On the hunt for a solid new jet ski battery? We recommend some of the best around and explain why we think they’re worth taking a closer look.
Just like for your car, a routine jet ski battery check sometimes leads to a replacement being needed. Unfortunately, many people end up replacing their batteries over and over due to negligence or just not understanding how to take proper care of them. A dead battery is one of the main reasons why a jet ski doesn’t start.
But, it doesn’t have to be that way.
Getting a dependable PWC battery in the first place is a great start, but deciding on the right battery can be tough when there are so many options available. In today’s guide, we recommend some of the leading PWC batteries around right now. We’ll also finish up with some handy tips on how to keep your jet ski battery in tip-top condition.
Three of the Best Jet Ski Batteries
The best jet ski batteries are the Pirate Battery High Performance, Odyssey Powersports Battery, and the Yamaha WaveRunner Battery.
Although there are plenty of different jet ski battery options available, these are some of the best options to choose from.
Pirate Battery High-Performance Battery * Best Value *
The high-performance battery made by Pirate Battery is one of the top jet ski battery options for any PWC owner. They even have a model chart that allows owners to check compatibility before purchasing.
This 12V sealed battery is 216 Watts and 270 CCA. Its sealed lead acid, AGM design prevents any possible leaks or corrosion. There is a 60-day money-back guarantee, and an 18-month warranty as well.
Overall this is one of the most affordable options and is a great choice for anyone with a compatible watercraft. The Pirate Bay battery is durable, reliable, and best of all, maintenance free.
Odyssey Powersports Battery * Best Overall *
Although it’s not the most affordable choice, the Odyssey Powersports battery is without a doubt one of the best jet ski battery choices out there.
For starters, it has the most efficient recharge out of all the sealed lead batteries on the market. This is essential when it comes to PWC because they’re only in use half the year. An efficient recharge is what can prevent the need for a new battery every season.
This battery has a 70 percent longer life cycle compared to conventional deep cycle batteries. It also has a design that’s vibration resistant, protects against shock, and is extreme temperature tolerant.
A really nice feature with this battery is the two-year warranty. It’s built to last and Odyssey really believes in their product.
Even with its price, this is arguably the leading PWC battery on the market.
Yamaha WaveRunner Battery
If you’re in the market for a WaveRunner battery specifically, the yamaha waverunner battery is a great option. It is a great value for money and has a great reputation.
This sealed battery is durable and vibration resistant. It’s able to withstand all the bumps and knocks that will inevitably come its way. It’s a really solid battery that’s well worth the price tag. As WaveRunner batteries go, you’ll do better to find one that gives better value.
It’s another with a solid warranty. This time 18 months with a 60-day money back guarantee. A top Yamaha jet ski battery all round!
Finding the Best PWC Battery
Educating yourself on the right battery to buy will save you time and money in the long run. It will also help you choose the right one so your battery doesn’t keep on dying.
When it comes down to it, there are hundreds of battery options for PWC.
The hard part is deciding which one to go with. Some people have no problem using a lawnmower battery, while others are determined to stick with a standard marine battery.
The truth is you should be looking to get an AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) or sealed battery. They’re far more durable than your regular lead-acid battery of old.
These batteries mentioned above are really low maintenance and built to withstand the bumps that are inevitably coming their way as part of a jet ski.
The best battery you can get for your jet ski is going to be a sealed or AGM Battery. A sealed or AGM battery can handle the abuse a lot better than a regular Lead Acid Battery that you may have gotten in your stock jet ski.
When it comes time to buy, be mindful of what is actually important. Try not to get too caught up in small details like CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) and other measurements on batteries. Companies are always coming up with new selling points that don’t really add any value.
Anything above 100 CCA should be fine. If you prefer to go higher, then that’s perfectly okay. Most people find 100-350 CCA is more than enough, but everyone has their own preference.
The truth is, battery companies try to upsell consumers on more expensive batteries when the cheaper ones work just fine. Even the leading battery for a jet ski should only cost you $50-$250. Anything cheaper likely is poor quality, and anything more is simply overpriced.
So now you know what type of battery to look for how about what battery size you need? In the next section, we look at the common jet ski battery sizes.
The Various Types of PWC Battery
There’s really not much variety in jet ski battery types. There are those for 2-stroke engines and those for 4-stroke engines.
If your jet ski was made after 2007 then it’s more than likely that it’s a 4-stroke.
The Differences Between 2-Stroke and 4-Stroke
Four-stroke engines are generally heavier and can weigh up to 50% more than similar 2-stroke options. A four-stroke creates a higher torque at a lower RPM, while a two-stroke creates more torque at higher RPMs.
Another difference is that two-strokes need oil and fuel to be pre-mixed. As four-strokes have valves and a separate chamber for oil, the engine generally lasts longer. A four-stroke is also quieter and more efficient.
However, two-strokes are simpler in design and therefore much easier to fix.
Jet Ski Batteries for 2-stroke and 4-stroke Engines
The “go-to” 2-stroke engine battery is the ETX16L. Actually, it should be noted that even some 4-stroke Kawasaki and Yamaha models use this “2-stroke” battery.
The larger YTX30L is the battery of choice for 4-stroke engines. Generally speaking, any PWC made after 2007 will probably need one of these.
It should be noted that despite both of these batteries being 12 volts, they cannot be interchanged. They are made specifically for the different engine types.
Recommended Reading: Don’t miss our guide on PWC speakers.
Batteries for Sea-Doo PWC
If you have a Sea-Doo Spark (2014 and later) or any other Sea Doo model after 2016 then you’ll need something slightly different. You’ll need the ETX20L.
Otherwise, it’s the general 2-stroke battery (see above) or the size 30 four-stroke battery
Battery Maintenance Tips
Simple things can be done though out the season to greatly increase the longevity of a watersports battery.
Never let a battery die completely. Allowing a battery to be completely drained can reduce its ability to hold a charge. Jet ski batteries tend to die quicker than car batteries because you use them less.
Not riding a jet ski for long periods of time (like over winter) can cause the battery plates to sulfate. This means your jet ski will struggle to start.
To stop this from happening you need a solid battery charger or desulfator. It’ll really help prolong battery life. This one has a really good reputation. Just make sure it’s compatible with your battery type.
A solar power battery maintainer is also a great option if you don’t have a power outlet nearby. Don’t miss our guide to jet ski battery chargers next!
Checking cable connections should be done regularly to ensure everything is clean and tightened properly. Neglecting your battery can cause corrosion and greatly reduce its lifespan.
How to Replace PWC Batteries
If you’re unsure of the exact procedure for replacing the battery then check out the short video below.
A video explains it a lot easier than words could ever do!
Leave us a comment down below if you have anything to add. We’d love to know about any solid batteries that you think deserve a place on this list. We’d love to know about your experiences with any of these products too.
To stay informed of all the latest news here at JetSkiTips.com, be sure to follow us on Facebook.
Thanks for the tips man! I’m new to the jet ski game and I’m still figuring things out.
Had both of my Sea Doo batteries die on me over the winter after only being used for a couple months. Thats never happened before but we had a tougher winter than usual so I think that’s what caused it. Hopefully when I get some new batteries they last me more than one season haha.
Ive gone through so many batteries in my day. trust me slow charging works. best way to make em last.
I’ve had A jet ski battery last over 10 years. It was a Yuasa Battery.I’ve always used battery tender jr to charge them it’s essential you use slow charge on these batteries. Battery tender jr has .78 milliamp charge rate, while the battery tender plus ( the bigger model) has 1.2 milliamp charge rate, both models work well with these small batteries. Ive used Oriellys super start AGM batteries as well and usually get 3-4yrs max out of those batteries using the battery tender chargers.I live in Texas and use my jet skis from March to November.