Jet Ski Storage
Let’s Talk Jet Ski Storage.
Whether you’re lake-goers or beach bums, jet skis can contribute endless hours of fun in the sun and are a great way to enjoy the water. Although when your jet ski isn’t in the water, what do you do with it? For some, there are not many choices as where to park them, in the garage or outside on the trailer which is unsightly and hazardous for your jet ski. Whether you just don’t have room in your garage or you can’t afford a spot at the marina, self storage can be the perfect solution to your Jet Ski storage dilemma.
You don’t need to worry about preparation for short-term storage; however, there are a number of things to consider when placing a jet ski in storage for long periods of time.
Before moving your jet ski into storage, there are several steps you must take.
You’ve undoubtedly taken your jet ski out on the water draining fuel and disconnected the battery. Next let’s talk winterizing and servicing, and then deciding on indoor storage or dry stack storage. Finding the right storage can be challenging, location is important, the correct unit size, along with the right amenities
Draining Fuel and Disconnecting the Battery
The first issue would be fuel, which needs to be drained or stabilized with a fuel stabilizer.
The second issue would be the battery, which would need to be disconnected or removed altogether and connected to a battery maintainer or triple charger.
If the storage unit you end up renting has electrical outlets, you can leave the battery in the Jet Ski disconnected and simply hook it up to a battery maintainer. If the storage unit doesn’t have electrical outlets, it’s better to take the battery home.
Winterizing and Servicing Your Jet Ski.
Long-term Jet Ski storage often requires winterizing, particularly for Jet Ski owners who don’t live in the South. If you’re in the Midwest or North, like North Dakota, freezing would crack and ruin the engine. It’s important to winterize to protect your investment.
It is always recommended that you have a professional do the winterization, unless you are comfortable doing it yourself. In fact, winterization can be done at the same time as getting your jet ski serviced, which is another crucial step to take before moving your watercraft into long-term storage.
Get your jet ski serviced before you place it in storage, it will make it that much easier once you get it back out.
With a newer 4-stroke engine, which is basically the standard for any model made after 2005, an oil change is necessary. Servicing will vary yet again by particular model—for example, a 2-stroke engine won’t even have oil. Although servicing your Jet Ski could include lubricating cables and performing jet pump maintenance.
Using Indoor or Dry Stack Storage
When it comes to long-term Jet Ski storage, indoor storage is the best option.
Sun is horrible on paint, seats, and traction mats.
Whenever your jet ski is not in use, it ought to be covered or indoors to protect it from UV rays, bird droppings, or anything else.
The seats and traction mats will deteriorate from prolonged UV exposure, so if you can’t store your jet ski inside, you need to buy a cover to protect it.
Another great indoor option is dry stack storage.
What is dry stack storage? Picture a warehouse where boats and jet skis are stacked on giant shelves. For a Jet Ski owner who uses this type of storage, it’s as simple as dropping off their watercraft with the dry stack storage provider. They will do the rest.
There’s one thing to remember when opting for indoor or dry stack storage and it’s cleaning and drying the Jet Ski before storage.
Clean and dry your jet ski before you put it away so it doesn’t grow mildew or get icky in storage.
Open any storage hatches and lift the seat so air can flow. Basically, make sure nothing that can be sealed is sealed so it can all dry out while in indoor storage.
If left wet, the paint will oxidize and get dull, and you’ll have to polish it to get the shine back.
Finding the right Self Storage Facility, Unit Size and Amenities
Depending on where you’re located, you might not have a dry stack storage facility nearby, which means you’ll need to look for indoor storage units at a self storage facility.
Plenty of jet skis are stored at the local self storage facility near lake because of the convenience.
Remember many of the condos and homes in the area have covenants that don’t allow tenants to park jet skis on the property.
When it comes to indoor Jet Ski storage, a 10×10 unit works best. It’s big enough to fit the Jet Ski and its trailer yet small enough that space isn’t wasted.
Keep in mind, too, that there are usually great storage facility amenities that can improve your Jet Ski storage experience. For example, facilities with drive-up access allow you to pull a car or truck up to your unit to hitch your jet ski’s trailer. Storage units with electrical outlets make it easy for you to charge your jet ski’s battery while it’s being stored and for most Jet Ski owners, having extra security is a bonus.
If you’re storing your Jet Ski in a place where you often vacation but don’t live—which is the case for most Jet Ski owners—security is crucial. After all, you want to be sure that your jet ski is safe when you’re not using it.
When moving a jet ski into storage, whether it’s an indoor self storage unit or a dry stack storage warehouse, be sure to prepare it properly and get the right unit size and amenities for your needs.
Follow the simple steps listed below and your personal watercraft will be in good shape for whenever you’re ready to head out to the water again.
Quick check list for short term storage for your Jet Ski
- Drain the Engine. Before you winterize your favorite summer toy, take it out for one final spin. …
- Wash It Down. …
- Fill the Gas Tank. …
- Change the Oil. …
- Disconnect the Battery. …
- Store It.
