Summertime in Australia means good times for those who ride a PWC. First it has to be ready to hit the water and that entails a little bit of work on your part. Better to find problems before hitting the water, so let’s go over this condensed list of preparations.
The first item to tackle is removing the seats, so you can make quick visual inspection inside your ski. This will also let any buildup of fuel vapor to escape and allow for fresh air to make its way inside. Also check for signs of fuel leaks inside the hull. You’ll smell them if any exist. Inspect cables, clamps, and anything that doesn’t look right.
Next, you’ll want to check your battery. Charge the battery overnight if your ski wasn’t started within 3 months. If stored longer and not started, charge the battery overnight.  If that doesn’t work, it’s probably time for a new one.
Moving onto fuel. If you added a fuel stabilizer as part of winterizing; your PWC is probably good to go. For those who didn’t add a fuel stabilizer, there are two options for you. If you stored your ski for less than six months with less than half a tank of fuel, you should be okay adding fresh fuel. It’s recommended to take it easy on the first ride. If your fuel is more than six months old, it’s a good to drain the tank and start fresh. It will be better for your ski in the long run.
Now, we get to start the ski. If everything checks out okay, connect your ski to the hose flusher as though you were cleaning after a ride and run the machine for a few minutes. Watch the water pressure closely for the first minute. You never know when insects may have built nests inside and clogged a bypass. It’s also important to watch for alarms on the dash or any sounds go off. While the jet ski is running, make sure control cables operate properly. Also make sure the steering moves freely, as does the throttle.
The last step is checking the trailer for issues. Start with jacking up the trailer (without the ski) just enough to spin the wheels. It should move freely and feel smooth. If it sounds crunchy or has any resistance upon turning, it’s time for new wheel bearings. Repeat this procedure on all the trailer wheels. Do this before heading out for a day of fun. You’ll be glad you did. Make sure the winch strap isn’t frayed or torn. The winch handle should be easy to move too. Don’t forget to check the trailer lights!
And then there’s that pesky shackle! You know the one that secures your ski? Yeah, take a good look at it and make sure it hasn’t seized while not in us. Hit it with some lube before leaving the house so you don’t get to the boat ramp with a ski stuck to your trailer.
Hopefully, by following these five tips you will get underway with no troubles. Have fun out there!
