed | Top speeds mostly surpassing 65 mph | Top speeds between 50 mph to 67 mph |
| Comfort and Storage | Functional storage, easy side-access space | Designed for comfort, stability |
| Engine and Technology | Potent engines, progressive features | Reliable 1.9L HO marine engine, high-compression molded hulls |
Understanding the Terminology: Jet Ski and Waverunner
When you hear the term “jet ski,” you might think of any personal watercraft, but in reality, ‘Jet Ski’ refers specifically to a registered trademark of Kawasaki.
The term worked its way into our vernacular in the 1970s because Kawasaki was the sole manufacturer at the time.
Eventually, “waverunner” staked its claim in our vocabulary–but it’s important to know the term’s origin story. Similarly, the term ‘Waverunner’ is a brand of personal watercraft produced by Yamaha exclusively. Just like the term “jet ski,” “waverunner” has often been mistakenly used to describe all personal watercraft.
Kawasaki Jet Skis: Where the Term “Jet Ski” Comes From
Kawasaki Jet Skis are known for their sporty design and high-performance riding. Designed with a 22.5-degree deep-V hull, they’re known for their stability and easy handling. It’ll be hard to ignore their agility and swift maneuvering in the water when riding a Kawasaki jet ski.
The Ultra 310 series is one of the prominent models in Kawasaki’s lineup. These Jet Skis have advanced capabilities, such as the Kawasaki Smart Reverse with Deceleration (KSRD) and the option to select power modes, which contribute to their high-end performance.
Aside from their performance features, Kawasaki Jet Skis also excels in convenience. The Ultra 310 series offers ample functional storage with easy side-access space, as well as an Ultra deck featuring two multi-mount rails for versatility. Better yet, Kawasaki jet ski is a perfect fit for perfect fit for those who enjoy stand-up jet ski adventures.
Jet Ski Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| High-speed and advanced capabilities | Limited comfort |
| Agile and swift maneuvering | Complexity for beginners |
| Versatile storage options |
Yamaha Waverunner: Where the Term “Waverunner” Originates
Yamaha introduced the WaveRunner in 1986, a first-of-its-kind tandem-model personal watercraft designed for family-friendly adventures and a seated riding style.
Waverunners are powered by Yamaha’s reliable 1.9L HO marine engine, which ensures a smooth and balanced performance.
The FX Series from Yamaha stands out as the premium luxury line within the WaveRunner family.
WaveRunner Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly and comfortable | Slower speeds in some models |
| Stable and smooth operation | Less agility |
| Focus on environmental sustainability |
Comparing Performance: Jet Ski vs Waverunner
In terms of performance, Jet Skis and Waverunners each display unique strengths. Jet Skis are recognized for their powerful engines, promising top speeds ranging from 55 mph to 67 mph, mostly surpassing 60 mph. With the Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), they achieve rapid acceleration from a standstill.
In comparison, Yamaha Waverunners have an average speed of around 55 mp. Overall, Waverunners are known more for their steady performance than sheer speed, but don’t be mistaken. Their high-compression molded hulls and marine engines are designed for exhilarating performance, notably in the GP HO models with a 1.9L HO engine lauded for its impressive acceleration speeds.
Another key distinction is the difference in agility. Jet skis’ compact and lightweight construction yields superior agility, whereas Waverunners are designed with an emphasis on stability and comfort (over agility).
Other Personal Watercraft Options: Sea-Doo and Beyond
Jet Skis (Kawasaki) and Waverunners (Yamaha) may be the most recognized options in the PWC market, but they aren’t the sole options available. Whether you want stand-up PWC models or just a different riding experience than Kawasaki or Yamaha can offer, there are options.
Sea-Doo is another big name in the PWC space, with its wide range of reliable models. Sea-Doo’s versatile lineup includes the Spark, GTI family for fishing and tow sports, and additional touring models.
Beyond Sea-Doo, other PWC manufacturers include:
- Krash Industries
- Honda
- Polaris (SeaLion)
- Arctic Cat (Tigershark)
- MasterCraft
Summary
Now that you understand the waverunner vs. jet ski concept, it’s time to pick one that’s right for you. Whether you decide on a waverunner or a jet ski, you’ll need a place to store it.
If you’ve run out of garage space, think about choosing Neighbor, a peer-to-peer vehicle storage marketplace. You’ll find convenient, easy-to-access vehicle storage at prices 50% lower than traditional storage options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between a Jet Ski and a Sea-Doo?
The main difference between a Jet Ski and a Sea-Doo is that a jet ski is typically faster and geared towards high-speed performance, while Sea-Doos are ideal for more leisurely rides.
Is a Sea-Doo a jet ski or WaveRunner?
A Sea-Doo is a brand of PWC made by Bombardier. It is neither a jet ski nor a WaveRunner, though similar in function.
Which is better Sea-Doo or WaveRunner?
The choice between Sea-Doo and WaveRunner depends on personal preference; there isn’t an agreed-upon “better” brand.
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