
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.

A jet ski cover protects your PWC from the elements.
Jet ski covers are an easy and inexpensive way to protect your boat from exposure to the elements, both for trailering and storage.
Trailering
When you are trailering your jet ski, road grime, mud, and dirt can get on your boat. These abrasive elements wear away at your boat’s finish. To protect your PWC on the road, use a trailerable jet ski cover. Make sure the cover is installed properly and tied down tightly before trailering. Stop every so often to check the tie downs. Retighten as necessary.
Storage
Whether you store your jet ski indoors or outside, a jet ski cover can keep your boat dry and clean. If you store your jet ski outdoors, a cover can protect against damage from UV rays, rain, snow, salt, sand and grit, dirt, and dust. Your jet ski will last longer and stay in better condition if you protect it with a cover.
Even if you store your jet ski in a garage or shed, you’ll still need a PWC cover to prevent dust and dirt buildup. Make sure the cover is equipped with adequate ventilation to allow moisture and condensation to evaporate.
Before covering your jet ski, make sure it is completely dry. Moisture trapped underneath the cover can damage your boat.
When it comes time to cover up your jet ski, you want a quality cover that protects your boat and is strong enough to endure harsh weather.
What should you look for in a jet ski cover?
- Water repellent coating to keep your jet ski dry
- Vent system to promote air circulation and prevent mold and mildew growth or moisture damage
- Double-stitched seams to prevent leaking at the seams
- Storage bag to store your cover when not in use
- Marine-grade poly material that holds up under harsh weather and strong winds
- Elastic hem for a snug fit to keep the wind from billowing up the cover or tearing it out of place
- Tie-down straps to keep the jet ski cover in place
- A warranty and satisfaction guarantee to give you peace of mind
Looking for a quality jet ski cover that won’t break your budget? Check out the PWC Jet Ski Covers from DuraShield!
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.