Getting your Sea-Doo jet ski in good shape for winter storage can save you lots of headaches, repairs and increased maintenance chores come spring. Avoid expensive problems like battery failure, damage to internal parts, misplaced accessories and gummed-up fuel lines. The following recommended storage procedures remove guesswork and uncertainty and result in longer life for your jet ski, a higher resale value and maximized operating efficiency.
Step-by-step Guide
If you aren’t the handyman type, you can schedule service at your Sea-Doo dealer. The basic guide follows the recommended procedures in the official owners’ manual in the same order - especially if you have extremely cold winter weather. You might be able to perform most of the steps in your garage or work area, but you should always consult your Sea-Doo dealer for any needed assistance or the latest maintenance products. The following steps apply to protecting your investment and maximizing safety concerns.
1. Clean and Inspect the Jet Pump
Inspecting and cleaning your jet fuel pump prevents many of the common problems that might prevent you from enjoying your jet ski and the warm waters of spring. These problems include:
- Clogged pump or air filter
- Gummed-up fuel lines and other line issues
- Malfunctions of the carburetor or fuelpum[p
- Problems with dirty or contaminiatyed fuel
- Engine and exhaust problems
- Waterbox filled with water
If jet pumps become contaminated with water, many potential problems might arise. Your inspection of the system should include the integrity of the fuel lines, removal of any obvious contaminants from the system and removing the impeller cover to ensure that there’s no water accumulation. A quick inspection of the pump and outlets can ensure that there are no cracks or signs of system wear. Spraying water over the pump’s intake and outlet will usually detect any problems.
You’ll need the following simple tools and products:
- Soap or mild detergent
- Fogging oil spray
- Water
- Fuel-stabilizing fluid
- Clean towels or rags
- Antifreeze
- Cover for the jet ski
- Silicone spray lubricant
2. Stabilizing System Fuel
Simply adding an XPS fuel stabilizer removes a worry from your mind, and protects your Sea-Doo fuel system. After adding the fuel stabilizer, you should fill your tank with fuel and check for any leaks. You should contact your dealer if there are any obvious signs of leakage or fuel smells.
3. Drain and Replace Engine Oil and Filter
It makes sense to start the new season with fresh oil. That's why the recommended annual oil change should be scheduled at the end of the previous season. It might seem inappropriate to prepare so far in advance, but fresh oil will prevent any contaminants from gumming up your system. The recommended XPS Oil Change Kit has everything you need.
As you might have guessed, drying out the line is critical to prevent trapped water from freezing.
4. Flush and Drain Exhaust Line
It’s important to flush and drain your exhaust system each year and after every outing in saltwater environments. All you need to flush the system is a garden hose, which you hook up to the system connector on the rear port side of your Sea-Doo Jet Ski. Start the engine, and run it for 90 seconds at idle speed before running the water through the exhaust lines.
After turning off the water, run the engine at 5000 RPM for five seconds before shutting the engine down. You can complete the drying out process by blowing compressed air through the line at 55 PSI until no water remains. If your personal watercraft happens to be a SWITCH Pontoon model, you will need to take steps to flush the drain plug. Dry the system as in normal winterization, and open the drain plug for a second treatment,
5. Fogging the Engine
Fogging the engine, a.k.a. internal engine lubrication, varies depending on your model. Most models can be fogged by removing the seat, but you might have some work to do removing bolts for SPARK owners. Regardless,you’ll need to remove the ignition coils before spraying the engine and spark plug holes with the fogger. You should depress the throttle while holding it against the handlebar while you crank the engine several times to distribute the lubricant. This approach will disengage fuel delivery. Finish the fogging by applying a little lubricant to each spark plug.
6. Care for Your Battery
It’s very important to care for your battery before storing your Sea-Doo for winter. Batteries lose their charge when stored in open-air, cold environments. Try using a battery charger to maintain a charge, and keep your battery in a secure location away from flammable materials and inclement weather.
7. Body Cleaning
Now that the mechanical maintenance is done, it’s time to consider the appearance of your Sea-Doo jet ski, Ideally, you want to scrub the exterior surfaces and hull to make your PWI just as nice looking as its mechanical condition. Use the recommended brand of cleaner for your model, and check with your dealer for watercraft products that make removing crusty marine organisms from the hull a breeze. Inspect the body for rust and any damage that might need repair. If necessary, you can buy a new battery and schedule professional body or hull repair.
8. Storing Your Sea-Doo
Storing your Sea-Doo is simple if you have a temperature-controlled garage, but you need a cover if it’s going to be outside facing winter weather. You should use a cover made of opaque but breathable material and not plastic or other non-breathable materials.
9. Taking Care of Sea-Doo Accessories
Many types of accessories can be stored with the jet ski if it’s protected from cold and ice. However, some accessories require attention like fire extinguishers. You need a class B fire extinguisher that is marine-rated to put out most common fires, and it must be inspected and recharged. These extinguishers work on oil, gas and grease fires. You also need proper documentation, a flotation device and a noise signaller to meet legal requirements.