Top Waverunner Brands for Thrilling Water Adventures

Wave runners, popularly known as personal watercraft (PWC), have gained a massive following for their thrilling water-bound adventures. Brands like Yamaha, with their reliable and innovative designs, have set benchmarks in this exhilarating industry. Other noteworthy manufacturers include Sea-Doo, known for their cutting-edge technology and unique features, and Kawasaki, which consistently delivers high-performance models. For a detailed exploration of the top wave runner brands available today, please read on below.

Illustration of waverunner

Best brands of waverunner in 2025

Yamaha

Yamaha, a leading personal watercraft manufacturer since 1986, holds approximately 35% of the market share, consistently innovating with models like the FX series, known for their reliable 1812cc engine and advanced technology. Boasting a 90% customer satisfaction rate among owners, they are a top choice for recreational watercraft enthusiasts. Find out more about Yamaha's models on their product website.

Sea-Doo

Sea-Doo, a Canadian brand by Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) introduced in 1968, is a leading producer of personal watercraft (PWC), holding over 50% of the market share in the US and a staggering 75% in Australia in recent years, showcasing its dominance through innovative models like the Spark, GTI, and RXP-X series, all powered by impeller-driven waterjets and Rotax engines. Sea-Doo's commitment to innovation is evident in its diverse range of PWCs, including beginner-friendly options and high-performance models, making them a top choice for many watercraft enthusiasts. The brand is known for continuous advancements and features such as Intelligent Brake and Reverse technology. You can find more about their models on the official website.

Kawasaki

Kawasaki, a pioneer in personal watercraft, introduced the first commercially available Jet Ski in 1972 and continues to innovate, offering high-performance models like the SX-R with a 1498cc four-cylinder engine. Although their market share in Australia was 4% in 2023, compared to Sea-Doo's 75% and Yamaha's 21%, Kawasaki's commitment to the watercraft industry remains steadfast. With a history of stand-up models and a recent focus on more diverse machines, including the Ultra series, Kawasaki has maintained a strong presence, claiming a 20% market share in the personal watercraft market according to some reports. Known for its robust engineering and a legacy that has defined the category, the brand is now celebrating 50 years of Jet Ski exhilaration. The next 50 years start now. You can explore their latest models and innovations.

Honda

While Honda is not currently a major player in the waverunner market, they did produce the AquaTrax line of personal watercraft from 2002 until 2009, which featured four-stroke engines known for their fuel efficiency and lower emissions, with models like the F-12 and F-12X gaining attention for their smooth and powerful performance. The PWC market is currently dominated by Yamaha, Sea-Doo, and Kawasaki, with the sit-down models holding a 68.1% market share in 2024 and the four-stroke engine type having 73.5% market share due to the environmental regulations, and Honda's AquaTrax series was part of the movement towards this engine type. Although Honda is not a primary brand now, it remains one of the sought after PWC manufacturers. You can explore more about Honda's past models.

Krash Industries

Krash Industries, established in 2012, is recognized as a top-tier manufacturer of high-performance stand-up personal watercraft, boasting a 70% market share among professional freestyle riders, and their innovative designs, like the 50 Caliber model, have consistently pushed the boundaries of the sport; with a focus on lightweight and durable construction, Krash watercrafts are engineered for optimal performance, while achieving an average top speed of 55 mph.

Polaris

Polaris, a company that started in 1945 focusing on agricultural equipment, entered the personal watercraft market in 1990 and produced various models like the SL650, Virage, and Octane until 2004, achieving around a 12% market share at their peak, making them a notable, if not top, producer of waverunners during that time. Although production ceased in 2004, parts and service for vintage models are still available through various retailers. Polaris is now more known for their off-road vehicles and marine products like pontoon boats, and continues to innovate and offer a wide range of recreational vehicles. For more information, visit their official website.

Taiga Motors

Taiga Motors, a Canadian company founded in 2015, is revolutionizing the personal watercraft industry with its 100% electric Orca, boasting up to 160 horsepower and a range of approximately 28 miles, while also being the first commercially produced carbon PWC. The Orca, with a weight of 738.5 lbs, offers a silent and powerful experience, reaching speeds of up to 65 mph, and has a quick recharge time, along with three drive modes for a versatile ride. Taiga's innovative electric powertrain delivers instant torque and features a unique reverse mode for better handling compared to traditional gas-powered watercraft. With a focus on sustainability, Taiga aims to provide a cleaner and quieter option for watersport enthusiasts.

Belassi

Belassi, established in 2011, has quickly become a top-tier personal watercraft manufacturer, boasting a 30% increase in sales within the last 3 years and known for their high-performance engines that can reach 100 km/h, making it a favorite among professional racers; their Burrasca model, released in 2020, remains their flagship, representing 60% of their total revenue, further solidifying Belassi as a premier brand in the waverunner industry; check out their models here.

Trix Jet Skis

While Trix is not a standalone brand, the Sea-Doo Spark Trixx, introduced in 2018, is a popular model known for its playful nature and features that make performing tricks easier, such as angled foot supports and adjustable handlebars. It's powered by a Rotax 900 ACE engine with 90 HP, and the Spark series is considered the most affordable on the market, with Sea-Doo holding a large market share of approximately 75% in Australia. This lightweight watercraft, with its Polytec hull, provides a fun and accessible entry into the world of personal watercraft. The 2025 model features a Dazzling Blue and Sand color combination.

Gibbs Sports

Gibbs Sports is recognized as a producer of high-speed amphibious vehicles, notably the Quadski, which uniquely combines the functionality of a quad bike and a personal watercraft, reaching speeds of 45 mph on both land and water with a seamless transition. While the production of Quadski ended in 2016 after approximately 1,000 units were manufactured, Gibbs continues to develop new amphibious technologies, including the Biski, and remains a prominent name in the specialized niche of amphibious vehicles. The personal watercraft market is valued at USD 2.83 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 4.46 billion by 2031, experiencing a 6.7% compound annual growth rate, demonstrating the expanding interest in recreational watercraft.