How to Store a Jet Ski During Winter

A jet ski is a fun way to spend a sunny day. When the water is warm and the sun is on your back, few things in life can compare to the thrill of a ride on a jet ski. Once summer is over and cooler temperatures set in, a lot of riders choose to store their jet ski until the next season. Here are a few great tips on how to store a jet ski during winter to make the most of this time of year.

1. 1. Decide where to store it

   One of the most important things to consider is where you will store the jet ski. While some people store theirs outside, this can be a concern if you have particularly harsh winters so it’s better to store it in a garage or a storage unit. Wherever you decide to store it, make sure the location is free from moisture to avoid any rust to metal components and that the jet ski won’t be exposed to direct sunlight which can lead to paint damages.

2. 2. Consider taking it for a winterizing treatment

   When most people store their jet ski at the end of the season, they take it to their mechanic for a quick winterizing tune-up for added peace of mind. This service can include important things like an oil change, repairs to any damaged areas, and even a cleaning and coating so you can simply store it away with little effort on your part.

3. 3. Drain it

   When it comes to how to store a jet ski during winter, one of the first things you should do if you take a DIY approach is to drain it. There is most likely some water in the hull that you will need to drain prior to putting it in storage. If you don’t drain it, you run a host of risks such as damaged mechanical elements, rust, and hull damage. You can drain it by tilting it back on the trailer or even flipping it completely upside down. As long as you get the water out before you store it, the method you use to do so doesn’t really matter.

4. 4. Add a fuel stabilizer and anti-freeze

   You should always check with the owner’s manual to make sure you are following the right suggestions on what to use for your machine, but adding a fuel stabilizer will help prevent issues with the carburetor system while not in use. An antifreeze solution will prevent any fluids from freezing inside the various components of your machine which can prevent a host of issues later on.

5. 5. Clean and lubricate

   You should never store your jet ski dirty. This is asking for a host of unpleasantries when you bring it back out at the beginning of the next riding season. For starters, you run the risk of saltwater, grime, and residue damaging the paint job, eroding important parts, and even breakage of certain parts of the vehicle. Plus, it is just easier to bring out a nicely cleaned and lubricated machine at the start of the season, so you have one less thing to worry about and you can start riding sooner.

   You should use warm water and a jet ski approved cleaner to wash the vehicle, paying extra close attention to the hull where algae and slime like to form and multiply. When you are done washing, rinsing, and thoroughly drying your vehicle, you can apply a jet ski safe wax. This will keep it clean and protected until you bring it out for next season. You also want to properly lubricate anywhere in need of lubrication such as pivot points, brake mechanisms, and any other areas in need of a little extra grease.

6. 6. Remove the battery

   You should remove the battery when storing your jet ski for winter. A battery will naturally lose its charge over time, especially if it is sitting there connected to the terminals and pulling current. It is best to remove the battery and clean the terminals of any residue that may have collected during the riding season, and then charge it up in your garage while the jet ski is stored for the season.

7. 7. Cover it

   Finally, before storing the jet ski away, you will want to cover it with a protective cover. Even when storing a jet ski inside a garage or storage unit, dust and dirt is still something to be concerned with, and a cover will create an additional barrier for your machine.