Key Takeaways
- Jet ski weight ranges from about 300–1,100 lb dry, depending on category: stand-up (300–550), rec‑lite (410–500), recreational 3-seat (650–800), performance (730–900), and luxury touring (800–1,050).
- Know the difference: dry weight (no fuel/gear), curb weight (ready to ride with fluids), and trailered weight (jet ski + trailer + gear). Single PWC trailers add roughly 200–400 lb.
- Fuel significantly impacts curb weight: gasoline weighs ~6.1–6.3 lb/gal, adding 40–130 lb depending on tank size (7–21 gal), plus 6–11 lb for engine oil and more for coolant on some models.
- Engine size, supercharging, cooling system, and hull materials (e.g., fiberglass vs. NanoXcel/Polytec) are the biggest drivers of jet ski weight.
- Plan towing wisely: calculate total trailered weight, target 8–15% tongue weight, and verify tow vehicle, hitch, trailer GVWR, and brake requirements before you haul.
I love days on the water and I know weight matters when you haul launch or ride a jet ski. You might ask how much does a jet ski weigh. The answer depends on size engine features and fuel.
In this guide I’ll share typical weights for stand up models three seat cruisers and everything between. I’ll explain dry weight versus curb weight with fuel and gear and why trailer weight counts too. By the end you’ll know what to expect and how to plan a smooth tow and launch.
How Much Does A Jet Ski Weigh?
Jet ski weight spans 300–1,100 lb across categories. I compare dry, curb, and trailered numbers for planning.
Typical Weight Ranges By Category
I group jet ski weight by use case, engine output, and hull size for clarity.
| Category | Typical dry weight lb | Typical curb weight lb | Example models | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stand‑up | 300–550 | 320–620 | Yamaha SuperJet, Kawasaki SX‑R | Yamaha specifications, Kawasaki specifications |
| Rec‑lite 2–3 seat | 410–500 | 450–560 | Sea‑Doo Spark, Sea‑Doo Spark Trixx | BRP Sea‑Doo specifications |
| Recreational 3 seat | 650–800 | 720–920 | Yamaha VX, Sea‑Doo GTI | Yamaha specifications, BRP Sea‑Doo specifications |
| Performance | 730–900 | 800–1,020 | Yamaha GP1800R SVHO, Sea‑Doo RXP‑X 325 | Yamaha specifications, BRP Sea‑Doo specifications |
| Luxury touring 3 seat | 800–1,050 | 900–1,200 | Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO, Sea‑Doo GTX Limited 300, Kawasaki Ultra 160LX | Yamaha specifications, BRP Sea‑Doo specifications, Kawasaki specifications |
- Examples include published dry figures like Yamaha SuperJet 375 lb, Sea‑Doo Spark 410–428 lb, Yamaha VX 668 lb, Yamaha GP1800R SVHO 769 lb, Sea‑Doo GTX Limited 300 849 lb, Kawasaki SX‑R 551 lb, Kawasaki Ultra models near 1,000 lb dry. I source these from current manufacturer spec sheets and owner manuals.
Dry, Curb, And Trailered Weights Explained
I use three weight types to plan towing and launching.
- Dry weight: Factory weight without fuel, coolant, or gear. Manufacturers publish this number in spec sheets.
- Curb weight: Ready‑to‑ride weight with full fuel and operating fluids. Gasoline adds 6.1 lb per gallon. A 18 gal tank adds about 110 lb.
- Trailered weight: Combined weight of jet ski, trailer, and gear. Single PWC trailers often weigh 200–400 lb. Common gear like life jackets, anchors, and coolers adds 30–100 lb.
| Component | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Fuel density gasoline | 6.1 lb per gal |
| Fuel tank capacity range | 7–21 gal |
| Added fuel weight range | 43–128 lb |
| Single PWC trailer weight | 200–400 lb |
| Gear and accessories | 30–100 lb |
Example calculation
- Baseline: Recreational jet ski dry weight 700 lb.
- Fuel: 15 gal x 6.1 lb equals 92 lb added.
- Trailer: Aluminum single trailer 240 lb.
- Gear: Safety kit and lines 40 lb.
- Total: Trailered weight equals 1,072 lb.
- Yamaha WaveRunner specifications and owner manuals
- BRP Sea‑Doo specifications and operator guides
- Kawasaki Jet Ski specifications and owner manuals
Factors That Influence Jet Ski Weight
I focus on the core design and the onboard load to explain jet ski weight. I tie each factor to common specs and model examples for clarity.
Engine Size And Hull Material
I link engine output to mass first, then I cover hull construction.
- Displacement, cylinders, and induction: Larger displacement, more cylinders, and a supercharger add metal, cooling hardware, and intake plumbing, for example 1,498 cc supercharged Kawasaki Ultra models weigh markedly more than 899 cc rec-lite units, based on manufacturer specs (Kawasaki, BRP).
- Cooling architecture: Closed-loop cooling adds heat exchangers and coolant on Sea-Doo models, open-loop saltwater cooling reduces fluid mass but adds corrosion-resistant components, according to BRP and Yamaha.
- Hull material, layup, and thickness: Traditional fiberglass SMC offers rigidity with higher mass, Yamaha’s NanoXcel and NanoXcel 2 composites cut hull and deck weight versus standard SMC, Sea-Doo’s Polytec polypropylene reduces mass and increases impact resistance for rec-lite hulls, as stated by Yamaha and BRP.
- Structural additions: Reinforced stringers, integrated fuel tanks, extended swim platforms, and large storage liners raise dry weight on touring and offshore hulls, for example Ultra 310 and FX Cruiser platforms, per Kawasaki and Yamaha specs.
Sources: BRP Sea‑Doo Specifications and Operator’s Guides, Kawasaki Jet Ski Specifications, Yamaha WaveRunner Specifications.
Fuel, Fluids, And Accessories
I account for every ready-to-ride pound beyond dry weight.
- Fuel load: Full tanks add 6.3 lb per gallon of gasoline at 60°F, so larger capacities swing curb weight by triple digits on long-range models, per U.S. EIA.
- Engine oil: Sumps hold roughly 3 to 6 qt depending on engine family, which adds about 6 to 11 lb at 1.9 lb per qt, based on manufacturer maintenance data.
- Coolant, brake, and miscellaneous fluids: Sea-Doo’s closed-loop cooling adds coolant mass, electronic brake and reverse systems add hydraulic components, and intercoolers carry water mass during operation, as documented by BRP.
- Add-on accessories and gear: Audio systems, fish finders, coolers, anchors, tow ropes, and safety kits add variable weight, for example BRP Audio Premium, Garmin fish finders, and LinQ coolers.
I translate common fuel and oil loads into curb-weight impact.
| Category | Typical Tank Size (gal) | Fuel Mass Added (lb) | Oil Capacity (qt) | Oil Mass Added (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stand-up | 5–6 | 32–38 | 2–3 | 4–6 |
| Rec-lite | 7–8 | 44–50 | 3–4 | 6–8 |
| Recreational | 13–18 | 82–113 | 4–5 | 8–10 |
| Performance | 18–21 | 113–132 | 5–6 | 10–11 |
| Luxury touring | 20–21 | 126–132 | 5–6 | 10–11 |
Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration for gasoline density, BRP Sea‑Doo, Yamaha WaveRunner, and Kawasaki Jet Ski specifications and owner’s manuals for tank and oil capacities.
Weight By Popular Brands And Models
I mapped dry and curb figures for popular models to answer how much a jet ski weighs by nameplate. I list factory sources for clarity if a spec uses curb mass instead of dry weight.
Sea-Doo
I use Sea-Doo dry weight for direct model comparisons.
| Model | Year | Weight type | Weight lb | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark 2up 60 | 2024 | Dry | 410 | Sea-Doo Spark specs |
| GTI SE 130 | 2024 | Dry | 739 | Sea-Doo GTI SE specs |
| GTX Limited 300 | 2024 | Dry | 849 | Sea-Doo GTX Limited specs |
Notes
- Dry numbers exclude fuel and gear for these Sea-Doo examples.
- Curb estimates add 50 to 80 lb for full fuel on these Rotax platforms.
Yamaha WaveRunner
I use Yamaha dry weight as published for these models.
| Model | Year | Weight type | Weight lb | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EX | 2024 | Dry | 578 | Yamaha EX specs |
| VX Cruiser HO | 2024 | Dry | 719 | Yamaha VX Cruiser HO specs |
| FX Cruiser SVHO | 2024 | Dry | 822 | Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO specs |
Notes
- Dry specs reflect ready hulls without fuel for these Yamaha examples.
- Curb adds 40 to 70 lb based on tank size on these VX and FX platforms.
Kawasaki Jet Ski
I use Kawasaki curb mass because Kawasaki lists wet weight with full fluids.
| Model | Year | Weight type | Weight lb | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SX-R 160 | 2024 | Curb | 551 | Kawasaki SX-R 160 specs |
| STX 160LX | 2024 | Curb | 864 | Kawasaki STX 160LX specs |
| Ultra 310LX-S | 2024 | Curb | 1,089 | Kawasaki Ultra 310LX-S specs |
- Curb mass includes fuel and fluids for these Kawasaki examples.
- Trailer math starts from curb for Kawasaki or from dry plus fuel for Sea-Doo and Yamaha.
Why Weight Matters For Owners
Weight drives how I ride, tow, and store a jet ski. I plan by dry weight, curb weight, and total trailered weight.
Performance, Handling, And Efficiency
Heavier curb weight changes acceleration, planing, and turning. I feel slower hole shot and longer planing time on heavier hulls at the same power. I also see higher fuel burn at cruise when I add riders and gear.
- Manage throttle mapping for added mass and chop
- Distribute gear low and centered for stable trim
- Reduce unnecessary cargo for faster planing
- Calibrate expectations for top speed with passengers
I quantify load from fuel first. Gasoline weighs about 6.1 lb per gallon based on average retail fuel properties from the US Energy Information Administration.
| Load item | Quantity example | Weight impact | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unleaded gasoline | 12 gal | 73 lb | EIA gasoline density 0.74 kg/L avg |
| Unleaded gasoline | 18 gal | 110 lb | EIA gasoline density 0.74 kg/L avg |
| Unleaded gasoline | 21 gal | 128 lb | EIA gasoline density 0.74 kg/L avg |
Source: US Energy Information Administration, primer on gasoline properties and densities, 2023
I respect capacity labels on the craft. Manufacturers rate maximum load for persons and gear in pounds on the PWC label under USCG rules for safe loading.
- Check the capacity label for max persons and gear on the hull
- Compare my rider count and cargo against the posted capacity
- Keep a small reserve below max for rough water operations
Source: US Coast Guard, Boatbuilder’s Handbook Capacity Guidance for small craft
Towing, Launching, And Storage
Correct trailered weight protects my vehicle, trailer, and brakes. I add curb weight, trailer weight, and gear to get a total, then I match that number to a tow rating verified under SAE J2807.
| Component | Typical range | Example sources |
|---|---|---|
| Single PWC trailer | 200 to 420 lb | Karavan single PWC trailers, Triton Elite single PWC trailers |
| Double PWC trailer | 350 to 650 lb | Karavan double PWC trailers, Triton double PWC trailers |
| Tongue weight target | 7% to 10% of trailer weight | SAE J684 coupling and hitch guidance |
- Match the tow vehicle rating to the total trailered weight after I measure it on a scale
- Balance tongue weight near 8% to 10% for stable tracking by moving the craft or gear forward or aft
- Verify state trailer brake laws for thresholds near 1,500 to 3,000 lb total, per the AAA Digest of Motor Laws
- Inspect tire load index and pressure on both trailer tires before every trip
Ramp conditions affect safe launching. I assess slope, surface, and water level before I back down.
- Choose a ramp with adequate depth for my hull and bunks at low tide
- Engage low range or traction control on steep or slick ramps for control
- Secure a bow line and load gear in the parking area for faster ramp time
Storage depends on true weight, not brochure figures. I size lifts, slings, and racks to curb weight plus a safety margin.
- Confirm lift and sling ratings that exceed curb weight plus seasonal gear
- Position support points under manufacturer marked lift pads on the hull
- Rinse bunk carpets and rollers to reduce abrasion on heavier loads
How To Estimate Or Measure Your Jet Ski’s Weight
I start by turning specs into curb and trailered numbers. I then verify with a scale if I need a precise reading.
Real-World Calculation Examples
Estimate jet ski weight by adding fuel and gear to the published dry or curb figure. Use 6.3 lb per gallon for gasoline per EIA, and use factory fuel capacities and dry masses from manufacturer spec sheets for accuracy. Confirm with a certified CAT or truck stop scale if I want a measured value.
- Gather model specs first
- Convert fuel capacity to pounds second
- Add fluids and accessories third
- Add rider gear and cargo fourth
- Add trailer weight last
Key constants and references
- Use 6.3 lb per gallon for gasoline per U.S. Energy Information Administration
- Use manufacturer dry or curb weight per Sea-Doo, Yamaha, and Kawasaki spec sheets
- Use scale tickets for verification per CAT Scale Company guidance
Example 1, rec‑lite single on a light trailer
| Item | Quantity | Rate | Weight (lb) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry weight | Sea-Doo Spark 2up | — | 410 | BRP spec |
| Fuel | 7.9 gal | 6.3 lb/gal | 50 | EIA |
| Engine oil and coolant | 3 qt | ~2.0 lb/qt | 6 | OEM manuals |
| Safety gear | PFDs, rope, kit | — | 30 | Owner estimate |
| Single trailer | Aluminum, small | — | 300 | Trailer mfr |
| Total trailered | — | — | 796 | Calculation |
Example 2, three‑seat cruiser on a mid trailer
| Item | Quantity | Rate | Weight (lb) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry weight | Yamaha FX HO | — | 822 | Yamaha spec |
| Fuel | 18.5 gal | 6.3 lb/gal | 117 | EIA |
| Engine oil and coolant | 6 qt | ~2.0 lb/qt | 12 | OEM manuals |
| Accessories | Audio, GPS | — | 15 | Owner estimate |
| Riding gear | 2 PFDs, anchor, lines | — | 60 | Owner estimate |
| Single trailer | Galvanized, mid | — | 450 | Trailer mfr |
| Total trailered | — | — | 1,476 | Calculation |
Example 3, two jet skis on a double trailer
| Item | Quantity | Rate | Weight (lb) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curb weight A | Rec model | — | 970 | Calc from OEM |
| Curb weight B | Performance model | — | 1,050 | Calc from OEM |
| Double trailer | Tandem axle | — | 750 | Trailer mfr |
| Shared gear | Tools, spares | — | 80 | Owner estimate |
| Total trailered | — | — | 2,850 | Calculation |
Measure actual numbers with a certified scale
- Load the jet ski on the trailer first
- Weigh the combined rig second
- Unhook and weigh the tow vehicle alone third
- Subtract vehicle only from combined fourth
- Subtract trailer only if I also weigh the empty trailer last
Tow Vehicle And Trailer Considerations
Match jet ski weight to tow ratings before I hitch. Keep tongue weight near 8 to 15 percent of total trailer weight per SAE J684 and major OEM towing guides, and confirm limits via the owner’s manual.
- Check ratings first
- Verify tow vehicle GCWR, GVWR, GAWR second
- Confirm hitch class and tongue limit third
- Inspect trailer GVWR, axle ratings, and tire load index fourth
- Balance load for 8 to 15 percent tongue weight last
Key towing numbers
| Spec | What it means | Target or limit |
|---|---|---|
| Tongue weight | Downforce on hitch | 8–15 percent of trailer weight |
| Trailer GVWR | Max trailer weight | Do not exceed plate value |
| Tow rating | Max trailer per vehicle | Do not exceed manual value |
| GCWR | Max combined vehicle and trailer | Do not exceed manual value |
Improve stability with simple setup steps
- Place heavier jet ski slightly forward of the axle first
- Set coupler height so the trailer rides level second
- Cross safety chains and lock the coupler third
- Set tire pressures to sidewall spec fourth
- Add brakes when trailer GVWR meets state threshold last
Plan for ramps and stops with margin
- Target 15 percent grade launch sites per FHWA and USFS ramp guidance first
- Engage low range or tow mode for steep or slick ramps second
- Increase following distance for heavier trailered weight third
- Reweigh after major changes like fuel load or added gear last
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, gasoline weight at 6.3 lb per gallon
- SEA-DOO, Yamaha, Kawasaki, official model specifications for dry or curb mass
- SAE J684 and OEM towing guides for tongue weight range and hitch limits
- CAT Scale Company, public scale procedures for vehicle and trailer weighing
- FHWA and USFS small craft ramp design manuals for ramp grade guidance
Buying Advice Based On Weight
I base my buying advice on jet ski weight because it drives towing, storage, and handling. I use curb weight and trailered weight to match models and gear to real plans.
Match Weight To Use Case
Use this table to align jet ski weight with typical use, examples, and trailering impact.
| Category | Typical curb weight lb | Example models | Typical single trailer lb | Typical trailered total lb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stand-up | 300–550 | Kawasaki SX-R 160, Yamaha SuperJet | 200–300 | 500–850 |
| Rec-lite | 450–650 | Sea-Doo Spark 2up, Yamaha EX | 200–350 | 650–1,000 |
| Recreational 3-seat | 650–850 | Sea-Doo GTI, Yamaha VX | 250–400 | 900–1,250 |
| Performance | 800–1,050 | Yamaha GP1800R, Sea-Doo RXP-X | 300–450 | 1,100–1,500 |
| Luxury touring | 900–1,100 | Sea-Doo GTX Limited, Kawasaki Ultra 310LX | 350–600 | 1,250–1,800 |
- Pick stand-up curb weights under 550 lb for solo riding and minimal storage space, then add a 200–300 lb trailer for towing simplicity. Sources Sea-Doo, Yamaha, Kawasaki spec pages
- Pick rec-lite curb weights under 650 lb for light-duty towing and easy beach handling, then cap total trailered weight near 1,000 lb for compact SUVs. Sources Sea-Doo Spark, Yamaha EX specs
- Choose recreational 3-seat curb weights under 850 lb for family use and moderate chop, then confirm total trailered weight under 1,250 lb for mid-size crossovers. Sources Yamaha VX, Sea-Doo GTI specs
- Choose performance curb weights near 1,000 lb for acceleration and race features, then plan on 1,100–1,500 lb total for firm suspension setups. Sources Yamaha GP1800R specs, Sea-Doo RXP-X specs
- Target luxury touring curb weights near 1,100 lb for stability and long-range fuel, then allocate 1,250–1,800 lb total for premium trailers and gear. Sources Kawasaki Ultra 310, Sea-Doo GTX Limited specs
I base the ranges on manufacturer dry or curb specs and typical full-fuel adds of 40–80 lb for 8–18 gal tanks. I convert fuel using 6.1 lb per gal for gasoline per NIST.
Citations
- Sea-Doo specifications https://www.sea-doo.com/us/en/models.html
- Yamaha WaveRunner specifications https://yamaha-motor.com/waverunner
- Kawasaki Jet Ski specifications https://kawasaki.com/en-us/watercraft
- NIST gasoline density reference https://webbook.nist.gov/chemistry/fluid
Safety And Legal Limits
- Verify tow rating against total trailered weight first, then apply SAE J2807 methodology for GCWR and tongue weight targets. Source SAE J2807 summary Toyota Towing Guide
- Keep tongue weight near 10–15 percent of trailer plus load for stability, then adjust axle position or cargo for sway control. Source NHTSA Trailer Safety Tips
- Confirm trailer GVWR and GAWR exceed measured load, then check tire load index and pressure on the VIN label. Source NHTSA Trailer Guidelines
- Follow the PWC capacity label for persons and gear on the craft, then reduce load in rough water or high elevation. Source US Coast Guard Boating Safety
- Use working straps at bow and stern for transport security, then add a transom saver only if the trailer design requires lift protection. Source NHTSA Cargo Securement
- Check state towing rules for brakes lighting and speed with the trailered weight known, then equip surge or electric brakes when thresholds apply. Source state DOT towing pages
- NHTSA Trailer Safety https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/trailers
- US Coast Guard Boating Safety PWC guidance https://uscgboating.org
- Toyota Towing Guide SAE J2807 overview https://www.toyota.com/towing/
- Federal Motor Carrier cargo securement overview https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/cargo-securement/cargo-securement-rules
Conclusion
If you take one thing from this guide let it be this I want you to feel confident before you tow launch or store your ski. Make a quick plan set a target weight window and stick to it. A few minutes of prep saves headaches at the ramp and on the road.
I keep a simple checklist in my phone model specs fuel on board fluids added gear loaded and trailer details. Do the same and you will always know where you stand. If anything feels off weigh it. When in doubt ask your dealer or hit a certified scale. Ride smart stay safe and enjoy the water with peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a jet ski weigh?
Most jet skis weigh 300 to 1,100 pounds. Stand-up models are on the light end, while luxury touring and performance models sit on the heavy end. The final number depends on size, engine, hull, features, and fuel.
What is dry weight vs. curb weight on a jet ski?
Dry weight is the factory weight with no fuel, oil, or gear. Curb weight is the ready-to-ride weight with full fuel and fluids, but no riders or cargo. Curb weight is typically 40–80 pounds more than dry weight, depending on tank size and fluids.
What is trailered weight?
Trailered weight is the total of the jet ski, trailer, fuel/fluids, and all gear. It’s the number that matters for towing. To estimate, start with curb weight, add the trailer (usually 200–350 pounds for single PWC trailers), plus accessories and cargo.
What factors affect jet ski weight most?
Key factors include engine size, hull size/material, and added features like brakes, suspension, or audio. Fuel and fluids add weight too. Larger engines and thicker hulls increase mass, while composite materials and minimal features keep weight down.
How much weight does fuel add to a jet ski?
Gasoline weighs about 6.2 pounds per gallon. A 12-gallon tank adds roughly 74 pounds when full. Oil, coolant, and other fluids add a few more pounds to the curb weight.
Can my car tow a jet ski safely?
Yes, if your vehicle’s tow rating exceeds the trailered weight and you maintain proper tongue weight (typically 8–12% of total). Check the owner’s manual, account for fuel and gear, and don’t exceed hitch or axle ratings.
What are typical weights by jet ski category?
- Stand-up: ~300–500 lb (dry)
- Rec-lite: ~400–650 lb (dry)
- Recreational: ~600–800 lb (dry)
- Performance: ~700–900 lb (dry)
- Luxury touring: ~800–1,100 lb (dry)
Add 40–80 lb for curb weight depending on tank size.
How do Sea-Doo, Yamaha, and Kawasaki weights compare?
Sea-Doo and Yamaha list dry weights; add 50–80 pounds for curb weight. Kawasaki often lists curb mass, which includes fuel and fluids. Always verify the spec type and use it for accurate trailer calculations.
How do I calculate my jet ski’s total towing weight?
- Find dry or curb weight in the manual.
- If dry, add fuel (6.2 lb/gal) and fluids.
- Add trailer weight (200–350 lb single).
- Add accessories and gear.
- Verify on a certified scale for accuracy.
How does weight affect performance and handling?
Heavier jet skis may accelerate slower, take longer to plane, and use more fuel, but can feel more stable in chop. Lighter models are nimble and efficient but may be less planted in rough water.
What size trailer do I need for a jet ski?
A single PWC trailer suits most models and weighs about 200–350 pounds. For two jet skis, use a double trailer rated for the combined curb weight plus gear. Confirm the trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) exceeds your loaded total.
How can I reduce my jet ski’s towing weight?
Travel with less fuel if safe for the trip, remove nonessential gear, store heavy items in the tow vehicle, and choose lighter accessories. Keep tools and spares minimal but adequate.
How do I weigh a jet ski accurately?
Use a certified truck stop or public scale. Weigh the vehicle with trailer loaded, then subtract the vehicle-only weight. For tongue weight, use a tongue scale or a bathroom-scale method with a lever setup.
What are key towing safety tips for jet skis?
Match tow rating to total trailered weight, set correct tongue weight, balance cargo over the axle, check tire pressures, cross safety chains, use proper hitch height, and brake early. Follow ramp etiquette and avoid dunking hot hubs.