How to Winterize Your Sea-Doo or Other PWCs

Florida can seem like an eternal summer, with winter lows rarely reaching the 50s. But there is still an on-season and off-season for using your boats, bikes, Sea-Doos, and personal watercraft. When colder temperatures arrive, putting away your vehicles for the season the right way is important.

While your Sea-Doo may not need to be winterized to protect it from freezing temperatures, it must be properly prepared for long months of storage. To winterize Sea-Doo vehicles or other PWCs, make sure you touch on these four areas: draining, fuel system prep, battery maintenance, and physical storage. Each process protects the internal and external parts of the vehicle.

Draining and Flushing

First, allow the entire vehicle to drain. Excess water may be caught in the engine and exhaust system. If it lingers there through the winter, it could cause mold, mildew, or corrosion to develop. This water can freeze and expand in colder regions, breaking equipment along the way. 

Also, thoroughly flush out the cooling system and allow it to dry. You don't want the chemicals to sit and corrode the internal parts or congeal during storage. 

Fuel System Preparation

When you get ready to winterize Sea-Doo vehicles, they may have a tank full of gas. The last thing you want to do is throw it out—that's messy and expensive, and there's no guarantee you'll remove all of it. Instead, you can add a marine-specific fuel stabilizer. With a full tank, just add the stabilizer and briefly run the Sea-Doo so the mixture runs through the fuel system. This step prevents buildup and keeps the fuel in good, stable condition.

To flush out the fuel lines, use an air compressor to blow fluid out of the jet pump. While flushing the system entirely is a bit less important in warmer regions—there is very little chance of freezing temperatures that can make internal fluid freeze and crystallize—it helps mitigate corrosion and chemical damage. 

Battery Maintenance

First, ensure the battery is in excellent condition before storing it. Fully charge and test it to ensure the connectors still work and the battery holds a reliable charge. Then disconnect it (first the negative terminal and then the positive terminal) and store it in an excellent, dry space for the winter. This keeps the battery fresh and ready for spring. 

Additional Steps for Storage

Now that the internal components and systems have been handled, it's time to consider the exterior of the whole vehicle. First, it must be cleaned, especially if you have used it in the ocean. You don't have to leave a layer of salt and minerals on the exterior where it can heat through the metal and exterior surfaces. 

Next, it needs to be sheltered from the elements, such as rain, and local wildlife looking for safe shelter. Ideally, find a dry, indoor space to store your winterized Sea-Doo, such as in your garage or shed. Cover it and check on it once or so a month.

However, you still have options if you need to store it outside. Store it under a tight blanket or covering, and place it in your driveway or a corner of your backyard where it won't get damaged. 

Keep Your Watercraft Safe and Ready for Winter — Riva Motorsports Can Help

Knowing the right maintenance strategy for your Sea-Doo is important, and the team at Riva Motorsports in Miami is here to help. Contact us today to talk about how to winterize Sea-Doo vehicles, how to get them ready for the summer, and how to find the perfect PWC for you and your family. Our store and showroom is open!