September is well underway and depending on where you are, dock season might already be over. Here in BC, we are still enjoying some good sun and above 25 C° temperatures.
That being said...
Summer is almost officially over and its getting close to that time of year where your PWC (Jet Ski, Seadoo, WaveRunner, etc.) has to come off the water and into storage for the winter.
We are here to prepare you for that time and ensure your PWC stays in top shape during the winter months and is ready to go for next year. Here are 6 tips to winterize your PWC, 2022 edition.
Jet Pump Maintenance
The first step Seadoo themselves recommend is checking on your jet pump. Nothing crazy fancy here, you are just checking for any damage, excessive wear or anything that may be un-usual. If these signs are present, talk to your dealer about a potential replacement.
After your visual check, remove the impeller cover and check to make sure no water has collected. A jet pump that has collected water can mean a variety of things and we recommend scheduling a visit to your dealer to check over your PWC.
Here's a comprehensive guide to maintaining your PWC's jet pump:
Steps for Maintenance:
- Inspect for Damage: Look for wear, cracks, or debris in the intake and impeller. Damaged impellers can lead to reduced efficiency and vibrations.
- Flush and Clean: Attach a hose to the flushing port, start the engine, and let fresh water run through the system for about 90 seconds to remove debris.
- Lubricate Bearings and Seals: Use manufacturer-recommended lubricant to reduce friction and prevent overheating.
- Check the Wear Ring: Inspect for grooves or excessive clearance around the impeller, as these can cause cavitation. Replace it if needed.
Stabilizing Fuel
Our next tip is stabilizing the fuel in your PWC. Condensation and moisture are the two worst enemies keeping your PWC from a safe storage over the winter.
Always make sure you store your PWC with a full fuel tank. Depending on how long you are storing your PWC, it is highly recommended you add a stabilizer. Read the specific directions on said stabilizer to ensure your fuel does not deteriorate.
How to Stabilize Your Fuel:
- Add a Stabilizer: Use a marine-specific product like Sta-Bil or Star Tron. Pour it into a full fuel tank to prevent condensation.
- Circulate the Stabilizer: Run the engine for 10 minutes to ensure the stabilizer reaches all parts of the fuel system.
- Fill the Tank Completely: A full tank reduces air space, minimizing moisture accumulation.
Engine Oil and Filter
This section isn't specific to winterizing your PWC and should be done regularly but we always recommend changing both the oil and filter before storing your PWC away.
The Process:
- Warm Up the Engine: Run it for 5 minutes to make the oil easier to drain.
- Extract Old Oil: Use an extractor pump to remove the oil via the dipstick tube.
- Replace the Filter: Install a new filter and coat the O-ring with fresh oil for a secure seal.
- Add New Oil: Use oil recommended by your PWC manufacturer and check the level after filling.
This reduces the amount of work next season and ensures your PWC is winter ready.
Draining the Exhaust System
Tips #4 & 5 are a little more involved, so it is a good time to mention to contact a professional if you are ever unsure of the maintenance you looking to do.
Draining the exhaust system is important to get any extra water out of the engine system, especially in saltwater. Ideally, this process is done every time you finish riding your PWC for the day, and incredibly important before it is stored away for winter.
To start, hook up a garden hose to the flushing connector on your PWC. Check your owner's manual for specific locations of said connector. Generally, it can be found on the port side of the stern.
Before turning on the water, start your PWC and then open the tap to let water through the exhaust system. We recommend running your PWC for about 90 seconds at idle, but please inquire with your dealer for specific procedures as each PWC system is different.
Afterwards, shut off the water and let your PWC run to get any extra water out and then shut off the engine.
How to Drain the Exhaust:
- Flush the System: Connect a hose to the flush port, start the engine, and let fresh water circulate for 2–5 minutes.
- Expel Residual Water: After turning off the water, briefly rev the engine to blow out remaining water.
- Consider Antifreeze: For colder climates, flush with a 50:50 mix of water and RV antifreeze to prevent freezing.
Lastly, to ensure the exhaust system is completely dry (critical in cold weather storage conditions) blow compressed air into the same connector until no water comes out.
Internal Engine Lubrication
Next, what is commonly known as "Fogging", internal engine lubrication. Like our last step, please contact a professional if this is your first time preparing your PWC for winter.
The specifics for this process will vary from model to model, your owner's manual is a great resource to figure out how to properly "fog" your engine.
The main objective is to prevent condensation from forming inside the engine while storing during the winter. To achieve this, first locate your engines carburetor. Clean everything off to ensure no debris makes its way inside your engine. Start the engine and begin spraying the carburetor with specific fogging spray until the engine stalls.
Fogging your engine adds a protective oil layer to internal components.
Fogging Steps:
- Locate the Air Intake: Remove the seat or access panel to find the air intake or carburetor.
- Apply Fogging Oil: With the engine running, spray fogging oil into the intake until the engine stalls. This ensures a thorough coating.
- Protect Cylinders: Remove the spark plugs, spray fogging oil into each cylinder, and turn the engine over briefly (without starting) to distribute the oil.
Again, consult both your owner's manual and a professional to ensure this is done properly, especially if this is your first time.
Remove the Battery
The last tip we have for you today is a quite simple one, removing the battery from your PWC. The battery is where everything starts in your watercraft and can be an easy thing to forget when storing it away for winter.
Make sure the battery is disconnected and stored in a safe place. If you want to go all-out, batter chargers/maintainers are great options to keep your battery in top shape.
Storing your battery properly prevents it from discharging or deteriorating over the winter.
Battery Storage Tips:
- Disconnect the Terminals: Remove the negative cable first, followed by the positive.
- Clean the Terminals: Use a mixture of baking soda and water to remove corrosion.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Use a trickle charger to maintain the battery's charge during the off-season.
Final Thoughts: Prepare Like a Pro
Winterizing your PWC isn’t just about protecting your investment—it’s about ensuring you’re ready to hit the water without issues next season. Follow these steps, and your PWC will thank you with years of reliable service.
Need help? If you’re unsure about any of these steps, consult your owner’s manual or a professional for guidance.
Ready for next year? Bookmark this guide to keep your winterization routine easy and stress-free!