As summer winds down and the lake water begins to cool, it’s time to start thinking about properly winterizing and storing your jet-ski on your lakefront home. Whether you’re an avid jet-ski enthusiast or a casual rider, taking the right steps to protect your watercraft during the colder months is essential for ensuring it’s in top condition when the warm weather returns. Winterizing your lake jet-ski not only prevents damage caused by freezing temperatures but also extends the lifespan of your watercraft.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps needed to properly winterize and store your jet-ski, ensuring it remains in excellent condition and ready for next season.
Why Winterizing Your Jet-Ski Is Important
Jet-skis are designed to perform in water, but they’re not built to handle cold, freezing temperatures. Without proper winterization, several parts of your watercraft can suffer damage, including:
- Engine damage: Any water left in the engine can freeze, expand, and crack parts of the engine, leading to costly repairs.
- Fuel system problems: Fuel can degrade over time, leading to clogged fuel injectors and carburetors.
- Corrosion: Moisture trapped in various parts of the jet-ski can cause rust and corrosion, compromising the overall integrity of the vehicle.
- Winterizing your jet-ski protects your investment by preventing these issues and keeps it in optimal condition, so it’s ready to go as soon as the water warms up.
Step-by-Step Guide to Winterizing Your Jet-Ski
Winterizing your lake jet-ski might sound complicated, but with a bit of preparation and the right tools, you can easily take care of it yourself. Here’s how:
Gather Your Tools and Supplies
Before you begin the process, gather the necessary tools and supplies. These might include:
- Garden hose
- Jet-ski flushing kit
- Engine fogging oil
- Fuel stabilizer
- Marine-grade antifreeze
- Towels or rags
- Spark plug wrench
- Grease or lubricant
- Having these supplies ready will streamline the process and ensure that you don’t miss any steps.
Flush the Cooling System
One of the first steps in winterizing your jet-ski is to flush the cooling system. This removes any saltwater, debris, or contaminants that may have accumulated during use. Here’s how to do it:
Attach a garden hose to the flushing port: Most jet-skis have a designated flushing port located at the rear of the craft.
Start the engine: Turn on the jet-ski’s engine and let it idle.
Turn on the water: Once the engine is running, turn on the garden hose. The water will flush through the cooling system.
Run for 1-2 minutes: Allow the water to run through the system for a minute or two to ensure it’s thoroughly cleaned.
Turn off the water first: Always turn off the water supply before shutting off the engine to avoid water backflow into the engine.
This process ensures that no saltwater or contaminants are left inside, which could cause corrosion during the winter months.
Treat the Fuel System
Fuel degradation is one of the most common problems jet-ski owners face when their watercraft sits unused for long periods. Adding a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank helps prevent fuel from breaking down and clogging the fuel injectors or carburetors.
Add fuel stabilizer: Pour the recommended amount of fuel stabilizer into the gas tank.
Top off the tank: Fill the gas tank to at least 95% full to prevent moisture from accumulating inside the tank.
Run the engine: Start the jet-ski and let it run for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the stabilized fuel to circulate throughout the system.
Properly treated fuel can remain stable for up to six months, ensuring that your jet-ski starts smoothly when it’s time to hit the water again.
Fog the Engine
Fogging the engine is a crucial step in protecting the internal components from rust and corrosion. Engine fogging oil coats the inside of the engine, forming a protective barrier.
Remove the air filter: Locate the air intake and remove the air filter.
Spray fogging oil: Spray the fogging oil directly into the carburetor or throttle body while the engine is running.
Turn off the engine: After spraying for about 30 seconds, shut off the engine.
Fogging oil prevents moisture from causing internal damage, especially in environments where humidity is high or temperatures fluctuate.
Drain Water from the Engine
Even after flushing the cooling system, some water may still remain inside the engine. It’s essential to remove any residual water to prevent freezing.
Tilt the jet-ski: Raise the front of the jet-ski to allow water to drain from the exhaust system.
Run the engine: Start the engine and rev it a few times to force out any remaining water.
After this step, your engine should be free of any water that could potentially freeze and cause damage during the winter months.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Saltwater and moisture can cause metal parts to rust or corrode. Lubricating moving parts, such as the steering mechanism, throttle cables, and any exposed metal, will protect them during storage.
Use a marine-grade lubricant: Spray all moving parts with a marine-grade grease or lubricant to prevent rust.
Check for wear and tear: While you’re lubricating these parts, inspect them for any signs of wear and tear that may need addressing before next season.
Remove and Store the Battery
To prevent the battery from draining during the winter, it’s best to remove it from the jet-ski and store it in a cool, dry place.
Disconnect the battery: Use a wrench to disconnect the negative terminal first, then the positive terminal.
Store the battery: Place the battery on a shelf or workbench in an area where it won’t be exposed to extreme temperatures.
Consider using a battery tender to keep the battery charged during the winter months. This will prevent sulfation and ensure the battery is ready for use next season.
Protect the Exterior
Before storing your jet-ski, take some time to clean and protect the exterior. This will prevent any damage to the hull and keep your jet-ski looking great for next season.
Clean the hull: Use a mild detergent and water to thoroughly clean the exterior, removing dirt, salt, and other debris.
Wax the hull: Apply a coat of marine-grade wax to the hull to protect it from the elements.
Cover the jet-ski: Use a high-quality, breathable cover to protect your jet-ski from dust, moisture, and UV damage during storage.
Proper Jet-Ski Storage Options
Once your jet-ski is winterized, it’s time to think about where to store it. Your storage choice will depend on several factors, including available space, budget, and climate.
Indoor Storage
Indoor storage is the best option for protecting your jet-ski from the elements. If you have access to a garage, shed, or dedicated storage facility, it will provide optimal protection against weather, UV rays, and pests.
Garage: A home garage is a convenient and cost-effective option for many jet-ski owners.
Storage facility: For those without space at home, renting indoor storage at a facility is another great option.
Outdoor Storage
If indoor storage isn’t an option, you can still safely store your jet-ski outdoors. However, you’ll need to take extra precautions to ensure it’s protected from the elements.
Choose a dry location: Store your jet-ski in a location that is free from standing water, which can cause damage to the hull.
Use a high-quality cover: A durable, weather-resistant cover is essential for protecting your jet-ski from snow, rain, and UV rays.
Tips for Long-Term Jet-Ski Storage
If you plan on storing your jet-ski for several months, here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:
Inspect periodically: Check on your jet-ski every few weeks to ensure there’s no damage, leaks, or issues with the cover.
Rodent protection: If you’re storing your jet-ski in a garage or shed, take steps to keep rodents from chewing on wires or nesting in the engine.
Keep it elevated: If storing outdoors, consider keeping the jet-ski elevated on a trailer or stand to prevent damage from moisture or shifting ground.
Preparing for Next Season
When the warmer weather arrives and it’s time to get back on the water, follow these steps to get your jet-ski ready for action:
Reconnect the battery: After charging it with a battery tender, reconnect the battery.
Check fluid levels: Top off any fluids that may have depleted during storage.
Inspect for damage: Look for any cracks, leaks, or corrosion that may have occurred during the winter.
By following these steps, your jet-ski will be ready to hit the water without any issues.
Conclusion
Properly winterizing your lake jet-ski at your lakefront home is an essential part of maintaining your watercraft and protecting it from the damaging effects of cold weather. Follow these tips and your be ready for the lake next season!
Posted by Scott Freerksen “The Lake Guy”