Excitement at being a new jet ski rider can lead to some common jet ski mistakes that will take their toll on you, your ski and your fun on the water.
1. DRAIN PLUGS – They are a necessity to keep your ski from sinking.
Jet ski owners remove the plug for several reasons, with the most common being flushing and cleaning the ski.
You remove the plug, and if it is not tethered put it some place safe, and when you are done…..did you replace it? Without the plug there is no riding.
2. LANYARDS, BUCKLES, AND STRAPS – Securing your ski and your belongings is an important part of your fun and safe day of riding.
Wear a sunglass lanyard. Loosing your sunglasses while riding on a sunny day could put an end to the fun if glare and reflections affect your ability to safely operate your ski.
Wear and secure your life vest. You don’t need it til you need it, but then you want it to do it’s job and do it well.
SECURE YOUR LANYARD to your wrist or vest. This is not just a safety feature for you, but for others also. If you fall or are knocked off of your ski when your lanyard is secured to you, the ski will stop. If the lanyard is not secured the ski continues to run and can become a missile hitting other riders, watercraft or docks.
Don’t store your lanyard on the ski or in the glove box, especially if your ski is docked, to avoid the curiosity and opportunity for someone to start it or steal it.
3. SHALLOW WATER STARTS – The rule of thumb for starting a jet ski is to be in waist high water.
The jet pump will suck in rocks, sand and debris from up to 3 feet away. Starting a ski in shallow water or in an area that has floating debris or grass can damage the pump and possibly bend the shaft.
Be aware of your depths, especially when when gassing up at a dock, starting your ski from shore or docking your ski. Water color and quality can be a gauge of depth, with blue water being deeper and murky or sandy water most times hiding a shallow bottom and debris.
4. DOCKING – Jet skis are smaller than boats and if not carefully secured at a dock will get damaged.
Changing tides or the wake from other skis or boats will cause the ski to bounce against the dock or run under it, damaging paint and graphics or tearing seats and ripping off mirrors.
Your safest option, when possible, is to anchor your ski in a safe water area or carefully pull it onto shore.
5. FLUSHING – I can’t stress enough that improper flushing will break your ski very quickly.
To flush salt water and/or debris from your ski:
- Start the engine FIRST
- Turn on the water. When flushing your ski, DO NOT turn the water on full force. It can cause damage to electrical and other motor parts.
- Flush for 1 minute
- Turn off the water
- Rev the engine once or twice
- Turn off the engine LAST
DO NOT RUN WATER WHEN THE ENGINE IS OFF! You will pull water into your motor and break it.
6. COVER YOUR SKI – Your ski cover is an important piece of equipment for protecting your ski. Don’t forget to use it.
A cover most importantly protects your ski from the sun. The sun will dry out your seals and fade your fiberglass and graphics. It will also dry out your seat covers causing them to fade and rip.
