Compare Specs Discover '25 PWCs Browse Reviews
10 Quick Ways To Ruin Your Jet Ski [Video]

10 Quick Ways To Ruin Your Jet Ski [Video]

Jet skis, like other vessels, need regular maintenance and care to stay in good condition.

If you neglect the periodical maintenance or don’t ride it carefully, you can cause major damage to your jet ski! Here are 8 important things to look for if you want your jet ski to last.

10 Ways To Ruin Your Jet Ski

1. Sinking

There are many different reasons which may cause a jet ski to sink, but the main one is still the missing drain plugs. Always double-check the plugs before you hit the water; it’s best to do this as part of the pre-ride check.

The other warning by manufacturers is that you should never leave your jet ski in the water overnight. Beyond security problems, water may leak into the hull which can cause the jet ski to sink.

2. Wave Jumping

Contrary to popular belief, jet skis are not designed for jumping on big wakes and waves.

The dynamic forces incurred by the huge jumps can damage the ski in many ways, which includes hull cracks, broken triggers, or in the worst case, major damage like the engine’s misalignment.

If you like wave jumping, it’s good to know that it’s a lesser-known but effective way to ruin a jet ski!

What’s more, also keep in mind that wake jumping is illegal in some states.

3. Riding in Shallow Water

When it comes to beaching a jet ski or just riding it in shallow water, every manufacturer recommends starting the engine when the ski is submerged in water at least 3 feet deep.

That’s because the jet ski’s pump tends to suck in items from the bottom like debris, sand, seaweed, or even small rocks! These are not just a pain to remove, but can incur permanent damage in the wear ring or the impeller.

Moreover, you can ruin your jet ski in other ways if you ride in shallow water, as you can bump into rocks or other objects! It’s best if you learn how to beach a jet ski properly as well as pay attention to the water depth every time.

4. Accidents

Another common way to destroy a jet ski is to be involved in an accident. You can bump into other jet skis or boats – or they can bump into you! A jet ski accident can result in a lot of damage, like broken hulls, controls, or other parts.

What’s more, you may suffer various serious injuries, or worse things can happen. That’s why you have to always ride carefully, pay attention to the others on the water, and it’s also wise to have insurance on your jet ski!

5. Capsizing

It’s a lesser-known fact that capsizing a jet ski can lead to major damage on it. If you flip your jet ski over, it’s imperative to turn it back in the right direction.

You can find a sticker on the rear side of the jet ski, which you have to follow in any case. Doing it wrong can force water into the engine which can cause major damage to it!

6. Towing Improperly

Capsizing is not the only way to force water into the jet ski’s engine. There could be several reasons why your jet ski has to be towed behind another vessel, but whatever the reason, you have to do it properly.

It’s best if you check your owner’s manual, but as a rule of thumb, you are not allowed to tow your jet ski faster than 5 mph, unless you install a tow valve. That’s because the high speed can force water through the exhaust system, which may end up in the cylinders!

7. Overlooked Maintenance

Jet skis have powerful engines, quickly spinning impellers, and many other key parts that need regular check-ups and maintenance.

That’s why you have to take you jet ski to the dealership once a year (or more often), to get regular maintenance. The owner’s  manual clearly states the service intervals; never overlook these necessary inspections and services, as avoiding them can lead to many problems.

8. Missed Winterizing

Besides the missed yearly servicing, overlooked or improper winterizing is another main reason why so many jet skis are destroyed year after year.

If water remains in the systems, it freezes and expands during the winter, which may break many internal parts.

And contrary to popular belief, a jet ski has to be winterized, even it features a closed-loop cooling system! That’s because the exhaust system and the intercooler are still cooled with raw water.

That’s why precise winterizing is really important, regardless of the make of the jet ski!

9. Overlooked Pre-Ride Check

Maintenance not only means servicing and winterizing, but it also includes after-ride care as well as the pre-ride check.

If you miss these important duties, it can lead to many problems, of which the explosion is the most dangerous. If you don’t remove the seat to ventilate the engine compartment before your rides, the accumulated gas vapors may explode when you want to start your engine!

10. Trailer Issues

Surprisingly, when it comes to jet ski maintenance, the trailers are often ignored. They just do their job week after week, for a while.

But it’s good to know that the trailers also need regular care and attention, as they can go wrong in many ways. As you probably don’t want to lose your jet ski on the highway due to your rusted trailer, the best you can do is to pay attention to it!

A rusted trailer is a lesser-known way to damage your jet ski

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many ways to ruin your jet ski. When it comes to proper jet ski maintenance, refer to your owner’s manual, and always pay attention to the

  • Yearly servicing
  • Winterizing
  • Pre-ride inspection
  • After-ride care
  • Trailer’s maintenance
Moreover, if you’re a beginner, learn how to ride a jet ski properly. Jet skiing looks pretty simple at first glance, but the devil is always in the details.

If you’re an advanced rider, you always have to control your speed at all times and avoid wave jumping, as it also can be harmful to your jet ski!

————————Related articles:Are Jet Skis Dangerous? The Worse Jet Ski Accidents & InjuriesJet Ski Maintenance Checklist: How To Maintain Your PWCHow to Winterize a Jet Ski: PWC Winterizing in 7 Simple Steps