Personal Watercraft Are Bringing New Life to the Boating Industry

When you think about getting into boating, the price tag on a full-size boat might make you think twice. But personal watercraft are changing that story. These nimble machines are pulling more people onto the water than ever before, and manufacturers see PWCs as the perfect entry point for newcomers who might eventually graduate to larger vessels like a tritoon boat or ski boat.

• PWCs are bringing in nearly three times more first-time buyers than aluminum or pontoon boat segments, with 45% of Yamaha PWC buyers being first-time owners.
• Entry-level models start around $6,999, making them one of the most affordable ways to experience boating without needing a heavy-duty tow vehicle or expensive storage.
• Major manufacturers like Sea-Doo and Yamaha are adding premium features like 10.25-inch touchscreens and walkaround decks to keep existing riders engaged while attracting tech-savvy buyers.

The Gateway Effect That’s Actually Working

Personal watercraft continue to evolve as consumers prioritize outdoor recreation, shared experiences, and more affordable ways to get on the water. Yamaha reports that 45% of their PWC buyers are first-time owners, which shows just how effective these machines are at getting people involved in water sports.

Pricing makes sense for people testing the waters, literally. Yamaha’s JetBlaster entry model starts at $8,499, while Sea-Doo’s baseline begins at $6,999. Compare that to what you’d pay for a new boat with a trailer, and the difference becomes pretty obvious. You can get a reliable PWC, learn the basics of boating, and figure out if water sports are really your thing without dropping $30,000 or more.

According to Sea-Doo, PWCs are driving nearly three times more new entrants than aluminum or pontoon segments. That’s not just good news for PWC manufacturers. When those riders get comfortable on the water and want more space or different capabilities, many of them move up to larger boats.

Premium Features Keep Riders Engaged

Gone are the days of bare-bones jet skis. Sea-Doo sees a trend toward more comfort, more storage, and group touring influencing design and purchase decisions, a shift that’s also evident in the growing popularity of tritoon boats built for stability, space, and social cruising. Research shows nearly 60% of riders pull out their phone every five minutes on the water, so for 2026, more Sea-Doo models will include a 10.25-inch touchscreen that allows riders to manage maps, stats, music, and certain phone functions directly from the display and handlebars.

Yamaha took things even further with their 2026 CrossWave. This 13-foot PWC is designed to carry four people, and riders can walk completely around the craft, intentionally blurring the line between PWC and boat. That’s exactly the kind of fresh thinking that keeps experienced riders from getting bored and moving to different water sports entirely.

High-end models stay strong too. Bryan Seti from Yamaha says “the high-end stuff has been consistent,” noting it’s the product people buy when they’re on their second or third WaveRunner. Those buyers want the latest tech, better storage, and features that make longer trips more comfortable.

Why This Pipeline Matters

Both companies see PWCs as foundational to the long-term health of recreational boating, noting that many eventually move into boats. Someone buys a PWC to try out water sports without spending a fortune. They get hooked on being out on the water, start wanting to bring more friends or family, and then start shopping for boats with more seating and amenities.

Market numbers back this up. PWC market value was $1.16 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from $1.25 billion in 2025 to $2.21 billion by 2032, showing a CAGR of 8.5%. That kind of steady growth doesn’t happen unless you’re constantly bringing in new customers and keeping existing ones engaged.

Manufacturers are banking on this pipeline effect. Get someone started with an entry-level PWC, keep them interested with better models and new features, and watch as some of them graduate to buying actual boats. It’s a strategy that benefits everyone from PWC makers to traditional boat manufacturers to marinas and storage facilities.

What Keeps People Coming Back

Sea-Doo says group riding has surged, with riders joining family, friends, or social communities for destination trips. That social aspect might be the real secret to keeping people in the sport. When your friends all have PWCs and you’re planning weekend trips together, you’re way less likely to let your machine sit in the garage collecting dust.

Building functionality into the watercraft itself just makes sense. Nobody wants to fumble with a phone in a waterproof case while trying to find a new spot or change the music. Built-in touchscreens keep people engaged with the experience instead of frustrated by limitations.

Plus, variety of models means there’s something for everyone. Want to fish? There are fishing-oriented PWCs. Want pure speed? Performance models deliver. Prefer cruising with family? Touring models have the comfort and storage you need. That range of options keeps people from feeling like they’ve outgrown what PWCs can offer.