What's Actually Included in a Jet Ski Winterization?
Every fall, customers ask us some version of the same question: "What am I actually paying for when I winterize my jet ski?"
Fair question. A winterization isn't one thing. It's a series of steps that each protect a different part of your ski from sitting unused through a cold Maryland winter. Here's exactly what goes into ours.
1. Fuel Stabilizer
Gas starts breaking down after just a few weeks, and ethanol fuel attracts moisture. We add fuel stabilizer and run the engine so treated fuel makes its way through the entire fuel system, not just the tank. That keeps varnish and gum from building up in injectors and fuel lines while the ski sits.
2. Oil and Filter Change
Used oil holds acids and moisture from a full season of riding. Left in all winter, it sits against your engine's internal parts the whole time. Fresh oil means your engine spends the off-season protected. (We covered this in detail last week: Read Full Story Here
3. Cooling System Protection
Jet skis pull in water from wherever you ride to cool the engine, and some of that water stays trapped inside. When temperatures drop below freezing, trapped water expands and can crack engine components. We flush the cooling system and protect it with marine antifreeze so there's nothing left in there to freeze.
4. Engine Protection
Depending on the make and model, we protect the inside of the engine with fogging oil or follow the manufacturer's storage procedure, so cylinders and internal parts don't corrode while sitting.
5. Battery Care
A battery left connected all winter will drain, and a fully drained battery often won't come back. We disconnect it, put it on charge, and then store it inside for the winter. (you can take it with you as well)
6. Inspection
While your ski is on our stand, we look it over for problems like worn hoses, loose clamps, hull damage, and anything in the intake area that needs attention. If we find something, we let you know. Fixing it over the winter beats finding out on your first ride of the season, when every shop is booked solid.
What It Costs
Our jet ski winterization is $175 plus parts. We service all jet ski brands (4-stroke only), and we also offer indoor and outdoor storage so your ski can stay protected with us until spring.
Don't Wait
Fall is our busiest time of year, and the schedule fills fast. The earlier you book, the sooner your ski is protected, since a surprise cold snap can do damage before you get around to it.
Call us or book online to reserve your spot.
Odyssea Jet and Prop Shop
Ocean Pines, MD
Open Tuesday–Saturday, 9am–5pm
