Best GPS for Jet Ski

By Taylor Jensen

Finding the Best GPS for Jet Ski is easier than you think. Here’s a rundown of our favorites for sailors including our top pick - the Garmin GPSMAP 78sc Waterproof Marine GPS and Chartplotter.

Best GPS for Jet Ski
Most of us don’t go far from home without our GPS. If we have our trusty GPS on the road, it only makes sense to use one in the water. Even if you’re familiar with a particular river, lake, or ocean, the potential for getting lost is still there. With a GPS device secured to your jet ski, you can navigate through the water with confidence.

GPS devices are an invaluable resource when you’re in the water. Most modern devices can assist with fishing and geocaching and can store maps and other data on a micro SD card. When shopping for the best GPS for jet ski, you’ll want to look at several factors, including the battery life, water resistance, screen size, and ability to mount.

What to Look for in a GPS for Jet Ski:

Water-Resistant: One of the most important aspects of a GPS that will be used on a jet ski is water-resistance. Ensure that if your GPS gets wet or dropped in the water, it won’t be damaged.
Ruggedness: If you’re going to be using your GPS for outdoor activities like jet skiing, you need it to be tough. Ensure that the GPS case is made from a strong, resilient material.
Satellites: Marine GPS units typically use at least 12 satellites to function optimally. The more satellites used, the more accurate the device. More high-quality GPS units use all 24 satellites.
Screen Size: Most jet skiers prefer a larger screen that they can use to read maps and coordinates with ease.

Garmin GPSMAP 78sc Waterproof Marine GPS and Chartplotter

Our first choice for best GPS for jet ski is a best seller. The Garmin GPSMAP 78sc Waterproof Marine GPS and Chartplotter is a marine-friendly handheld GPS perfect for boating and other watersports. The device has a high-sensitivity GPS receiver as well as a 2.6-inch color LCD display.

Due to its high water resistance, the GPS floats in water and will not suffer damage if wet. The device also has a built-in microSD cart slot which allows you to easily upload additional maps. If you run into trouble, the GPS also has a dedicated MOB (man over board) button.

For this GPS, you’ll need a mount to keep it secure to your jet ski. We recommend the Garmin Marine Mount 78 Series.

This durable mount is designed exclusively for compatibility with the GPSMAP 78, 78SC, and the 78S.

What Users Are Saying:

Love it for sailing, jet skiing, and other water activities
High-quality handheld device
Colored screen is crisp and easy to see
Great price and even greater construction
This device is simply incredible
An excellent upgrade to my old marine GPS

Magellan eXplorist 510 Navionics Marine Bundle

Cruise across the water without having to worry about getting lost. The Magellan eXplorist 510 Navionics Marine Bundle is the ultimate tool for navigating the open water. The 3-inch screen makes it easy to see and use the device and a 3.2 mega pixel camera with auto focus and integrated speaker and microphone add more function.

The GPS features the World Edition which includes a detailed road network, urban and rural land use, water features, and a realistic shaded relief background. The unique software allows the device to easily connect to a PC as an external drive. With his feature, you can save files from the device to share with friends.

What Users Are Saying:

Has great downloading capabilities
Love the World Edition
Easy to learn and use
Supports paperless geocaching
High-quality GPS
Tough and fits in your hand nicely

Garmin Foretrex 401 Waterproof Hiking GPS

Garmin is widely known for their high-quality GPS devices. Our next pick for best GPS for jet ski is the Garmin Foretrex 401 Waterproof Hiking GPS. What makes this GPS unique is its compact design. The wrist-mounted navigator is the perfect accessory for all outdoor activities, from jet skiing and boating to hiking and camping.

The high-sensitivity GPS receiver provides superior performance in any environment, even in deep canyons and heavy tree cover. Use the device to keep track of all of your routes on the easy-to-read LCD display. This bundle comes with everything you need to start your journey, including the Foretrex 401, wrist expansion strap, and USB cable.

What Users Are Saying:

Perfect GPS for outdoor activities
Fast satellite acquisition
Works great and is waterproof
Offers many versatile functions
Easy menus and the navigation is spot on
Fantastic – Buy one immediately!

For GPS App For Your Phone

iOttie Easy One Touch 3 (V2.0) Universal Phone Holder

Today, many phones come with built-in GPS or navigation apps that you can download. Our favorite free app is the Boating Marine & Lakes by Navionics. However, if you plan to use your phone as a GPS device, you’ll need a secure mount, such as the iOttie Easy One Touch 3 (V2.0) Universal Phone Holder. You may want to consider using a dry bag for your phone like the one featured below.

This compact and versatile phone mount solution features a telescopic arm that extends up to 5 inches to give the user a wide range of viewing angles. You’ll also find an adjustable bottom foot that moves the phone left, right, up, and down. Easily fit phones up to 3.5 inches.

What Users Are Saying:

Great mount – nearly perfect
Offers the perfect amount of adjustment
Holds my phone firmly in place
I wish I ordered it sooner
Love the telescoping arm
Super sturdy and easy to use

Universal Waterproof Case, JOTO CellPhone Dry Bag Pouch

If you plan to use your phone as a GPS in the water, you’ll need a waterproof case to prevent water damage. The Universal Waterproof Case, JOTO CellPhone Dry Bag Pouch is the perfect option. This super affordable case fits all smartphones up to 6.0-inch diagonal size, as well as other items like credit cards and cash.

The clear window on the front and back allow you to still use your phone while the case is on. The waterproof case is 100 feet certified waterproof. It’s also dirtproof and snowproof. Your purchase includes everything you need to keep your phone protected, including a convenient neck strap for easy carrying.