A Beginner’s Guide to PWC Maintenance
Summer is around the corner and everyone’s looking to get out on the water. If you’re one of those personal watercraft enthusiasts, then you’ll want to make sure that your PWC is in great shape and ready for those fun-filled high-speed rides. After months of storage, your watercraft may be in need of repairs. The experts at Chatlee Boat & Marine in Sanford, North Carolina, have provided you with some helpful information on PWC maintenance and performing some easy repairs. Read on to learn more, and if you’re still looking for a PWC, stop by our dealership to check out our inventory.
Clean It Up
A dirty personal watercraft could be hiding some major issues, so start your maintenance by cleaning it up. A good wash will allow you to determine if you’ve got any cracks, malfunctioning controls, or mildew. Protect your craft from the damage caused by UV rays by cleaning it off and applying a good coat of wax. This will help to keep the paint and finish intact. Wax your PWC at the start of every season and wash it regularly to keep it clean from debris and salt.
Inspect the Engine & Battery
Another important part of PWC maintenance has to do with the battery and engine. You’ll want to ensure that both of these are in proper working order. Regardless of whether you ride your PWC in freshwater or saltwater, it’s important to flush out the engine after every ride or every few rides to prevent the buildup of debris and salt.
To flush out your PWC’s engine, start it up, hook it to a freshwater source and turn on the water. Engage the throttle as the water runs through your PWC so that everything is flushed out until your engine is clean. If you clean out the engine often, you’ll extend its life and reduce serious maintenance needs.
When you store your watercraft for a long period of time, remove the battery and place it on a tender to keep it from discharging completely and make it last longer. A strong battery will work better and is less likely to malfunction.
Freshen the Fuel
If you plan to store your personal watercraft for a few weeks or more, make sure you fill up your tank so condensation doesn’t form. You should add a fuel stabilizer, too, since most fuel these days is blended with ethanol. When adding the stabilizer, always refer to your owner’s manual to determine the recommended amount.
We hope that these PWC maintenance tips have been useful. If you have any questions, be sure to contact us at Chatlee Boat & Marine in Sanford, NC. Our staff would be glad to assist you with your personal watercraft servicing needs. We proudly serve all our patrons visiting us from Raleigh and Greensboro, so get in touch with us today!