Winterize a jet ski to ensure its longevity and performance when the riding season returns. This detailed guide will take you through the step-by-step process of winterizing your jet ski, with special considerations for different brands and product recommendations to make the task easier.
For more jet ski maintenance tips, check out, Essential Jet Ski Maintenance Tips and Proven Tricks
Why Winterize a Jet Ski?
Winterizing your jet ski protects it from damage caused by freezing temperatures and prolonged storage. Proper winterization prevents issues such as engine corrosion, fuel degradation, and battery failure. By following these steps, you’ll ensure your jet ski is ready for action when warm weather returns.
Steps to Winterize a Jet Ski
1. Clean Your Jet Ski Thoroughly
Start by giving your jet ski a thorough cleaning to remove salt, grime, and debris. Use a mild detergent and a soft brush to clean the exterior, then rinse with fresh water. Cleaning the exterior helps to prevent corrosion and keeps your jet ski looking new. Make sure to give all of the storage compartments a good wash out and dry off before packing the ski away for the winter.
Pro Tip: Consider spritzing each compartment with peppermint spray or leaving a dryer sheet in each before storing to deter rodents from taking up residence over the winter.
Recommended Product: Star brite Ultimate Jet Ski Cleaner
2. Flush the Cooling System
Flushing the cooling system removes salt residue and debris that can cause corrosion. Connect a garden hose to the flush outlet and run the engine for a few minutes. This step is crucial, especially if you’ve been riding in saltwater.
Yamaha Specific Tip: Yamaha jet skis often have an easy-to-access flush port. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct flushing procedure.
Recommended Product: Salt-Away Flush Kit
3. Stabilize the Fuel System
Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to prevent the gasoline from breaking down over the winter. Run the engine for a few minutes to ensure the stabilizer circulates through the system. This helps prevent the formation of varnish and gum in the fuel system.
Recommended Product: STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer
4. Fog the Engine
Fogging oil protects the internal components of the engine from corrosion. Remove the air filter and spray fogging oil into the carburetor while the engine is running until the engine stalls. This step ensures that a protective coating of oil is deposited on internal engine parts.
Pro Tip: Make sure to spray the spark plug cylinders with the engine fog oil, also.
Kawasaki Specific Tip: Kawasaki jet skis have a unique fogging procedure. Refer to the owner’s manual for precise instructions.
Recommended Product: Yamaha Engine Fogging Oil
5. Drain and Refill the Engine Oil
Change the engine oil and filter to remove any contaminants and ensure fresh oil is in the engine during storage. This prevents old, contaminated oil from causing damage over the winter.
Sea-Doo Specific Tip: Sea-Doo models with four-stroke engines have specific oil change procedures. Use the recommended oil type and follow the manual.
Recommended Product: Sea-Doo XPS 4-Stroke Oil Change Kit
6. Remove and Store the Battery
Disconnect the jet ski battery and store it in a cool, dry place. Use a trickle charger to maintain the battery’s charge over the winter. This prevents the battery from discharging and becoming damaged.
Pro Tip: When disconnecting the battery, disconnect the negative terminal (black) (-) terminal first and then the positive terminal (red) (+) after.
Recommended Product: Battery Tender Junior
7. Inspect and Grease Moving Parts
Check all moving parts, such as the steering nozzle and throttle, for wear and apply marine grease to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation. Lubrication keeps these parts from seizing up during storage.
Recommended Product: CRC Marine Heavy Duty Corrosion Inhibitor
8. Cover and Store Your Jet Ski
Use a high-quality cover to protect your jet ski from dust and debris. Store it in a dry, sheltered location away from direct sunlight. Proper storage prevents environmental damage and keeps your jet ski in top condition.
Recommended Product: Oceansouth’s Jet Ski / PWC custom covers
9. Check and Treat the Fuel System
If your jet ski uses a carburetor, drain the carburetor bowls to prevent fuel from sitting and causing issues. For fuel-injected models, run the engine to ensure the stabilizer-treated fuel is throughout the system.
Product Recommendation: Gumout Carb and Choke Cleaner
10. Check for Water in the Hull
Ensure there is no water inside the hull. Any water left inside can freeze and cause significant damage. Use a bilge pump or sponge to remove any standing water.
11. Inspect the Jet Ski for Any Damage
Look for any signs of wear and tear or damage. Addressing these issues before winter will save you time and trouble in the spring.
12. Lubricate the Cables and Pivot Points
Ensure all cables and pivot points are well-lubricated to prevent rust and ensure they function properly when you take the jet ski out of storage.
Special Considerations for Different Jet Ski Brands
Yamaha
Yamaha jet skis are known for their reliability and performance. When winterizing, pay special attention to the cooling system flush and follow Yamaha’s specific fogging instructions.
Sea-Doo
Sea-Doo models often come with advanced features and specific maintenance needs. Use Sea-Doo’s recommended products for oil changes and pay attention to the fuel system to prevent ethanol-related issues.
Kawasaki
Kawasaki jet skis are built for performance. Ensure proper fogging and use the correct oil type specified in the owner’s manual to maintain engine health.
Honda
While no longer in production, many still ride Honda jet skis. Ensure thorough cleaning and follow general winterization steps, focusing on fuel stabilization and battery maintenance.
Additional Tips for Winterizing Your Jet Ski
- Check the Propulsion System: Inspect the impeller and jet pump for any damage or debris. Clean and repair as necessary to prevent issues next season.
- Inspect the Hull and Deck: Look for any cracks, chips, or damage and repair them to prevent further deterioration over the winter.
- Use Anti-Corrosion Spray: Spray anti-corrosion spray on metal parts to protect them from rust and corrosion during storage.
- Document Your Maintenance: Keep a record of all maintenance performed. This helps track what has been done and provides a reference for future maintenance.
Product Recommendations for Winterizing Your Jet Ski
- Star brite Ultimate Jet Ski Cleaner
- Salt-Away Flush Kit
- STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer
- Yamaha Engine Fogging Oil
- Sea-Doo XPS 4-Stroke Oil Change Kit
- Battery Tender Junior
- CRC Marine Heavy Duty Corrosion Inhibitor
- Oceansouth’s Jet Ski / PWC custom covers
- Gumout Carb and Choke Cleaner
Conclusion
Winterizing your personal watercraft is a crucial step to ensure its longevity and performance for the next season. By following these detailed steps and using recommended products, you can protect your investment and enjoy worry-free rides when the weather warms up. Proper winterization will save you time, money, and frustration, allowing you to make the most of your jet ski when summer returns.
For a comprehensive guide on winterizing your boat, read: How to Winterize Your Boat in 9 Steps
