What vehicles can I store at The Hideout Storage Park?

We store RVs, motorhomes, boats, trailers, and specialty vehicles. Our facility is purpose-built for large and recreational vehicles.

What is the difference between outdoor and covered storage?

Outdoor storage is open-air and more affordable. Covered storage provides overhead protection from sun and weather and is limited in availability.

How much does storage cost?

Outdoor storage ranges from $175 to $230 per month. Covered storage ranges from $386 to $572 per month depending on size. Elite units are priced upon request.

Do you offer storage for Marco Island residents?

Yes. Many of our customers come from Marco Island and surrounding areas.

Can I upgrade storage types later?

Yes. Many customers start with outdoor storage and upgrade when space becomes available.

Are Elite Condo Units the same as indoor car storage?

No. Elite Condo Units are private storage condos. Indoor car storage is a separate climate-controlled option available in a future phase.

How long can a jet ski sit without being used?

With proper preparation including fuel stabilizer, a flushed engine, and a maintained battery, a jet ski can sit in storage for a full season — typically 4 to 6 months — without problems. Without preparation, even a month or two can cause fuel system and battery issues.

Do I need to remove the battery from my jet ski for storage?

For storage longer than a few weeks, removing the battery and connecting it to a maintenance charger or battery tender is strongly recommended. Left unattended in the watercraft, most jet ski batteries will self-discharge and potentially fail within a storage season.

Should I fill or empty the gas tank on my jet ski before storage?

Fill the tank and add fuel stabilizer. A full tank minimizes the air space above the fuel, which reduces the moisture and oxidation that degrade gasoline over time. Always add marine fuel stabilizer and run the engine briefly afterward to distribute it through the entire fuel system.

How do I flush a jet ski before storage?

Connect a garden hose to the designated flushing port on your jet ski, start the engine, and let freshwater run through the cooling system for 2 to 3 minutes. This removes salt, sand, and debris. Turn off the engine before shutting off the water. Consult your owner’s manual for model-specific flushing instructions.

Preparing for Long-Term Jet Ski Storage: A Complete Guide

Jet skis are built to handle rough water — but sitting idle for months without proper preparation is a different kind of punishment. Engines corrode, fuel breaks down, batteries die, and plastics crack. By the time you’re ready to ride again, what should be an exciting launch day can turn into an expensive trip to the dealer.

The good news is that most long-term storage damage is completely preventable. This guide covers every step you need to take to prepare your personal watercraft for extended storage and ensure it starts right up when you’re ready to hit the water.

Why Preparation Is the Most Important Step

Most people focus on where to store their jet ski. The facility matters — but the condition your watercraft goes in matters just as much, if not more. An improperly prepared jet ski stored at even the best facility will still come out with corrosion, gummed-up fuel injectors, and a dead battery. Do the work before storage, and the storage takes care of the rest.

Step 1: Flush the Engine

This is the single most important step, especially if you’ve been riding in saltwater near Naples and the Gulf Coast. Salt is highly corrosive and will eat through your engine’s cooling passages and exhaust components if left sitting.

Connect a garden hose to the flushing port on your jet ski — most models have a designated flush connection. Never run the engine without water flowing through it.
Start the engine and let freshwater run through for 2–3 minutes to flush out all salt, sand, and debris from the cooling system.
Shut off the engine, then the water supply.
Some manufacturers recommend running the engine in “flush mode” with fogging oil sprayed into the air intake at the end to coat cylinder walls against corrosion. Check your owner’s manual for the specific procedure for your model.

Step 2: Add Fuel Stabilizer

Gasoline starts to degrade within 30 days. Over months in storage, untreated fuel leaves behind varnish deposits that clog fuel lines, injectors, and carburetors. Fixing this kind of damage is far more expensive than a bottle of stabilizer.

Top off the fuel tank before adding stabilizer. A full tank minimizes the air space above the fuel, which reduces moisture and oxidation.
Add a quality marine fuel stabilizer according to the product’s dosing instructions.
Run the engine for 5–10 minutes after adding the stabilizer so it circulates through the entire fuel system — not just the tank.

Step 3: Change the Oil

If you have a four-stroke jet ski, changing the oil and oil filter before storage is strongly recommended. Used oil contains combustion byproducts and acidic compounds that can corrode engine internals over an extended storage period. Fresh oil protects the engine through the off-season.

Drain the old oil while the engine is still warm for a more complete drain.
Replace the oil filter.
Fill with fresh oil to the correct level per your owner’s manual.

Step 4: Maintain the Battery

A jet ski battery left without attention during storage will self-discharge and, in many cases, sulfate beyond recovery. This is one of the most common reasons jet skis don’t start at the beginning of the season.

Remove the battery from the jet ski if you’re storing for more than a month.
Store the battery in a cool, dry place — not somewhere that experiences extreme temperature swings.
Connect it to a battery tender or smart charger designed to maintain charge without overcharging. These are inexpensive and will extend your battery’s life significantly.
Check the charge periodically during long storage periods.

Ready to drop off once you’re done prepping? Explore jet ski storage options at The Hideout in Naples — purpose-built for watercraft with 24/7 access and wide drive lanes.

Step 5: Wash and Inspect the Hull

A thorough exterior wash before storage does more than keep the jet ski looking good. It removes salt, algae, and organic residue that continue degrading plastics, rubber, and painted surfaces while in storage.

Rinse the hull completely with freshwater, paying attention to the jet pump intake area, the hull bottom, and any crevices.
Wash with a marine soap and a soft brush. Avoid harsh cleaners that can damage gel coat or plastics.
Dry completely — especially the hull interior and any storage compartments.
While washing, inspect the hull for cracks, chips, or damage. Note anything that needs repair so it’s addressed before the next season, not when you’re trying to launch.

For a deeper look at the full exterior care process, see our guide to washing your boat before storage — the same techniques apply to jet ski hulls and decks.

Step 6: Lubricate Moving Parts

Metal components that sit dry for months can seize, corrode, or become difficult to operate. A few minutes of lubrication now prevents frustrating problems later.

Spray the jet pump shaft, ride plate bolts, and any exposed metal hardware with a corrosion-inhibiting spray like WD-40 or a marine-grade corrosion protectant.
Lubricate the throttle cable and steering components per your owner’s manual.
Apply a light coat of waterproof grease to any grease fittings.

Step 7: Cover It Properly

A good cover protects your jet ski from UV damage, dust, moisture, and debris during storage. Not all covers are equal.

Use a fitted cover designed for your specific make and model if possible. Universal covers often don’t seal well and can trap moisture underneath.
Make sure the cover is breathable to allow moisture to escape rather than accumulate.
Secure the cover so it doesn’t flap in the wind and abrade the hull surface.

Finding the Right Facility for Long-Term Jet Ski Storage

All that preparation work is only as good as the jet ski storage facility in Naples, FL you choose. Security, 24/7 access, wide drive lanes, and on-site services are the factors that separate a facility built for this kind of storage from one that just has extra asphalt.

In Naples, FL, The Hideout Storage Park at 195 Basik Dr. was purpose-built for boats, jet skis, RVs, and oversized vehicles. With outdoor storage starting at $175/month, covered options from $386/month, 24/7 app-based access, and on-site amenities including a wash bay, detailing services, and fully enclosed Elite Storage Condo units, it’s one of the most complete storage options in Southwest Florida. Explore available spaces at our storage solutions page or call (239) 734-5247 to check current availability.

Keith Basik

Owner — The Hideout Storage Park

Keith Basik owns and operates The Hideout Storage Park — a 40-acre purpose-built RV, boat, car, and vehicle storage facility in Southeast Naples, FL. His family has been in the Naples and Marco Island area since the early 1970s. Keith has worked with hundreds of Collier County RV and boat owners navigating HOA restrictions and has spent years building a facility specifically designed to solve the off-property storage problem for Southwest Florida residents.