Safely moving your jet ski to the water on a trailer is not hard. Like anything else, the right tools make the job easy.
Vehicle
Providing the vehicle is equiped with a tow hitch and light hook up:
- Just about any car can tow a single jet ski and trailer.
- Small SUVs and light trucks can tow a single or a double jet ski and trailer.
- Larger SUVs and trucks can tow either a single jet ski and trailer or a double or quad jet ski and trailer.
Always check your vehicles towing capacity before towing a jet ski.
Jet Ski Trailers
Not all trailers are created equal. For the purposes of this article we will speak about dedicated single or tandem double jet ski trailers. There are some longer models that will carry up to 4 skis but we will stick with the most common which is single or double tandem.
These trailers are usually made of either steel or aluminum with each having its advantages.
Steel trailers, which can be painted or powder coated, are your least expensive option. Their disadvantage is that they are the heavier of the options and are subject to rust…and will.
More expensive but still a good value are galvanized steel trailers. They are made from steel which has a layer of zinc which helps prevent the metal from rusting. This is a must have if you are exposing the trailer to salt water. The disadvantage is that they are still the heavier of options and will eventually rust.
Aluminum trailers are your most expesive trailers. But they are much lighter than their steel counterparts. While they don’t rust, if not properly cared for they will pit and corrode.
Single jet ski trailers can weigh from as little as 150 lbs to over 300 lbs and double trailers can weigh twice this depending on what they are made of and any add-ons like storage boxes.
Single vs Double
Seems simple enough. One ski single trailer, two skis double trailer.
But can you tow a single ski on a double trailer?
The actual question should be “Should you tow a single ski on a double trailer?” because while I have seen it done, it is not recommended. Not all tandem trailers are balanced or built for the uneven weight of one ski. This will cause problems as you drive with drifting and uneven tugging, especially at higher speeds and when turning or maneuvering.
Best to use the right trailer for the job.
Jet Ski Weights
Jet skis can weigh as little as 300 lb for some of the small older models to upwards of 1000 lbs. The average being about 850 lbs. Add the weight of your trailer and the weight of your ski and you will know if your vehicle can handle it.
Below are some starting jet ski weights. Gas and stowed gear will add to this.
Manufacturer Appx Wt (lbs)
| Kawasaki | SX-R | 551 |
| Kawasaki | STX-15F | 844 |
| Kawasaki | ULTRA LX | 932 |
| Kawasaki | ULTRA 310R | 1047 |
| Kawasaki | ULTRA 310X | 1051 |
| Kawasaki | ULTRA 310LX | 1073 |
| SeaDoo | SPARK 2up | 405 |
| SeaDoo | SPARK 3up | 421 |
| SeaDoo | SPARK TRIXX 2up | 422 |
| SeaDoo | SPARK 2up 90HP w/ iBR and Conv. Package | 426 |
| SeaDoo | SPARK TRIXX | 438 |
| SeaDoo | SPARK 3up | 442 |
| SeaDoo | GTI 90 | 640 |
| SeaDoo | Wake 155 | 718 |
| SeaDoo | GTI 130 | 718 |
| SeaDoo | GTX 155 | 768 |
| SeaDoo | GTI SE 155 | 790 |
| SeaDoo | GTI SE 130 | 790 |
| SeaDoo | RXT 230 | 805 |
| SeaDoo | GTX 230 | 805 |
| SeaDoo | GTR 230 | 807 |
| SeaDoo | Wake Pro 230 | 815 |
| SeaDoo | GTR-X 230 | 821 |
| SeaDoo | GTX Limited 230 | 824 |
| SeaDoo | RXT-X 300 | 828 |
| SeaDoo | GTX Limited 300 | 847 |
| SeaDoo | RXP-X 300 | 847 |
| SeaDoo | Fish Pro | 856 |
| Yamaha | SUPERJET | 306 |
| Yamaha | EXR | 540 |
| Yamaha | EX | 578 |
| Yamaha | EX Sport | 584 |
| Yamaha | EX Deluxe | 600 |
| Yamaha | VX DELUXE | 664 |
| Yamaha | VX LIMITED | 668 |
| Yamaha | VX Cruiser | 668 |
| Yamaha | VX-C | 692 |
| Yamaha | VX | 708 |
| Yamaha | VXR | 739 |
| Yamaha | VX Cruiser HO | 767 |
| Yamaha | GP1800R | 769 |
| Yamaha | FX SVHO | 818 |
| Yamaha | FX Cruiser SVHO | 820 |
| Yamaha | FX Limited SVHO | 822 |
| Yamaha | FX HO | 836 |
| Yamaha | FX Cruiser HO | 838 |
