Summer 2026 Jet Ski Prep: Get Your Watercraft Ready for the Season

# Summer 2026 Jet Ski Prep: Get Your Watercraft Ready for the Season Memorial Day is around the corner, and that means one thing for watercraft owners — it's time to get your jet ski out of storage and back on the water. Whether you stored your machine properly last fall or it's been sitting in the garage all winter, this step-by-step guide will help you get it running smooth and safe for summer 2026. ## Step 1: Visual Inspection Before you turn anything on, give your jet ski a thorough once-over. - **Hull condition:** Look for cracks, scratches, or gelcoat damage. Small chips can be repaired with marine-grade filler before they become bigger problems. - **Jet pump intake:** Remove any debris, leaves, or small rocks lodged in the intake grate. - **Steering and handlebars:** Check for free play. The handlebars should move smoothly from lock to lock. - **Seat and storage:** Open every compartment. Look for signs of moisture, mold, or critter damage. ## Step 2: Battery Check A dead battery is the number one reason jet skis won't start after winter storage. - **Charge it first.** Even if you used a trickle charger all winter, give it a full charge before attempting to start. - **Check voltage.** A healthy battery should read 12.6V or higher. Below 12.0V? It's time for a replacement. - **Clean terminals.** Wire-brush any corrosion and apply dielectric grease to prevent future buildup. **Pro tip:** If your jet ski has been sitting more than 6 months without a maintainer, budget for a new battery. They typically last 3-5 years with proper care. ## Step 3: Fluids and Fuel Old fuel is the second most common issue we see at Boat Deals every spring. - **Drain old fuel.** If you didn't add stabilizer before storage, that fuel has likely gone stale. Drain it completely and start fresh with ethanol-free marine fuel if available. - **Check oil levels.** For 4-stroke models (most modern jet skis), check your engine oil. If it looks dark or milky, change it. - **Coolant check.** Inspect the coolant reservoir. Top off with manufacturer-recommended antifreeze/coolant mix. - **Inspect fuel lines.** Look for cracking, brittleness, or swelling. Replace any suspect hoses. ## Step 4: Engine and Mechanical Systems - **Spark plugs:** Pull them out and inspect. Replace if electrodes are worn or there's heavy carbon buildup. A fresh set of plugs costs under $20 and makes a big difference. - **Air filter:** Clean or replace. A clogged filter robs performance and fuel efficiency. - **Drive system:** Inspect the wear ring inside the jet pump. If there's a noticeable gap between the impeller and wear ring, it's time for a replacement — you'll notice reduced thrust and cavitation otherwise. - **Impeller:** Look for nicks, dings, or damage on the blades. Even small chips reduce performance significantly. ## Step 5: Safety Gear Check Don't overlook your safety equipment: - **Life jackets (PFDs):** Inspect for rips, worn straps, or waterlogged foam. Make sure you have USCG-approved Type III PFDs for every rider. - **Fire extinguisher:** Check the gauge and expiration date. Replace if expired. - **Lanyard/kill switch:** Test that it functions properly. This is your most critical safety device. - **Registration and insurance:** Make sure your state registration is current and your insurance is active before launching. ## Step 6: First Start of the Season **Never run a jet ski out of water.** The engine relies on water for cooling. Either put it on the water or use a flush adapter connected to a garden hose. 1. Attach the lanyard and insert the key 2. Turn the key to "on" and listen for the fuel pump priming 3. Start the engine and let it idle for 2-3 minutes 4. Listen for unusual sounds — knocking, grinding, or high-pitched whining 5. Check for water flow from the telltale port (the small stream of water that exits the back) 6. Rev gently to operating temperature, then shut down and check for leaks ## Step 7: Trailer Inspection Your trailer needs attention too: - **Tire pressure and condition:** Check for dry rot, cracks, and proper inflation - **Wheel bearings:** Spin each wheel by hand. Grinding or resistance means it's time to repack or replace bearings - **Lights:** Test brake lights, turn signals, and running lights - **Winch and straps:** Inspect the winch cable/strap for fraying. Check tie-down straps for UV damage - **Bunks/rollers:** Make sure they're secure and properly positioned ## When to Call a Professional If you notice any of these issues, bring it to a certified technician: - Milky oil (possible water intrusion in the engine) - Hard starting or misfiring after fresh plugs and fuel - Visible smoke from the engine compartment - Unusual vibrations at idle or under throttle - Steering feels stiff or binds ## Ready to Upgrade This Summer? If your old jet ski isn't worth the repair costs, this is the perfect time to upgrade. At Boat Deals, we carry the latest 2026 models from [Sea-Doo](/products?category=jet-skis), [Yamaha](/products?category=jet-skis), and [Kawasaki](/products?category=jet-skis) — plus a great selection of certified pre-owned watercraft at prices well below retail. Browse our full [jet ski inventory](/jet-skis) or check out our current [special offers](/special-offers) for summer 2026 deals. We also offer [financing options](/financing) to make your dream ride affordable. **Need help with spring prep?** [Contact us](/contact) — our service team is here to help get you on the water fast.