Which Jet ski has Longest Range?
Jet skies are meant to have fun on water, but what if ? they don’t last longer or don’t have longest range. When talking about the range of a jet ski, several element comes to play such as fuel consumption, capacity, and mileage (mpg) that determine how far a jet ski can travel.
For instance, Sea-doo spark 60 HP with the max speed of 42 mph is most fuel-efficient jet ski giving 166 miles on a single tank gas (With full throttle).
| Model / Parameter | Tank Size | GPH | MPG | Total Miles | Max Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark Series | 7.9 | 2 | 21 | 150-166 🏅 | 40-42 Mph |
| Ultra Series | 21.1 | 24 | 2.8 | 60 | 65 Mph |
| FX | 18.5 | 13.6 | 4.6 | 80-85 | 58-62 Mph |
| EX | 13.2 | 7.9 | 6.5 | 82-86 | 48-51 Mph |
GPH : Gallon Per Hour | MPG : Miles Per Gallon
Comparing Jet Ski Models
Sea-Doo Spark Series
The Sea-Doo Spark is one of popular pocket-friendly watercraft that even I own. My model has a smaller tank about 7.9-gallon, but offers 20-22 mpg at 42mph full speed. This is highest speed I can ride, given these number my spark gives 150 – 166 miles with full consumption of gasoline.
Kawasaki Ultra Series
The Kawasaki Ultra series holds a huge 21.1-gallon fuel tank, which feeds a 310 HP engine that can easily guzzle up full tank within an hour at full throttle. Though, Its a year old, still it is capable to give me average speed of 65mph, impressive right !
Given its a performance engine setup, my Kawasaki Ultra 310X can reach a range of approximately approx. 60 miles, at full speed.
👉🏻 Check : This Sea-doo beats Kawasaki at full speed
Yamaha FX and EX Series
Yamaha FX Cruiser is meant for those who wants steady performance without losing appetite in comfort. This model has a 18.5-gallon fuel tank and with a consumption rate of 4.5 gallons per hour, means when riding at full speed of 58-62 mph, it still able give me a range of 80-85 miles in total.
On the other hand, the Yamaha EX series, known for its user-friendliness, with slightly smaller tank size, a 13.2-gallon tank, which can render to a range of 82-86 miles, with a weight of just 578 pounds for easier handling.
Electric Jet Skis
Electric jet skis, like the Taiga Motors Orca, are the greener choice for watercraft enthusiasts. My friend’s Orca, is equipped with a battery capable of covering up to 100 miles on a single charge. While it may hypothetical to compare traditional jet ski with Electric, it does impresses with zero emissions and quick charging, not to mention the benefit of lower running costs.
What Affects Fuel Efficiency?
Weight and passenger onboarded plays a significant role in fuel efficiency. The heavier the load or more passengers I carry, the more fuel my jet ski tends to use. In my experience, riding solo with less load helps in achieving better fuel efficiency. Furthermore, fuel quality significantly impacts engine performance; higher quality fuel can lead to a more fuel-efficient ride.
Off-course, external elements such as water conditions and wind resistance impact the efficiency in mileage. I’ve noticed that smooth water and calm weather conditions are ideal for extending my jet ski’s range on a single tank of fuel.
PWC Fuel Consumption at Best Cruise Speed
Jet ski with less power may actual give you better mileage per gallon, but due to small hull (resulting in small tank size) may short the range of jet ski overall. This is where BCS (best cruising speed) comes to rescue, balancing the need for speed with fuel economy. This is the speed at which a PWC can travel to achieve optimal fuel economy, balancing velocity with fuel use.
In simple, BCS is where PWC consumes optimal gallons in an hour, resulting in better mileage and fuel economy. Here is average figure you might expect in terms of gallon usage across different category:
- Lightweight Models: 2-4 gallons per hour (gph)
- Mid-range Models: 4-8 gph
- Performance Models: 8-14 gph
To maximize range, rider should be mindful of the throttle usage, as maintaining a steady cruising speed often compensate with the better fuel economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors contribute to a jet ski’s maximum range?
To determine a jet ski’s maximum fuel range, one must look at fuel tank capacity, engine efficiency, hull design, and rider habits. Fuel-efficient engines paired with larger fuel tanks typically yield maximum longer ranges.
Which models are considered top choices for long-distance jet ski touring?
Models such as the Yamaha WaveRunner FX Cruiser HO and the Sea-Doo GTX Limited are often favored for long-distance jet ski touring due to their large fuel capacities and efficient engines.
