How To Get Water Out Of The Bottom Of a Jet Ski

You may have experienced the frustrating situation of having water in the bottom of your jet ski, you know how annoying and potentially damaging it can be.

Water can cause corrosion, rust, electrical problems, and even engine failure if left untreated. That’s why it’s important to know how to get water out of the bottom of a jet ski as soon as possible.

I will guide you through on how to get water out of the bottom of a jet ski step by step, using simple tools and techniques. You will learn how to identify the source of the water, how to drain it, how to dry it, and how to prevent it from happening again.

Step 1: Identify the source of the water

The first step to get water out of the bottom of a jet ski is to find out where the water is coming from. There are several possible causes of water ingress, such as:

• Cracks or holes in the hull
• Loose or damaged drain plugs
• Faulty or worn-out seals or gaskets
• Leaking hoses or fittings
• Improper storage or maintenance
• Riding in rough or choppy water
• Flipping or sinking the jet ski

To identify the source of the water, you will need to inspect your jet ski carefully, both inside and outside. Look for any signs of damage, wear, or leakage, such as:

• Cracks, chips, or scratches in the hull
• Loose or missing screws or bolts
• Wet or stained areas in the hull or engine compartment
• Dripping or spraying water from hoses or fittings
• Oil or fuel mixed with water
• Mold or mildew growth

If you find any of these signs, you have located the source of the water. You will need to fix it before you can get water out of the bottom of a jet ski. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may need to replace or repair the affected parts or take your jet ski to a professional service.

If you don’t find any obvious signs of water ingress, you may need to do a more thorough test. One way to do this is to fill your jet ski with water and see where it leaks out. To do this, you will need to:

• Remove the seat and the engine cover of your jet ski
• Plug the exhaust outlet and the cooling system inlet and outlet with rubber stoppers
• Fill the hull with water until it reaches the top of the battery
• Wait for a few minutes and observe where the water leaks out
• Mark the leaky spots with a marker or tape
• Drain the water and dry the hull and the engine compartment

Another way to test for water ingress is to use a pressure tester. This is a device that pumps air into your jet ski and measures the pressure inside. If the pressure drops, it means there is a leak somewhere. To use a pressure tester, you will need to:

• Remove the seat and the engine cover of your jet ski
• Plug the exhaust outlet and the cooling system inlet and outlet with rubber stoppers
• Attach the pressure tester to the bilge pump outlet
• Pump air into your jet ski until it reaches the recommended pressure (usually around 3 psi)
• Wait for a few minutes and check the pressure gauge
• If the pressure drops, listen for any hissing sounds or spray some soapy water on the hull and look for bubbles
• Mark the leaky spots with a marker or tape
• Release the air and dry the hull and the engine compartment

Once you have identified the source of the water, you can proceed to the next step to get water out of the bottom of a jet ski.

Step 2: Drain the water

To eliminate the water at the bottom of a jet ski, the next step involves removing the water from both the hull and engine compartment. There are several ways to do this, depending on how much water there is and how accessible it is. Some of the methods you can use are:

1. Using the bilge pump: The bilge pump is a device that automatically pumps out any water that accumulates in the bottom of your jet ski. It is usually located near the rear of the hull, and it has a hose that leads to the outlet on the side of the jet ski. To use the bilge pump, you will need to:

• Turn on the ignition of your jet ski and let it run for a few minutes.
• Check the outlet on the side of the jet ski and see if any water comes out.
• If there is no water, it means the bilge pump is not working or the hose is clogged.
• If there is water, it means the bilge pump is working, and you can let it run until it stops.
• Turn off the ignition and dry the hull and the engine compartment.

2. Using a siphon: A siphon is a contraption device that employs the force of gravity to transport fluids from one container to another. It consists of a hose that has one end submerged in the liquid and the other end lower than the liquid level. To use a siphon, you will need to:

• Find a long and flexible hose that can fit inside the hull of your jet ski.
• Fill the hose with water and plug both ends with your fingers.
• Insert one end of the hose into the hull of your jet ski and submerge it in the water.
• Place the other end of the hose into a bucket or a drain that is lower than the water level in the hull.
• Release your fingers and let the water flow out of the hose.
• Repeat the process until the hull is empty.
• Dry the hull and the engine compartment.

3. A versatile tool for cleaning up both wet and dry messes is the wet/dry vacuum, capable of efficiently suctioning up both liquids and solids. It has a powerful motor and a large tank that can hold a lot of water. To use a wet/dry vacuum, you will need to:

• Find a wet/dry vacuum that has a long and flexible hose and a nozzle that can fit inside the hull of your jet ski.
• Plug the wet/dry vacuum into a power source and turn it on.
• Insert the nozzle of the hose into the hull of your jet ski and suck up the water.
• Empty the tank of the wet/dry vacuum when it is full.
• Repeat the process until the hull is empty.
• Dry the hull and the engine compartment.

4. Using a sponge or a towel: A sponge or a towel is a simple and cheap way to soak up water from the bottom of your jet ski. However, it is also the most time-consuming and labor-intensive method. To use a sponge or a towel, you will need to:

• Find a large and absorbent sponge or towel that can fit inside the hull of your jet ski.
• Squeeze out any excess water from the sponge or towel.
• Insert the sponge or towel into the hull of your jet ski and press it against the water.
• Wring out the water from the sponge or towel into a bucket or a drain.
• Repeat the process until the hull is empty.
• Dry the hull and the engine compartment.

Ensure maximum water drainage from the bottom of your jet ski, regardless of the method you choose. This will prevent further damage and make the drying process easier.

Step 3: Dry the water

To extract water from the bottom of a jet ski, it is imperative to thoroughly dry both the hull and engine compartment as the third and final step. This is important to prevent corrosion, rust, mold, and mildew from forming. There are several ways to dry the water, depending on how much time and resources you have. Some of the methods you can use are:

1. Using a fan or a blower: A fan or a blower is a device that blows air to create ventilation and circulation. It can help speed up the evaporation of the water and reduce the humidity in the hull and the engine compartment. To use a fan or a blower, you will need to:

• Find a fan or a blower that has a long and flexible hose and a nozzle that can fit inside the hull of your jet ski.
• Plug the fan or blower into a power source and turn it on.
• Insert the nozzle of the hose into the hull of your jet ski and direct the air to the wet areas.
• Leave the fan or blower running for several hours or until the hull and the engine compartment are dry.

2. Using a heater or a dryer: A heater or a dryer is a device that produces heat to increase the temperature and decrease the humidity in the hull and the engine compartment. It can help accelerate the drying of the water and kill any bacteria or fungi that may grow. To use a heater or a dryer, you will need to:

• Find a heater or a dryer that has a long and flexible hose and a nozzle that can fit inside the hull of your jet ski.
• Plug the heater or dryer into a power source and turn it on.
• Insert the nozzle of the hose into the hull of your jet ski and direct the heat to the wet areas.
• Leave the heater or dryer running for several hours or until the hull and the engine compartment are dry.

3. Using a dehumidifier or a desiccant: A dehumidifier or a desiccant is a device that removes moisture from the air and reduces the humidity in the hull and the engine compartment. It can help prevent the condensation of the water and the growth of mold and mildew. To use a dehumidifier or a desiccant, you will need to:

• Find a dehumidifier or a desiccant that has a large capacity and a low noise level.
• Plug the dehumidifier or the desiccant into a power source and turn it on.
• Place the dehumidifier or the desiccant inside the hull of your jet ski and close the seat and the engine cover.
• Leave the dehumidifier or the desiccant running for several days or until the hull and the engine compartment are dry.

4. Using the sun or the wind: The sun or the wind is a natural and free way to dry the water from the bottom of your jet ski. It can help evaporate the water and circulate the air in the hull and the engine compartment. However, it is also the slowest and the least reliable method, as it depends on the weather conditions and the exposure of your jet ski. To use the sun or the wind, you will need to:

• Find a sunny and windy spot where you can park your jet ski.
• Remove the seat and the engine cover of your jet ski and open the drain plugs.
• Tilt your jet ski slightly to one side to let the water drain out.
• Leave your jet ski under the sun or the wind for several days or until the hull and the engine compartment are dry.

No matter which method you opt for, make sure to dry the water completely from the bottom of your jet ski. By following these steps, you can guarantee that your jet ski will operate at its best and have a long lifespan.

Step 4: Prevent the water

The fourth and final step to get water out of the bottom of a jet ski is to prevent the water from entering the hull and the engine compartment again. This is crucial to avoid repeating the same problem and wasting your time and money. There are several ways to prevent the water, depending on the cause and the frequency of the water ingress. Some of the methods you can use are:

1. Fixing the leaks: Fixing the leaks is the most obvious and effective way to prevent the water from entering the bottom of your jet ski. It involves repairing or replacing the damaged or worn-out parts that are causing the water ingress, such as:

• Sealing the cracks or holes in the hull with epoxy or fiberglass
• Tightening or replacing the loose or damaged drain plugs
• Replacing the faulty or worn-out seals or gaskets
• Replacing the leaking hoses or fittings

2. Enhancing the storage or maintenance of your jet ski is a crucial method to prevent water from infiltrating the bottom. It involves following the best practices and recommendations for storing and maintaining your jet ski, such as:

• Ensure that your jet ski is stored in a dry and sheltered location.
• Cleaning your jet ski after each use and removing any dirt or debris
• Flushing your jet ski with fresh water and running the engine for a few minutes
• Applying anti-corrosion spray or lubricant to the metal parts
• Checking your jet ski regularly for any signs of damage or leakage

3. Riding in calm or smooth water: Riding in calm or smooth water is another simple way to prevent the water from entering the bottom of your jet ski. It involves avoiding riding in rough or choppy water that can splash or submerge your jet ski, such as:

• Riding in lakes, rivers, or bays instead of oceans or seas
• Riding in low tide, low wind, or low wave conditions
• Riding at moderate speed and avoiding sharp turns or jumps
• Avoiding flipping or sinking your jet ski

By following these methods, you will be able to prevent the water from entering the bottom of your jet ski and enjoy your jet ski without any hassle.

Conclusion

You have seen th detailed steps on how to get water out of the bottom of a jet ski using simple tools and techniques.

You have also learned how to identify the source of the water, how to drain it, how to dry it, and how to prevent it from happening again.  So follow these tips whenever you have this kind of problem.