November 14, 2024

Written by ShoreMaster Marketing

How to Prevent Jet Ski Damage During Winter with Proper Lift and Dock Care

As winter settles in, jet skis face seasonal challenges that can quietly take a toll on its key components. Without the proper precautions, the combination of low temperatures, moisture, and freezing conditions can turn winter into an offseason that breeds costly repairs. 

While you can always take it to the shop for proper winterization, understanding the basics of protecting your personal watercraft (PWC) from seasonal weather shifts helps ensure it’s ready to hit the water as soon as warmer days return. 

Common Causes of Jet Ski Damage in Winter  

Winter damage primarily stems from the following elements:

• Freezing Water: Water trapped in areas like the engine, impeller, or bilge can freeze as temperatures drop. Ice expansion in these internal components can lead to cracked parts, ruptured seals, and more significant damage that requires costly repairs. The same dynamic can occur under the hull, potentially leading to cracks, blisters, or fiberglass delamination.
• Moisture: Even if you don’t experience freezing winters, cold, damp air can allow moisture to accumulate in the engine, fuel tank, and sensitive electrical components. This can reduce engine performance, cause hard starting, or lead to electronic malfunctions and short circuits. 

• Corrosion: Condensation buildup increases during colder months, accelerating corrosion and weakening metal parts. If you use your jet ski in saltwater, residual salt or mineral deposits can gradually eat away at exposed surfaces, such as the impeller, steering controls, and the engine housing.    

Remember, winterizing jet skis aren’t reserved for those in regions with freezing temperatures. According to the experts at Weller Recreation, if you live in an area that experiences winters below 40°, you need to winterize your jet ski. In fact, all Sea-Doo models require winterization (Adams, 2022).  

How a Drive-On PWC Dock Protects Your Jet Ski  

For jet ski enthusiasts, there’s no better way to store these fun machines than on a drive on jet ski dock. In addition to allowing riders to launch and retrieve jet skis in no time, these practical docking solutions keep PWCs above the waterline, keeping them dry, secure, and ready for off-season storage. 

Here’s a closer look at the benefits of investing in a drive-on PWC dock:

• Prevents Biofouling: Leaving jet skis in the water for extended periods allows algae, barnacles, and other marine organisms to accumulate on the hull, impeller, and other critical components. Prolonged water exposure can cause hull materials to degrade over time, increasing drag, compromising performance, and reducing fuel efficiency. 
• Weather Protection: A drive-on dock securely cradles PWCs, reducing the risk of damage from harsh weather conditions like high winds, choppy waves, and strong currents. By minimizing exposure to rough water conditions, a jet ski lift keeps your PWCs structure, paint, and finish in excellent condition. 

With a stable platform to access PWCs, drive on PWC docks encourage regular cleaning and inspections for damage, wear, or corrosion that might go unnoticed. Observing proper jet ski maintenance practices can streamline the winterization process and reduce maintenance needs when the riding season returns. 

Signs of Jet Ski Hull and Impeller Damage  

Before storing your PWC for the winter, check for any damage that might have developed over the riding season. Address these issues promptly to help prevent potential issues while in storage and prevent costly repairs down the line. 

Here’s what to look for:

• Scratches, Cracks, or Dents: Inspect the hull for any visible signs of wear. Small cracks can worsen in winter, especially if exposed to freezing temperatures. Tapping the hull and hearing hollow sounds may indicate fiberglass delamination. 
• Impeller Wear or Obstructions: Over time, small debris like sand, pebbles, or vegetation can get lodged in the impeller. These can cause premature wear on the blades or even bend them slightly. Signs of impeller wear can include grinding or rattling noises, reduced speed, or decreased maneuverability.
• Corrosion: Residual water, corrosion, or rust in the bilge compartment are common signs of a hull leak. Even small traces of water in this area after a PWC has been out of the water may indicate a crack or compromised seal in the hull. 

If the jet ski constantly feels sluggish or slower than usual, it could signal underlying issues with either the hull or impeller. We recommend having it inspected by a professional to prevent the problems from worsening. 

Best Practices for Maintaining Your Jet Ski Dock or Lift During Winter  

According to Brinson Marine Waterfront Manager Chris Jacobs, aside from covering the motors and disconnecting the power source (if applicable), you can leave ShoreMaster lifts on the water over the offseason (Brinson Marine, 2021). For floating platforms like the ShorePort jet ski dock, we recommend removing them for safe storage to prevent potential ice damage.

Here are other maintenance practices to keep in mind:

• Lubricate Moving Parts: Before winter fully sets in, apply a marine-grade lubricant to all the lift’s moving parts to prevent freezing and rust.  
• Inspect for Ice Buildup: Regularly check your PWC lift for ice accumulation, especially after significant snowfall or temperature drops. Clear the ice as necessary to prevent damage to the lift’s structural components. 
• Use De-icers: Install a de-icer around your dock if you experience freezing conditions. These devices keep water circulating to reduce ice formation. 

Finally, cleaning your dock or lift before winter storage helps minimize unwanted buildup. Make sure every component is thoroughly dry before storage. 

Choose ShoreMaster for Reliable PWC Docks and Lifts  

We built our company from the lakes of Minnesota, so we understand what it takes to handle challenging conditions. ShoreMaster products merge advanced materials, premium construction techniques, and innovative design to produce durable, low-maintenance docking solutions you can rely on season after season, whether you prefer the convenience of a drive-on dock or the robust support of a ShoreMaster jet ski lift. 

With ShoreMaster, keeping your PWC in optimal condition is easy. Contact us today to find the best protection for your jet ski and keep adventure just a throttle blip away. 

References:

• Weller Recreation (Adams, July 22, 2022). Do You Need to Winterize a Jet Ski? Retrieved from https://www.wellerrec.com/blog/do-you-need-to-winterize-a-jet-ski#:~:text=If%20you%20live%20in%20a,longevity%20of%20your%20personal%20watercraft. 
• Brinson Marine (2021). What Maintenance Does Your Boat Lift Need? / ShoreMaster Boat Lifts. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/oxtrxLLtzWg?si=Yay9eHcxYmH4Za8P