PWC Maintenance Checklist
Like any vehicle propelled by a motor, your personal watercraft (PWC) will need routine maintenance to keep in top form, ensuring that your summer days of fun with friends and family are not derailed by a failing engine or broken part. If you as the owner are willing to take several of the following preventative steps, your PWC should last for years to come.
Read the Owner’s Manual
Despite the fact that it should be self-evident, far too many PWC enthusiasts either ignore or only skim the owner's manual for their vehicles. Each personal watercraft has model-specific requirements and procedures that must be followed to ensure optimal performance. This includes a maintenance schedule for the PWC, instructions on how to store the PWC during the off-season or when not in use, and instructions on flushing or adding oil and other fluids to the engine. It's a mistake to assume that knowledge of previous PWC models applies to the one currently being used.
Yearly Maintenance
Every engine, from a car's engine to a generator's, needs to be serviced annually. If you're changing your oil, make sure the old oil is disposed of properly before doing so. Change any filters, drain the pump oil, and lubricate bearings and fittings as part of the process of changing the motor's oil as well. Batteries should be checked and replaced as needed every year as well, and the entire craft should be thoroughly inspected for wear and tear as well as loose or broken parts.
Pre-Ride Inspection
Before heading out on your PWC, ensure that the engine oil level is correct, the level of antifreeze if your model uses it, and the water level in the bilge, as too low a level might indicate a leak. You should not smell any strong fuel fumes, and the battery should be working properly.
Post-Ride Upkeep
After use, if you have been out on saltwater, rinse any salt mist from the vehicle and flush the exhaust and motor, as salt water is corrosive and can quickly break down machine parts. If taken out on freshwater, it is still a wise choice to flush the engine and ensure there has not been any collection of waterway debris and organic matter.
We hope that this maintenance guide has been helpful. If you’re looking for PWC for sale, visit Sky Powersports Cocoa to browse our selection today! We are your premier PWC dealer in Cocoa, FL, proudly serving Palm Bay, Melbourne, and Titusville.