www. PowersportsBusiness. com

Powersports Business • November 2026 • 25

BY KRYSTINA SKIBO

• CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Once defined strictly by high-speed thrill-seekers and seasonal beach rentals, the personal watercraft market is undergoing a major structural evolution. The sector is being reshaped by shifting consumer demographics, rapid technological integration and changing environmental priorities.

Today’ s buyers are no longer just looking for raw horsepower on the water; they are demanding versatility, connectivity, eco-conscious engineering and lifestyleoriented designs.

Valued at $ 1.25 billion in 2025, Fortune Business Insights projects PWCs to grow from $ 1.35 billion in 2026 to $ 2.59 billion by 2034. North America dominated the personal watercraft market with a market share of 42 % in 2025.

The market is dominated by major recreational vehicle manufacturers with established global distribution networks. BRP’ s Sea-Doo brand leads the industry with 48 % market share, according to Intel Market Research, followed closely by Yamaha’ s WaveRunner at 34 %.

These two players control over 80 % of the global PWC market through continuous innovation in engine technology( notably the 1,000cc−1,500cc segment) and strong brand loyalty among water sports enthusiasts. Intel Market Research found that the Kawasaki Jet Ski maintains a significant position( 12 % share) as the original PWC brand, particularly in performance models exceeding 1,500cc displacement. So, what’ s driving this demand?

CONSUMERS WANT RELIABLE PWCS For today’ s buyer, reliability is still the number one thing that drives a purchase decision, and the new 1.9L HO engine is how Yamaha delivers on that.

“ The big differentiator with the 1.9L HO is that you get high performance without giving up naturally aspirated reliability,” Martino Ruggeiro, Yamaha WaveRunner

Influenced by its 1990s WaveBlaster, Yamaha’ s newly redesigned JetBlaster series features a three-piece polypropylene deck.

Valued at $ 1.25 billion in 2025, Fortune Business Insights projects PWCs to grow from $ 1.35 billion in 2026 to $ 2.59 billion by 2034.( Photos: Yamaha)

product planning manager, says.“ No supercharger means less to go wrong, less maintenance, the freedom to run regular unleaded and an engine that holds up over the long haul.”

Ruggeiro explains that the 1.9L HO represents a shift in how Yamaha thinks about engineering: more usable torque, better drivability, better efficiency and stronger reliability instead of just piling on peak horsepower.

“ That’ s exactly what recreational PWC owners are asking for— a powertrain that’ s responsive, cheap to own and dependable for years,” he says.

ELECTRIFICATION AND ECO-INNOVATION The electric PWC market is emerging as one of the fastest growing segments within the marine leisure industry, according to Fortune Business Insights, driven by rising environmental concerns, stricter emission regulations and consumer demand for sustainable recreation.

Advances in lithium-ion battery technology and fastcharging solutions are extending ride times and reducing range anxiety, while major brands such as Sea-Doo and Yamaha, along with innovators such as Taiga Motors, are investing heavily in electric models.

“ Lithium batteries provide a stable voltage curve and allow deeper discharge compared to lead-acid batteries,” says LiTime’ s Marine application product manager, Ikun Liang.“ This is critical for both propulsion systems and onboard electronics.”

Lithium batteries can deliver equivalent or greater usable energy at significantly lower weight and volume, directly improving watercraft efficiency, range and handling.

RENTAL SEGMENT DOMINATES PWC USE According to Fortune Business Insights’ research, the rental operator segment is expected to lead by end use, holding 47 % of the global market share in 2026. This is due in part to the rising demand for water sports and