I have been in a situation where the closest water for me to jet ski is salt water; I needed to jet ski so severely because the only way I can relieve myself from stress after some business trip where I spend lots of time and energy taking care of business.
I started to wonder if one can actually jet ski in salt water. If you are curious, I’m curious if jet skis can go on salt water. Yes, but you need to apply some precautions and maintenance.
Today, we will discuss that specifically and will explain everything you need to know about jet skis and their compatibility with salt water. Also, we are going to cover the essential pros and cons of riding a jet ski in salt water, as well as tips to make your jet ski experience more pleasant and safe.
Can Jet Skis Go in Salt Water?
Yes, jet skis can go in salt water as long as they are properly maintained and cleaned after each ride. Jet skis are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of salt water, such as the salinity, the temperature, the waves, and the wind. However, salt water can also cause some problems for jet skis, such as:
1. Corrosion: Salt water can corrode the metal parts and the electrical components of the jet ski, such as the engine, the pump, the battery, the wiring, and the switches. This can result in a loss of performance, a malfunction, or a breakdown.
2. Clogging: Salt water can also clog the cooling system and the exhaust system of the jet ski, which can cause the jet ski to overheat or stall. This can make it difficult or impossible to restart the jet ski or to continue the ride.
3. Fouling: Salt water can also foul the hull and the impeller of the jet ski, which can reduce its speed and maneuverability. This has the potential to affect the handling and, equally, the stability of the jet ski, which will increase the risk of accidents or injuries.
Therefore, it is essential to take care of your jet ski before, during, and after riding it in salt water to prevent or minimize these issues.
How to Take Care of Your Jet Ski in Salt Water?
To take care of your jet ski in salt water, you need to follow some basic steps, which I have provided below.
1. Check your jet ski before riding it in salt water
Make sure that your jet ski is in good condition and that all the parts are working correctly. Check the oil level, the fuel level, the battery charge, the tire pressure, the spark plugs, the filters, and the hoses. Also, make sure that your jet ski has enough antifreeze and lubricant to protect it from the salt water.
2. Choose the right jet ski for riding in salt water
Not all jet skis are suitable for hanging in salt water. Some jet skis have lightweight and shallow hulls that are not recommended for marine use. If you want to ride a jet ski in salt water regularly, you should choose a jet ski that has a powerful engine, a large fuel tank, a sealed hull, and a self-draining system. It would be best if you also chose a jet ski that has a good reputation and a reliable performance. Some of the best jet skis for riding in salt water are the Kawasaki Ultra 310LX, the Yamaha FX SVHO, and the Sea-Doo RXP-X 300.
3. Choose the right location and time for riding your jet ski in salt water
You should avoid riding your jet ski in salt water in areas that have a lot of obstacles, traffic, or regulations that prohibit jet ski use. You should also avoid riding your jet ski in salt water in conditions that are too rough, too cold, too dark, or too windy.
You should choose a location and a time that has calm, clear, and warm water, such as a lake or a pool. You should also select a location and a time that has low tide and low current, as they can affect your speed and your depth.
4. Wear the right gear to ride your jet ski in salt water
You should wear a life jacket, a helmet, a wetsuit, and goggles when you ride your jet ski in salt water. These items can protect you from the water pressure, the temperature, the impact, and the debris. You should also wear a communication device, such as a radio or a phone, that can help you contact someone in case of an emergency.
5. Follow the proper steps for riding your jet ski in salt water
You should follow these steps to ride your jet ski in salt water safely and correctly:
- Start your jet ski and let it warm up for a few minutes.
- Accelerate slowly and steadily, and avoid sudden changes in speed or direction.
- Stay away from the shore, the swimmers, the boats, and the rocks, and respect the designated zones and the signs.
- Enjoy your ride and have fun, but be careful and responsible.
- Stop your jet ski and turn it off when you are done with your ride.
6. Clean your jet ski after riding it in salt water
This is the most crucial step in taking care of your jet ski in salt water. It would be best if you cleaned your jet ski thoroughly and promptly after each ride to prevent the salt water from causing corrosion, clogging, or fouling. It would be best if you did the following.
1. Flush your jet ski with fresh water. This means that you have to attach a garden hose to the jet ski’s flushing port and flush the systems for the recommended time, which is a maximum of 2-3 minutes, depending on the model.
It would be best if you also used a salt dissolver, such as Salt-Away, to remove the salt residue more effectively. You should flush the cooling system, the exhaust system, and the intercooler if your jet ski has one.
2. Wash your jet ski with soap and water. This means that you have to spray your jet ski with a mild soap and water solution, then gently scrub it with a soft brush or a sponge.
It would be best if you washed the hull, the pump, the impeller, and the whole engine compartment. It would be best if you also rinsed your jet ski with fresh water again to remove the soap and the dirt.
3. Dry your jet ski with a towel or a blower. This means that you have to wipe your jet ski with a clean and dry towel or blow it with a blower to remove the excess water.
It would be best if you dried the hull, the pump, the impeller, and the whole engine compartment. You should also open the drain plugs and the seat to let the water drain out and the air circulate.
4. Lubricate your jet ski with an anti-corrosive spray. This means that you have to spray your jet ski with an anti-corrosive lubricant, such as WD-40, to protect the metal parts and the electrical components from rust and corrosion.
You should lubricate the engine, the pump, the impeller, the battery terminals, the wiring, the switches, and the hinges. You should also apply some grease to the steering cable and the throttle cable to keep them smooth and flexible.
5. Keep your jet ski in a place that is dry and well covered. This means that you have to keep your jet ski in a place that is away from the sun, the rain, the wind, and the dust.
It would be best if you also covered your jet ski with a waterproof and breathable cover to prevent moisture and mold. You should also disconnect the battery and empty the fuel tank if you are not going to use your jet ski for a long time.
What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Riding a Jet Ski in Salt Water?
Riding a jet ski in salt water can have some benefits and drawbacks, such as the below.
Benefits:
- It can be more fun and challenging. Riding a jet ski in salt water can give you a more thrilling and adventurous experience than riding a jet ski in fresh water. You can enjoy the waves, the wind, and the scenery that the saltwater has to offer. You can also test your skills and your limits and improve your jet ski abilities.
- It can be more accessible and affordable. Riding a jet ski in salt water can be more convenient and cheaper than riding a jet ski in fresh water. You can find more places and opportunities to ride a jet ski in salt water, such as the ocean, the sea, or the bay. You can also save money on fuel, as salt water is denser and provides more resistance so that you can go faster with less throttle.
Drawbacks:
- It can be more dangerous. Riding a jet ski in salt water can also be more hazardous and problematic than riding a jet ski in fresh water. You can face more obstacles, traffic, and regulations that can limit or prohibit your jet ski use. You can also meet more weather and water conditions that can affect your jet ski performance and safety. You can also damage your jet ski more easily and quickly, as salt water can corrode, clog, or foul your jet ski parts and systems.
- It can require more maintenance and care. Riding a jet ski in salt water can also require more maintenance and care than riding a jet ski in fresh water. It would be best if you cleaned your jet ski thoroughly and promptly after each ride to prevent the salt water from causing corrosion, clogging, or fouling. You also need to check your jet ski regularly and repair any issues or damages that may occur. You also need to store your jet ski properly and protect it from the elements.
Conclusion
As much as jet skis can go in salt water, it is recommended to do so with proper care and cleaning. If you ride a jet ski in salt water, you need to take care of your jet ski before, during, and after your ride to prevent or minimize the problems that salt water can cause.
You also need to be aware of the benefits and drawbacks of riding a jet ski in salt water and be respectful and responsible for the water and the wildlife.
