Checklist For Daily Use

If you’re an avid jet ski rider, you probably ride a few times a week. To get the most out of your jet ski, you’ll need to properly maintain it after each outing to ward off damage like corrosion, cracking, and fading. Like with most things, the more you drive your Sea-Doo, the more upkeep it’ll need to remain optimal and functioning perfectly. Keep fun at the forefront of your days out on the water by taking time to check off on these daily to-do items for before and after your ride. This checklist will ensure your Sea-Doo is in good working condition and you’re fully prepared for the day.

1. Check Gas and Oil: Make sure you’ve got a full tank or close to it. It’s also wise to keep a gas can filled just in case. If you have a 2-stroke engine, check the injector oil as well. This should still be in good shape unless your oil hasn’t been changed since the season began and you’ve been riding heavily. For 4-stroke engines, allow the engine to warm up a bit before checking the oil.

2. Drain Plugs: Don’t forget to put your drain plugs in! They’re crucial for draining any water that may have gotten in your hull during your ride. After you’ve finished up for the day, pop the seat off and look inside the hull. If it isn’t dry, unscrew the drain plugs and allow it to dry out. If you’re trailering away from the water, the transit may help dry the hull out.

3. Exterior Cleaning: If you’ve ridden in salt water, washing is imperative. Salt is extremely corrosive and will damage your ride if it isn’t washed away. Once back home or to where you’re staying for vacation, clean your PWC. Wash the exterior with soap and water, paying close attention to the impeller, ride plate, jet nozzle, and reverse gate. Use a soft cloth to wipe the jet ski dry, so no remnants of salt water remain.

4. Flushing the Engine: Flushing your engine is ideal no matter which type of water you’ve ridden in. While salt water will absolutely need to be flushed out of the engine, fresh water also has contaminants that will build up. Flushing is a relatively quick process. Unscrew the drain plugs and use fresh, clean water to clear out the engine. Only hook up a hose to the water injection port after the engine is running. Let the water run through and drain out of the exhaust and other ports for a few minutes. Then, remove the hose and allow the engine to run for another couple seconds before shutting it off.

   Your Sea-Doo may already be on a trailer, but if not, secure it onto one tilted back so the water runs out. Dry the engine bay and battery compartment with shop towels so the craft is fully dried off.

5. Finishing Touches for the Day: Replace the drain plugs so you don’t forget the next day. You won’t need to wax your craft every day but take time to do this every month to protect the plastic from sun damage and discoloration. At the very least, spray the seat down with a vinyl protectant to prevent cracking and fading.

   Check the hoses, cables, and connections to make sure they’re properly lubricated. If they’ve become too dried out, re-grease them. You should also apply lubricant to the engine, impeller, and all other exposed metal to ward off moisture. You can use WD-40, CorrosionPro Lube, or any light oil for this.

   Fill the Sea-Doo back up with gas to be ready for the next day. Plus, this will prevent condensation from building up in the empty space of the tank. Many choose to add a fuel stabilizer to their gas to slow the onset of water vapor. This may or may not be a useful step for your Sea-Doo, so check your owner’s manual.

6. Overnight Storage: When the craft is completely dry and prepped, cover it with a fitted jet ski cover or tarp to keep it dry in the event of poor weather.

After this, you’re all done! You can use this checklist as a guide to keeping your Sea-Doo in top shape throughout the riding season. By preparing your craft before and after riding, you’re protecting your investment and prolonging the life of the craft. As you develop a maintenance routine, you’ll likely add in other steps to get the look and results that you want for your PWC.