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Personal Watercraft Maintenance

Jul. 2 2021 Maintenance By Polaris Of Gainesville

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The summer brings with it ample opportunities to hit the water on your personal watercraft. But your PWC isn’t going to perform well if you don’t take good care of it. Fortunately for you, we’ve compiled the following list of maintenance tips to keep your personal watercraft running smoothly. Read on to learn more, and stop by Polaris of Gainesville if you want to check out some models for sale. We are located in Alachua, Florida and proudly serve Gainesville, Lake City, and St. Augustine.

Read Your Owner’s Manual

The best place to start when it comes to PWC maintenance is with your owner’s manual. This will have information regarding your specific model including maintenance tips. You should keep your manual somewhere you can easily access it. Spend some time figuring out what tasks you should be doing and how often you should be doing them.

Use the Right Fuel

Another important maintenance tip is to use the proper fuel when filling up your personal watercraft. When you leave your machine unused for a long period of time, make sure to add some fuel stabilizer to the tank. 

If you want your personal watercraft to perform at its peak, do not skimp on gas. Gas that is high in ethanol might be cheaper, but it is also terrible for your PWC’s engine. Avoid E85 gasoline at all costs in order to maintain the integrity of your machine. Marine engines cannot handle the 15% mix of ethanol so this will drastically damage your engine. Consult your mechanic to see what combination of gasoline and oil they recommend for your specific model.

Check All Fluids

Most older PWC models have two-stroke engines that need premixed oil and fuel. Newer models have four-stroke engines and separate tanks for oil and fuel. Before hitting the water on your personal watercraft, make sure to check all fluids as a part of regular maintenance. If the fuel is old, drain it and replace it. 

Flush the Engine

After riding in the ocean, make sure to flush the engine with fresh water before you ride again. This is an important part of maintenance since this will help flush out salt and other debris that can get in the personal watercraft’s motor and damage it over time. 

Wax Your PWC

Waxing your personal watercraft is a great way to keep your rig looking good as new as well as protect it from harmful UV rays. Don’t skip this simple maintenance step.

We hope this maintenance guide helps you keep your PWC in great condition. If you want any more advice or you’re in the market for a new craft, swing by Polaris of Gainesville today. Located in Alachua, Florida, we also serve Gainesville, Lake City, and St. Augustine. Our team can’t wait to help you make this summer on the water the best one yet!