Jet Ski Maintenance
So you finally got your hands on that Jet-Ski you have always dreamed of owning. You are ready for countless hours at the beach or in your local waterways. The sunscreen is packed, the kids – old and young – are excited and you are set for some real fun.
While any personal watercraft will provide hours of unlimited fun and entertainment on the water, you will need to be all over the maintenance of your Jet Ski to ensure the best performance and safe use each and every time you take it out.
Read the manual
The very first thing you should do – maybe even before you buy the Jet Ski – is to carefully read your manual to learn everything you can about its use, maintenance regime and how to store, manoeuvre and drive your jet ski. This is particularly important for those who have never owned a Jet Ski before. You will learn a great deal from the manual. If you have owned a Jet Ski before, then it is still useful to review your new toy’s details! You might be surprised by what this one can do – or what the latest recommendations are.
Keep the manual handy as it is important to review this from time to time – and when it comes time to upgrade or sell, you will want to hand this over to the new owner.
Protect the exterior of your watercraft
In particular, the best way to keep your Jet Ski from looking great is to wash it down after salt-water riding.
Taking pride in the appearance of your Jet Ski is a practical consideration. You have spent considerable time choosing this watercraft for various reasons, and one sure reason would be how it looks. So from an aesthetic point-of-view, protecting the exterior ensures the craft remains bright and shiny. You should be proud to take it out adventuring and this also maintains the value when it comes time to upgrade.
By taking proper care and washing off salt-water, mud, sand and other residues – you are protecting your investment. Take the time to wash and wax the watercraft’s exterior. Washing and waxing protects the boat’s skin from the degrading effects of sun, wind, sand, and salt.
Choose a cleaning solution that is made for boats or personal watercraft. In addition, waxes are also available that are designed for marine use. These products will better endure the harsh conditions that the sea can throw your way.
After a day on the water, you should also correctly store your jet ski. Provide maximum protection by either covering the watercraft using a form-fitting cover designed for your boat, or keep it securely stored inside a garage or carport.
The most important reason for washing, waxing and storing your watercraft in a protected environment is to prevent your jet ski’s exterior from becoming brittle or cracked. The sun’s harsh ultraviolet rays will rapidly deteriorate the exterior of your jet ski. So take the time to protect your Jet Ski’s body to make your investment last.
Flush the engine
Salt water and fresh water can both contain residues and harm your engine. After each day out on the water, be sure to flush your engine. Your user manual will provide the steps to take to ensure you adequately remove any impurities.
Flushing the engine will remove impurities such as salt, sand, mud, algae, weeds and plant remnants from the engine preventing corrosion. The general method of flushing the engine involves running fresh, clean water through the engine for a couple of minutes after you take the Jet Ski out of the water and prior to storing it. Refer to the manual for how to complete this effectively for your watercraft.
Conduct regular inspections and maintenance
Personal watercraft like Jet Skis require routine maintenance as they contain moving parts exposed to harsh environmental conditions, and these components will need to be periodically lubricated. Check the manual and your local dealer to find out the best oils and greases when lubricating your personal watercraft, as incorrect types could wash away quickly and leave your machine vulnerable and exposed.
Changing the engine oil regularly on any motorized device is imperative to keep the engine functioning safely. The Jet Ski manufacturer will have stipulated a maintenance schedule, just like car manufacturers do – so make sure you know what the length of time is between services and keep to the schedule.
By doing a routine inspection of the watercraft each time you take it out and bring it back, you will be sure to notice any problems, corrosion or unusual engine noise.
Storing over winter
Following a cracking Summer and Autumn with your Jet Ski, the winter in some places may mean it is too chilly to be out on the water, so you will need to store your Jet Ski for the season.
Any motorized device must be adequately prepared for storage when not in use. You will follow the directions in the user manual which will include the previously discussed flushing of the engine, a thorough wash-down to protect the exterior and the addition of a fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel evaporation from damaging the engine.
When not using the jet ski, fuel evaporation can leave behind varnish and other sticky residues that can cause fuel line clogs and other engine problems when you bring your Jet Ski out of hibernation. Fuel stabilizers come in various formulations, so choose one appropriate for use in personal watercraft.
Once you add the fuel stabilizer, remove the spark plug from the motor and spray fogging oil into the cylinder. Fogging oil is designed to provide long-lasting protection against corrosion inside the dormant cylinder; without it, the engine oil inside the cylinder would drain and leave bare metal exposed to moisture.
Jet-Ski funding
At Ezilend, we love a great day out on the water and providing loans to help you make the most of your time with family and friends is what we do best. If you are looking to invest in a Jet Ski, boat or other watercraft, be sure to check out our competitive rates. Get in touch today.
