How to Winterize a Jet Ski Properly
A few things are more fun than spending countless hours speeding across lakes and seas on your jet ski, but when the time comes to winterize it, you have to do it properly.
Winterizing your jet ski means preparing it for the cold weather. You need it if you live in a place with extreme winter weather. However, even if you live in an area that does not freeze in winter, you still need to winterize your PWC. You don’t only need to keep it from freezing; you also have to ensure that it is clean, functioning well, free of dirt and debris, and your gas is fresh, among other things.
Winterization is the only way to keep jet skis and all their components, from their engines down to their power sport batteries, in pretty good shape. Forgo this step, and you will likely have problems with your PWC by the time the boating season comes around again.
Here are the steps for winterizing your jet ski properly.
Step 1: Drain The Water
While you’re having high-speed fun, your jet ski takes in cool water from the sea or lake to keep the engine cool, which means it takes in saltwater that can cause corrosion.
Since you cannot stop or prevent salt water from getting inside your jet ski, proper maintenance is vital. If the water is left inside your PWC for long periods, it can become corrosive. Dirt, sand, and algae may also stay stuck inside the jet ski. So, after your final run for the season, the first thing you must do after bringing your PWC out of the water is to drain its cooling system.
When draining your jet ski, it must be tilted with the front end higher than the rear end. You can do this on a boat ramp or jet ski lift if you have access to one.
Start the engine, press the throttle in bursts for 30 seconds, then turn off the engine and let it rest for several minutes to avoid overheating. Repeat this process about three more times to ensure that all residual water is drained out.
Step 2: Clean Your Jet Ski
Wash the exterior of your jet ski using a scratch-free cloth and a mixture of car-safe soap and water. Don’t forget to scrub the bottom and remove any accumulated algae and slime. Rinse the whole PWC using clean water, then let it air dry.
You can also apply some jet ski cleanser to your jet ski. After thoroughly washing your PWC, apply some of the cleanser on practically everything – the footwells, seats, and even the engine. Make sure that your jet ski is still a little wet when you spray the cleanser.
Keep in mind, however, that cleansers should only be applied if the jet ski is extra dirty.
Once your jet ski is dry, you have the option to wax it using either a marine quality wax or a car wash detergent. Don’t forget to block the areas you do not want to wax using a painters tape.
Step 3: Apply antifreeze
If you are located in an area with extremely cold winters, where temperatures can go below freezing, you should apply antifreeze throughout your jet ski’s exhaust system.
Simply mix 1:1 of the antifreeze and water in a container or bucket (ideally, it should be a 5-gallon one). Attach a water pump or hose into the flush outlet and place the other end of it into the solution. Turn your jet ski’s engine on and off several times to ensure that the antifreeze moves throughout the exhaust system.
Step 4: Fill The Tank
Pour some fuel stabilizer into the jet ski’s gas tank to prevent fuel contamination, but make sure you read the instructions on the bottle before you do so. Fill the tank with premium gas afterward. To ensure that the stabilizer and fuel mix well, run the engine in 30-second intervals.
Step 5: Lubricate your PWC
Lubricate all of your jet ski’s moving parts using products that its manufacturer recommends.
Be sure to focus your lubricant spray on the brake and reverse mechanism, the steering wheel’s pivot points, and other areas or parts that constantly turn and rotate.
Your owner’s manual may also contain useful information on which parts should be regularly lubricated.
Step 6: Remove the battery
It’s important to take the battery out and fully charge it before storing your jet ski because leaving it in can make it lose its charge over the winter. When removing the battery, make sure you disconnect the negative connection before the positive one.
After removing the battery, make sure that it is somewhere that’s safe from fire. The temperature must not fall below freezing point as well. The battery should be placed on a stable surface. Once it is secure, connect the battery to your automatic battery charger.
You can also choose to use a solar battery charger, particularly if you prefer to keep your jet ski outside.
Well-maintained and high-quality jet ski batteries have a life span of three to five years. If your battery has been with you for over five years, it may be time for a jet ski battery replacement.
Step 7. Store Your Jet Ski
Store your PWC somewhere safe, ideally on its trailer in a garage, barn, or shed. Cover it with a tarp and put rags or non-invasive material into the exhaust outlets and air intakes to keep critters away.
If you really want to keep critters away, including mice and rodents, you should use jet ski covers. Place your custom-fitted cover over your PWC first and then cover it with another layer. Ensure that the entire jet ski is covered.
Last Words
Maintaining your jet ski for winter storage will not take that much time. Once you’ve gotten used to the process, it will be something you can do even with your eyes closed. It’s not so much work, especially if you consider the reward for diligently and efficiently doing it: a well-maintained, highly functional jet ski that you can enjoy whenever you want to. By winterizing your jet ski properly, you can look forward to a lot of high-speed fun under the sun for many years to come!
