Jet ski maintenance 101: Keep your Ski running smooth and avoid repairs - GT Marine

Jet ski maintenance 101: Keep your Ski running smooth and avoid repairs

  • George Arona
  • September 28, 2025
Jet ski repairs and maintenance

Here are our top tips for keeping your ski in excellent running condition so that you don’t miss a day on the water this summer. Regular maintenance helps to avoid issues, prevents breakdowns and save you money.

First things first, it’s important to do a thorough check of your ski before you take it out, especially if it’s your first ride of the season.

Pre ride checks

Check the hull for any cracks or damage that could compromise the safety of your ski.

Make sure your battery is fully charged. Inspect the battery for corrosion, make sure terminals are clean and connections are tight. Also ensure the battery is secured properly and won’t move around.

Check the fuel level and replace fuel if it’s old and check fuel lines for any cracks or leaks. Finally, check your oil level and top up with manufacturers recommended oil if needed.

Post ride care

If you’ve been using the ski in salt water, make sure you thoroughly wash the hull and spray the engine bay to prevent corrosion.

It’s also critical to flush the engine properly after use to prevent salt build up that can corrode the cooling system over time. It also helps with removing sand and other debris that can get in the cooling system, reducing water flow and causing the engine to overheat.

When to call the pros

For peace of mind, you may want to call the professionals to help check over and service your ski at the start of the season.

If you suspect there’s an issue with your ski it’s best to call in a marine technician fast. If you’re experiencing poor starting/stalling, engine overheating, or loss of power and poor acceleration these could indicate significant engine issues that need to be fixed before further damage is done which would lead to a significant jet ski repair.

Also, if there’s corrosion around the water hose connections that indicates a water leak that needs to be addressed.

Essential jet ski maintenance

Regular jet ski servicing by a qualified technician will ensure that the essential items are checked. When we service a ski we run through a 30-point checklist including everything from the battery and air intake to the throttle body, jet pump, impeller, spark, and compression. All key service items are replaced as needed to keep your jet ski performing at its best.

We’ll also test all onboard electronics, including the throttle, bilge pump, and gauges, before moving on to a thorough hull check. We’ll also inspect plugs and seals to make sure your ski isn’t taking on water.

Consistent care of your jet ski ensures a longer life and more fun on the water. Knowing what to check and when to call a professional is key to your safety and enjoyment. Want to book a jet ski repair or service? Our team can help, just get in touch.

 

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