Jet skis of the 2024 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show

This year, there were more than cosmetic changes – some new model years are little more than new paint schemes and some extra electronics. For showgoers, though, it was the first chance to see Sea-Doo’s new 325hp personal watercraft up close, as well as Yamaha’s newest fishing model.

Ski-based fishing has taken off in Australia. It’s easy to see why as a personal watercraft can easily fit in a bay of the garage at home, they’re light to tow, and easy for one person to launch and retrieve.

Yamaha’s stand featured the Jetfish, an Australia-specific limited edition model rolled out at last year’s Sydney International Boat Show and based on the Yamaha WaveRunner FX HO.

The Yamaha Waverunner Jetfish-Equipped FX HO is tailor-made in Australia, fitted with a range if accessories that optimise it for anglers ready to hit the water. 

The Jetfish features the FX HO’s new 1898cc four-cylinder high-output marine engine that has replaced the 1812cc version that powered the previous year’s HO model. 

The new engine is more powerful, with Yamaha claiming it provides quicker and smoother acceleration, as well as a higher top speed. 

A 6.0-inch Garmin sounder is fitted with pre-loaded maps and a GT54 UHD transducer with SideVu, ClearVu and traditional sonars. 

As well as a new towing mode for pulling tubes or skiers, the Yamaha WaveRunmner FX HO on which that Jetfish is based also has a cruise/no wake mode to lock in a consistent engine speed at the push of a button, helping to reduce throttle fatigue and improve fuel efficiency. 

The ski provides a massive 168 litres of storage, including a large watertight glove box, an under-seat storage bin, stern tow rope storage and a large space under the nacelle. The Jetfish is currently priced at $30,899 for the ski only, with a trailer costing extra.

Meanwhile, Sea-Doo dealership JSW Powersports had Australia’s fastest production jet ski on display – the 325hp Sea-Doo RXP-X RS and the RXT-X RS. 

Both models offer a blistering top speeds and feature a supercharged 1630cc three-cylinder engine giving unparalleled acceleration – the RXP model will go from rest to 0-96km/h in just 3.4 seconds, or about the same as a Porsche 911 Carrera GTS sports car.

The Sea-Doo RXP-X RS can take two passengers on board and has been designed as a high-performance racing ski, which should make it popular with riders who prioritise speed. 

The Sea-Doo RXT-X RS is more of a performance cruiser designed to make long-distance rides more comfortable while still offering peak performance when needed. 

Both skis certainly stood out at the show with colour shades of ice metal/manta green and a fiery red for those who want to be seen.

Key features on the Sea-Doo models include an Ergolock racing seat, polished impeller, launch control and a BRP audio tech package showcasing a 7.8-inch wide display. 

Pricing is very similar on both of these units with the RXP-X RS starting from $32,464 and the RXT-X RS coming in at $33,064 – both prices are without a trailer. 

Adding the third seat is only a $600 difference.

Another new fishing-specific model teased at Sanctuary Cove but slated to hit the market either late this year or early in 2025 is the Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 160LX-S Angler, a model that was three years in the making. 

The Angler, featuring a 1498cc four-cylinder normally aspirated engine and a 22.5-degree deep-vee hull to improve rough water handling, is designed purely as a fishing jet ski with near-shore fishing in mind. 

When it launches the ski will come standard from the factory with a 7.0-inch Garmin sounder, and a feature we haven’t seen – flotation pods added to the side of the hull to improve stability while standing or casting off the ski. 

The Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 160LX-S Angler is likely to come fitted with a flat two-section bench seat that makes it easy for the rider to spin around and move fore and aft, a rear rack with four fishing rod holders, and a front-mounted fishing rod holder so the rider can easily stow a rod and move the ski.

Adding to the appeal is new styling and graphics, while LED lights integrated into the front of the ski will add some visual bling. 

Pricing for the Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 160LX-S Angler is yet to be announced, however, a sweet spot will surely be somewhere between the current Sea-Doo FishPro and the Yamaha’s Jetfish.

As the curtain closes on another successful Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, it’s clear that the future for PWCs is brighter than ever. 

Each generation of jet skis helps set new standards for excellence on the water with advanced technology and unrivalled performance. 

Kawasaki Australia is working to get a US version of the Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 160LX-S Angler here in time for August’s Sydney International Boat Show.