Tips to Maintain Your Personal Watercraft

Your personal watercraft, also known as a PWC, is like any other vehicle you own. It needs regular maintenance to continue performing effortlessly. That’s why you will want to work hard to keep it in tip-top shape to make sure your marine outings are safe and memorable. 

RideNow Powersports Austin is your local marine dealer, and we know a thing or two about servicing your personal watercraft. Our experts have created this guide to highlight a few strategies to maintain your vessel like a pro, and we hope you find them helpful. If you have more questions, contact our team in Austin, TX. We are happy to welcome our friends from San Marcos, Round Rock, and New Braunfels, so swing by today.

Consult Your Owner's Manual

The owner’s manual that came with your personal watercraft is the best resource to find maintenance-specific information about your model. You will want to glance through it to learn more about compatible products for your vessel and the tune-ups to perform on your model. We highly recommend referring to your owner’s manual before starting any maintenance work.

Inspect the PWC Proactively

Next, you will want to inspect your personal watercraft proactively and regularly. This will help you spot wear and tear and any hidden issues that can get worse on the water. When you catch problems early, you prevent damage to your PWC. Additionally, the repairs will also cost less.

Check Fluid Levels Regularly

Another tip to follow when maintaining your PWC is examining the fluids in your craft. Make it a point to check your engine oil, coolant, and fuel for quality and consistency, and top off any low levels before leaving the dock or marina. If the quality of the fluid is not up to the mark, you will want to drain it and replace it as needed.

Wax Your Personal Watercraft

Your PWC remains exposed to harmful UV rays, which can damage its finish and cause it to appear dull and lifeless. Waxing helps get back the shine on your PWC and gives it a protective coating to prevent cracking and fading. You can find more information in your owner’s manual about the products to use on your model.

Use the Right Fuel

Although ethanol-based gasoline is cheaper, you must avoid using it to power your personal watercraft. Low-quality fuel can interfere with your vessel’s performance and damage it in the long run.

We often recommend that our customers use high-quality fuel—preferably a mixture of gasoline and oil, especially on PWCs with two-stroke engines.

We hope you find this guide handy when maintaining your personal watercraft. If you have more questions or are still in the market for a new vessel, visit RideNow Powersports Austin. We are a one-stop destination for all your marine needs, and we can help you choose a perfect PWC for you. Our dealership is in Austin, TX, and we proudly serve San Marcos, Round Rock, and New Braunfels.