As an owner of a jet ski, you should carefully decide what to use as fuel. Because the overall performance and durability of the water vehicle heavily depend on the type of the fuel that is used. We all know jet skis use octane fuel. But, what octane fuel for jet ski is the best?
The high-performing models of jet skis run smoothly on fuel with higher octane levels. Most of the recent models require premium-grade gasoline, which has an octane level of 91 or 93. However, early-generation jet skis need 89 octane-based midgrade gasoline. You should never use diesel for the jet ski. It will result in low performance and damage to the engine.
This article elaborately discusses all the options for fueling a jet ski. It aims to make a jet ski owner knowledgeable enough to choose the correct fuel for his watercraft. The latter part of the article shows the appropriate method to fuel your jet ski.
So, keep on reading to get a full idea about jet ski fueling.
What is the Best Fuel For Your Jet Ski?
The best fuel for your jet ski mainly depends on the engine model. The design of a motor in a vehicle varies according to the use of the vehicle. Using the wrong fuel will cut the life of our jet ski short and affect its performance.
Remember the following factors while choosing the fuel for your jet ski.
Level of Octane
Octane ratings indicate the pressure point at which the fuel auto-ignites within an engine. Depending on the octane level, fuels have three categories. They are premium, mid-grade and regular gasoline.
In the USA 91–94 octane-based fuels are called premium, 89–90 octane-based fuels are mid-grade, and 87 octane-based fuels are regular ones. But, what octane fuel for jet ski should you use? The following discussion should clear things out.
93-Octane Gasoline: This fuel has the highest level of octane. The very recently marketed jet skis are designed to run on this type of fuel. They ensure the highest performance of the watercraft. They are also called Super Premium. 93-octane fuels are the most expensive ones.
91-Octane Gasoline: This is also a grade of premium gasoline. Newer versions of jet skies can use this type of fuel. They are less expensive than 93-octane fuel.
89-Octane Gasoline: This grade of fuel is referred to as midrange or a regular one. You can use this grade of gasoline with older models of jet skis. If used with the latest watercraft, you will miss the high performance of the vehicle. Naturally, they are less expensive than premium-grade fuels.
87-Octane Gasoline: This is the least expensive fuel on the market. They are regular unleaded gasoline. However, you should not use this fuel with jet skis. Apart from causing low performance, they will harm the engine of the vehicle.
Never Use Diesel
No matter what the situation is, you simply cannot use any type of diesel with your jet ski. It will simply ruin the watercraft. Besides, the jet ski will function erratically when you try to run it with diesel.
The design of the engines of any jet ski does not allow the use of diesel. The way energy is produced from diesel will eventually damage the whole engine and may put you in trouble in the middle of a journey.
Avoid Ethanol
You should always try to use gasoline which is free from ethanol. Because ethanol has some disadvantages that can negatively affect your jet ski. Ethanols will eventually damage the internal fuel line and all the plastic-made components of the watercraft.
Unfortunately, most of the gas stations sell gasoline that is mixed with ethanol gas. You should always ask if there is an ethanol-free option for gasoline whenever you are fueling the jet ski.
How to Fuel a Jet Ski Properly?
You have to be very attentive and alert while fueling a jet ski. Since a minimum of carelessness can bring fatal accidents. Another important aspect of jet ski fueling is the adequate amount of fuel to fill in. Always keep in mind the following considerations while fueling your jet ski.
Do Proper Inspection
Before and after every fueling session, you need to check the whole fuel system of the jet ski for leaks. Pay close attention to all the connection points.
After fueling the watercraft, start the engine and check for unnatural sound or vibrations. They may mean irregularity in the fuel system. Get professional help if you have minimum doubt about the safety of the fuel system. Because the vehicle can explode if there is a leak or spill in any part of the system.
Leave Space in the Tank
The fuel tank of a jet ski should always have some space. Because fuel is supposed to expand while the machine is on the run. If there is not enough space for the expansion, fuel will overflow and spill into the water.
After every fueling, check if there is some space or not. Do not rely on any other person to do the check. Since none can be more worried about your life than yourself.
Look for Gas Fumes
The first thing you should check after fueling the jet ski is the engine compartment. You need to check whether there are any gas fumes inside the compartment.
Gas fumes in the engine compartment mean irregular fuel pressure and decreased fuel efficiency. You should get professional help to identify and repair the cause of the fumes before you can take the watercraft into the water.
Amount of Fueling
The exact amount of fueling the jet ski depends on your usage, the efficiency of the engine, and the quality of the fuel. On average, you can ride for a whole weekend with one refueling if you take a break once every couple of hours while jet skiing.
The factors to determine the amount of fueling are listed below.
Model of the Jet Ski
Generally, newer models of jet skis will give you better mileage than the older ones. So, having a jet ski of the latest model will diminish the need for fuel and save you some money.
However, newly bought jet skis may consume more fuel in the first few rides.
Maintenance of the Jet Ski
The better you take care of the jet ski; the better it will run with higher fuel efficiency. A healthy engine requires the least fuel.
So, keeping your jet ski engine in perfect condition will make you spend less on fuel.
The Average Calculation
On average, jet skis consume around 10-14 gallons of gasoline for each hour of the ride. You can keep the figure in mind while calculating the amount of refueling.
I have read that some new models of jet skis are claimed to consume around 2 gallons of gasoline per hour.
The Three-Portion Rule
A rule of thumb for fueling is to calculate three portions. First, calculate the distance where you will take the jet ski. Then count the amount of fuel you will need to go there.
After that, multiply the amount by three. One-third fuel for going, one-third for coming back, and the rest for emergency requirements.
Final Remarks
Most importantly, you should pay attention to the user manual that came with the jet ski. It should guide you about how to fuel the vehicle and what kind of fuel to use with it. Remember that what octane fuel for jet ski you are using will greatly impact the performance of the jet ski. So, choose wisely.
Thanks a lot for reading till the end & have a nice day!