Jet Skis are a ton of fun. We all can agree on that. But you know what’s not fun? Dragging it back to a garage. So, many jet ski owners wonder if it’s okay to leave it in the water.
Of course, it is bad to leave a jet-ski in the water. It damages the bottom surface of the vehicle and some other parts of the watercraft, like the intake grate, exhaust components, the real bucket, etc. Furthermore, if left in the water for an extended period of time, jet-skis might sink due to the accumulation of water in the hull area.
This article intends to answer the common question among jet skiers: is it bad to leave a jet ski in the water? I’ll also go through how to keep a jet-ski in good condition all year round. So, stick around till the end!
Why Shouldn’t You Leave Your Jet-Ski In the Water?
You shouldn’t leave your jet-ski in the water because it badly damages the vehicle. Besides, its performance also deteriorates the more you keep it in the water. Let me explain.
To Avoid Corrosion
Seawater has salt and many other mineral elements mixed with it. The chemical reaction of salt and the metallic materials under your jet-ski will cause corrosion in the metal-made parts of the jet-ski.
Once, one of my friends left his jet-ski in the seawater for seven days. As a result, the jet-ski lost 5 MPH of its top speed. After inspection, he found corrosion under his jet-ski. It took him three days to clear the rear bucket, exhaust components, and intake grate of the jet-ski.
Growth of Algae
Algae in water can grow on anything it comes into contact with. They are enough to destroy the electric system of your jet-ski.
Possibly, you will not be able to even start your jet-ski after leaving it in a body of water that has too many algae.
The Jet-Ski Might Sink!
Each time you take a ride on your jet-ski, some water gets accumulated in the hull of the vehicle. The standard practice is to check the hull under the seat of the jet-ski and remove the stranded water at regular intervals.
If the water level of the hull is higher than 2 inches, the jet-ski is under threat of sinking in the water. So, the more time you keep your jet-ski in the water, the more water will gather in the hull. Finally, you may have to find your jet-ski at the bottom of the water like a hidden treasure.
Natural Calamities
The impacts of climate change have made weather conditions very unpredictable nowadays. Untimely rain, snow, or heat waves have now become the new normal. At the same time, the frequency of tornadoes and hurricanes has also increased.
Your jet-ski remains under the constant threat of being damaged by natural calamities while it stays unattended in the water. Apart from hurricanes, hail, lightning, heavy rain, and wind can also destroy your jet-ski.
To Save it From the Sun
Your jet-ski can become vulnerable with constant exposure to the sun. The sun comes with some ultraviolet rays. These rays can slowly damage the fiberglass parts of your jet-ski.
Besides, the pieces of vinyl on the jet-ski will eventually become faded by the sun. You may control the damage by using a cover on the jet-ski. Still, there will be damage that the cover cannot resist.
And then there are thieves
The world we live in isn’t perfect. There are still a lot of people who haven’t been awakened by their senses. As a result, leaving your jet ski in the water exposes it to vandalism and theft.
Apart from the dock lines, you can secure your jet-ski in the water with a second cable lock. Nothing, however, can prevent a drunk or a criminal from vandalizing your treasured jet-ski.
How To Maintain A Jet-Ski?
Maintaining the jet skis includes cleaning them, fueling them, and winterizing them before winter. It is not hard to maintain a jet-ski. The efforts to maintain the vehicle are nothing compared to the fun it brings to your life. But you need to know the right way to do the tasks.
Clean Properly
The most important aspect of the maintenance of a jet-ski is proper cleaning. I know you are probably already aware of it, but you would be amazed if you knew how many jet skis become unusable due to a lack of cleanliness.
No matter how clean the water is, you have to clean the jet-ski after each ride right after pulling it out of the water. If you can make this practice a habit of yours, your jet-ski will have a long life.
Take out Water
You must do this right after the jet-ski is out of the water. Get the water out of the system that was used by the jet-ski during the ride. You will find water in the intake and the cooling system of the vehicle.
If you procrastinate in doing so, permanent damage may happen to some internal parts of the jet-ski. You should also get the water out of the hull of the water vehicle. As you already know, jet-skis can sink if too much water is in the hull.
Fuel & Oil
While fuelling the jet-ski, always keep some space in the tank. Otherwise, the oil will spill over while you are riding the watercraft. Dispose of any old fuel in the tank before riding the jet ski after a long break.
You should change the engine and pump oil of your jet-ski at least once a year. It is important to avoid friction in the internal parts of the vehicle.
Winterize the Jet-Ski
Every year, your jet-ski remains idle throughout the winter. Before putting the water vehicle into a long sleep in the winter, you have some duties to perform.
You need to drain out any water from the jet-ski, clean and lubricate it properly, and top off the fuel tank very carefully. You may also add a fuel stabilizer to the tank. These tasks are important to get the jet-ski back into the water for the next season.
3 Tips To Enhance Your Jet-Ski’s Lifespan
Here are three important tips to enhance the durability of a jet ski. I believe you will benefit a lot by following them.
Damage Checking: Always check for damages in the parts of your jet-ski before and after every ride. This habit will keep you safe in the water. It will also enhance the durability of the jet-ski.
Use a PWC Lift: When your jet-ski is not in use, a PWC lift will keep it safe. PWCs enhance the lifespan of the jet-ski by preventing foul play with the intake and hull delamination. Moreover, it also makes your life easier while washing and flushing the jet-ski.
Using a Cover: It may sound pretty basic, but using a proper cover will enhance your jet-ski’s lifespan more than you can imagine. Jet skis always remain safe from mold, mildew, and other surface-level damage when you keep them undercover.
Final Thoughts on Leaving a Jet Ski in the Water
Now that you have made it to the end, I hope you know the answer to the question- can you leave a jet ski in the water? I believe, from now on, if someone asks you, is it bad to leave a jet ski in the water, you will be able to guide them properly.
To sum it up, if you own a jet-ski, never keep it in the water for more than two days, or it will begin to receive corrosion.