Purchasing a jet ski is a significant investment, so you’ll want to make absolutely sure that you take good care of it and follow correct maintenance guidelines. With the wrong attitude and a lack of preventative care, you’ll soon be kissing that investment goodbye!
The maintenance of a jet ski is a long-term responsibility with regular checks being necessary to keep your craft in tip top condition for fun on the water. Here are some top considerations to keep your investment running like a dream:
- Always read the manual
For first time owners, it’s imperative that you take the time to read the manufacturers manual and refer to it whenever you need to. Manuals contain information on every component of your machine so you can understand better how it all works. Don’t be tempted to carry out DIY repairs unless you’re a seasoned owner, or you could cause further costly damage.
- Engine flush
Whether you ride in salt or fresh water, a jet ski should be flushed through after every ride. This helps to get rid of sand, salt, algae, shells and weeds from the engine, preventing corrosion and other damage.
Jet skis sold today come with a hose connection for interior cleansing. Simply connect a turned off hose to the connector and then start the engine. Keep the hose running for a couple of minutes, then turn off the hose with the engine still running to give your throttle a few twists to empty out the water from the exhaust.
- Wash after saltwater ride
Modern machines are made to be durable, but saltwater is corrosive and can cause damage in the long run. After saltwater riding, wash down with warm soapy water and a cloth to remove all the salt, keeping a hose at low pressure to remove the soapy water.
- Cover
Getting a jet ski cover is a sensible idea for those who wish to keep their craft dry and clean in between rides.
- Inspect regularly
Whilst durable and able to absorb minor damage, a jet ski will suffer from wear and tear just as a car does, especially if it’s kept on deck and lowered by a davit crane regularly. Ensure you have the best Davit Crane for the job from https://www.gmh.co.uk/transition-piece-davit-cranes/ You might see cracks form in the fibreglass and these should be inspected by a professional as soon as you notice them. Regularly inspect your craft as exterior damage can expose interior parts to damage.
If you’ve been riding your jet ski for a prolonged period, it’s wise to check the components straight away. When you have learned where everything is located, you should easily be able to inspect areas like hoses, wiring, throttle cables, clamps and other parts.
- Servicing
Some checks and repair work should only be completed by a qualified professional technician. Booking a service ensures that time-consuming and tricky jobs are carried out correctly and you can have important jobs done for you like changing engine oil, lubricating fittings and seals, changing the pump oil and making sure everything is running as it should be.