How to Remove Water From the Footwells on a Jet Ski [Video]

Due to a jet ski’s design, water is prone to accumulate in the footwells.

If you want to properly store your jet ski, you have to remove this water, not just from the bilge but from any other areas of the jet ski as well. This is because any water remaining under the cover can lead to mold in a short time!

For your convenience, we at JetDrift have compiled the best tips and tricks on how to get water out of the footwells on a jet ski.

How Does Water Get Into the Footwells on a Jet Ski?

Generally, water can get into the footwells in three different ways. The most common way is during your rides of course, but the vast majority of the water will usually flow out on the ramp, especially if it’s steep.

But water can also accumulate when cleaning your jet ski, and rain also tends to leak into the footwells if your jet ski is stored outside.

No matter how water gets into it you have to remove all moisture, so that your jet ski is kept dry in order to avoid mold or other issues!

How to Avoid Water Accumulating in the Footwells

Speaking of outdoor jet ski storage, it’s best if you take steps to keep water out as much as possible.

Using a good quality cover is a must, and you need to make sure it fits to your jet ski perfectly. It also has to be tight and in place at all times.

Unfortunately, if you live in a place where it rains frequently, water can find its way under the cover.

That’s why you have to regularly check your craft, especially after a huge downpour. If you notice any water in the footwells, you have to immediately remove it.

Another trick is to place wood blocks under the front of the trailer when it’s being stored. This way, water can flow out the footwells, or at least some of it, depending on your jet ski’s design.

You may also want to apply a good quality wax inside the footwells, which will help keep them clean.

How to Remove Water From the Footwells on a Jet Ski

The easiest way to remove water from the footwells on a jet ski by tilting the trailer up. If you can’t remove it all the water out this way, you can get the rest out with a big sponge, towel or a shop vac. If you are looking for a permanent solution, you can consider installing a custom footwell drain system on your jet ski.

Tilting the Trailer Up

The most common solution for removing water from the footwells on a jet ski is to tilt the trailer up. With this trick, water can simply flow out the end.

But in many cases you can’t remove all the water in this way, even if you tilt your trailer back as high as possible. In the end, it will depend on your jet ski’s design.

Another issue is if you store your jet ski on a floating dock or a PWC lift, because in these cases you obviously can’t tilt the jet ski.

Sponge

As they say, the simpler the better.

If you can’t get rid of all the water by tilting the trailer, you can remove the rest with a sponge or towel.

Many owners invest in a giant sponge that can completely soak up the water. It’s easy, cheap, fast and efficient.

Moreover, you can easily take the sponge with you anywhere.

Shop Vac

Just like a sponge, a shop vac is often used to get water out of a jet ski’s footwells.

The great advantage of using a shop vac is that you can use it to remove the water from the bilge as well.

This way, you won’t have to unscrew the drain plugs and be afraid you’ll forget to replace them and sink your jet ski during your next ride.

Jet Ski Footwell Drain System

Are you wondering why new jet skis don’t feature a footwell drain system?

Surprisingly, some 4-seater vintage models were equipped with this kind of drain system, like the Sea-Doo LRV or the Yamaha SUV.

Unfortunately, the majority of new jet skis are manufactured without footwell drain systems. This means if you want water to be drained from the footwells automatically you probably have to build this system yourself.

How to Make a Footwell Drain System on a Jet Ski

All you have to do is drill two small holes into the lowest part of the footwells. Then attach two nylon hoses to them with fittings and connect the hoses with a T-fitting. You can have the water go directly to the bilge pump with a longer hose. (If you don’t have a bilge pump, it’s highly recommended that you install one.) This way, you can be sure that all water will be removed from the hull and you can avoid a backflow when you ride.

This system not only helps to remove the water while your jet ski sits on the trailer but it can also continuously drain the water while you’re on the water.

This makes sense especially for rental services, where many jet skis need to be maintained and cleaned on a daily basis.

Conclusion

Due to their deck design, water tends to accumulate in the footwells of jet skis.

You have to remove this water every time after you ride and after cleaning your jet ski.In order to do this, you can simply tilt the jet ski trailer, letting the water run out the back. If you can’t get all the water out this way, you can wipe up the rest with a big sponge or a towel.

Using a shop vac is also a common method for removing water, not just from the footwells but the bilge as well.

A lesser-known solution is installing a footwell drain system, which can automically remove the water. However, to do this two holes should be drilled into the deck, which many owners want to avoid.

That’s why the most common solution is still simply using a sponge, which can soak the water up in a few seconds!

Also, don’t forget that if you store your jet ski outside, water can leak into the footwells, even when you properly cover it.

Because of this concern, check your jet ski regularly, especially after heavy rains.