Jet skiing is a wonderful way to explore open water and to enjoy taking in the views from all over the UK at the many watersport-friendly destinations. As with all sports, however, you need to carry out some jet ski maintenance to ensure that your watercraft will last for years to come.
When it comes to maintaining your PWC, it’s important to check and update all areas to help avoid any accidents or something going wrong when you’re out on the water. The best way to do this is to consult your jet ski manual as this will guide you on what to do for your particular model and its specific components. In the meantime, for a few helpful tips and guidance on jet ski maintenance, you can use our guide to ensure your PWC is kept up and running.
Internal checks
The key thing to remember when you carry out any internal checks is that the engine has been turned off for at least five minutes, ensuring it’s safe to complete the inspection.
Flush the engine
Make sure you flush your jet ski after every ride as this will remove any sand, algae, salt and weeds from the engine which, in turn, will prevent any further corrosion or damage occurring to the boat.
Check for fluid leaks
Checking to see if there have been any oil or coolant leaks from your PWC is crucial to maintaining a healthy craft, so make sure you’ve checked for leaks at the bottom of the hull.
Battery check
Battery power is an important thing to keep a check on; if you were to put your jet ski in the water with low power, then it’s even less likely to start up.
Dispose of old fuel
If you’re not sure how to remove any of the old fuel that remains in the engine, then it’s important you consult a jet ski expert who will be able to drain the
engine of any old fuel and dispose of it for you, safely.
Engine mounts
It’s important to keep a check on your engine bolts to see that they are all still on tight. A great way to check this is to give the boat’s engine a good pull from either side and from the front; if there’s any movement then you’ll know you likely have a broken
engine mount that needs attending to.
Lubricate the engine
Using an anti-corrosive lubricant, spray some over the engine after you’ve run your engine checks, focusing on the parts that might rust if saltwater
hasn’t been removed.
Fluid level checks
Prior to every trip out on your jet ski, you should do a check on your craft’s fluid levels.
Check your oil level
It is important to check the oil level after letting your jet ski run for a little while. Of course every PWC is different, so you should always consult your manual, but typically, you should let your boat run for around 30 seconds before you start to check your oil level.
Is your coolant topped up to the recommended level?
Don’t forget to do this before you leave. As a precaution, as soon as your jet ski engine is warm/hot, you should not open the coolant lid.
Safety equipment
It’s a good idea to check over all of your jet ski safety equipment prior to every single adventure at sea.
Dry bag check
An important jet ski maintenance tip is to check that your dry bag doesn’t have any holes or tears in it. If it does, these will need to be fixed, otherwise your jet ski safety equipment, such as first aid kits, could be getting wet and damaged from water being let in.
Following this check, make sure your dry bag is packed with all of the safety essentials you’ll need for your trip and to ensure that you’re meeting any
local codes.
Communication devices
What form of communication will you be taking with you on your jet ski trip? If you prefer to leave your mobile phone at home, then you’ll need to take another form of communication with you, such as a satellite tracker or phone system.
Whichever means of communication you decide to go with, always make sure that it’s housed in a robust waterproof case to keep it protected and store it somewhere it won’t get damaged.
Check expiry dates
Something that can get missed is keeping a check on the expiry dates of your safety equipment. If any items, such as flares, are out of date then it’s essential you get these replaced before you venture out on the water.
External checks
Make sure you take pride in your jet ski and that it’s always kept clean and dry
between trips out on the water.
Clean the exterior
After every trip on your jet ski, it will need to be cleaned. This is imperative for stopping any lingering saltwater from corroding the boat’s metal.
Give the whole jet ski a thorough clean all over, including wiping down your seat and the windshield to help prevent any staining and corrosion from taking place.
Doing this after every ride will mean you’re helping to extend the life of your PWC for as long as possible.
Clean the mirrors
To prevent the build-up of any salt residue and limescale from forming on your PWC, always clean over your mirrors and polish them with window cleaner to keep them in the best condition possible.
Check the hull
As you ride on your jet ski, do you notice any cracks or chips in the hull that may allow water to enter? If so, these imperfections should be fixed before you head out again.
Are there any loose parts?
It’s worth checking over your jet ski to identify any loose screws or bolts. If you do find any, make sure these are tightened and fully-secure before you venture out again on your craft.
Specialist jet ski insurance through GJW Direct
As a jet ski owner, you may want to consider getting specialist jet ski insurance for the next time you're out on the water. Specialist jet ski insurance through GJW Direct can help protect you and your jet ski against theft, damage, and third-party claims should the worst happen.
Find out more about specialist jet ski insurance or get a quick online quote today.
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