How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Jet Ski?
For thrill-seekers out there, there is no feeling quite like speeding over the open water, so it’s hardly surprising why jet skis are highly popular. Their agility on the waves, coupled with the adrenaline rush riders get, makes them a great purchase.
Whether you’re looking for a new model and are wondering how much this will cost or want to find out how Credit One’s finance can help you pay for your new toy, this article aims to help. Read on to find out all this information and more, so you can budget accordingly for your new jet ski.
Table of Contents:
- How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Jet Ski?
- New Jet Ski Prices
- Used Jet Ski Prices
- Different Types of Jet Skis Available
- The Costs of Caravan Ownership
- Finance Your Jet Ski with Credit One
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Jet Ski?
Despite being considerably cheaper than buying a boat, the price brackets for jet skis are pretty broad. For a new model, you can expect to pay anything between $5,000 and $20,000, depending on the features it has, and in some cases, even more than this. For used and second hand models, you’ll be able to score a deal, with the caveat of being an older model or not having the newest features. Below, we’ll break down the prices of new and used models in more detail.
New Jet Ski Prices
The prices of new jet skis can vary greatly depending on which make and model you are looking at buying.
New models guarantee you full power and come with warranties from the factory. A new jet ski can cost anywhere from $10,000 to upwards of $30,000 in 2024, depending on its make and features. The most expensive jet skis are typically luxury and performance models.
Used Jet Ski Prices
When buying a jet ski, you may be considering both new and used options. A well-maintained second-hand jet ski can be a much more affordable option, especially if you’re new to water sports. So, how much do they cost?
The cost of used jet skis could vary considerably based on the features that each one has and also depending on how much the previous owner used them on the water. Just like cars, the price of a jet ski will depreciate after use, so you can expect to pay anywhere from 20% to 40% less than the price of a new model.
When looking at used jet skis, take note of the “strokes” of the engine. Newer models tend to have four-stroke engines, which make them much more efficient. If you’re buying an older model and notice it has a two-stroke engine, it is best to avoid it. These engines burn fuel quickly and pollute the water. If you did buy a model with this engine, it is easy to replace it with a more modern one.
Engine hours may also be a factor you consider when purchasing. Before, people shopping for used models would have avoided those with 300 hours of ride time, due to a common misconception that manufacturers designed models only to last this long. However, whether or not the engine was taken care of matters much more than the amount of time it was used – if it was taken care of well by a previous owner, then it will be in good shape.
Different Types of Jet Skis Available
When considering which jet ski you wish to purchase, it is best to think about how you will be using the personal watercraft. Various models and classes are available, but there are typically three different types to consider.
Luxury jet skis are top-of-the-range and tend to be the most expensive. Their performance, speeds and accelerations are the best, plus many people will find the ride smoother on one of these. This stability is due to a larger hull, but luxury jet skis can feel slightly bulky and may not be suitable for more agile, quick motions.
While similar to luxury jet skis, thanks to their incredible speed and acceleration, performance jet skis are often slimmer, which makes them easier to move in the ocean. It’s worth noting that these may cost the most due to maintenance charges, as they often have unique parts, making services challenging.
Recreation jet skis are the most common thanks to their affordability and user-friendly experience, making them perfect for beginner riders. Their smaller engines make them easier to work with; however, these may not be as geared towards performance as the first two.
The Extra Costs of Owning a Jet Ski
Buying a jet ski is still a considerable investment, and there are other factors outside of the initial purchase to take into consideration. Insurance, fuel, and servicing are all costs you will need to pay, too.
When it comes to proofing your jet ski, it must be insured and serviced. Riding a jet ski is unpredictable by nature, whether this is the water itself, someone crashing into you, or debris and other hazards in the ocean. Insurance costs can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars per year, depending on the make, model and power of your jet ski. Servicing also ensures your model is in great condition and it remains legal to ride in the ocean.
Depending on how much you use your jet ski, the costs of fuel will fluctuate. On average, it’s estimated that jet skis cost up to $600 a year in fuel, and if you’re filling up on the water, you will pay more per litre for the pleasure. We advise you to always fill up with 98-octane fuel to ensure it performs well and runs smoothly.
You’ll also need a trailer to get your jet ski to the water, which can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands, again, depending on the model you choose.
Finance Your Jet Ski with Credit One
As you can see, jet ski costs can vary enormously depending on the type of personal watercrat you’re looking to purchase. The good news is that you don’t have to let your allotted budget limit the type of jet ski you buy. Whether you’ve always had your eye on a Kawasaki, Sea-Doo, or Yamaha, Credit One is Australia’s leading finance broker who can help you make the purchase of your dreams.
Apply for a jet ski loan today with Credit One. In many cases, we can do same-day approvals, allowing you to be on the water in time for the weekend. Talk to one of our experienced, independent finance consultants today and find out what are the best options for you and your jet ski purchase. Apply online now for your instant quote.
