Winterizing your personal water craft is a lot like properly storing your lawn mower for the winter: you have to do it if you expect it to start again in the spring.

Though they may operate much differently, maintenance on a Jet Ski, Sea-Doo or any other brand of personal water craft is much like the maintenance on a boat. Winterizing your PWC will include cleaning it, caring for the engine and then storing it properly so that it is protected from the elements. The best plan is to get it done as soon as you've taken your final ride of the season.

Start by thoroughly cleaning your bike, both inside and out. Wash the inside of the hull with a degreaser and the outside with a non-detergent soap, such as Ivory. Vacuum, air blast or otherwise dry any remaining water on the hull, as well as on interior and exterior surfaces. Waxing provides additional protection. It's a good idea to lube exposed metal surfaces such as latches, hinges or eyes with WD-40 or T-9.

As with a boat, fill up the gas tank to prevent condensation from forming while not in use. Be sure to leave sufficient room for fuel stabilizer, which will maintain the gasoline through the winter. Untreated gas may become thick and clog the carburetors. Buy your stabilizer at a marine store and follow the directions on the container.

Start and run the engine three or four times for just a few seconds to allow the stabilizer to circulate through the engine and carburetors and to drain the excess water in the engine.

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Flush the cooling system to prevent corrosion of the engine, being careful to follow the manufacturer's directions. This is particularly important if you use your PWC in salt water. If you are going to be storing your craft in an area where temperatures dip below freezing, be sure to protect the system with antifreeze, again adding a 50/50 anti-freeze and water mixture.

To prevent rust and corrosion, you can coat the engine with a marine-grade fogging oil, which is also available at marine stores. Start up the engine and spray the oil directly into the carburetor through the access holes. Continue fogging for several seconds, then shut off the engine.

Grease carburetors, pistons, cylinders and other metal parts with a coat of oil to prevent corrosion and use oil, rust inhibitor or grease on the cabling as well. Lube the steering system and the pump with a silicon spray lube.

Winter layup is also a good time to change oil and filters and to inspect the impeller for nicks or cuts and replace it is wear is excessive.

STORAGE

Remove the battery, detaching first the negative, then the positive terminal. Clean the casing and terminals with a cloth, to eliminate any corrosion or buildup. Unless you use gel cell batteries, which don't require maintenance, replenish the water levels in cells with distilled water.

Your best approach is to simply take the battery home with you. Store the unit in a cool, dry and well-ventilated room and charge it with a trickle charger, paying attention to the manufacturer's directions (note that it is possible to overcharge the battery). Check water levels monthly.

As for the PWC itself, there are many options. If you have space, store it on its trailer in the garage. If not, you may be able to find space in a self storage unit. Whatever your circumstances, indoor storage – where the PWC is out of the elements – is the preferred solution. Consider putting some sort of rag or steel wool in the exhaust pipe to keep out dirt and dust and, more importantly, bugs, rodents and other small animals that might be inclined to seek refuge there. A well-fitting cover will keep it clean.

If you are storing your PWC outdoors, then a cover is essential. Keep it on a trailer, so that air can circulate under the cover, and inspect your PWC regularly. Whatever your storage solution, remember that your fully-gassed PWC is flammable, so be cautious.

Remember too that trailers require maintenance – proper lubrication, tire inflation and so forth – as does any mounting hardware, davits or deck cranes used to carry or launch your PWC from a larger boat. Use common sense on all of this: you can never go wrong by cleaning with fresh water, applying lubricant and corrosion blocker then covering your hardware with canvass. Of course, you can and should consult the manufacturer's recommendations on these items too.

– Linda Hoff