For the first time in Australian personal watercraft history, there are now 11 Jet Skis that cost in excess of $30,000 – before trailer and registration fees – which is enough money to buy a boat.
Kawasaki Jet Ski recently joined the $30,000-something club after a recent round of price rises for its supercharged flagship, the 2023 Kawasaki Ultra 310LX.
But not all Jet Skis and personal watercraft that cost the same price as a small car have supercharged power.
The top-of-the-range Sea-Doo Fish Pro Trophy – which comes with twin batteries, pop-up swivel seat, live bait well, 51-litre cooler box, touchscreen navigation system, and premium audio – is powered by a non-supercharged 1630cc three-cylinder Rotax engine (170 horsepower).
And yet it, too, sails past the $30,000 threshold.
Yamaha now has two WaveRunners that break the $30,000 price barrier – both of them supercharged FX SVHO models.
Sea-Doo accounts for more than half the personal watercraft models that eclipse the $30,000 mark (six of the 11 listed), however in two of those cases it is due to an extra charge for a premium colour choice.
The limited edition Sea-Doo RXP-X Apex RS300 – the high-performance, carbon-fibre accented ski unveiled last year by Australian Formula One ace Daniel Ricciardo – is the dearest model in the Sea-Doo range at $34,254 excluding trailer and registration.
But its sky-high price falls way short of the two most expensive Jet Skis in 2023.
The electric Taiga Orca Carbon edition is estimated by the Australian distributor to cost $45,490 when it arrives later this year or early 2024.
Despite the high price and unfamiliar electric power, more than two dozen customers in Australia have reportedly placed an order for a Taiga Orca.
The local introduction of the Taiga Orca has been delayed while the factory in Canada ramps up production.
The Australian distributor for Taiga says the company remains committed to launching in the local market.
Topping out the price chart is the Belassi Burrasca from Europe, with an RRP of $86,990.
Even the special offer at this weekend’s Sanctuary Cove Boat Show – $66,990 for the first five sold, a $20,000 discount on each example – smashes the $30,000 barrier.
The local distributor for the Belassi Burrasca acknowledges the turbocharged super-luxury carbon-fibre Jet Ski is priced out of reach for most enthusiasts.
However, representatives for the company say there is a market for high-end Jet Skis among mega-yacht customers who want a tender with a difference.
While care has been taken compiling the prices below, please check with your local Jet Ski or personal watercraft dealer for the most up to date RRPs.
Prices listed do not include a trailer or registration fees.
| 2023 Kawasaki Ultra 310LX (supercharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder) | $30,248 |
| 2023 Yamaha FX SVHO Cruiser (supercharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder) | $30,499 |
| 2023 Yamaha FX SVHO Limited (supercharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder) | $30,699 |
| 2023 Sea-Doo Fish Pro Trophy (1630cc three-cylinder) | $30,054 |
| 2023 Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300 (supercharged 1630cc three-cylinder) | $31,854 (Blue) |
| 2023 Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300 (supercharged 1630cc three-cylinder) | $32,154 (Sage) |
| 2023 Sea-Doo RXT-X RS300 (supercharged 1630cc three-cylinder) | $31,754 (Yellow) |
| 2023 Sea-Doo RXT-X RS300 (supercharged 1630cc three-cylinder) | $32,054 (Black) |
| 2023 Sea-Doo RXP-X Apex RS300 (supercharged 1630cc three-cylinder) | $34,254 |
| 2023 Taiga Orca Carbon (electric motor, 120kW) | $45,490 (estimated) |
| 2023 Belassi Burrasca (turbocharged 1602cc three-cylinder) | $86,990 |
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