When you buy a new jet ski, there is so much to get used to. It might feel overwhelming at first, but with practice, it gets easier and more fun each time you take it out. As with any other type of motorized vehicle, a Seadoo Personal Watercraft requires your full attention when operating it. Avoiding common mistakes and hazards will help you enjoy this thrilling activity for many years to come. There are a few common mistakes made by new owners of jet skis that cost them dearly in the long run and sometimes even in the short term. If you are thinking about buying a new personal watercraft but haven’t yet taken the plunge, keep reading to avoid these common pitfalls and get acquainted with some knowledgeable advice from those who have been there before you…
Cover your ski when it's not in use
When you cover your Seadoo Personal Watercraft and store it in a dry place, it is much less likely to develop corrosion over time. However, be sure to cover your Seadoo Personal Watercraft with a tarp or canvas cover that is UV-resistant to prevent fading. If you leave your Seadoo Personal Watercraft outdoors, it will be exposed to sunlight for a great part of the day. This can cause the paint to fade and the metal to oxidize. If you live in a hot or humid area, this process happens even faster. Covering your Seadoo Personal Watercraft when it is not in use will keep the paint from fading and the metal from oxidizing, which will help it retain its resale value. A cover will also protect it from dust, rodents and other debris that can cause damage and make it less desirable when you come to sell it later on.
waves can damage it when docking
As amazing as they are, these powerful machines are fragile. They can be easily damaged by waves when docking. When you pull up to a dock, you should drag your Seadoo Personal Watercraft alongside the dock, rather than try to dock it, and with the throttle in neutral. When you try to dock it, the force of the waves against the bow can cause damage to the front end. If you have a trailer, you can use that to help guide the Seadoo Personal Watercraft in and prevent the bow from crashing into the dock. In some areas, you might be required to have a bow line or bumper when docking your Jet Ski.
Always Wipe Off Your Boat After Use
You’ll avoid corrosion and fading of your boat’s finish if you wipe it down after every use. You can use a clean rag and a mixture of water and vinegar or a commercial hull cleaner. If you use a commercial hull cleaner, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wear gloves. You should clean off all the dirt and salt that accumulates on your hull from water travel, as well as any fuel that may have leaked from your Jet Ski. Failure to clean your hull regularly will cause your hull to oxidize and could lead to corrosion. This can cause permanent damage to your boat that will not only make it look ugly but also significantly reduce its ability to work
Don’t Run in Shallow Water
You should not attempt to operate a Seadoo Personal Watercraft in shallow water. The water needs to be at least 12 inches deep for a Seadoo Personal Watercraft to operate without the risk of flooding or tipping over. You can use a depth finder to measure the water depth, or you can place a broom handle or long branch in the water and see how long it takes to reach the bottom. If you must run in shallow water, you can use a shorter propeller. However, this reduces the amount of power your engine can produce. You can also reduce the amount of throttle you use. If you don’t have a Seadoo Personal Watercraft yet, you can check the owner’s manual to see the recommended water depth for your specific model.
misplacing drain plugs
You should regularly check your Jet Ski’s drain plugs and be sure they are properly in place. This is especially important if you are operating in salt water. The salt can corrode your Jet Ski’s interior components if it isn’t properly maintained. If one of your drain plugs is missing or isn’t screwed in tight enough, the salt water can leak into your Jet Ski’s hull and cause damage. You can lose water from your Jet Ski’s hull and risk flooding or tipping over. You can also lose electricity from your electrical components, as water can interfere with their operation. If you notice any water in your hull or that one of your drain plugs is missing, shut off your Seadoo Personal Watercraft and check all the other drain plugs to make sure they are tight. Then remove all the water you can before investigating the cause of the leak.
Summing up
You should always wear a life jacket when riding your jet ski. You should also always wear proper safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection. You should also maintain a proper maintenance schedule for your jet ski, keeping it clean and well-adjusted. If you buy a jet ski, you’ll have years of fun and exciting adventures ahead of you. However, if you make these common mistakes, you run the risk of damaging your new toy and voiding your warranty.
