One of the main risks you will face while jet skiing is having your jet ski flip over. You may have seen a situation where someone flipped their jet ski over and wondered how to get it back upright if you ever were in that position.
Flipping a jet ski is a common occurrence, especially if you ride it hard, perform tricks, or encounter rough waves. But don’t panic; flipping a jet ski back over is not as complicated as it may seem, as long as you follow some simple steps.
I will guide you on how to flip a jet ski back over in the right way to avoid damaging your jet ski or its engine. I will also share some tips on how to prevent flipping your jet ski in the first place and what to do if your jet ski won’t start after flipping.
How to Flip a Jet Ski Back Over
You must understand how to flip the jet ski back over because one day, it may save your life. Even if you ara the best jet ski rider out there, this piece of information will help you. Below are the steps to flip the jet ski back over.
Step 1: Turn off the engine as soon as possible. If the jet ski is still running, pull the lanyard off to stop the engine. This will prevent water from getting sucked into the air intake and damaging the engine.
Step 2: Locate the sticker on the back of the jet ski that shows the correct direction to flip it over. Most jet skis have a sticker that indicates whether to flip it clockwise or counterclockwise.
You want to flip it in the right direction, which allows the exhaust to hit the water directly; otherwise, water may enter the exhaust system and cause problems.
Step 3: Swim to the side of the jet ski that is opposite to the direction of the sticker. For example, if the sticker says to flip it counter-clockwise, swim to the right side of the jet ski. This will make it easier to flip it over.
Step 4: Reach down and grab the handgrips on the underside of the jet ski, then slowly start to lift it, using your legs for leverage. As the jet ski jumps come up, use your body weight to help flip it over. Be careful not to damage the jet ski or hurt yourself in the process.
Step 5: Once the jet ski is upright, carefully check if you will see any signs of damage or leaks. If there is water in the hull, you will need to drain it as soon as possible. If there is water in the engine, you will need take more in dept steps to remove it and restart the jet ski.
Step 6: Reboard the jet ski carefully, using the rear platform or the boarding step. Avoid reboarding from the side, as this may cause the jet ski to flip over again. Please make sure the jet ski is stable before you get on it.
Step 7: Try to restart the jet ski. If it starts typically, you can resume your ride. If it doesn’t start, or if it stalls, you may need to clean and dry the spark plugs or use some starting fluid to get it running. If the jet ski still doesn’t start, you may need to tow it back to the dock and get it checked by a professional.
How to Prevent Flipping Your Jet Ski
While flipping your jet ski is not only reserve for the newbies. actually it can happen to the pros, there are some pratical ways to reduce the chances of it happening to you. Here are some tips on how to prevent flipping your jet ski:
1. Choose the best and apopriate jet ski for your skill level and riding style. Stand-up jet skis are more prone to flipping than sit-down jet skis, and some models are more stable than others. If you are a beginner or prefer a smooth ride, opt for a jet ski with a larger hull and more stability features.
2. Avoid riding too fast or too slow. Riding too fast can make you lose control of your jet ski, especially in sharp turns or rough waves. Riding too slow can make your jet ski unstable and unsteerable, especially with passengers or cargo. Maintain a moderate and consistent speed that matches the water conditions and your comfort level.
3. Learn how to ride with passengers. Riding with passengers can affect the balance and handling of your jet ski. You and your passengers should wear life jackets and communicate well.
Your passengers should follow your movements and shift their weight accordingly. They should also avoid sudden movements or distractions that could throw you off balance.
4. Check your drain plugs and bilge pump. Before you launch your jet ski, make sure your drain plugs are securely in place and your bilge pump is working correctly.
These devices prevent water from entering and accumulating in your hull, which can make your jet ski heavier and more likely to flip. If you notice water in your hull, drain it as soon as possible.
5. Be careful with ropes and debris. If you are towing something behind your jet ski, such as a tube or a wakeboard, make sure the rope is not tangled or loose.
If you accidentally suck up a rope or any other debris into your jet ski’s intake, do not try to flip your jet ski over to remove it. This can damage your engine and cause more problems. Instead, tow your jet ski back to the shore and remove the obstruction safely.
6. Reboard your jet ski correctly. If you fall off your jet ski or decide to take a swim, you should know how to reboard your jet ski without flipping it over.
The best way to reboard your jet ski is from the rear, using the reboarding step or handle if your jet ski has one. Avoid reboarding from the side, as this can cause your jet ski to tip over.
Conclusion
It’s relatively easy to flip a jet ski back over, just as long as you follow the proper steps and act quickly. You should always turn off your engine, check the sticker on the back of your jet ski, and flip it over in the correct direction.
Also, know how to prevent flipping your jet ski in the first place by choosing the right jet ski, riding at a safe speed, learning how to ride with passengers, checking your drain plugs and bilge pump, being careful with ropes and debris, and reboarding your jet ski correctly.
If your jet ski doesn’t start after flipping, you should check the spark plugs, the air intake, the fuel system, and the electrical system, and try to fix the problem yourself or take your jet ski to a professional mechanic.
You have learned and understand how to flip a jet ski back over and what to do in case of an emergency. Flipping a jet ski can be scary, but it doesn’t have to ruin your day or your jet ski. With some good understanding and enlightenment coupled with preparation, you can enjoy your jet ski safely and confidently.
