Top Maintenance Tips for Jet Skis

A personal watercraft (PWC) is worth having if you live near a body of water and love the thrill of water sports. However, these watercraft, popularly known as Jet Skis, require proper maintenance to remain in good condition and serve you longer.

Your Jet Ski may look like a boat and motorbike hybrid, but it’s a unique vehicle that requires a unique approach to maintenance. That’s why understanding PWC systems and components is necessary. Learning the basics of your craft is key to knowing what it needs and how to keep it in excellent shape.

Why Is Jet Ski Maintenance Important?

Your PWC is no different from other machines that need regular maintenance for proper functioning. Here’s why you should prioritize Jet Ski maintenance and repairs even if you don’t use it regularly:

• Safety on the water: Since maintaining safety is vital for PWCs, keeping your Jet Ski system in good condition eliminates the likelihood of malfunctions while on the water.
• Cost efficiency: Regular maintenance will help you catch and address minor issues before they turn into major problems that require intensive and costly repairs.
• Prolonged service life: Proper upkeep is essential to preserving the value of your craft and extending its service life.

Top Tips for Jet Ski Maintenance

It’s important to always refer to your Jet Ski’s owner’s manual first, as it comes with manufacturer-specific information regarding basic maintenance and actions impacting your vehicle’s warranty. That said, here are top Jet Ski maintenance schedules and tips to keep your craft in good working condition:

Create a Pre-Ride Checklist

A big part of proper PWC care is inspecting various components before taking your Jet Ski out on the water. Examine these parts when performing a pre-ride check:

• Battery: Check the battery to ensure it’s charged and shows no signs of damage. Also, confirm that the electrical wires are tight and properly connected.
• Drain plug: Since water seeps into the hull during your rides, it’s important to remove the drain plug and let your craft drain before launching.
• Controls: Ensure the operating controls, like the stop button, throttle, and steering, function properly.
• Hull: Inspect the hull of your PWC for damage, check the jet pump area, and secure the seats.
• Engine: Check fluid and oil levels and look for signs of leaks. Secure the engine compartment cover before launching your craft.
• Safety gear: Confirm that you have every piece of your Jet Ski safety gear, such as a life jacket, helmet, gloves, and wetsuit. You may also need a signaling device in case your craft malfunctions when you’re far out on the water.

Clean Your Craft

Your Jet Ski needs thorough cleaning even though it operates on water. It may look fine after a ride, but there could be debris, which, when left unchecked, will build up and damage critical components. If you ride in seawater, you should clean your Jet Ski after every use. As the most corrosive natural environment, seawater can quickly corrode and damage metal parts.

Wipe your Jet Ski with a washcloth or sponge and spray it with a freshwater hose. Avoid spraying water directly on the electrical parts. Pay close attention to tough areas that will likely store debris, like the footwells.

Flush Internal Systems

Cleaning the Jet Ski’s inner components is as important as cleaning the exterior. Before flushing your PWC, refer to your manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure you take the proper steps for your make and model. Flushing saltwater or debris protects the engine cooling system and exhaust from internal corrosion.

To properly flush your Jet Ski, place the craft somewhere level where you can easily locate the flush hole. Depending on the craft’s make, the flush hole can be inside the engine compartment, underneath the seat, or on the opposite side of the drain plug. Attach a freshwater hose to the flush hole, start the engine, and let it idle for a while before running water through the hose.

Remember to follow the specifics of your owner’s manual when idling the engine with the hose running. When you’re done flushing, switch off the water and remove the hose before turning off the engine. You could let the engine idle a bit longer but not long enough to cause overheating.

Change the Oil

Changing your Jet Ski oil is crucial to maintaining proper function. Confirm the oil change frequency in your owner’s manual and note it when creating a maintenance schedule. Remember, the more you run your craft, the more frequent the oil changes should be. When buying engine oil, select the right type to ensure your Jet Ski’s performance and longevity.

Jet Skis operate on four-stroke and two-stroke systems. If your craft is a four-stroke, use marine engine oil specific to four-stroke systems. Two-stroke crafts should use two-stroke marine engine oils. Your manufacturer may also recommend their particular brand for optimal performance. If you’re not sure you can properly change the oil and oil filter, it’s best to seek professional assistance.

Replace Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are critical to your Jet Ski’s engine performance. Replace them at least twice a year — ideally, once a year if you operate your craft frequently.

Replacing spark plugs is straightforward. Once you have the correct plugs for your PWC make, take the cover off the engine, remove the electrical connections, and take the coils off the cylinder. Use a spark plug tool to pull out the old plugs and replace them with new ones.

Winterize Your Jet Ski

If you won’t use your Jet Ski when winter sets in, it’s important to winterize it after the final use. Winterization prepares your PWC to remain in good condition as it sits in storage for the season. Learn the myths and facts of winterization to ensure you do it properly. Here are the basic tasks to cross off your winter checklist:

• Drain and clean your watercraft.
• Fill the fuel tank.
• Oil the spark plugs and replace the air filter.
• Remove the battery.
• Plug the exhaust with a cloth to prevent moisture, debris, and bugs from getting through.

Enjoy the Best of PWCs With Family PowerSports

There’s more to personal watercraft ownership than having fun on the water. Like other vehicles operating on the water or road, Jet Skis need regular maintenance to keep the engine and other key components in good working order. Besides ensuring excellent performance and longevity, paying attention to maintenance schedules is also essential for your safety.

While maintenance is undoubtedly crucial for your craft, some tasks can be complex, and others, like repairs, require expert attention. Look for a reliable service provider to ensure the best outcome. Trust Family PowerSports with Jet Ski maintenance and repair needs. Our certified service center has professional technicians ready to address watercraft needs, from oil changes and lubrication to deep servicing and diagnostics. Contact Family PowerSports for expert advice and servicing!