Winterizing Jet Ski: Essential Tips for Cold Weather Care

As summer ends, it’s time to swap your personal watercraft (PWC) for a cozy cup of cocoa and the warmth of a fire. After enjoying your final ride of the season, the next step should be winterizing your jet ski.

Winterizing a jet ski is crucial for its upkeep. It could be the difference between many fun-filled summers ahead and a pricey lesson. Knowing how to winterize your jet ski is key to enjoying many summers of excitement on the water.

Key Takeaways

• Winterizing your jet ski is essential for its longevity.
• Properly storing your PWC helps avoid costly repairs.
• De-winterizing gets your jet ski ready for spring.

Why Is Winterizing Jet Skis Important?

Winterizing your jet ski protects your watercraft and avoids costly repairs. When temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, any water left inside your jet ski can freeze. This expanding ice can cause cracks and damage, leading to expensive repairs.

Preparation is still necessary even if you don’t live in cold areas. This process helps keep your jet ski in top condition during the off-season. Doing so can avoid corrosion and wear on the engine and other components.

Leaving your jet ski untreated can also cause algae buildup, which is hard to remove and can damage your engine. Rodents might find your watercraft a perfect place to nest and chew on wires, leading to functional issues.

Proper winterization also prevents gas and engine damage. Adding a fuel stabilizer keeps the fuel from breaking down and causing starting problems when you’re ready for the summer season. Keeping your PWC well-maintained saves you time and money, letting you hit the water as soon as the weather warms up again.

How to Prepare Your Jet Ski for Winter

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. Here’s a checklist to get you started:

• Five-gallon bucket
• Fresh, clean water
• RV antifreeze
• Hose
• Mild soap
• Fogging oil
• Scratch-free cloths
• Wax
• Fuel stabilizer
• Gas
• Lubricant spray
• Automatic battery charger
• PWC cover or tarp
• Rags
• Safe storage space

2. Clear Out Personal Items

Begin by removing all items from the storage compartments, including towels, sunglasses, and sunscreen. This helps to avoid condensation build-up, which can cause moisture damage. Wipe down the compartments and leave them slightly open to air out. You can also use dryer sheets or peppermint spray to keep critters away without using harsh chemicals.

3. Drain Water

Water is part of the jet ski’s cooling system, so it’s crucial to drain it. Here are the steps:

1. Tilt the front of your jet ski upwards to help the water drain out.
2. Start the engine and let it run for about 30 seconds. Occasionally twist the throttle.
3. Turn off the engine and repeat this until no water comes out.

4. Add Antifreeze

If you live in a cold climate, antifreeze is essential to prevent remaining water from freezing and causing damage. Here’s how:

1. Mix a gallon of antifreeze with a gallon of water in a five-gallon bucket.
2. Attach one end of a hose to the flush connector and submerge the other end in the antifreeze mixture.
3. Start the engine and run it in short bursts to circulate the antifreeze throughout the system.

5. Give Your Jet Ski a Thorough Cleaning

Cleaning is vital for preventing grime and moisture damage. Follow these steps:

1. Remove Accessories: Take out removable seats and covers.
2. Elevate Front: Lift the front of your jet ski to aid drainage.
3. Remove Bungs: Open bung plugs to drain water and debris.
4. Spray Down: Use a hose to rinse both the interior and exterior.
5. Wash: Clean thoroughly with mild soap.
6. Inspect Accessories: Clean under seats, tubs, and handlebars.
7. Wax the Shell: Apply wax to protect against moisture and UV damage.
8. Clear the Bilge Area: Remove any grime and debris from the bilge.

6. Fill the Fuel Tank

Keep your fuel tank full to avoid condensation. Add a fuel stabilizer and run the engine for 30 seconds to mix it in. This helps prevent fuel breakdown during storage.

7. Lubricate Seals and Cables

Dry seals can crack, and cables can corrode. Lubricate these parts to keep them in good condition. Use the specific lubricant recommended in your owner’s manual. Make sure the parts are dry before application.

8. Shield Against Moisture Damage

To protect your engine from moisture, you need fogging oil. This will coat the carburetor, spark plugs, and other important components. Follow these steps:

1. Remove the air filter.
2. Start the engine.
3. Spray fogging oil on the carburetor and spark plugs until the engine stalls.
4. Take out the spark plugs and spray oil into each cylinder.
5. Start the engine briefly to distribute the oil.
6. Replace the spark plugs and air filter.

9. Disconnect the Battery

A connected battery can drain over time. Disconnect it by removing the negative terminal first, then the positive. Store the battery connected to a trickle charger. Keep it indoors where it won’t freeze and away from flammable items.

10. Seal the Exhaust

Cover your exhaust to prevent animals from nesting. Use materials like dryer sheets or steel wool to block openings. These materials will also act as deterrents for critters.

11. Store Your Jet Ski Properly

Finally, find a safe storage spot. Always use a cover to keep dust and moisture out. Avoid storing the jet ski near flammable substances. A dedicated PWC cover is ideal, but a properly secured tarp will also work.

Storage Choices for Personal Watercraft (PWCs)

Using a Trailer for Storage

Storing your Jet Ski on a trailer is preferred due to its ease and versatility. By placing your PWC on a trailer, you can move it without much hassle. Removing the trailer wheels and looking for an area that keeps your PWC safe from weather elements is essential. Popular spots include your garage, shelter in the backyard, or a shed.

Dock Storage

Port storage is an excellent fit for those residing near a lake or waterfront property. Commercial marinas offer different options, such as floating docks and dry rack storage. If you’re a homeowner with waterfront access, PWC lifts or floating docks simplify storage. These choices make maintenance easier and reduce the risk of storage fees.

Your PWC will be outside, so it’s crucial to winterize it to prevent damage from the weather. Consider investing in extra dock space to gain benefits beyond mere storage—increased safety, easier access, and more leisure options. Using a PWC lift helps move your jet ski out of the water, making storage a breeze. You can winterize, cover, and keep your PWC all in one place.

How to Get Your PWC Ready for Summer

To get your Personal Watercraft (PWC) ready after winter, follow these simple yet essential steps:

• Do an inspection: Check for any damage, signs of wear, cracks, and loose parts. Even if you were careful when putting it away for winter, things can happen.

• Install the battery: Make sure it’s fully charged. Use a battery tester to be sure. Put the battery back in and clean and grease the leads. Connect the positive cable first, then the negative one.

• Check the engine: Make sure your engine is good to go. Check the oil level and ensure none

  leaked out while it was stored.

• Flush the engine: Connect a garden hose to the flushing port. Turn on the water and start the engine. Run it for about two minutes and check for

  leaks in the engine compartment.

• Lubricate: Metal parts can dry out after being stored for a while. Use the lubricant recommended in your owner’s manual to keep everything running smoothly.

• Clean: Give your PWC a good rinse to remove any dust or debris that has settled during the winter. If it’s dirty, follow the same steps you did before storing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps to prepare a 4-stroke jet ski for winter?

To get your 4-stroke jet ski ready for winter, follow these steps:

1. Remove from Water: Get the jet ski out of the water and place it on a trailer.
2. Drain Water: Drain any water from the inside. Pay attention to the exhaust.
3. Fuel and Oil: Remove the old fuel and oil and fill the jet ski with fresh fuel and oil.
4. Add Stabilizer: Use a fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel fresh.
5. Flush Systems: Flush the systems with a mix of RV antifreeze and water.
6. Lubricate Parts: Finally, lubricate metal and moving parts to prevent rust.
7. Store Safely: Keep the jet ski in a secure, dry place.

What do I need in a winterizing kit for a jet ski?

A good winterizing kit for a jet ski should include:

• Fuel Stabilizer: Keeps the fuel from degrading.
• Marine Antifreeze: Protects the engine and exhaust from freezing.
• Lubricants: For all moving parts.
• Fogging Oil: Helps prevent corrosion in the cylinders.
• Drain Plugs: Extra ones in case you need replacements.

How do I de-winterize a Yamaha jet ski?

To de-winterize your Yamaha jet ski:

1. Remove Covers: Take off any covers or winterization materials.
2. Check Fluids: Inspect and top off oil, fuel, and other fluids.
3. Battery: Reconnect and charge the battery if needed.
4. Inspect Engine: Look for any signs of damage or wear.
5. Test-Run: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to ensure everything works properly.

What if I didn’t winterize my jet ski; should I be concerned?

If you didn’t winterize your jet ski, you should be concerned about:

• Frozen Water: Any remaining water inside might freeze and cause damage.
• Fuel Degradation: Old fuel can gum up the system.
• Corrosion: Metal parts could start rusting.
• Battery Issues: The battery might lose charge or get damaged.

How much antifreeze do I need to winterize a jet ski?

Typically, you will need about one to two gallons of marine antifreeze to winterize a jet ski. Always check your jet ski’s manual for specific requirements.

Is it okay to leave a jet ski outside during winter storage?

Leaving a jet ski outside during winter isn’t ideal.

• Weather Exposure: Snow, rain, and freezing temperatures can damage it.
• Covering: If you must leave it outside, use a high-quality cover.
• Protection: Consider building a simple shelter or using a tarp for extra protection.