Make sure your jet ski is clean and dry before storing it.

Knowing how to store your jet ski is an important step in keeping your jet ski up and running. The tips below will help you learn more about jet ski storage and maintenance.

Get It Ready

Before putting your jet ski away for storage, make sure it is clean and dry. For long-term storage, you’ll also want to make sure you flush the system, remove the battery, and follow any other maintenance tips in your owner’s manual.

Store It

Indoor storage is your best option. It keeps your jet ski protected from weather damage and UV exposure. A climate-controlled environment is ideal, but even a garage or shed is better than outdoor storage.

Cover It

Whether you store your jet ski indoors or out, we recommend using a jet ski cover to protect your PWC. A jet ski cover keeps out dust, dirt, and debris when your PWC is stored indoors. For outdoor storage, the cover also protects your PWC from rain, snow, UV rays, and harsh weather.

Let It Breathe

Make sure the jet ski cover fits snugly and is made with fabric that will repel water but still allow the jet ski to “breathe.” Airflow underneath the cover prevents moisture buildup, rust, mold, and mildew.

Follow these 3 simple tips to maintain your jet ski.

1. Keep It Covered

Simple but true. The sun’s rays will fade your paint faster than you think. Cover your jet ski during storage (long term or short), during trailering, and basically any time you’re not riding it. The best jet ski covers protect against UV rays, water damage, and mildew. Look for a PWC cover that allows air circulation through a special venting system. This allows any remaining condensation on your watercraft to evaporate without getting trapped under the cover and causing damage.

2. Keep It Purring

If you use your personal watercraft mainly for recreation, it may be easy to forget that it needs regular maintenance. So while maintenance may be a necessary evil for many PWC owners, it’s also what keeps your jet ski running and lets you relax out on the water without worrying about a breakdown. Take your jet ski to the boat shop for scheduled maintenance, or if you’re mechanically skilled, do it yourself. Just don’t wait until your jet ski breaks down to give it some lovin’. Prevent problems before they happen—and save some money in the long run.

3. Keep It Clean

Give your jet ski a quick rinse with the hose after each ride. Regular washing will keep your PWC looking like new and make your overall maintenance quicker and easier because you’ll spend less time rubbing out ingrained grit, salt, and marine growth. If you neglect to wash your PWC regularly, these abrasives can eat away at your wax and paint job. You may not even notice the damage until it’s too late. If you want to keep your jet ski looking new, it’s worth taking the time to rinse it down.