Sea-Doo vs. Yamaha-The 2026 Palm Beach Jet Ski Buyer’s Guide

Which PWC Rules Peanut Island, the Lagoon, and the Inlet?

Choosing a jet ski in Palm Beach isn’t just about horsepower—it’s about how that craft handles a Saturday afternoon at Peanut Island, a shallow approach in Lake Worth Lagoon, or a tide-change crossing at Palm Beach Inlet.

For 2026, both Sea-Doo and Yamaha have pushed the limits of tech and stability. But which one belongs on your dock? Here is our local rider’s breakdown of the 2026 lineup.

The 2026 Palm Beach Comparison At-A-Glance

Feature	Sea-Doo (GTX / GTI / Explorer)	Yamaha (FX / VX / JetBlaster)
Best For	Sandbar Socializing & Tech Lovers	Long-Distance Cruising & Reliability
Local Hero Feature	iDF Debris Removal: Clears weeds at the Inlet with a button.	RiDE® Technology: Best-in-class braking and reverse in tight marinas.
Hull Vibe	"The Floating Patio" (Rock-solid when parked).	"The Wave Crusher" (Planted in heavy chop).
Cooling	Closed-Loop: Keeps saltwater out of the engine block.	Open-Loop: Simple, proven, but requires diligent flushing.
Fuel Choice	High-output models prefer Premium.	Engineered for 87 Octane (Save at the pump).

1. The "Washing Machine" Test: Hull Stability

Palm Beach riders face two distinct environments. Your choice depends on which one you frequent most.

Yamaha (The Inlet King): If you’re running from Riviera Beach up to Jupiter, Yamaha’s NanoXcel2 hulls are the gold standard. They track straight and stay "glued" to the water when the Inlet turns into a washing machine. It’s a predictable, confidence-inspiring ride for those who hate getting "bucked" by cross-wakes.
Sea-Doo (The Sandbar King): The ST3 hull is wider and flatter. While it can feel more active in heavy chop, it is incredibly stable at rest. If you spend 4 hours anchored at the Peanut Island sandbar with people hopping on and off the back, the Sea-Doo feels like a stable island.

2. The Weed Factor: Lake Worth Lagoon Debris

Floating seagrass and debris are a reality in the Lagoon, especially after a storm.

Sea-Doo’s iDF System: For 2026, the Intelligent Debris-Free pump is more responsive than ever. If you suck up grass, you hit a button, the impeller reverses, and clears the clog in seconds. No getting in the water.
Yamaha’s Approach: Yamaha relies on a high-clearance intake design. It’s less likely to clog in light grass, but if you suck up a rope or heavy weeds, you’re likely heading to the swim platform to clear it manually.

3. Beach Days & Snorkel Runs: Storage & Utility

Sea-Doo (Modular Customization): The LinQ system is the star here. You can swap a 2026 multi-mount cooler for a fuel caddy or a dry bag in seconds. It’s perfect for the "social rider" who brings a full picnic to the sandbar.
Yamaha (Sheer Volume): Yamaha dominates in total liters of storage. The bow storage is massive—ideal for stowing oversized snorkel fins, anchors, and beach umbrellas that wouldn't fit in the modular Sea-Doo compartments.

4. Saltwater Longevity: The Engine Room

Because we ride in the Atlantic and the Intracoastal, saltwater is the enemy.

Sea-Doo uses a Closed-Loop Cooling System (CLCS). Much like a car radiator, it uses coolant to keep the engine at temp, meaning no corrosive salt water ever touches the inside of the engine block.
Yamaha uses Open-Loop Cooling. It's a simpler system with fewer moving parts, which many local mechanics prefer for long-term DIY maintenance, but it requires a very thorough flush after every Palm Beach outing to prevent salt buildup.

The Final Verdict

Choose the 2026 Yamaha if:

You’re a "distance" rider who explores from Manalapan to Tequesta.
You want the lowest possible operating costs (87 octane).
You value a heavy, planted feel when crossing boat wakes.

Choose the 2026 Sea-Doo if:

Peanut Island is your "home base" and you value a stable platform for hanging out.
You want the latest tech (iDF, premium Bluetooth audio, and panoramic displays).
You prefer the peace of mind of a closed-loop cooling system in our saltwater.

Ready to see them on the water?

The best way to decide is to stand on them. Visit our Palm Beach showroom to compare seating height, storage access, and dock fit on the 2026 Sea-Doo GTX and Yamaha FX series side-by-side. Our team lives on these waters—we'll help you pick the ski that fits your specific dock or trailer setup.