How to Store a Jet Ski for Winter
It is very important to winterize and store your jet ski properly when the season ends, if you are not having it done professionally. You want to ensure that your jet ski will be ready to hit the waves in good working order at the beginning of the next season
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Things You'll Need
- Car wash detergent
- Towels
- Car wax
- Multi purpose lube oil
- Gas
- Gas stabilizer
- Spray fogging oil
- Rags
- Trickle charger
- Cement blocks or jacks
- Steel wool or rags
- Cover
Instructions
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Draining the Engine and Cleaning the Jet Ski
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Drain the water from the engine as soon as you take it out of the water after your last ride of the season. While it is tilted on its trailer on the loading dock, the bow will be higher then the stern making it easier to drain
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Start the engine and turn the handle back and forth to drain any water that may be in the engine. Repeat this several times, but be careful not to let the engine run for more then 30 seconds at a time or it could overheat.
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3
Tow your jet ski to the place where it will be stored for the winter.
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4
Wash the exterior of the Jet Ski making sure to remove any grime and algae that have built up.
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Dry the hull, interior and exterior of the Jet Ski thoroughly.
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Wax the exterior of the Jet Ski and lightly coat any metal with multi- purpose lube oil.
Preparing the Gas Tank and Engine
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Fill the gas tank, which will prevent condensation during storage.
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Top off the gas tank with gas stabilizer and follow the container's directions.
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Run the engine a few times for no longer then 30 seconds to spread the stabilizer through the engine.
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Take off the air cleaner, start the engine and spray fogging oil into the carburetors until the engine stalls.
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Remove the spark plugs and check to see that the wires are grounded. Spray the fogging oil for a few seconds into each hole.
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Cover the holes with a rag and push the Jet Ski's start button allowing the oil to spread internally. The engine will not start when the start button is pushed.
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Clean the area of any oil that may have dripped and put the spark plugs back into the holes.
Storing the Battery and Jet Ski
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Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery first, followed by the positive terminal and remove the battery.
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Store the battery in a warm area, such as the garage or a shed.
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Check the water level of the battery once each month while it is stored and keep it attached to a trickle charger.
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Prevent flat or damaged tires by removing them and storing them indoors. Set the trailer on cement blocks or jacks for the winter, making sure it is level.
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Place a rag or steel wool into the exhaust to stop any animals or bugs from using it as a nesting spot.
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Put the cover on the jet ski to protect it and keep it clean during the winter
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Tips & Warnings
Place the battery on a rubber mat instead of on cement if the battery case is over one year old. An older battery can discharge if it is placed directly on cement.
Remember that a full tank of gas is very flammable, so do not store the Jet Ski near any source of heat or sparks.
Never store a battery in the house because it can give off dangerous fumes.
