Our site is not fully compatible with Internet Explorer. We strongly suggest using Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.

The Best Aftermarket ECU for Your Jet Ski or PWC - Unleash the Power: FuelTech FT550 ECU

October 11, 2023

FuelTech offers the best standalone ECU for jet skis and PWCs

A rose by any other name… whether you refer to branded names such as Jet Ski, WaveRunner, and Sea-Doo or prefer the more generic personal watercraft (PWC) the sport has taken off. Organizations such as the International Jet Sports Boating Association, or IJSBA, bring the adrenaline fueled excitement of drag racing and motocross to our waterways. With the growing popularity of hydro racing events, professional racers and speed enthusiasts seek new ways to maximize their craft’s speed and performance, leading to a boom in aftermarket performance components. There are many ways to increase power, speed, and control, but to maximize performance the ECU, or “brain” of your PWC, must be capable of optimizing each component to reach its full potential.

Factory ECU settings include a speed limiter, preventing even the most powerful units from exceeding 65 mph. To reach higher speeds you will need to reflash or replace your ECU. Reflashing a factory ECU (also referred to as tuning, remapping, or flashing) requires you to download the data from the factory ECU, use specialized software to make changes to the programming, and then “flashing” (uploading) the altered data back onto the ECU. While reflashing can improve the function of your PWC, it does not provide as much tuning control as FuelTech’s aftermarket ECUs. If maximizing performance is your goal, replacement is the best option. FuleTech’s FT550 and FT550LITE have grown rapidly in popularity for PWC applications due to their extensive features, ease of installation, and industry leading customer service.

FuelTech's High Performance Yamaha 1800 Racing Jet Ski

The FT550 and FT550LITE are part of FuelTech’s PowerFT line of performance engine management systems. Both the FT550 and the FT550LITE deliver a wide range of functions including sequential injection and ignition, O2 closed loop, data acquisition and logging, boost control, and a pro nitrous controller for riders looking to add a bit more boost. Additionally, FuelTech ECUs provide a flex fuel option, enabling the engine to run on pump gas, race gas, ethanol, or methanol. The addition of FuelTech’s WB-O2 Nano O2 provides the ECU’s built-in data logger with additional information via CAN communication allowing you to make more informed tuning decisions without sacrificing one of the ECUs inputs. The FT550 and FT550LITE ECUs are IP67 rated for use in marine applications and are equipped with FTManager software, 14 input channels, 24 output channels, and 2 CAN Bus ports. The FT550 has a touch screen with digital dashboard and allows you to edit maps from the screen, eliminating the need for a computer. The FT550LITE offers the same functionality of the FT550 with the exception of the integrated touch screen, so a computer is required for map editing.

Installing a FuelTech FT550 or FT550LITE on your Sea-Doo 300 or Yamaha 1800 Jet Ski (2008-2017 and 2018-2022) has never been easier! FuelTech’s wiring harnesses are designed for easy installation by interfacing with the existing factory setup. FuelTech provides additional inputs to help add several options for maximum performance. Jet ski harness kits are on sale for a limited time, through October 16, 2023.

If you have questions about wiring harness compatibility or installation, FuelTech’s industry leading tech support is available to answer your questions online, over the phone, or on WhatsApp. Attending Hydrodrags US Nationals World Championship? Visit the FuelTech team on-site at Lion’s Park in Lake Alfred, Florida to speak with our technical and sales staff in person!

On land and by sea, on road and off, there is a reason you’re seeing #FuelTechEverywhere!