How to Winterize Your Jetski

After a summer full of riding your jet ski once the winter months arrive it is time to put it away until next summer. Winterization is the process of cleaning and storing your jet ski away properly to avoid any damage or failure while it sits all winter. This process with help make your toys last longer and let you enjoy them for many summers to come. There are a few things you need to do to “properly” winterize your watercraft and we have put them into 10 simple steps. Here is your guide on how to winterize your jet ski.

Draining:

To begin the winterization process, the jet ski must be removed from the water. Once it has been successfully been removed and placed on the trailer, pull your trailer forward and reposition your ski for the draining to begin. The front of the ski will need to be higher than the rear of your jet ski so that all of the water can begin to find its way to the back. Turning the throttle back and forth in short bursts will shoot water out and this should be done in 30-second intervals to prevent overheating. Turning the throttle until there is no more water shooting out.

Antifreeze:

After draining all of the water out the ski will need to have antifreeze flushed through the exhaust system. 1 gallon of water and 1 gallon of antifreeze will be mixed together then flushed through the exhaust system using a hose of water pump with the other side in the bucket of antifreeze. Also turn the engine on once the entire mixture has gone through the exhaust system. This process will prevent any fluids from freezing in the exhaust system while the jet ski is stored.

Washing:

To avoid any water spots forming or any cosmetic damage to the ski, always wash the exterior with a safe soap. A bucket of warm water and a few pumps of soap and a scratch-free microfiber cloth will do a great job at cleaning off any debris or spots. Pay special attention to areas like the bottom of the ski where algae and slime build-up. Also, make sure not to use any liquid dishwashing soap or hand soap, car soap is great for skis.

Rinse and Dry:

After washing the ski, make sure to properly rinse it off. Use only clean water and use a hose or fill buckets of water that you can dump onto the jet ski. Do not cover the ski, let it air dry completely. Some owners can choose to use a high-shine protectant wax to buff and shine the ski, which will give it a newer appearance.

Fuel Stabilizer:

Adding fuel stabilizer to the jet ski will prevent fuel contamination and help keep residue from building inside the carburetor, fuel injection system, and gas lines. It is a very simple step, get a bottle of fuel stabilizer and add it to your gas tank as the product label instructs. Forgetting this step can cost a pretty penny once it’s time to pull the ski-out in the summer It is very important to add fuel stabilizer.

Fill with Gas:

Now that the fuel stabilizer has been added to the gas tank, the next step is topping the jet ski off with premium gas. Adding premium gas will help prevent condensation from forming on the inside of the gas tank. Also, make sure to not have any old gas in the tank.

Lubrication of Moving Parts:

The parts of the jet ski that are constantly and often rotating must be lubricated. Spray lubricant on areas like the steering nozzle, reverse mechanisms, pivot points, and the brake mechanisms. Spraying the engine and some electrical components will help in getting rid of any traces of water that are down there.

Remove the Battery:

Letting a battery sit there will overtime have it lose its charge. It is very necessary to remove the battery from the ski and let is charge while the ski is stored away. Charging the battery can be done by simply attaching the battery to an automatic battery charger and making sure the room or area it will be charging temperature will not drop below freezing.

Cover:

Covering your jet ski is the next step in the winterization process. Using a fitted cover or a tarp works in protecting it. Making sure exhaust outlets and air intakes with rags or plugs will also important as it will help keep rodents and insects from getting inside the ski. If you will be storing the ski outside or in a shed it is a good idea to put a second cover or tarp over the ski.

Safely Store:

Safely storing your ski is the final step of the winterization process. Storing it away on the trailer in a garage is the most ideal spot to store it however sheds and the outside work just fine with the extra levels of protection. Also, remember to keep the ski away from any flammable substances because it is full of gas. Removing the tires from the trailer is also recommended to prevent any rust from happening.

Conclusion:

The winterization process is very important to get the most out of your jet ski over the many upcoming summers. It may seem overwhelming or sound like a lot of work, but as long as you take it step by step and put effort to do it right, you will be done in no time. Remember that the effort and care you put in during this process will be reflected once the season begins again. You can always choose to do this yourself or contact your local dealer to do. If you are looking to winterize your ski, contact our service department at 626-430-9551. Happy riding!

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