Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. Winterization procedures, maintenance requirements, and storage recommendations can vary significantly between manufacturers, models, and model years. Owners should always consult and follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of their personal watercraft, which are typically found in the owner's manual and applicable service literature.
Atlantic Jet Sports recommends that all winterization, maintenance, and storage procedures be performed by a qualified marine or powersports technician familiar with your specific watercraft. Improper servicing, storage, or winterization can result in equipment damage, personal injury, or reduced performance.
The information contained in this article should not be considered a substitute for manufacturer instructions, professional service, or technical advice. Atlantic Jet Sports assumes no responsibility or liability for any damage, loss, injury, or expenses resulting from the use of this information or from any maintenance, winterization, repair, or storage procedures performed by the owner or any third party.
Always verify procedures, specifications, fluid requirements, torque values, and maintenance intervals with the manufacturer before servicing your Kawasaki Jet Ski®, Yamaha WaveRunner®, Sea-Doo®, Honda AquaTrax®, Polaris®, or any other personal watercraft.
Protect Your Kawasaki, Yamaha WaveRunner, Sea-Doo, Honda, and Polaris for the Next Riding Season
As the riding season comes to an end, proper winterization is one of the most important maintenance steps you can perform on your personal watercraft. Whether you own a Kawasaki Jet Ski®, Yamaha WaveRunner®, Sea-Doo®, Honda AquaTrax®, or Polaris PWC, taking the time to prepare your machine for storage can prevent costly repairs, corrosion, fuel issues, and engine damage when spring arrives.
At Atlantic Jet Sports, we carry the maintenance products and replacement parts needed to help keep your watercraft protected during the off-season.
Why Winterization Matters
Many riders assume parking their watercraft in a garage is enough for winter storage. Unfortunately, untreated fuel, trapped moisture, and internal engine corrosion can develop over months of inactivity.
Proper winterization helps:
- Prevent fuel degradation and varnish buildup
- Protect internal engine components from rust and corrosion
- Reduce the risk of freeze damage
- Extend battery life
- Protect cooling systems and exhaust components
- Ensure easier spring startup
- Maximize the lifespan of your PWC
A few hours of preventative maintenance can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs.
Step 1: Add Fuel Stabilizer
Modern ethanol-blended fuels begin degrading quickly when left untreated. As fuel ages, it can separate, create deposits, clog injectors, and damage fuel system components.
Before storage:
- Fill the fuel tank to reduce condensation.
- Add a quality marine fuel stabilizer.
- Run the engine long enough for treated fuel to circulate through the entire fuel system.
Recommended Products
- STA-BIL Marine Fuel Stabilizer
- STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer
- Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment
- Sea Foam Motor Treatment
These products are compatible with Kawasaki, Yamaha, Sea-Doo, Honda, and Polaris fuel systems.
Step 2: Flush and Drain the Cooling System
Saltwater, brackish water, and even freshwater leave deposits inside cooling passages. A thorough flush helps remove contaminants before storage.
For Saltwater Riders
Salt accumulation is one of the leading causes of corrosion in personal watercraft.
After your final ride:
- Thoroughly flush the cooling system
- Follow manufacturer flushing procedures
- Allow complete drainage
- Remove residual moisture when applicable
For owners looking for additional protection, flushing additives designed for marine engines can help minimize corrosion during storage.
Step 3: Fog the Engine
Engine fogging coats internal components with a protective lubricant that helps prevent rust and corrosion during extended storage.
Fogging is especially important on:
- Kawasaki 2-stroke Jet Skis
- Yamaha 2-stroke WaveRunners
- Older Polaris watercraft
- Honda AquaTrax models stored in humid environments
- Any PWC being stored for extended periods
Recommended Product
Apply according to your service manual to protect:
- Cylinders
- Rings
- Bearings
- Internal engine surfaces
Step 4: Change the Engine Oil (4-Stroke Models)
Used oil contains contaminants and acids that can remain in the engine throughout winter storage.
For 4-stroke models, perform an oil and filter change before storing the craft.
Popular Applications
- Kawasaki Ultra Series
- Yamaha FX Series
- Yamaha VX Series
- Sea-Doo GTI, GTX, RXT, and RXP Models
- Honda AquaTrax F-12 and F-15
Fresh oil provides superior protection for internal engine components during long storage periods.
Step 5: Protect the Battery
Battery failure is one of the most common springtime problems.
For best results:
- Remove the battery from the watercraft
- Clean battery terminals
- Store in a cool, dry location
- Use a smart battery maintainer
Recommended Products
Maintaining proper voltage throughout winter significantly improves battery life.
Step 6: Lubricate Moving Components
Extended storage can allow moisture to affect cables, pivots, and mechanical connections.
Apply marine-grade lubricant to:
- Steering cables
- Reverse systems
- Throttle linkages
- Hood latches
- Pivot points
Recommended Products
- Waterproof Marine Grease
- Corrosion Inhibitor Sprays
- Multi-Purpose Marine Lubricants
Step 7: Protect Electrical Connections
Electrical connectors are vulnerable to corrosion, particularly in coastal environments.
Inspect and protect:
- Battery terminals
- Ignition connectors
- Sensor plugs
- Ground connections
- Trailer wiring
Recommended Products
- Dielectric Grease
- Corrosion Protection Sprays
This simple step can help prevent troublesome electrical issues next season.
Step 8: Thoroughly Clean the Hull and Pump
Before storage:
- Wash the hull thoroughly
- Remove salt residue
- Clean the intake grate
- Inspect the impeller area
- Remove debris from the pump
A clean watercraft allows you to identify worn components before spring and helps prevent staining during storage.
Step 9: Inspect Wear Items
Off-season storage is the ideal time to inspect and replace maintenance items.
Check:
- Spark plugs
- Fuel filters
- Wear rings
- Impellers
- Bilge systems
- Cooling hoses
- Engine mounts
- Exhaust components
Atlantic Jet Sports stocks replacement parts for Kawasaki, Yamaha, Sea-Doo, Honda, and Polaris personal watercraft, making winter upgrades easy before the next riding season begins.
Don't Forget Your Trailer
Your trailer deserves off-season attention too.
Inspect:
- Tires
- Wheel bearings
- Lights
- Winch straps
- Safety chains
- Bunks and hardware
Apply marine grease where necessary and address any worn components before spring.
Winterization Product Checklist
- ✅ Fuel Stabilizer
- ✅ Fogging Oil
- ✅ Engine Oil & Filter (4-Stroke Models)
- ✅ Marine Grease
- ✅ Dielectric Grease
- ✅ Corrosion Protection Spray
- ✅ Battery Maintainer
- ✅ Replacement Spark Plugs
- ✅ Fuel Filters
- ✅ General Cleaning Supplies
Shop Winterization Supplies at Atlantic Jet Sports
Proper winterization is one of the best investments you can make in your personal watercraft. Whether you ride a Kawasaki Jet Ski, Yamaha WaveRunner, Sea-Doo, Honda AquaTrax, or Polaris watercraft, off-season maintenance helps ensure your machine is ready for reliable performance when warmer weather returns.
Atlantic Jet Sports offers a wide selection of maintenance products, replacement parts, fuel system components, electrical supplies, and performance upgrades to keep your PWC running at its best year after year.
Get ahead of spring by winterizing your watercraft today and shop the parts and maintenance products you need at Atlantic Jet Sports.