There are a number of lenders that offer specialized loans designed for purchasing both new and used jet ski models. With competitive rates and flexible repayment methods, there are multiple ways you can finance your next jet ski purchase.
Read our guide to learn about the types of financing available, the benefits and drawbacks and things to avoid.
Most jet ski manufacturers offer financing either directly via the company or through major banks. However, these aren’t your only options. You can also pay for your new or used jet ski using a personal loan, credit card or, of course, by saving up enough money to buy it outright.
Personal loan. You can usually borrow between $1,000 and $35,000 with a personal loan, with repayment terms ranging from one to seven years. You can secure a lower interest rate by offering up collateral, which is usually either your vehicle or home equity.
Manufacturer financing. Instead of comparing loans, you can usually directly finance your jet ski through the manufacturer. They often have deals with major banks to help them provide financing. Manufacturers sometimes offer promotional rates that could be more competitive than your typical personal loan.
Credit card. If you don’t need full financing or you’re purchasing a lower priced jet ski, you can consider putting part of it on your credit card. Consider comparing low interest credit cards if you don’t plan on paying it off in one lump sum at the end of the month.
Saving up. The cheapest way to buy a jet ski is to simply save up and pay for it upfront. You won’t have to pay any interest or fees, spend time applying for financing and you’ll own your jet ski outright. Consider setting up a high-interest savings account that you deposit funds into each month until you have enough to cover your jet ski costs.
Compare lenders for jet ski loans
How much do jet skis cost?
A brand new jet ski can set you back anywhere between $5,000 to $20,000, while used ones can sometimes be purchased for as low as $1,500. The price depends on the manufacturer and model. On top of the price, you might have to pay a destination charge to cover the delivery of your new jet ski. These can cost around $300 to $500 and depend on your dealer.
We’ve gathered some of the most popular jet ski prices to give you a better idea of how much you might need to spend.
Kawasaki
Depending on the model, Kawasaki Jet Skis typically range from around $10,000 to $21,000.
Model
Cost of jet ski
Jet Ski STX-15F
$12,499
Jet Ski SX-R
$12,999
Jet Ski Ultra LX
$13,499
Jet Ski Ultra 310X SE
$18,999
Jet Ski Ultra 310LX
$20,999
Yamaha
This manufacturer offers more than 10 models of jet skis, which it calls wave runners. These range from vehicles designed for every day fun to professional racing and can cost between around $9,000 and $21,100.
Model
Cost of jet ski
EX
$9,099
EX Sport
$9,999
EX Deluxe
$11,299
VX Deluxe
$13,299
VX Cruiser
$13,699
VX Cruiser HO
$13,299
FX Cruiser HO
$15,099
VXR
$15,899
FX Cruiser HO
$21,099
FX Cruiser SVHO
$21,099
Sea-Doo
Sea-Doo personal water crafts (PWC) are slightly less expensive, ranging from around $6,400 to $14,400.
Factors to consider when taking out a jet ski loan
With so many lenders offering different types of loans, you should take the time to compare the features of a variety of loans before deciding on the right one for you. Here are a few factors to consider:
Fund disbursement time. If you’re in a rush to find financing and get on the water, look at how long the application and approval process takes. Some lenders will disburse the funds within one business day, while others may take up to ten business days or more.
Interest rates. Find a lender that can offer you a competitive rate on a loan. The lender should give you a repayment schedule that shows the amount due, including interest for the term you choose.
Loan term. Most jet ski loans are offered from one to seven years. The longer the term, the more the loan will end up costing you. Decide if smaller monthly payments are worth paying more in interest in the long run. If not, opt for higher repayments to pay off the loan faster – and cheaper.
Repayments. Flexible repayments and the ability to make extra ones are features worth looking into. These can help you pay your loan off quicker, saving you money at the same time.
Fees. Consider any fees that you will be charged by the lender. Some lenders charge administrative fees, early repayment fees and fees for late or missed payments.
What can I use a jet ski for?
Jet skis aren’t just for racing your friends during a beach day. You can also use your jet ski for several other purposes, including:
Recreation. Visiting the beach or river and having fun is usually a priority in the summer. With a jet ski, you can limit your expenses in gas and still have a great time on the water.
Fishing. Jet skis are a great way to go fishing out in deeper waters without having to pay for a boat. They’re also relatively quick so you can get out there and start fishing faster.
Rescue. It’s not uncommon for lifeguards to use jet skis to save drowning victims since they move quickly and are easy to manoeuvre.
Exploring. Want to check out that off-shore cave or other remote locations that are difficult to access by boat? Jet skis fit in smaller places and can be equipped with radar and GPS.
Is it worth getting a jet ski loan?
Jet skis aren’t a cheap investment. Before you dive into a new loan, weigh the pros and cons of financing your purchase.
Benefits
Quick financing. You can get on the water with your new jet ski in a matter of days if you take out a loan.
Fast turnaround. Once you choose the jet ski loan that works well for you, you may receive an approval response in less than a day. You can usually have your loan funds in hand by the next business day.
You don’t need additional collateral. You may be able to use the jet ski to secure the loan. This can help save money on interest. If you fail to make your repayments, you will lose the jet ski however.
Drawbacks
Interest and fees. If you don’t need a jet ski right away and want to keep costs to a minimum, you might want to consider saving up for one. Loans are riddled with interest and additional fees.
Good credit required for good rates. You will need to have a good to excellent credit score to qualify for the best interest rates. Having a score lower than 650 will usually mean much higher rates.
You might need insurance first. When you finance a jet ski and use it to secure the loan, the lender may ask that the jet ski be insured before offering a loan. This will depend on the province or territory where you reside.
What to avoid when applying for jet ski financing
Even when you’re sure you want to buy a jet ski and know exactly what model you want to get, you should still keep the following in mind:
High markup. All stores will have markups, some more than others. If you come with cash in hand, you may be able to negotiate a better deal than you’d get through dealer finance and store markup.
Buying at the wrong time. Like many seasonal luxuries, jet skis cost more at the beginning of summer than at the end. If you want a good deal, buy near the end of the season and look for dealer rebates.
Making late repayments. If you don’t think you can pay back your loan entirely, don’t take one out at all. In addition, making late repayments will not only cost you more in terms of fees and charges, but it may also negatively affect your credit score if the lender reports you to one of the credit bureaux.
How to apply for a jet ski loan
Once you’ve compared a variety of lenders and loans, head to the lender’s website to begin your secure online application. Some lenders may additionally allow you to apply over the phone or in person if they have physical branch locations. You’ll need to make sure you meet the eligibility criteria and have the necessary documents on hand to apply. The process usually takes less than ten minutes.
Eligibility requirements
These may vary from lender to lender, however you’ll usually need to:
Be 18 years of age, or the age of majority in your province or territory
Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident with a valid Canadian address
Have proof of an income
Meet any credit score requirements
Have an active bank account
Meet any income requirements
Required documents
You will need the following documents on hand when applying:
Personal details like your name, address, Social Insurance Number (SIN), phone number and email.
Income details including pay stubs or bank statements.
Employment details including your employer’s name and contact details.
Banking information such as your bank’s name, address and transit number, as well as your personal bank account number.
Frequently asked questions
Personal watercraft insurance – aka jet ski insurance – can cost anywhere between $100 to $500 annually, depending on the type of jet ski you have, any modifications and the number of boater’s safety courses you’ve taken. Personal watercraft insurance is not mandatory in all provinces and territories.
It depends on the trailer, but you may need to spend anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Fortunately, if you do some planning and compare your financing options ahead of time, you may be able to add the cost of the trailer into your loan. If a trailer doesn’t fit well into your budget, consider buying one second hand, which will usually cost half the price of new one.
Yes, it’s possible to get a bad credit loan to buy a jet ski, but it’s not always a great idea. Typically, bad credit loans like payday or installment loans come with high interest rates and short terms that make financing quite costly, and you usually won’t be able to finance the full cost of a new jet ski with a short-term loan. If you do qualify for a personal loan, you’ll likely be charged a much higher interest rate than someone with good to excellent credit.
Aliyyah Camp is a publisher helping folks compare personal, student, car and business loans. Prior to joining Finder, she ran her own personal finance blog and wrote for numerous finance sites. Aliyyah earned a BA in communication from the University of Pennsylvania. She regularly attends industry conferences to stay in the know about market changes that can affect consumers. When she's not helping people with their personal finances, you can find her at the movies or going for a run outdoors.
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