Owning a few carefully selected jet ski accessories is a good idea for a number of reasons. Not only are certain accessories legal requirements, but certain others can go a long way towards keeping your prized PWC (Personal Watercraft) in prime condition and making your time on the water a lot more satisfying and fun. To help you choose from the plethora of options on the market, in this post we’ll introduce you to the 25 jet ski accessories we believe no jet skier should be without.
We reviewed dozens of jet ski accessories to identify the best of the best. We examined a range of factors, including convenience, materials, practicality, durability, cost, and average customer reviews.
Meet the Car Covers Weatherproof MAX Shield Jet Ski Cover, the best jet ski accessory out there for owners of all types and sizes of jet ski.
Check PriceHaving considered a wide range of options, the jet ski accessory that wins our vote as the best out there in 2020 is the Car Covers Weatherproof MAX Shield Jet Ski Cover. This cover easily stood out as a runaway winner thanks to its ultra-thick, marine-grade fabrics, outstanding weatherproofing, mold and mildew-resistant design, ultrasonically welded seams, and the absolute ease with which it can be attached and removed from jet skis of any size or shape.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Jet Ski Accessories
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Jet Ski Accessory Overall | Car Covers Weatherproof MAX Shield Jet Ski Cover | 4.8 |
| Best Jet Ski Docking Accessory | Max BoatTector Contour Fender | 4.6 |
| Best Budget Jet Ski Accessory | HEETA Waterproof Dry Bag | 4.6 |
| Best Jet Ski Safety Accessory | Leader Accessories Universal Life Jacket | 4.6 |
| Best Jet Ski Storage Accessory | AquaCarts AQ-19b PWC Dolly Stand | 4.6 |
*Ratings are from the time of publication and can change
Best Jet Ski Accessory Overall: Car Covers Weatherproof MAX Shield Jet Ski Cover
If there’s one jet ski accessory that’s absolutely crucial to ensuring your machine’s long-term health and protecting its resale value, it’s an effective and reliable cover. And among the dozens upon dozens of covers on the market, very few come even close to laying a hand on the Car Covers Weatherproof MAX Shield Jet Ski Cover in terms of practicality, convenience, effectiveness, quality, and overall value for money.
This outstandingly well-designed cover is made with ultra-thick, marine-grade fabric that’s not only burly enough to deal with the odd collision with other gear in your trailer or storage location but is naturally mold and mildew-resistant, breathable, chemically treated to resist UV rays, and offers far superior weather resistance to the vast majority of its cheaper competitors.
What we like most about this cover other than its toughness and high-quality fabric is the attention put into the details of its design and a few non-standard features that really set it apart from the best of the rest. The most notable of these include its use of ultrasonically welded seams that enhance ruggedness, water-resistance, and durability, dual built-in air vents that let any residual moisture on your machine dry out to prevent rust, corrosion, mold, and mildew, and the fully elasticized hems and a duo of included trailer straps that ensure a snug fit with zero flapping once you’ve hit the road and are making your way to your launch.
The bottom line? A hugely reliable cover that offers lifelong durability and goes the extra mile in ensuring your jet ski is adequately protected during storage and trailering.
Car Covers Weatherproof MAX Shield Jet Ski Cover Key Features:
- Weighs 5 lbs.
- Ultrasonically welded seams for added ruggedness and durability
- Tough, marine-grade fabric
- Naturally mold and mildew-resistant
- Easy to put on and take off your machine
- Fully elasticized hems
- Trailer straps included
Best Jet Ski Docking Accessory: Extreme Max BoatTector Contour Fenders
Without a good pair of fenders (aka ‘bumpers’), you run the risk of doing serious damage to your hull when you dock your craft. While most jet skis have substantial rails to protect against bangs and dings, very few of these provide adequate protection in a storm, choppy weather, or from sizable wakes caused by other, larger craft in the vicinity of PWC.
This being so, the Max BoatTector Contour Fenders are a great choice of protective kit for any jet skiers who plan on using a dock as their launch.
These fenders can be easily attached to the front and rear of the docking side of your craft using the solid-braided fender lines (included) and boast the kind of construction that’s sure to keep your boat safe from bumps and bangs even when the weather’s doing its worst and the wakes are riding high.
The Max BoatTector Countour Fenders are made with a highly durable, marine-grade tri-laminate cover that uses double thermal-bonded seams and corrosion-proof polycarbonate grommets for maximum durability and measure in at a generous 24″ x 6. 5″ x 2. 5″. Their closed-cell foam construction also means you never have to worry about them deflating or collapsing, while the hinged, wraparound design helps to ensure they provide adequate coverage over the hull, bond line, and rub rails, and also that they fold over neatly for storage.
Max BoatTector Contour Fenders Key Features:
- Closed-cell foam construction
- Marine-grade tri-laminate cover
- Measure 24″ x 6. 5″ x 2. 5″
- Solid-braided fender lines included
- Don’t deflate or collapse
- Corrosion-proof polycarbonate grommet
- Burst-resistant, double thermal-bonded seams
Best Budget Jet Ski Accessory: HEETA Waterproof Dry Bag
The HEETA Waterproof Dry Bag is the ideal accessory for jet skiers who like to bring along a few dry items and valuables on their rides. This bag is made with high-quality, waterproof PVC materials and uses a vacuum-seal, roll-top design that makes it fully submersible and floatable.
What sets this dry bag apart from its competitors (other than its friendly price!) are a couple of value-adding design details that make it a lot more likely to do what you need it to do in the long term. The most important of these are wider welded seams that reduce the risk of leaking, a high-strength, woven Nylon closure band that won’t disintegrate like the plastic variety used on many competitor bags, and a reinforced, double-thick base that makes it less susceptible to bursts, punctures, and general wear and tear.
Other nice touches that help to make this bag a winner include a duo of burly adjustable shoulder straps, a robust side handle, and a semi-transparent design that helps you locate the contents at the bottom of the bag with ease.
HEETA Waterproof Dry Bag Key Features:
- 20-liter capacity
- Fully waterproof
- Semi-transparent material lets you see what’s inside
- Reinforced base
- Woven nylon closure band
- Adjustable shoulder straps
Best Jet Ski Safety Accessory: Leader Accessories Universal Life Jacket
The Leader Accessories Universal Life Jacket is a great choice for buyers aiming to tick off items on their list of must-have, legally required essentials without breaking the bank. This life jacket is a USCG-approved Type III Personal Flotation Device (PFD), meaning it is ideal for protected, inland water near shore and the operation of personal watercraft.
It’s made with 200-denier Oxford Nylon materials with a PVC Foam filling in the front panels and EPE foam in the rear. It also uses four heavy-duty closure buckles in the front that are easy to open and close with wet and/or cold hands and features adjustable chest belts that help to ensure you can create a snug and secure fit. While this vest lacks the buoyancy of Type I vests (which are intended for use in stormy conditions and are designed to turn unconscious people face-up in the water), it ticks all the legal boxes with room to spare and is a far more comfortable option for long days on the water than either Type I or II vest varieties.
Other nice touches included in the Leader Accessories Universal Life Vest include a handy chest pocket for small items you want to keep at hand, a safety whistle, and a duo of reflective strips on the chest and rear for added nighttime visibility.
Leader Accessories Universal Life Jacket Key Features:
- USCG-approved Type III personal flotation device
- Made with durable, 200-denier Nylon fabric
- Offers all-day comfort
- PVC foam filling
- Safety whistle included
- Chest pocket for storage of small items
- Adjustable chest straps
Best Jet Ski Storage Accessory: AquaCarts AQ-19b PWC Dolly Stand
One of the less endearing aspects of jet skiing takes the form of the manual effort required to haul your craft to and from its storage location and then up onto your trailer. For jet ski owners keen to minimize this effort, look no further than the AquaCarts AQ-19b PWC Dolly Stand.
This extremely heavy-duty and attractive stand wins our vote over its competitors for a number of reasons, but most notably because of the extra mile it goes in ensuring your craft is well looked after while in storage and during transportation and the convenience it offers as regards doing the dog work of trailer loading and hauling to and from storage.
It’s made with pressure-treated wood bunks covered with premium marine-grade carpet to provide maximum hull protection, uses five-inch casters that reduce rolling effort and have four-way swivel for ease of movement in tight spaces, and boasts a heavy-duty rigid frame made with 2″ x 14-gauge steel tubing, all of which gives it a max load capacity of a highly impressive 1,300 pounds and makes it unbeatable in terms of robustness and reliability.
Other endearing features found on this dolly stand include beveled inside rail edges that reduce wear and tear on the carpet cover and allow your craft to fit more snugly on the stand, adjustable beams, and a baked-on, powder-coated finish for added durability.
The bottom line? A thoughtfully and meticulously crafted accessory that does more than almost all competitors to protect your craft and make the land-based formalities a whole lot easier than ever before.
AquaCarts AQ-19b PWC Dolly Stand Key Features:
- Universal design fits all PWCs
- 1,300 lbs. max load capacity
- Adjustable beams
- 19″ bunk height, 48″ long bunks, 28″ wide caster bars
- 5″ casters reduce rolling effort
- Heavy-duty steel tubing frame
- Pressure-treated wood bunks with marine-grade carpet for hull protection
Plan on hauling your jet ski on a trailer? If so, check out our comprehensive guide to the Best Trailer Hitches!
Who Should Buy Jet Ski Accessories
All of the jet ski accessories listed in our review have been selected with one of three objectives in mind: to protect the long-term value of your craft, to ensure your safety, and to make your time on the water as fun and satisfying as possible. Given that many of these accessories must be carried on board your jet ski in order to comply with USCG or state regulations and/or are designed for the safety of the rider, they fall strictly under the “must-have” banner. Others accessories—like phone cases, fenders, speakers, floats, cleansing agents, trailer winches, and dry bags—are optional but are well worth considering for their ability to boost your enjoyment of your water-time, protect your PWC, or simply make life easier either when you’re transporting the jet ski to and from storage or out on the water.
Meet the Car Covers Weatherproof MAX Shield Jet Ski Cover, the best jet ski accessory out there for owners of all types and sizes of jet ski.
Check PriceImportant Features to Consider
Jet ski accessories should do several things well. Here’s what to consider when selecting your jet ski accessories:
- USCG compliance. Let’s get the formalities and legalese out of the way before we get down to the other important features. Because jet skis are considered a Type A watercraft, some jet ski accessories must be carried, used, or worn on your craft in order to comply with USCG regulations. These include your life jackets, lanyard, fire extinguisher, ventilation system, and an air horn or whistle. A complete list of these regulations and the specifications required of each item is included in the USCG’s Guide to Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats. And if you’re in any doubt whether any item meets USCG standards, try using this handy Approved Equipment List search tool.
- Durability. Water, salt, sand, mud, gas, and oil are some of the substances you can expect your jet ski accessories to come into contact with on a regular basis. Given that all of these substances can easily speed up the deterioration of certain types of material, when buying your accessories it’s wise to ensure that the item in question is designed to withstand frequent exposure. The factors that contribute to the durability of any jet ski accessory will naturally vary significantly depending on the specific type of product and how it’s used, but there are a few more general things you can do that will help ensure you won’t have to replace your newly purchased accessories just a few weeks or months down the line. First up, read user reviews carefully. Be sure to look for those posted by users who’ve written after at least a few months of regular usage so as to get a better idea of how the product withstood the test of time. Secondly, consider paying a few extra $ to buy from a reputable brand. While there are a handful of lesser-known brands out there offering good equipment, those brands that have earned “big-name” status and a reputation for quality have done so on account of having consistently created products that have continued performing optimally over the longer term. Thirdly, when buying fabric-based products like life vests, dry bags, backpacks, covers, and even fenders, look out for the tell-tale signs of long-term durability in the specs. These include the use of high-denier and ripstop materials, robust water-resistance, double-stitched and/or welded seams, reinforcements in vulnerable areas, YKK zippers, sturdy buckles, and marine-grade materials in cords and straps.
- Convenience. While most jet ski accessories are designed to be as user-friendly as possible, some do a better job of it than others. With this in mind, be sure to read product descriptions and reader reviews to get a better feel for how any product performs out on the water. Some examples of things to look out for include how easy the accessories are to install or fit, how easy they are to use while operating your jet ski, whether or not they’re jet-ski specific or more generic (in the case of dry bags, phone cases, flashlights, and boarding ladders, for example) and, finally, what added value they bring in terms of making life easier for you during your ride or when docking or transporting your vehicle from storage to the water.
- Materials. The key here is to match the materials used in any accessory to the purpose for which they’ll be used. While this sounds like a no-brainer, just a quick survey of the specs of many items will reveal there are plenty of accessories out there made with materials that aren’t fit for purpose—for example, protective cases or bags made with water-resistant as opposed to waterproof fabrics (only the latter of the two’s likely to keep contents dry in the event of submersion), metals that are not corrosion-resistant, plastics that aren’t marine-grade, and docking lines that may not be strong enough to keep your PWC safely leashed. The take-home from this is simple: be sure to check that any accessory is made with materials that allow it to perform its core purpose adequately or, ideally, with room to spare. This means floatable, airtight, or at least waterproof materials for anything you need to keep dry, high enough tensile strength for the weight of your craft in cords, ropes, and straps, corrosion-resistant metals, marine-grade plastics, and high-denier fabric for any material likely to be exposed to sources of wear and tear.
- Value for money. Gauging the value for money offered by any product when buying online is never easy. There are however, a few simple ways in which it can be done. The first of these entails doing a little bit of detective work and locating verified user reviews from buyers who’ve had the product for a number of months, which will allow you to get a better idea both of how the product performed in the field and whether or not there are any question marks over its ability to continue doing so in the longer term. Secondly, when considering any product at the budget end of the price scale, take a closer look at the product specs to ensure it isn’t missing any vital component, feature, or characteristic that’s likely to make it perform less impressively than its pricier peers. Likewise, if you find a more expensive accessory that looks similar to cheaper competitors on first impressions, do a little digging to discover what it brings to the table that others don’t and then, of course, decide whether or not that added attribute is something you really want or need.
Meet the Car Covers Weatherproof MAX Shield Jet Ski Cover, the best jet ski accessory out there for owners of all types and sizes of jet ski.
Check PriceFrequently Asked Questions
What equipment do you need for jet skiing?
In addition to a jet ski (!) and a trailer to haul your jet ski to and from storage, some of the most important jet ski accessories include:
- Waterproof phone case
- Floatable gear bag
- Foldable paddle
- Dolly (to move from storage to trailer)
- GPS device
- Signal flares
- Boarding ladder/steps
- Anti-theft lock
- Anchor (folding or sand bag)
- Flashlight
- Tow strap
- Air horn/whistle
- Docking line
- First aid kit
- Protective cover
- Life jacket
- Folding paddle (in case of engine failure)
- Fenders (to protect your ski mobile when docked)
What safety equipment do you need to have on a jet ski?
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) considers jet skis Type A motor vessels. This means you, must carry certain essential safety equipment on board in order to comply with the law. This includes:
- Life jackets
- Lanyard
- USCG-approved fire extinguisher
- Air horn or whistle
- Ventilation system
Other safety equipment we recommend stowing onboard includes:
- Bilge pump
- Mirrors
- Re-boarding ladder
- Skier-down emergency flag
- Ropes
- Folding paddle
- First aid kit
- Visual Distress Signal (VDS) device
- Flashlight
- Multi-tool
Do you have to wear a life vest or life jacket on a jet ski?
Yes. Everyone onboard a jet ski and anyone being towed behind the vessel must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. A Coast Guard-approved life jacket must be carried for each person on board.
Can you paddle a jet ski?
While we hope you’ll never have to, jet skis can indeed be paddled and it’s a paddle should be carried onboard just in case you happen to run out of gas or your engine fails. While paddling a jet ski to shore isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time, you’ll be mightily glad it’s an option at your disposal if you find yourself without power and a long way from shore!
Other Jet Ski Accessories We Reviewed
Meet the Car Covers Weatherproof MAX Shield Jet Ski Cover, the best jet ski accessory out there for owners of all types and sizes of jet ski.
Check PriceWe looked at 20 other jet ski accessories. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best jet ski accessories list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your time on the water or to keep you jet ski safe in storage or during transportation. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Budget Jet Ski Accessories
This fully waterproof, IPX8-rated cell phone case boasts clear windows on both sides, a touch-screen compatible surface, and fits devices up to 6.5 inches in sizes, making it compatible with vast majority of cell phones.
Key Features:
- IPX8 waterproof rating
- Touch-sensitive,0.15mm surface material
- Fully submersible
- Lanyard included
Cost: $8.99
Skog Å Kust Premium PWC Bungee Dock Lines
These nicely designed docking cords are made with a shock-absorbing elastic core, a tough, hard-wearing braided polypropylene exterior, and use a rust-proof stainless steel clip on one end and a custom spliced 10″ loop on the other to attach to the dock and your craft respectively. Unlike other docking leashes, they also boast a duo of floats that stop them sinking if dropped overboard and a reflective logo that makes it easier to locate your craft at night.
Key Features:
- 2,200-pound tensile strength
- They float!
- Shock-absorbing elastic core
- Four-foot and six-foot lengths available
Cost: $29.95
WOW Sports Super Dog Towable Tube
This heavy-duty tube has a weight capacity of 340 pounds, can accommodate two people, uses wider pontoons for greater stability at high speeds, and is made with hard-wearing, puncture-resistant PVC materials. Ideal for days on the water with the kids!
Key Features:
- 2-person capacity
- 340-pound capacity
- Wide pontoons for added stability
- Made with heavy-duty PVC
Cost: $99.99
SeaDog Line 3-Step Folding Rope Ladder
This highly portable, three-step ladder is made with molded-in, non-slip polycarbonate steps that make it a whole lot easier to get back onto your craft if, for any reason, you happen to come off it. It can support up to 300 lbs and uses a Nylon rope frame support that hooks on to the rear of your PWC with a simple overhand knot.
Key Features:
- Wide, non-slip steps
- 300 lbs. weight capacity
- Weighs just 1.5 lbs
Cost: $47.99
GearLight TAC LED Tactical Flashlight
If you plan on doing a little bit of nighttime jet skiing or just happen to lose track of time and get caught out in the dark, this powerful flashlight will help you guide your craft safely to shore. Depending on where you are in the world, moreover, it might even be a legal requirement.
Key Features:
- 2 flashlights included
- Water-resistant (can withstand temporary submersion)
- Anti-slip, military-grade metal body
- Easy to use with wet hands
Cost: $13.99
Whether you’re dallying on the dock or exploring a rocky shoreline on a mid-ride stopover, these lightweight, quick-drying, rubber-soled slip-on shoes will protect your feet and help you stay upright on slippy surfaces.
Key Features:
- Non-slip rubber sole
- Smooth ankle collar prevents chafing
- Breathable, quick-drying polyester fabric
- Slip-on design
Cost: $13.68
DocksLocks Anti-Theft Security Cable
This 10-foot waterproof cable lock uses marine-grade stainless steel inside a marine-grade vinyl coating to prevent corrosion and water damage and is the ideal accessory for added peace of mind when leaving your jet ski in the dock.
Key Features:
- Marine-grade materials
- 10-foot length and 10mm diameter
- 4-digit, re-settable combination lock
Cost: $24.99
Rod Saver PWC Emergency Tow Strap
This 20-inch tow strap falls into the “absolutely essential” category of jet ski accessories. If your jet ski becomes inoperable as a result of waterlogging, a pump clogged by debris, or you simply run out of gas, this strap will let you hook onto another PWC or rescue boat and be towed to safety.
Key Features:
- 1,500 lb. max load, vinyl-coated keeper hook
- 20″ length
- Made in the USA
Cost: $16.23
Jet Ski Safety Accessories
O’Neill Men’s Reactor Life Vest
This superbly stylish life vest is USCG approved and boasts a number of features that make it a substantial upgrade on low-cost competitors, including a segmented foam core and anatomical flex points for unrestricted movement, quick-release safety buckles, and expansion panels that help to ensure a snug, safe, and comfortable fit.
Key Features:
- USCG approved
- Allows unrestricted movement
- Minimal bulk design
- Expansion panels for a customizable fit
Cost: $99.69
Better Boat Telescoping Paddle
This lightweight but very sturdy little paddle uses a space-saving, telescoping design that lets it collapse down to a tidy 19″ and extend to 35″ should you ever find yourself out on the water without power.
Key Features:
- High-impact plastic blade
- Aluminum telescoping shaft
- Extends from 19″ to 35″
- An essential piece of safety kit
Cost: $23.99
This USCG-compliant air horn can be heard from half a mile away, takes up very little space on your craft, and is one of those must-have accessories that fall in the “you’ll be glad you have it when you need it” category!
Key Features:
- 1.4 oz. capacity
- Essential for sounding distress calls in emergencies
- USCG compliant
- Can be heard half a mile away
Cost: $13.99
Delta Provision Waterproof First Aid Kit
This waterproof and floatable first aid kit might not be the cheapest option out there, but it contains an incredible 154 pieces of essential kit, takes up very little space on your craft and, well, it floats!
Key Features:
- Waterproof and floatable
- Tiny pack size (9″x 6″x 3″)
- 154 pieces included
Cost: $59.99
Garmin Striker 4 Fishfinder with Chirp Traditional Transducer
This neat little device will not only help you locate your next catch if you happen to be using your jet ski for fishing but also reduces the risk of running into any of the problems—signal blackspots, accidental drops in the ocean/lake, overheating—commonly encountered when using a mobile phone to navigate on your craft.
Key Features:
- Clear scanning sonar shows you what’s in the water around your jet ski
- Easy-to-operate, keyed interface
- Waterproof
- Weighs just 8.1 oz.
Cost: $109.12
Orion Safety 12 Gauge High Performance Aerial Signals
Another essential addition to your safety kit, these USCG-certified flares offer a 7-second burn time, come in a waterproof storage bag, and are approved for making both daytime and nighttime emergency signals.
Key Features:
- USCG certified
- 4 x 12-gauge red signal flares included
- Waterproof storage bag
Cost: $32.44
Jet Ski Accessories for Docking and Storage
Salt Away Salt Removing Cleanser
This 100% non-toxic, biodegradable, non-hazardous cleanser safely removes salt from your vehicle, trailer, and jet ski, helping to ensure all three are safe from corrosion. It can also be used to remove salty buildup from the engine cooling system on your PWC, which is vital to ensuring your craft continues to perform optimally in the long term.
Key Features:
- 100% non-toxic, biodegradable, and non-hazardous
- Safely removes salt from exterior surfaces and engine cooling system
- 32 fl. oz.
Cost: $50
Designed to protect passengers from ski rope kick-back and prevent you sucking towing lines up into your propulsion system, this low-cost, easy-to-install accessory is one that could save you a lot of precious ski time, hassle, and a few forceful slaps to the head from those ski ropes!
Key Features:
- Attaches easily to towing lines
- Protects passengers from ski rope kick-back
- Made with durable nylon covered closed-cell foam
Cost: $31.13
Complete Grapnel Anchor System
This often-overlooked accessory will let you “park” your ride safely if you decide to make a stopover at a cove or rocky beach. It includes a 3.3-pound, 4-fluke folding anchor that’s designed to hold in mud, sand, gravel, and rock, a 25-foot, marine-grade cord, and a durable Nylon storage case that’s padded for extra protection.
Key Features:
- 3.3-pound folding anchor
- 25-foot, marine-grade rope
- Padded Nylon storage case included
- Ideal for mooring in coves or near rocky beaches
Cost: $39.39
This very reasonably priced jet ski cover lacks some of the bells and whistles found on pricier models but is made with tough, water-resistant, 600-denier fabric and will do the job for transporting your PWC from A to B and for storage in a shed or garage.
Key Features:
- Fits jet skis 127″-135″ in length
- 600-denier polyester fabric
- Waterproof and breathable
- Mesh storage bag included
Cost: $44.99
Sea-Doo New OEM Spark Snap-In Fender Set
These incredibly durable fenders eliminate the need for ropes and large, foam bumpers that rob you of precious space in your storage bin and can be attached to the docking side of your craft with absolute ease.
Key Features:
- Easy to install
- High-visibility and floating design
- Durable construction
Cost: $99.99
CURT 29433 Hand Crank Trailer Winch
With a 900-pound weight capacity, 15-foot winch strap, virtually indestructible snap hook, a 6.5-inch handle, and an ultra-secure ratcheting lock, this very reasonably priced winch makes lugging your craft onto your trailer an absolute cinch.
Key Features:
- 15-foot winch strap and snap hook
- 900-pound load capacity
- Comfortable 6.5-inch grip
- Ratcheting lock lets you take a breather between turns!
Cost: $36.35
