Top Picks: 10 best Jet Skis and personal watercraft for 2020

There is a vast choice of Jet Skis and personal watercraft on sale in Australia, to suit a range of budgets and rider experience. Here are our Top 10 picks for 2020.

With a choice of 37 Jet Skis and personal watercraft across three brands in Australia – Sea-Doo, Yamaha and Kawasaki – it’s easy to be overwhelmed when deciding what to buy.

The good news is there is a Jet Ski or personal watercraft for almost every budget and level of rider experience.

Most Jet Skis and personal watercraft range in price from $12,000 to $26,000 – not including registration and trailer, which typically adds $1500 to $2000 depending on fees in each state, and the quality, type, and brand of trailer. 

In essence, there are roughly three sizes of Jet Skis and personal watercraft: small, medium and large, although Kawasaki only has two hulls: medium and large.

Most watercraft on sale in Australia are the three seater, sit-down type – however two-seater versions of the more affordable Sea-Doo models are available.

As a general rule, most sit-down Jet Skis and personal watercraft are easier to ride, more agile and more comfortable when riding solo. If you want to ride with two or three aboard, you’re best to stick to calmer waters and/or choose a larger watercraft, which will be more stable.

The extra passenger weight affects performance, handling, low-speed stability and fuel range. You can still have fun with two or three people on board, but it’s worth noting the craft will behave differently than when it is ridden solo.

With so much choice in mind, we’ve selected what we believe are the Top 10 picks for 2020. We have not ranked them one through 10, rather we have selected the two best choices in each of the five main categories, because individual circumstances and preferences will dictate the decision for many buyers.

To avoid favouritism, we have listed Top Picks for 2020 in alphabetical order. If you’re undecided about which one to buy, hopefully one of these 10 watercraft (out of 37 on the market) will help narrow your choice.

That said, if one of these watercraft don’t appeal, there are still plenty of other options that may better suit your specific needs.

Note: the recommended retail prices listed were accurate at the time of publication for 2020, but are subject to change. It’s also worth keeping an eye out for deals and discount offers that can change from month to month.

Top Pick 2020
Category: Sport
Sea-Doo Spark Trixx
Price: $11,499 to $12,399 not including registration or trailer
Engine: 899cc three-cylinder

Available as a two- or three-seater, the Sea-Doo Spark Trixx is a watercraft never seen before in the industry. Based on the popular Sea-Doo Spark introduced in 2013, the Sea-Doo Spark Trixx was added to the line-up in late 2017 as a 2018 year model. A clever platform extension, foot wedges near the rear of the deck – and a unique, extended trim system – enable the Sea-Doo Spark Trixx to perform “wheel stands” with relative ease, able to poke its nose in the air almost vertically while the rider balances on the foot wedges. Aside from this party trick, which can be perfected with a little practice, it’s an extremely nimble watercraft that’s intuitive to ride, and is enjoyed by beginners and experienced stunt riders alike. As with most watercraft this size, it is better suited to riding solo, or with only one passenger on short trips in calm conditions. It remains one of the most fun and best value watercraft on the market.

Read the full review on the Sea-Doo Spark Trixx here.  

Top Pick 2020
Category: Sport
Yamaha EXR
Price: $12,599 not including registration or trailer
Engine: 1049cc three-cylinder

The Yamaha EXR is the entry point to Yamaha’s performance range. Based on the fun-sized Yamaha EX (introduced in late 2016 as a 2017 model year), the EXR introduced in late 2018 as a 2019 model year has a higher output three-cylinder engine and a lighter hull. The Yamaha EXR is one of the most nimble watercraft on the market. Although it is a three-seater model, as with most watercraft this size, it is better suited to riding solo, or with only one passenger on short trips in calm conditions. With a 50-litre tank it has a longer riding range than its closest rival. It has more standard storage space than other watercraft in this price range. The wet storage area in the nose is relatively small but the glovebox can accomodate a small towel, a tube of sunscreen and/or a phone in a waterproof case. The Yamaha EXR is so nimble and easy to ride it feels like an extension of your body, and is popular among beginners and experienced stunt riders. 

Read the full review on the Yamaha EXR here.

Top Pick 2020
Category: Leisure
Kawasaki STX 160
Price: $14,999 to $16,799 not including registration or trailer
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder

The Kawasaki STX 160 was released in late 2019 as a 2020 model year. Although the hull design is unchanged from 2003, the top deck is completely new for 2020. The STX 160 has helped put Kawasaki back on the map, matching one of the most user-friendly hulls with a much more modern and practical top deck, with more storage than most rivals in this price range. A 78-litre fuel tank – the biggest in the class and in the overall market – delivers exceptional riding range, and will likely leave riders exhausted before the STX 160 runs low on fuel. Not everyone is a fan of the bulky and tricky-to-operate reverse lever (rather than a reverse trigger used by Sea-Doo and Yamaha), however you soon become accustomed to it. The Kawasaki STX 160 is a great Jet Ski for those new to the sport, delivering intuitive and accessible handling. With ample storage it’s great for a weekend on the water.

Read the full review on the Kawasaki STX 160 here.

Top Pick 2020
Category: Leisure
Sea-Doo GTR 230
Price: $18,599 not including registration and trailer
Engine: Supercharged 1630cc three-cylinder

The Sea-Doo GTR 230 is one of the best-selling personal watercraft in Australia. Released in late 2019 as a 2020 model year, it is a completely new design and brings supercharged power to Sea-Doo’s mid-size range. This hull is also available with non-supercharged power, for those who plan to use this as more of a family watercraft. Although it is not marketed as a performance model, the GTR 230 combines a light and nimble hull with a decent dose of horsepower. It is well suited to experienced riders, however the hull is easy to ride and would appeal to those who are new to the sport. It’s at home in flat water or medium chop. Top speed is about 105kmh (versus 75kmh to 88kmh on the non-supercharged versions of this watercraft). It’s a great confidence-builder and will help develop your skills with every ride.

Top Pick 2020
Category: Recreation
Sea-Doo Fish Pro 170
Price: $20,499 not including registration and trailer
Engine: 1630cc three-cylinder

The Sea-Doo Fish Pro revolutionised the recreation watercraft market when it was introduced in late 2018 as a 2019 model year. In 2020, the Sea-Doo Fish Pro was upgraded from a 155 horsepower 1503cc three-cylinder, to a 170 horsepower 1630cc three-cylinder. It’s a modest but worthwhile bump in power, but the headline act for this watercraft is the genius design of the top deck and all the accessories that come standard on this model. The 2020 Sea-Doo Fish Pro comes ready to ride with a 51-litre cool box on the back, four fishing rod holders, and a Garmin EchoMap Plus 62cv fish finder on the right of the handlebar in place of the side mirror. Based on the ST3 hull introduced in late 2017 as a 2018 model, the Fish Pro followed a year later while the company perfected the design with input from New Zealand fishing expert Andrew Hill. A 70-litre fuel tank and a frugal engine provide exceptional range, though an optional 15-litre fuel caddy can be attached to the rear deck for extra peace of mind. The Sea-Doo Fish Pro is made for keen fishermen and women and was designed by experts in the field, which is why it has a flat seat (to switch from side to side when trolling) and grippy side steps to help reel in the catch of the day. A brilliantly thought-out watercraft that is almost always in limited supply due to consistently high demand.

Read the full review on the Sea-Doo Fish Pro 170 here.

Top Pick 2020
Category: Recreation
Yamaha FX HO
Price: $20,499 to $21,499 not including registration and trailer
Engine: 1.8-litre four-cylinder

The current generation Yamaha FX HO was released in late 2018 as a 2019 year model. It is a completely new design, although the familiar 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine (the biggest capacity in the class) was carried over from the previous generation. With extra storage and added practicality, the 2020 Yamaha FX HO has a large rear platform and a wide rear step which is handy for summer sports. The flat rear deck is also an ideal place to mount an aftermarket fishing cooler box. The current Yamaha FX series was the first watercraft on sale in Australia with a digital touchscreen. A 70-litre fuel tank delivers good range. This is an extremely stable and competent hull, well suited to choppy conditions and ocean riding. It’s also great as a family two- or three-seater in calmer waters. It has the agility of a smaller watercraft but the stability of a larger hull. Thanks to its forgiving nature, this model is popular with those new to the sport, as well as experienced riders. 

Read the full review on the Yamaha FX HO here.

Top Pick 2020
Category: Performance
Sea-Doo RXT-X RS 300
Price: $26,399 not including registration and trailer
Engine: Supercharged 1630cc three-cylinder

The Sea-Doo RXT-X RS 300 is one of the fastest Jet Skis and personal watercraft on sale in Australia – and the first fitted with “launch control”, for a super-quick start. This generation went on sale in 2018 as a 2019 model year and is a completely new design from the ground up. The Sea-Doo RXT-X RS 300 is from the ST3 hull family, which is Sea-Doo’s largest premium hull and deck combination. The ST3 revolutionised the industry with a new way to access the front storage area. Rather than leaning over the handlebars to access the front hatch, the handlebars lift up with the top console, providing easy access to a large storage area. The RS badge signifies an unrestricted top speed (about 125kmh in ideal conditions); models sold in the US are limited to about 110kmh. This is a large and sturdy craft and ideal for carrying one or two passengers. However, as with all sit-down watercraft it is more nimble when operated solo. The large rear deck has attachment points for accessories such as a cooler box and a 15-litre fuel caddy. A premium audio system is now standard for the 2020 model year. This is a great watercraft for riders who want to combine comfort and performance.

Read the full review on the Sea-Doo RXT-X RS300 here.

Top Pick 2020
Category: Performance
Yamaha GP 1800R SVHO
Price: $22,499 not including registration and trailer
Engine: Supercharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder

The Yamaha GP 1800R SVHO has won multiple championships around the world in showroom standard and modified form. Yamaha’s supercharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder was first fitted to its mid-size model in 2017 and has been continually refined ever since. It makes for a potent combination. The Yamaha GP1800R SVHO is designed for experienced riders and thrill-seekers alike. It is better suited to flat water and medium chop but experienced owners can successfully conquer rough conditions and open water. With a lot of power in a compact package, this is the hot hatch of the personal watercraft industry. The lightweight and nimble hull design give the GP1800R SVHO an agility that’s rare in a watercraft with this level of performance. You will need to hold on tight. Upgrades to the 2020 model (including a new single-piece impeller housing, and carrying over the new top-loader intake grate from 2019) improved acceleration from a standing start and the ‘grip’ and power delivery of the jet pump in choppy conditions.

Read the full review on the Yamaha GP 1800R SVHO here.

Top Pick 2020
Category: Performance Luxury
Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300
Price: $26,499 not including registration and trailer
Engine: Supercharged 1630cc three-cylinder

The Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300 takes the best elements from the RXT-X RS 300 performance model and puts it in a luxurious package. It has an identical engine, deck and hull but is finished in premium silver paintwork and comes with matching floor mats. As with other watercraft based on Sea-Doo’s revolutionary ST3 family, the GTX Limited 300 has a large rear deck which can accomodate an optional cooler box and a 15-litre fuel caddy. Premium audio speakers are standard on this model. A 70-litre fuel tank (the same as the Sea-Doo Fish Pro and RXT-X RS 300) delivers excellent range. However, the instrumentation also estimates how much range is remaining, so you can be sure not to be left stranded. This is an excellent blend of performance and comfort in a luxurious package.

Top Pick 2020
Category: Performance Luxury
Yamaha FX SVHO
Price: $24,799 to $25,799 not including registration and trailer
Engine: Supercharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder

This is Yamaha’s flagship watercraft. The Yamaha FX SVHO is the top of the range in terms of comfort and performance. Powered by a supercharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder – the largest capacity in the industry – the FX hull is renowned for its ability to cut through choppy conditions. It’s a popular choice with ocean riders but is also a blast in flat water. The Yamaha FX SVHO has the unique combination of a large, stable hull but agile handling. It tracks well through chop with a precision few watercraft can match. The engine has plenty of power on tap, however this is an accessible watercraft whether it is experienced hands or those who are new to the sport. It has one of the large glove boxes in the business, and an industry-first digital touchscreen, which is able to be operated even when wearing gloves. The Yamaha FX SVHO is an awesome package for riders looking for speed, comfort, and the ability to carry one of two passengers without raising a sweat.

MORE: All our Sea-Doo coverage in one click
MORE: 2021 Sea-Doo prices
MORE: All our Yamaha coverage in one click
MORE: 2021 Yamaha WaveRunner prices
MORE: All our Kawasaki coverage in one click
MORE: 2021 Kawasaki Jet Ski prices