Jet Ski Emergency Repair Tools

When you are out enjoying a day on the water with your favorite jet ski, the last thing you want to worry about is mechanical issues. There are a few common mishaps that occur in a day of riding. When you have the right jet ski emergency repair tools and items ready to go, you can get back in the action without worry. Let's take a look at the top jet ski emergency repair tools you need for a fun day on the water.

A Small Toolkit

This is one of the most obvious jet ski emergency repair tools to have on hand, but so many riders still head out without it. A small toolkit can be the difference between a working ride and a wasted drive out to the water. From tightening bolts to making last minute repairs, a small toolkit should always be on hand and include the essentials of adjustable wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and a small knife. You can also include items such as a wire tester, electrical tape, and spare fuses in your toolkit, but make sure you either store it in your car to make repairs on land or your drybag on the ski to avoid these items getting wet and damaged.

Duct Tape

Anyone familiar with jet skiing should be familiar with how handy duct tape can be out on a ride. If you take on damages to your hull, duct tape is an easy and quick fix to use until you get back to land. It can also be used for other purposes like securing a broken ladder until you get to land. Duct tape holds up well in wet environments and you can use it for all sorts of quick patchwork if needed making it a must-have repair item for your ski.

Towing Hose Clamp

Another important repair related item to have on hand is a towing hose clamp. If you run into mechanical issues on the water, and you need to get to land and assess the repair needs, or simply run out of gas, this item is the difference between a quick tow to land and other unpleasant options like being stuck or paddling to land. If you are towed in by a larger vessel without a towing hose clamp, you also run the risk of hydrolocking the engine of your ski because the jet pump can fill with water and flood the cases.

Rope

While the towing hose clamp is important, you still need a rope for a tow. You should aim for a rope of at least 40 feet to provide adequate length to keep a safe distance behind the vessel towing you to land. A rope at least this long will also ensure a more stable ride on your end and the vessel towing you in. Rope can also be used to anchor you to a stationary item so you can make a few quick repairs without drafting. Best of all, a rope is an affordable must-have item so you can find one for pretty much any budget.

Pry Bar/Needle Nose Forceps

Two of the most important jet ski emergency repair tools to have on hand are a pry bar and needle nose forceps. A common problem riders experience out in the water is something, plastic bags, rope, seaweed, or other debris, getting stuck wrapped around the jet pump. The easiest way to remove this junk from your pump is a pry bar and needle nose forceps. It allows you to fix this ride-ending problem right there on the water with ease so you can get back to riding.

Solar Battery Charger/Portable Battery Charger

One of the most common problems a jet skier runs into on the water is a dead battery. This can end your day of fun if you aren't prepared. A dead battery is common because most riders don't ride their ski often enough to keep the battery charged and they think the battery should still be good for that very reason. The thing that keeps the battery charged up is regular use. If you have a solar charger installed on your ski, it can help the battery last longer so you don't run into this problem since the changer is designed to keep a constant trickle charge to help maintain the battery charge.

If you don't have a solar battery panel installed, you should take a portable battery charger with you in case you need to charge up. Please note that this item should be kept safe on land and you shouldn't charge the battery in the water! The fact that electricity and water shouldn't mix should be common sense, but make sure you only charge the battery up on dry land with dry hands!

Gas

Aside from a dead battery, running out of gas is the most common mechanical emergency on the water. You should carry a small jet ski fuel caddy with you to avoid running out on the water. These are small and easy to store so you can be ready for this common issue.

Fire extinguisher

When looking at tools you need for repairs, you might not think of a fire extinguisher as part of the list, but this item is crucial for a few reasons. For starters, jet skis can easily ignite if you run into something with enough force, especially if you have a full tank and extra caddy of fuel adding to the fire. A fire extinguisher is crucial in saving as much of your hull and overall ski as possible in the event of a fire so you can salvage it later. It's also great to have on hand in case of any engine or electrical fires which can happen internally from faulty wiring or other mechanical issues. Plus, this is an item you will only truly appreciate if you need one and don't have it at the ready, so just get one to avoid the feeling of regret of watching your ride go up in flames.