Master Your Jet Ski’s Longevity: The Ultimate Guide to Proper Maintenance and Storage

Owning a jet ski opens up a world of exhilarating water adventures, but like any high-performance machine, it requires dedicated care to maintain peak performance and extend its lifespan. Knowing how to maintain a jet ski is crucial to enjoying it for years to come, and when it comes to Jet Ski maintenance, taking preventative steps can keep you having fun and avoid being stranded out on the lake, ocean or gulf.

Essential Post-Ride Maintenance

The foundation of proper jet ski care begins the moment you return to shore. Saltwater, sand, and tiny shells can pose damage and cause corrosion to your jet ski. Therefore, cleaning and flushing your jet ski after every ride is an absolute must. This critical step prevents salt buildup and removes debris that could cause long-term damage to your watercraft’s components.

Remove as many accessories as possible, opening the hood, storage areas and glove boxes and removing any removable seats or seat covers. This allows you access to as much of the craft as possible, so you can better clean the saltwater out of every crevice. Don’t forget to remove any bungs and open any bung plugs. This lets any water in the craft or any compartments drain out as efficiently as possible.

Annual Maintenance Requirements

Beyond daily care, jet skis require comprehensive annual maintenance to ensure reliable operation. Jet skis typically require oil changes each year or every 50 engine hours. You should check the owner’s manual in case your particular brand of jet ski requires oil changes more often. Just like any vehicle with an internal combustion engine, jet skis require regular oil changes to keep the engine lubricated and running smoothly. Consult the owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended oil change intervals. While you’re at it, check the guidelines for changing the pump oil.

Battery maintenance is equally crucial for reliable performance. Batteries typically last anywhere between three to five years. If your watercraft has a higher horsepower, the battery may need to be replaced more often. Regular battery checks and proper storage practices can significantly extend battery life and prevent unexpected failures on the water.

Fuel System Care and Storage Preparation

One of the most critical aspects of jet ski maintenance involves proper fuel management. Old fuel is one of the leading causes of startup issues in stored jet skis. Without a stabilizer, gasoline begins to break down in as little as 30 days, especially in warm or humid climates. Ethanol blends worsen the issue, drawing in moisture and leaving behind deposits that clog fuel lines and carburetors.

For long-term storage, you want to store the PWC will a full tank of fresh fuel that has been treated with a marine fuel stabilizer. If it’s available, fill the tank with ethanol-free gas. Ideally you’ll fill the tank with fresh gas, treat it with stabilizer, and then drive the PWC for about 10 minutes to get the stabilized fuel into the engine.

Winterization and Off-Season Storage

Proper winterization is essential for protecting your investment during the off-season. Jet skis provide endless enjoyment during the riding season, but as the off-season approaches, proper storage is essential to ensure your watercraft stays in great shape. Failing to store it correctly could result in engine corrosion, fuel degradation, and more.

The winterization process includes several critical steps: If you live in an area with freezing winters, it’s essential to winterize your jet ski before storing it for the off-season. This process includes draining any remaining water from the engine and fuel system, flushing the cooling system, and adding antifreeze if necessary. These help prevent potential damage from freezing temperatures.

When you store your jet ski for the winter, it’s very important to take out the battery and store it separately from the machine. If you keep it charged while in storage, the battery has the potential to last a full five years.

Professional Storage Solutions

While many jet ski owners attempt to store their watercraft at home, professional storage facilities offer significant advantages, especially for high-value personal watercraft. Outdoor storage might save money up front, but it often leads to more maintenance down the line. Exposure to UV rays, rain, and fluctuating temperatures damages electronics, rubber, and metal components. Even the best cover can’t replace a protected space.

Indoor and climate-controlled storage offers more consistent conditions. It reduces the chances of corrosion, keeps pests away, and helps your jet ski stay cleaner between seasons. For jet ski owners in Long Island’s Nassau and Suffolk Counties, legacy marine storage specialists understand the unique challenges of coastal storage, offering climate-controlled facilities specifically designed to protect high-value watercraft from harsh weather conditions.

Spring Preparation and Pre-Season Inspection

Before launching your jet ski after storage, thorough inspection is essential. Your jet ski might look ready to launch, but storage can hide problems that aren’t obvious until you’re already on the water. Before you hitch the trailer and head to the dock, ask yourself these five key questions. They’ll help you catch common maintenance issues, avoid damage, and get the most out of your jet ski storage investment.

Start with battery evaluation: Jet ski batteries quietly lose power over time, even when not in use. If your battery sat through winter without a charger or maintainer, it’s likely lost some capacity. A battery reading below 12.4 volts is a red flag; it may still function for a short ride, but you’re risking a stall far from shore.

Fuel system inspection is equally important. If you stored the PWC with fuel in the engine and no fuel stabilizer, make sure that you add a fuel cleaner and stabilizer prior to starting the engine. If old fuel remains in the engine, you’ll want to properly dispose of it. Replacing the fuel filter at the start of the season is another proactive step that helps avoid poor engine performance. It’s a small cost that can prevent costly downtime.

The Importance of Professional Maintenance

Reviewing the owner’s manual is essential to proper jet ski maintenance. The owner’s manual provides clear guidelines of the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintaining the watercraft, from recommended fuel and oil types to service intervals and storage tips. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations mitigates issues such as premature engine wear, electrical failures, and hull damage, enabling you to preserve your investment and enjoy the spoils of your fun machine.

While many maintenance tasks can be performed by dedicated owners, complex procedures often require professional expertise. Current PWC owner’s manuals do not give instructions on how to change the oil, and direct the owner to a dealer for this service. You can do it yourself, but you’ll need to acquire an extractor pump to suck the old oil out of the engine, as you can’t drain the oil out the bottom of the engine.

Long-Term Value Protection

Consistent maintenance and proper storage practices directly impact your jet ski’s resale value and operational reliability. Taking care of your jet ski before storing it helps extend its life and ensures it performs optimally when you’re ready to hit the water again. By following the guidelines below, you’ll prevent costly repairs and get your jet ski ready for smooth sailing next season.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a serious water sports enthusiast, implementing a comprehensive maintenance and storage routine will ensure your jet ski provides years of reliable service. From post-ride cleaning to professional winterization, every step in the maintenance process contributes to your watercraft’s longevity and your continued enjoyment on the water.

Remember that proper maintenance isn’t just about following a checklist—it’s about understanding your jet ski’s specific needs and environmental challenges. Remember, each season presents specific maintenance challenges, so paying attention to these changes is vital to protecting your PWC accordingly. If you’re unsure about any maintenance task, contact your dealer. With the right approach to care and storage, your jet ski will continue delivering the performance and reliability you expect, season after season.