How To Get Your Jet Ski Ready for the Summer

Whether summer is just around the corner or you’re looking forward to next year, it may be time to get out and start planning your next adventure. If you want to take advantage of the sunny months and enjoy the warm water and breeze, you need to get your jet ski ready for the summer. Before even hitting the water, you need to make sure everything is in order so that you can get out and have fun while also staying safe.

Replace Old Fuel

If you want to hit the waves this summer without any worries, then one of the first things you need to do is replace the old fuel in your jet ski. Old fuel that remains in the tank over the winter months can degrade and lose quality over time, leading to issues. Thankfully, instead of using this old fuel and hurting your PWC’s engine, you can simply drain your tank and refill it with fresh fuel. However, be sure to refill the tank closer to when you get out on the water—changing it too early would create the same problem for your jet ski.

Check Your Battery

A jet ski needs fuel to run, but that’s not the only thing it needs—it also needs electrical power. In addition to replacing your old fuel, you need to inspect your jet ski’s battery, looking for any corrosion or loose connections. If there is any issue like that, you need to address it before even getting close to the water. A faulty battery could leave you stranded if you’re not careful. Additionally, consider how old your jet ski’s battery is. If it’s more than a few years old, it may just be time to replace it completely. With a new battery, you can rest easy knowing your next time on the water is going to be a fun one.

Change the Oil and Filter

Just like your car requires regular maintenance to perform at its best, your jet ski is no different. Your PWC also needs fresh oil and a new filter to ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently the next time you’re out on the water.

Neglecting this maintenance can hurt your jet ski’s engine and also lead to poor performance. Before you get out on the water this summer, you need to do everything you can to keep your jet ski in top condition. Changing the oil and filter regularly and following the manufacturer’s recommended schedule will help keep your jet ski in top condition for years to come.

Check Belts and Hoses

Just like a car, there are some components that keep your jet ski moving that are easy to overlook. While many people know about PWC’s fuel and oil needs, they may not understand the vital role that belts (Kawasaki supercharger) and hoses play in your jet ski too. Before heading out on the water, you need to check all your jet ski’s belts and hoses, looking for signs of wear and tear, including:

• Cracks
• Fraying
• Brittleness

Any damage could lead to decreased performance on the water or a complete breakdown. Thankfully, avoiding this is simple. All you need to do is promptly replace any hoses or belts that look worn or damaged. Replacing them helps you avoid potential issues and have a safer time on your jet ski.

Inspect Your Jet Ski’s Hull

Another aspect you should handle to get your jet ski ready for the summer is inspecting your PWC’s hull. Before getting on the water, you want to make sure your jet ski can perform and looks good too. Dirt and scratches are easy to remedy, but these aren’t the worst things you can find—cracks or other kinds of damage could hurt your jet ski’s performance and safety.

If you notice any of these issues, be sure to take care of them quickly and effectively before heading out on the water. You can handle most things yourself, but if you’re ever unsure about something, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals. Reaching out like this is an important part of ensuring that you and your jet ski are safe the next time you get out on the water.

Test Gauges

Many of these checks will help ensure your jet ski is ready for cruising on the water this summer, but you also need to pay attention to your gauges. Before getting out on the water, you should turn on your jet ski to see if all the dashboard indicators work properly. A nonfunctioning gauge cluster could prevent your ski from operating at all.

Instead of facing this scary hypothetical, check your jet ski early. If something isn’t functioning as it should, it’s time for you to take immediate steps to address these issues. Preventative measures will help keep your jet ski in tip-top shape and keep you safe.

Top Off Fluids

In addition to replacing your fuel and oil, you may want to consider topping off your jet ski’s other fluids (Sea-doo). Before getting out on the water, you need to make sure that your fluid levels are high enough. For example, without coolant, you could quickly overheat your engine. Whatever fluids are low, be sure to top them off before getting on the water.

Inspect the Trailer

If you use a trailer to haul your jet ski around, you may want to give it a good inspection too. You’d hate to be getting ready to leave for the lake or ocean when you notice that the tires are flat or that your lights don’t work. Without full tires, you can’t get anywhere, and without working lights, the people behind you can’t see where you’re turning or when you’re braking. Thankfully, by checking these components beforehand and fixing any problems that do come up, you can rest easy knowing that you’re ready for your next water adventure.

When you follow these steps, getting your jet ski ready for the summer can be easy. Remember to take things slow and properly prepare your PWC so that it can stand the test of time—rushing things can hurt you and your jet ski. If, during your care for your jet ski, you notice something needs repairs or replacing, then look no further than SBT for all your jet ski part needs. With us on your side, you can handle fixes quickly so you can get out and enjoy the summer sun and water in no time at all!