11 Ways To Increase the Power of a Jet Ski

Riders choose jet skis for a reason. They’re not on the water for relaxation; riders want the speed, action, and thrill of a jet ski.

However, personal watercraft (PWC) don’t always have what it takes to satisfy people’s need for speed. This is only possible if there’s enough power pumping the jet ski through the water.

There are plenty of ways to increase the power of a jet ski. While general maintenance can help, upgrades with aftermarket parts are the best way to maximize the jet ski’s momentum. We’ll dig deep into the top changes one can make to a jet ski for more power and an enhanced experience on the water.

Choose a Better PWC

While we would love to be able to recommend upgrades for all watercraft, it may not be possible for all jet skis. Older models tend to require too many updates. This is especially true if you’ve already made a lot of changes in the past.

At a certain point, a full replacement becomes the best option for aged models with no room for improvement. A new jet ski with more horsepower than the previous model is a simple solution to obtain the increased power you crave.

On the other hand, if your current jet ski is fairly new or doesn’t feature numerous upgrades, there’s plenty of potential to explore. You could unlock a better PWC just by investing more into your well-loved model.

Decrease the Jet Ski’s Weight

Without changing out any parts, you probably aren’t going to make the jet ski more powerful. However, just cutting some of the weight will allow you to feel more speed. Pull out any parts that are bulkier than they need to be and replace them with lightweight alternatives.

Riders can also cut down on weight without making equipment changes. On the day you decide to head out for some fun, reconsider just how much stuff you need to bring along. Additionally, consider accommodating only one rider at a time. An extra passenger, while providing great company, can add just enough weight to slow down the jet ski.

Maintain Fuel Filters

Of course, one of the easiest ways to add some power is with a bit of basic maintenance. During this routine, riders should remember to check for clogged fuel filters. If these go unnoticed, they can stop the fuel from traveling to the engine. All it takes to resolve a poor performance is a quick fuel filter replacement.

Use High Performance Fuel

When replacing the fuel filter, riders should also pay attention to the type of fuel they’re putting in the watercraft. Jet skis aren’t limited to just one fuel type; there are high-performance varieties that offer high horsepower.

For riders who want to feel strong acceleration in the jet ski, compare the different fuel types. Most PWCs can work fine with an 87-octane rating, but you might also consider premium options with octane ratings of 91 or 93.

Check Coolant Levels

The coolant inside the engine can also affect the watercraft’s power output. Determine how much coolant is in the reservoir before every ride. This is an extremely important maintenance task to prevent putting the jet ski’s performance at risk.

Tune the Jet Ski To Achieve Higher Speeds

Sometimes, a jet ski may already have plenty of power built into its body, but the computer might prevent access to those capabilities. Fuel tuning, or engine control unit (ECU) remapping, allows you to unlock the full potential of a PWC. By removing any restrictive programming, a rider can tweak the jet ski, so it functions to its full potential.

As a word of caution, remember that there are reasons for the limits. You may want more power, but can you handle it? Going outside of safe parameters runs the risk of damaging the engine, so you may be safer turning to a professional for this task.

Upgrade the Impeller

If you’re not seeing results while working with what you’ve got, it may be time to turn to replacement parts. The jet ski impeller is a pump that controls water impulsion. If there’s a part that can really make a difference to power, it’s this one.

Riders have plenty of options when it comes to aftermarket impellers. Some offer faster acceleration while others provide higher top speeds. Individual preference will guide this choice towards a more powerful jet ski.

Replace the Drive Shaft

The drive shaft transfers power from the crankshaft to the impeller. If you aren’t feeling like the jet ski has enough power, the drive shaft may be to blame.

Riders might find that the part has damage. Luckily, a simple switch can solve this problem. If your current one isn’t working for you, check out the aftermarket jet ski drive shafts at SBT. We have high-quality parts available that will improve your jet ski’s performance.

Replace the Intake Grate

Another part that tends to cause problems for jet skis is the intake grate. It’s a filter that keeps debris in the water from entering the watercraft.

A stock intake grate may do more harm than good because it can get in the way of a consistent stream of water. Replace the stock intake grate with an aftermarket one to see if that helps you achieve more power. This is safer than simply removing it, which could cause damage to the jet ski if debris gets inside.

Make Changes to the Engine

Another one of the best ways to increase the power of a jet ski is to make changes within the engine itself. You might replace the valves, camshaft, cylinders, or carburetor – if you think one of these is giving you problems. Don’t just yank out parts without considering how that item is actually impacting performance. Take a close look and decide what might be better with a replacement.

Replace the Engine Entirely

Sometimes, a jet ski engine may need more than minor tweaks. If the engine isn’t working for you, you can replace it entirely with one that packs a higher horsepower level. This is one of the most surefire ways to see more power from a PWC.

Pick the Right Parts for Every Jet Ski Upgrade

When it comes to pumping more power into a jet ski, the parts are what make it possible. Here at SBT, we stock quality aftermarket parts for jet skis. Riders can upgrade their equipment efficiently with the variety of high-quality parts we have available. Take a look at our vast selection today!