4 ways to prep your boat or jet ski for NZ summer
Summer is finally here, and Kiwi water-sport lovers are probably itching to get out on the water. In many cases, this may be the first time those boats or jet skis have been used since last summer, so it’s important to give them an annual ‘check-up’ before kicking them into gear again.
Here are some helpful tips for getting your boat or jet ski in ship shape (no pun intended) for summer.
1. Give your boat or jet ski a once over – outside and in
While it’s still on land, take a moment to assess the condition of your boat or jet ski. On the outside, look for any cracks or chips in the hull which could let in water, any rust or corrosion, or any external screws or bolts that have loosened in storage.
Internal checks are important as well – check all electrical connections to make sure they’re clean, tight and corrosion-free. You’ll want to keep an eye out as well for salt build-up, as this can indicate the presence of a hairline leak in the hull.
2. Check your boat or jet ski’s fluids and filters
If your boat or jet ski has been sitting idle for months, it’s a good idea to check your fluids, battery and filters before taking it out for a spin. First, check the coolant is at its recommended level (do this before starting up the engine), or that the cooling water system is flowing. You’ll also want to check your oil – make sure to read the directions for doing this on your specific model, as they can vary.
Fuel can break down over time, so if there is any leftover from the last time you drove it, you might want to drain it out of the tank before refuelling. This is also a great opportunity to double check whether your fuel filter (if you have one) needs to be replaced.
Finally, start up the ignition to make sure the battery has enough charge – if not, you should address the issue before putting it in the water.
3. Wash and flush your boat or jet ski
Washing your boat or jet ski and flushing the engine is something owners should do after each use, but it’s especially important if the craft hasn’t been driven in a while. Flushing the engine frees the engine of any salt, sand, algae, weeds, or barnacles which have built up over winter from sitting around.
Depending on whether your boat or jet ski has been stored in or out of the water, you may want to give the hull a wash, or even a new coat of anti-fouling paint to keep it clean and running efficiently.
4. Get a service done on your boat or jet ski if it needs one
If you’ve discovered any issues while doing the above checks, or you’re unsure whether everything is running smoothly, your best bet is to book in a service before taking your watercraft out for the season. Not only will this help give you peace of mind, it could help you avoid some much higher maintenance costs in the long-run. Make sure to book soon though, as service schedules can fill up quickly before summer.
We hope you have a great summer on your boat or jet ski! Looking to buy a new water toy, or upgrade your engine? Marac offers marine and leisure finance to suit all kinds of needs – get in touch with us to learn more or apply.
Responsible lending criteria, fees and charges apply. Marac is a division of Heartland Bank.
