To avoid expensive and frustrating problems when the PWC is put back into service (in spring time), the owner should take care preparing his craft for winter storage. Winter is also an ideal time to complete regular maintenance and repairs.
Preparing the PWC for storage starts with cleaning. Automotive wash and wax type cleaners as produced by companies such as Meguiars, will clean and protect the hull.
Vinyl and rubber components should be clean and protected with products specifically designed for them. After cleaning, the seat (often made from Vinyl) should be stored inside the house if possible as this material can crack or shrink in very cold weather. If the Ski is stored in a cold climate, it is also very important to dry it before storage. This includes the bilge and anywhere else water can be frozen, which, potentially, can damage the hull.
One of the most important jobs, when preparing a craft for winter storage is treating the fuel. In as little as two months, gasoline can start to gum up which inevitably leads to the small jets within a carburetor becoming blocked. Gasoline stabilizers, such as Sta-Bil, work with both two stroke and four stroke engines. The mechanic, however, must ensure the stabilizer has entered the entire fuel system (including the return lines).
Electrical System and Battery
A PWC battery is subject to high demands and a harsh working environment. If the battery is not in first class working condition (get an automotive store to do a load test), it is pointless maintaining it during the winter, far better to purchase a new unit in the spring time. If the battery is in good condition, it can be maintained by using a smart monitor. These charging units (available from most PWC dealers) will monitor the residual voltage and apply a charge if this voltage drops below a predetermined level.
Whenever a battery is recharging, the mechanic must apply safety precautions. These precautions include: ensuring adequate ventilation (not always easy in winter), maintaining the electrolyte solution, and isolating the battery from extremes of temperature.
Water Box
The water box should have been flushed out with clean water after the craft was last used. However, as the engine must be running to circulate the fuel stabilizer, it is an ideal time to ensure clean water (particularly if the craft was used in salt water) is flushed through the cooling system. Although this will ensure that are no residues of salt or other contaminants, the mechanic must drain as much water from the system as possible – particularly if the craft is to be stored in an area where freezing is possible.
The Engine
Internal combustion engines, either two or four stroke, receive lubrication inside their combustion chambers when fuel is fed into the engine – a byproduct of oil is gasoline, after all. However, when the engine is stored for the winter, the combustion chambers must be lubricated. Removing the spark plugs and injecting WD40 or oil of the same type the engine normally runs on, will help to apply a coating to the pistons and valves (in the case of a four stroke). Turning the engine over by hand (no plugs in and no ignition) will help to distribute the oil.
After oiling, the engine can be sealed off by taping the inlet and exhaust holes (race tape works well). Primarily this taping will keep dust out of the engine, but it also has the added advantage of keeping out small animals out who would find the inside an engine an ideal place to hibernate!
Trailer Checks
During the winter period, it is an ideal opportunity to check the trailer: tires, shocks, wheel bearings and lighting systems should all be checked. Also, during storage, it is good practice to lift the trailer off the ground. This will stop the tires from developing a flat spot due to weight being concentrated in one place.
By taking a few precautions, the PWC or Jet Ski owner will save money and have less headaches come spring time when it's finally time to get back on the water.
John Glimmerveen - John Glimmerveen is a freelance writer and author specializing in automotive, motorcycle, and motorsports subjects. In addition, John is ...
