What You Should Do After You Take Your Jet Ski into the Ocean

Owning a jet ski is one of the most exciting and entertaining Powersports vehicles you can own. With jet skis being such a big investment though, it is important to maintain it regularly especially when riding it in the ocean. Ocean water is extremely damaging to a jet ski so it is important to give your ride a little extra post-ride care so that it will last for years-to-come. Here are a few tips on what you should do after riding your jet ski in the ocean.

Refer to the Owner's Manual:

If you are a new jet ski owner, it is important that you are aware of everything there is to know about your new ski. Although an owner’s manual is not the most interesting reading material, it is important that you take some time to review the information provided. The owner’s manual will contain all the details regarding your jet ski’s maintenance and service needs. It provides you everything from maintenance schedules, fluid requirements, setup helpful reminders, and warranty information. Following the instructions provided in this book will ensure the longevity and reliability of your new jet ski.

Insider Tip: NEVER try to do any repairs to your jet ski without referring to the owner’s manual first because you can be causing more damage than good.

Remove Bungs:

Once your jet ski is out of the water, make sure to remove the bungs to drain out any water inside the hull area that you might have picked up during your ride. All the debris that piled up will wash away easily and prevent a blockage to happen in the hull. A blockage in the hull will cause significant damage to your jet ski so it is very important that this step is not missed.

Insider Tip: Make sure to put the bungs back in the Jet Ski before you get back in the water because the hull will start filling up and damage the engine and electrics, leading your jet ski to sink.

Wash it Down after Saltwater Riding:

After a fun day of riding your jet ski in the ocean, it is extremely important to rinse your jet ski to remove all the salt residue it accumulated during your ride. Saltwater is corrosive to fiberglass and can eventually lead to problems. Right after taking your Jet Ski out of the water, use soapy water to hose down the Jet Ski from top to bottom (both inside and outside). Make sure you clean out areas like the fuel tank, motor and coupler, and tubs and seats.

Insider Tip: When washing down the Jet Ski, make sure no water enters the fuel breather, air intake or coils, and other electrical areas.

Flush the Engine:

Regardless of whether you ride your Jet Ski on fresh or saltwater, you should always flush your jet ski every single time. Flushing the engine is necessary because it removes any salt, sand, algae, weeds, and shells from the engine preventing damage and corrosion. When flushing the engine, make sure that your jet ski is on a level position.

Insider Tip: The owner’s manual for your jet ski should properly explain how to flush the engine

Post-Ride Inspections:

Modern Jet Skis are built to be resilient, but like any vehicle, they will show signs of mechanical wear over time. It is important that you inspect your jet ski after every ride to make sure there is nothing wrong with it. When inspecting your unit, look out for any cracks or fissures in the fiberglass because hull damage can expose interior components to significant damage. Check the oil to make sure it is in par with the specifications the owner’s manual suggests. If you see any damage done to your jet ski, you can use the owner’s manual as a guide to fix it yourself or take it in for a service. Constantly inspecting your unit will increase the longevity of the Jet Ski

Conclusion:

In order to keep your Jet Ski in tip-top shape, it is important to spend about 15-30 minutes at the end of each ride to wash away all the saltwater from the Jet Ski, flush the engine, and inspect it for any damage that needs to be looked upon. By doing this every time, your jet ski will have a longer life span and save you money in the long run by not having to replace rusted or corroded parts.

Related:

- Why You Need a Jet Ski in Your Life

- Finding the Right Jet Ski/PWC For you

- Must-Have Accessories for Your Jet Ski

- 10 Things You Should Carry in Your Jet Ski/Watercraft

- What to Know Before You Take Your Jet Ski into the Ocean