Preparing for Long Term Jet Ski Storage

As much fun as they are, there comes a time when we often have to put our watercraft into storage for a long period of time. Proper preparation will lengthen the lifespan of your personal watercraft, as well as be more easily brought back to being ready for use. Here are a few suggestions about preparing for long term jet ski storage.

Drain It

You’ll most likely want to do this step before you bring it to The Hideout. Tilt the craft so that the nose is higher than the front, then turn the engine on and rev it a bit. Take care to not run it longer than around 30 seconds so you don’t overheat the engine.

Wash It

Like many other things being put into storage, a good washing is a must. Use a soap made for marine use and a soft cloth. If you use your craft in a saltwater environment, you’ll need to use a little extra elbow grease and consider a saltwater solvent. While you are handwashing, you can inspect for any cracks or damage you may not have noticed before.

Wax It

After the jet ski is clean and dry, a coat of wax can be a good next step. You can buy special marine waxes, but a lot of owners find that car wax makes a good protectant. Again, look for cracks or damage while you are waxing.

Stabilize It

If you are going to store the jet ski for more than 3 or 4 months, you may want to use a fuel stabilizer. Fill your tank, then add the stabilizer. If you run your engine for about 30 seconds, it should dissipate just fine. While you’re at it, consider changing the oil. Not only will it cut down on impurities doing damage while in storage, but your jet ski will be ready to go when you are ready to use it again.

Battery Care

Disconnect your battery before you put the craft into storage. This will help preserve your battery life and prevent damage. Many people hook the battery up to a battery tender or trickle charger so that it will be ready to use and the trickle charger also extends the life cycle of your battery.

Store Things Separately

Remove any electronics, fire extinguishers or even life jackets from the craft before storing it. Those can be stored separately from the vessel. Remove batteries from the electronics.

Don’t Forget the Tires

Yes, we said tires. The tires on your trailer can also use a little attention before you store it. Make sure they are clean and properly inflated. The proper inflation will help prevent them from having flat spots when you use them again and the cleaning helps preserve the rubber. Perhaps consider giving your trailer a good washing too.

Paperwork

This would also be a great time to think about paperwork. Check to see if your registration will need to be renewed before you plan to take your jet ski out again. Make sure your insurance is up to date. And don’t forget to make sure everything is in order with your storage agreement. Check with our staff to make sure all your contact information and payment methods are up to date.

Whether your watercraft storage plans are indoors, like our Elite Motor Storage, or outdoors, The Hideout is here to help you protect your investment. Contact our storage experts to find out what we can do to meet your needs.