Personal watercraft are increasingly being built and marketed like supercars, and buyers are choosing them for the status and exclusivity just as much as the fun ride. As an example, just look at the new release of the limited edition Sea-Doo RXP-X Senna 350, which is the brands’ tribute to legendary racing driver Ayrton Senna. Only 1,991 models have been made worldwide to honour Senna’s iconic 1991 Formula 1 world championship season. And just like the best supercars, personal watercraft are built to perform amazingly well and can reach high speeds of over 70 mph with horsepower often above 300. Cutting-edge technology is also often built-in to improve safety, comfort and convenience. High-end personal watercraft are also, more often than not, deliberately exclusive, with limited editions, bespoke designs and, of course, exceedingly high price tags.
Amazing speed and power
Luxury personal watercrafts are all about performance and their speed and power are truly impressive. Sea-Doo’s Rotax 1630 ACE engine, for example, delivers up to 350 horsepower. There’s also the Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310 Series that features a 1,498cc, inline four-cylinder engine, which delivers a whopping 310 horsepower. Luxury personal watercraft also now often come with launch control similar to supercars. So, with this convenient feature, you’re able to reach top speeds in just a few seconds and have a fast and fun ride. On top of speed, many models also come with steering features designed to keep you as comfortable as possible out on the water. An adjustable tilt steering system, for example, means you can position the handle bars to suit your height and however you like to ride. Steering dampers also work to give you a more stable and controlled ride even when going at higher speeds.
Onboard technology for a smarter ride
Personal watercraft also have the latest onboard technology for your convenience and comfort, and it can also even give you greater control over the ride. In-built sound systems are a highly-sought after feature that let you listen to music while you cruise the water. Some models come with 100-watt sound systems that you can control from a touchpad on the handlebars. These systems are designed to be clearly heard despite the loud sounds of the engine, wind and water. Jet ski audio upgrades can also be made to models with or without speakers. Speakers can be installed or replaced and audio systems can be upgraded to include Bluetooth connectivity and provide you with louder, clearer sound.
You’ll now also often find large colour touchscreens on the latest personal watercraft models, and these screens can be around 10 inches in size, which is bigger than what you’ll find in most cars. The touchscreens display important information about your ride, including speed and GPS data, as well as music controls. They can also be customised to display the information you care about most to give your adventure out on the water a really personalised and special feel.
Luxury only a few can own
High end personal watercraft have also become deliberately exclusive. For example, the Belassi Burrasca is a luxury model assembled by hand in Austria. It takes over 108 hours for Belassi to produce one jet ski made with over 2000 individual parts. It took a period of four years to design the Burrasaca and only 140 have been sold to date, according to the latest data. It’s an exclusive personal watercraft that looks the part, made from striking fibre glass, carbon fibre and aluminium. Each model is also customised by Belassi as per its owner’s specifications and costs between £50,000-£60,000. Another exclusive personal watercraft is Sea-Doo’s limited edition RXP-X Apex 300, which was launched in partnership with Daniel Ricciardo, an Australian Formula One driver. This model comes in either green or black and is beautifully designed with striking two-tone seats and mats, a carbon fibre finish and metallic aqua fairings. Unsurprisingly, the Apex 300 sold out almost immediately after launching.
Personal watercraft are now a luxury and they’re even being called the supercars of the sea. Their high-performance, cutting-edge technology and exclusivity make them a truly superior experience out on the water.
