The best way to store a jet ski throughout the year boils down to whatever way works best for the owner. Different aspects will need to be taken into consideration, including things like the amount of space that is available to the owner, the amount of money a jet ski owner is willing to pay either upfront or regularly, and the location of the storage facility itself in comparison to their home and the water. There are many options on where to put a jet ski for storage when it is not being used during the peak seasons or if it is stored for extended times during the off-season months.
What is the best way to store a jet ski? Jet ski storage can take place either in the water or on the land. There are many marinas, private docks, and on-lake storage facilities that will store a jet ski for the owner. There are also many private and business-owned storage facilities to store your craft on the trailer as well. One of the easiest and cheapest options is to store it at home if the outdoor or indoor option contains the proper facilities and space.
Do not wait until it is too late to figure out where you are going to be putting your watercraft when it is not in use. Before you consider buying a jet ski, do some research to figure out what the best place for you to store your jet ski will be, as well as a location for where your jet ski can be stored. Storing a jet ski will ensure that it is ready to be used when the summertime comes. It will protect the jet ski from the elements of the weather, and keep it looking in pristine condition for the summer months that are to come. Search around your area for whichever options work best for you based on your budget, your space availability, and your location to the water.
Why Storing a Jet Ski is Important
As much as jet ski owners like to think that they will be out on the water riding the waves on their jet ski all the time, there will, of course, be times between using it where the jet ski will need to find a storage home. Whether it is stored on the body of water itself or is transported back to the owner’s home, jet ski owners need to know what they are going to do with their jet skis between using it.
If a jet ski is not properly stored in the summer months, this can lead to certain exposures that could result in costly repairs or even replacement of the jet ski. The outside weather and UV rays can harm the exterior body of a jet ski, resulting in chipping, rotting within the hull, and cracks that can lead to taking on water the next time it is used. The sun can also wear away at the paint job of a jet ski, making it look older than it actually is and look like it is not properly taken care of by the owner.
As the temperatures begin to drop and summer comes to an end, jet ski owners will also need to find a location to store their craft for extended periods during the winter months. Leaving it exposed to winter weather could cause costly damage and required repairs when the spring and summer months come back around. This type of storage may look a little different from the summer months storage, as ease and convenience of putting it in and pulling it out of the water may not be as much of a deciding factor. Always make sure you winterize your jet ski before you put it into winter storage.
Cost of Storing a Jet Ski
Many factors come into play when considering the cost of storing a jet ski. Some storage types may not cost a jet ski owner anything, such as keeping it in a garage or the yard. On the other hand, many storage opportunities will cost the owner either an upfront cost or a regular fee.
When storing at home, there will more than likely be no fee, unless you have to abide by a Home Owner’s Association policy and have to do other items, such as build a fence around it to hide it, or keep it covered, etc… However, there will be some extra costs that will need to be thought about, such as what you will need to cover the jet ski properly, as well as how to transport it to and from the water itself.
When looking to store a jet ski with a business-owned storage facility, there will be a difference in price depending on if you are looking at an on-land service or a marina on the water. In general, storing a jet ski at one of these facilities will cost in the range of $25 to $75 per jet ski every month.
Where you store your jet ski is completely up to you based on the many factors listed. Cost is simply one thing to be considered. There is no right or wrong answer of where to store your jet ski, as long as you do all of the required research and are aware of what it will cost to keep your jet ski in certain places before jumping in.
Storing a Jet Ski in the Water
Depending on the location of the body of water, it can be easier to store the jet ski near or even on the water. This will lower the amount of time that a jet ski owner will be required to plan to get the jet ski in the water and ready to go. It will also eliminate the need for a trailer or a storage stand since the facility on the water will most likely have this already. However, storing a jet ski on the water can be much more expensive as the owner will typically have to pay a regular fee for a spot to park it at a business such as a marina.
- Storing a Jet Ski at a Marina – If there is an available marina that is on the body of water that you will typically be using, check out their different options for mooring a jet ski. This is the most convenient option for storage as the jet ski will always be right on the water and not require any trailering or finding storage on your property. Marinas also often offer their clients many additional amenities, such as bathrooms, on-site fueling, and maintenance if so required. However, storing a jet ski at a marina will also be the most expensive option that a jet ski owner has when it comes to storing their craft. Marinas can charge hefty fees due to the added luxuries of keeping a watercraft at their location. Talk to local marinas in your area to see what they charge and what they have available.
- Storing a Jet Ski on a Floating Dock – These types of storage capabilities are typically found at marinas, but can also be purchased for one’s personal use at a dock or an already rented marina space if so desired. These floating docks allow jet ski owners to drive their craft directly on and off of the floating dock for easy storage and removal into the water when needed. The docks keep the jet ski out of the water so that it is not affected by the water or from knocking into any other watercraft. The floating docks will also protect the jet ski from being damaged by bumping into the sides of the docks or other watercraft.
- Storing a Jet Ski on a Lift – This option is typically more affordable for storing a jet ski at a marina or a personal dock than the floating dock option that is listed above. It is a fairly simple contraption that allows the jet ski owner to drive the jet ski on the rack and then have it lifted out of the water using either manual or electronic functions. These lifts can be easily added to an existing dock or be freestanding in the water and require minimal time to get the jet ski in and out of the water. There are a variety of different modes that are available to fit certain jet skis and docks. These types of lifts can also be used for boats, canoes, and kayaks if so needed.
- Storing a Jet Ski by Tying it to a Dock – When a driver ties a jet ski to a dock, this is usually done for small amounts of time. Keeping a jet ski in the water for too long can work against the paint job, as well as the integrity of the body itself. When you tie a jet ski to a dock, make sure that you know how to tie a knot correctly so that it will keep the jet ski safe from untying itself and floating away. You also want to tie it down properly so that it does not continually bump into the dock causing damage resulting in costly repairs. Before you set out on your jet ski, make sure you have the proper ropes required to tie down the jet ski. You will also want to have bumpers that can be placed between the dock and the jet ski to prevent bumping into it and damaging the jet ski.
- Beaching a Jet Ski – This can be a good short term storage option for those with a jet ski who are near the water. Beaching a jet ski involves running the watercraft onto the sandy beach where the water will not wash it away. However, this method for storing a jet ski is the most likely way to damage the hull, as it could hit or scrape against rocks on the shore or even wear down over time from consistent beaching. If beaching is required, make sure to follow proper jet ski protocol to ensure that the jet ski is not damaged, as well as anchoring it to the sand to make sure that it does not drift back out to the water and float away.
- Lifting your jet ski onto a dock– This is how I store my stand up. Unfortunately, you can only store stand-up jet skis this way as it may be too hard to lift a sit down jet ski onto a dock. I have two pieces of PVC mounted to the dock to act as bunks so the jet ski hull does not get scratched on a nail.
- Anchor your Jet Ski – Lastly, you can also anchor your jet ski to keep it away from a dock or beach. I have made a few anchors out of a 5 gallon bucket and concrete to keep my jet skis anchored out.
Storing a jet ski in the water is a fast and convenient option, especially during the summer months when jet ski owners are using their crafts more regularly. But just like with anything, there are many things to consider before jumping on this option. Research by finding reputable companies and businesses that offer this service and talk with them about the advantages and disadvantages of doing this may be. You want to make an informed decision when locating the best place for your jet ski.
Storing a Jet Ski Out of the Water
The cheapest and also typically the easiest option for jet ski owners is to store their jet ski at their own home. Usually, owners already have a specific place in mind, such as a garage or backyard storage unit, that would make the perfect place to protect your jet ski. Storing it in one of these areas on your personal property does not require any extra monthly storage payments but will result in needed supplies to be able to do this.
When deciding on whether or not to store a jet ski on your property, there are a couple of things to consider that will be needed to make this type of storage a possibility. Storing a jet ski on land will require towing with a proper jet ski trailer to get it back and forth to the body of water that it will be used on. The trailer will need to match the model of the jet ski and will need to come fully equipped with all of the tie-downs needed to protect your jet ski while it is moving. While many cars will be able to do this very easily, considering what type of car that you own to be able to get your jet ski to and from the water is also important.
- Storing a Jet Ski in a Garage – For many jet ski owners, the first place that will come to mind when you are considering where to store a jet ski is in a personal garage. This is the most commonly available place that a jet ski owner will store their craft if they are choosing to do so at home. Jet ski owners will want to make sure that they have enough space to store their jet ski for however long it will need to be there. While this may take up a significant amount of space in the garage, many owners are willing to keep their crafts there out of convenience and for lowered cost purposes. Keeping a jet ski in the garage will protect it from any of the elements of the weather, as well as it being stolen or damaged by being hit by anything else.
If you want more space and are storing your jet ski in the garage, consider a jet ski cart. This will take up much less room than storing your jet ski on a trailer.
- Storing a Jet Ski in Outside – It is possible to store a jet ski in your driveway or even in your yard if you so desired. This will take up the least amount of space and cost you the least amount of inconvenience as an owner. However, this does open your jet ski up to be impacted by the weather elements, such as the sun, hail or even rain. Another thing to consider is that there is a possibility of having the jet ski stolen as it is not in a locked up secure facility. Here are some tips to keep your jet ski from being stolen. Before deciding on this storage option for your watercraft, check with your local neighborhood rules on if this is even allowed, as well as looking into purchasing a cover that could be placed over it to eliminate the chance of it getting damaged while in the open.
- Storing a Jet Ski on a Trailer – Storing your jet ski on its trailer will still require you to put it somewhere on your property. But if you keep it on the trailer, this makes for easy access to put it in the water right away whenever you need it. This will not require any transferring it from stand to trailer and can be easily hooked up to a truck and hit the road. This will also make for an easier time when pulling the boat out of the water, as you can put it right on the trailer, tie it down, and be able to leave it there.
- Storing a Jet Ski on a Stand – Stands are a great alternative to keeping your jet ski on a trailer if your trailer is too large to fit in the space you have designated for storing your jet ski. This will require some movement from the trailer to the stand, and might even result in needing a jet ski lift to get it from the stand to the trailer. But stands are smaller than trailers and can even have wheels put on the bottoms of them to be moved around if necessary. Do some research before buying a stand so that you purchase one that will best match and suit your jet ski’s needs.
- Storing a Jet Ski in a Separate Storage Facility – If you do not have any space at your home to store your jet ski, another great option is to look into storage facilities around where you live. These facilities could range from storage yards on up to climate-controlled locked units that are enabled with alarms. Search around to see what is available to you in your area and make a decision that best fits your budget and your jet ski. This does, however, come with the disadvantage of having to take and pick up the jet ski regularly when in use and abiding by the facility’s rules on times and storage.
During the winter months, storing a jet ski on land is the best route to take. Interior storage will be your best bet, but if you cant, make sure to winterize your waverunner, cover it, and put a tarp over the cover so it stays nice.
What to do Before Storing a Jet Ski
Before storing your jet ski, whether it is in between uses in the summertime or even during the extended periods during the winter months, certain things will need to be done to the jet ski to prep it for storage properly. By doing these before you store the jet ski, your jet ski will survive storage better and be in a better condition for when you pull it out the next time.
Before putting your jet ski away, you will want to clean it thoroughly. The best method is to use cleaning supplies to properly wash all of the ins and outs of the jet ski after every use. While this may not always be practical, try to at least use the hose to wash off any substances that may have appeared on the exterior layer from being in use. This will protect the paint job and prevent any buildup on the outside.
The moment that you pull the jet ski out of the water, you will want to start draining all of the water that might have been picked up along your ride. To do this, you will first need to find and locate your drain plugs. Once you have found them, unplug the holes to let any built-up water drain from the jet ski. Put the drain plugs in a safe place while this is happening. Once the jet ski has been sufficiently drained and given enough time to dry inside of the engine compartment, you will want to put the drain plugs back into their proper places so that they are not lost between uses of the jet ski.
One of the most important things a jet ski owner can do it is to fill the gas tank. This will ensure that whenever you are ready to take it out the next tie, that you do not get caught in a situation where you do not have enough gas. By doing this, you will make sure that you can get out and onto the water as quickly and as efficiently as possible.
After every use, a jet ski owner will want to check the oil level on all of their watercrafts. This will give your jet ski the best chance of starting right up the next time you use it. It is a good practice to get into to check it after every use so that you are constantly aware of what level the oil is at. If you have an oil injected jet ski, make sure to top it off. If you have mix fuel on a 2 stroke, there is no need but to fill it up.
Removing the battery will prevent the battery from losing its charge over time if you will not be riding for a few weeks or longer. By taking it out of the jet ski, no power will be able to be pulled from it. If you decide to do this, make sure that you put the battery in a location that will not affect the battery, and you will preferably want to place it on a piece of wood, not directly on concrete. Keep it away from anything flammable as that could cause much bigger problems.
Other Needed Jet Ski Storage Items
To have the best and most protective jet ski storage, there are a few other items that you may need to look into purchasing for your jet ski while it is being stored. These will keep your jet ski safe and in the best condition that it can be while it is being stored for whatever amount of time needed. For an in depth look about how to keep your craft from being stolen, find out more here.
- A Jet Ski Trailer Lock – If you are keeping your jet ski on its trailer in a place where it can be easily accessed with by someone else’s car, you will want to invest in a trailer lock. This little piece of equipment will be attached to the trailer so that no one can connect a car to the jet ski while it is on there. This will prevent the jet ski from being stolen off of your property when you are not looking, or being taken from a storage yard where no one may be on duty.
- A Jet Ski Cover – This is without a doubt one of the most important pieces that will be needed when storing a jet ski. The jet ski covers will prevent any fading from the elements, any scratches that could occur and will all around keep your jet ski in pristine condition. These can be bought from a professional jet ski shop or they can be made from a variety of tarps and bindings available elsewhere.
Owning a jet ski is a lot of fun, as well as a lot of responsibility. It is very important for a jet ski owner to know their craft backward and forwards and to understand its needs. Finding just the right place to store a jet ski is one of those responsibilities. Whether it is at the marina, on a floating lift, or even at home, keeping a jet ski out of the elements will make sure that the jet ski lasts for a very long time to come. This will ensure that you can enjoy it year after year with no mishaps in between the seasons!
