If you’re new to jet skiing or thinking about getting one, you may start to wonder about the common problems and the cost they can have.
It’s just like anything in life, everything has its issues, but knowing beforehand is a huge help.
In this guide, I’ve listed the …TOP 11… common jet ski problems along with solutions and tips to make it be not so much of a big deal.
1. Sucking Things Up
It’s very important to note that a PWC is like a giant vacuum cleaner and will suck up anything that gets in front of its jet pump. Sucking something into your PWC is the usual thing I see people bring in their PWC in for repair, and it’s often from their own doing.
—Thus, I made it the number one problem—
The most likely things I see people suck into their ski:
- Tow-rope
- Sticks
- Rocks
- Seaweed
- Trash
Most people forget about the tow-rope when doing pull sports and will back up or circle around in neutral until eventually the jet pump finds the rope. What is not fun is that this can “wreck” the weekend quickly, it doesn’t always do damage, but it’s a pain to get the rope out.
It’s such a common problem that I created a post on the way to remove objects out of the pump.
2. Batteries Don’t Last
It’s not that ski batteries “suuuuck”, it’s just that it’s normal for people to not take care of it, and it creates many new ski problems later.
Any lead-acid battery will go bad if you don’t use it for months.
It’s super normal for many people to not ride their ski in the colder months, and then many owners find that the battery is dead the next season. It’s dead because they did not keep it on a smart charger or small solar charger.
I see far too many jet ski owners buying a new battery every year because people do not do basic battery maintenance. (It’s not hard if you have a solar charger)
Solar Charger
If you’re like most people and keep the jet ski outside, then get a solar battery charger that you keep on it when you’re not riding it.
3. Replace Spark Plugs Every Year
Usually, when I see a jet ski not running right or has idling issues, it’s often because of a bad spark plug.
And I’m quite shocked by the many people refuse to replace jet skis spark plugs because they think it’s like their car. You may never change the spark plugs on your car "often", but you should change the ones in your PWC every year.
Something that people don’t realize is that jet skis use high-performance engines, and those engines can be picky. Not only that, but when you fog the motor for winterization, the spark plugs will often “foul” during the process.
Changing spark plugs is easy and cheap to do, and it can stop so many future problems that I don’t know why everyone just doesn’t do it regularly at the start of the PWC riding season. Just time it when you do your oil changes.
Don’t get fancy with spark plugs, stick to the NGK ones the jet skis manufacturer suggest. (The special tip and coating ones are a waste, the basic NGK are the best way to go!)
4. Run The Correct Gas!
As talked about in the last section, ski engines can be piiikyyy, especially if you have a supercharged one. Many of the running issues you’ll see are often due to poor gas.
Premium Vs. Regular
If you have a supercharged jet ski, then you need to run premium gasoline. I don’t care what the manufacturer sales teams says, run premium.
If you don’t have a supercharged jet ski, then run regular, as they’re not as picky.
Ethanol
As for ethanol, it’s fine, so long it’s 10% or less.
The PWC engineers are adapting to these new standards, and what they sell at the gas stations will be fine for your ski. But if you can get ethanol-free gas, then for sure use that.
What’s funny is that ethanol was pushed to save the environment, but studies are showing it might not be helping to solve the problems. So who knows if more ethanol will be added to gasoline or if it will matter in the future. Either way, ethanol is not ideal for boats and PWCs.
2-strokes
The ski that suffer the most from ethanol are the 2-strokes with their carbs and fuel lines.
Fuel lines on 2-strokes going bad along with the fuel selector could be its own section, but since 2-stroke jet skis are a dying breed and no one makes anymore, it’s not worth talking about too much.
5. Fading
It’s more of an annoying problem, but your jet ski(s) will fade over the years.
It’s very rare to find a PWC that still looks like new, as most are faded.
The seats will also tear and crack over time.
The sun and water are the two worst things for any boat, and they get plenty.
Keep Your Ski Covered
Fiberglass protectant and vinyl protectant will help, but the best thing you can do is keep your machine covered when you’re not using it.
I’ve gotten to the point that I use two jet ski covers, as talked about here.
6. Dings And Scuffs
Dings and scuffs will happen, it’s just the nature of riding on the water and docking.
Fiberglass repair is not always expensive, depending on the size, and if you don’t want perfection you can often repair it yourself.
It’s Normal
I wouldn’t worry yourself about a few scratches and dock rashes, as it’s only normal in the jet skiing world. It’s when the damage is large and affects the structure of the craft that you need to worry.
White Fiberglass Showing = Repair Now
When you see the white fiberglass underneath your craft start to show, you need to get it repaired, as it will try to absorb water and expand, worsening it.
7. Reverse and Brakes
With every ski manufacturer now moving to an electronic brake and reverse system, they can fail.
It’s a simple pump design, so many issues are not something for you to worry about, but it is an electronic system in your ski.
Also, brakes on a jet ski are not the same as your car, it’s more of like putting it in reverse. Brakes didn’t come about until 2009 and before then it was manual reverse levers or nothing.
Electronic Brakes Need A good Battery
The battery is the lifeblood of your ski. Remember those electric motors for reverse and braking? They guzzle power. If your battery is weak, you might see check engine lights and experience malfunctions.
That’s why a good battery is crucial these days. That’s also why I’m a big advocate for keeping your battery on a solar charger whenever you’re not riding. Many jet skis problems can often be traced back to a weak battery or even loose battery cables to corrosion issues on the cables. By keeping it topped up, you can prevent a lot of headaches on the water.
Manual Reverse
For the manual reverse, they use a steel cable that over time can rust and break, but not a huge concern for most people. If you do ride in saltwater, then it’s more problems for you.
Don’t Worry too Much
“I hope I’m not worrying you with this section.“
Your battery will be fine, it’s when you don’t ride for months that the ski battery can go flat, so that is why I recommend keeping it on the solar charger.
As for the brakes, let off the throttle, and you’ll fall behind your wake, then with no throttle spin in a circle, and it kills your momentum – this is the way we used to dock jet skis before reverse or brakes.
8. Corrosion
This is more a problem for people who ride in the ocean or salty water, corrosion is a common problem for any boat.
If you do a lot of saltwater riding, you need to regularly flush with fresh water and rinse out the engine compartment.
Corrosion on the electrical parts can create ghost issues that are hard to solve. It’s a good idea to spray silicone lubricant (Amazon Link Ad) on anything shiny and electrical on your ski if you ride in saltwater.
Also, don’t forget to replace your “sacrificial anode” when it goes out!
9. Superchargers
Jet ski superchargers are their own unique thing that needs special care and maintenance done.
In general, it’s not always the supercharger failing that I write this, but sometimes the hoses come off. These things create so much pressure that a hose can come off, and you lose top-end.
Avoid Supercharged jet skis If you Can
Unless you want to be the fastest guy on the water, I tend to tell people to avoid supercharged jet ski, as they get annoying when it comes to fixing it.
The non-supercharged PWCs are fast enough, and as someone who’s been on the racing versions, it’s not hugely impressive.
I tend to have more fun on my little Spark than the 350HP modified rockets.
10. Mold and Mildew
Wet environments are the usual place where people ride and store their watercrafts, so mold and mildew should be expected. You’re going to get mold and mildew on your jet ski seats and cover, it’s only a matter of time before you need to fix this.
Using mold and mildew remover (Amazon Link Ad) is a must.
To keep mold away, make sure to let your ski fully dry before putting the cover on it. Don’t be afraid to towel dry it before putting the cover on.
11. Water In Footwells
I should have made this the first one, but this is such a silly and common problem that every PWC seems to have with water in the footwells.
Keeping a cover on helps, but sometimes water still finds a way in. (The ski covers are not 100% waterproof!)
This sitting water in the PWC footwells attracts bugs and mold, while also being a pain to remove and causing other problems, like blister the fiberglass and destroying your foot pads.
Tilt back The PWC Back
The best thing to do is tilt it back a little to let the water drain out. If you keep the jet ski on the dock, then you’ll need to check on it from time to time.
Transfer Pump
I like using the battery powered liquid transfer pump (Amazon Link Ad) for getting water out of the jet ski footwells while at the dock.
Capillary action
A crazy idea I came up with is to use capillary action to keep water from sitting in the footwells for too long. It’s a crazy idea, but stick with me, and read the bottom of this post.
Are PWCs Expensive To Own?
If you’re reading this article, you might be throwing around the idea of getting a jet ski. You also might be wondering if a ski is expensive to own, or should you get something else? It’s super normal to feel this way, along with all the annoying problems a jet ski can have, you got a lot to take in when doing your due diligence.
I know it’s a lot to take in, and researching what common problems you might run into is important before you buy something expensive like jet skis or to know if it’s a sport you want to get into. I also have posts on things like the jet ski pros and cons along with cost of ownership that I suggest you read.
Then, when it’s time to one, you can use my tool to figure out used jet ski prices or the current new prices.
Don’t forget you’ll need a place to store the craft, so check out this post for ideas.
if you buy a Yamaha with a supercharger expect the clutch that drives it to fail in 30-125 hrs. I have had 3 Svho skis and all have failed at 35 hrs 100 and 56 hr. The price is $700 in parts and 1000 labor You can do it yourself in a weekend. But it’s tricky and you need a couple special tools.. it’s a back breaker job.
P.S.S. Now he says may get new carburetor. Could that solve starving for gas issue?
Yes, a clogged carb or bad fuel lines can cause this.
P.S. My friend just wrote when I said put NEW spark plugs in (tho others fine, gapped right). He said put back together and starving for gas? I mean that’s the issue. He wants to get a “Genuine Mikuni rebuild kit? I said do what you must i will reimburse!
I have a ’97 Bombardier. Has had so much replaced on it. Ran perfect all last year. We put it in, warmed it up a lot just slowly going along. Try to go a little faster it stalls. Then backfires! My friend a mechanic on skis is checking, cleaning EVERYTHING. Any suggestions? I am tearing my hair out as summers too short in Idaho! ANY ideas I’m grateful to hear. Thanks!
Steven, have a 1997 seadoo bombadier gti get a buzzing noise from solenoid when start pushed.. replaced but same. when jumping posts the starter spins but does not engage the engine…?
Multiple buzzing is usually a weak or bad battery. I would start with a new battery, it might have just enough power to move the starter but not fling out the bendix to engage the engine.
So, we are first time owners!
We just got a jet ski 2005 ski doo and a rode was sucked up and my husband kept giving it gas cause he was told he flood it? Wrong! And white smoke was coming out? We got the rope out but will not start now? Have appt to take it to see if it can be fixed? Can it be fixed?thank you!
It’s fixable, just need someone there to look at it to see what is causing the no start and white smoke.