How to Maintain Jet Ski Batteries During the Winter

During the winter months when it is unlikely you will be using your Jet Ski, it is important to properly maintain the battery. Maintain it correctly and you will have a full-charged, usable battery the next time you decide to use your personal watercraft. Fail to follow the correct procedure for the battery and your Jet Ski may not even start. .

Things You'll Need

  • Spanner
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Protective gloves
  • Rubber mat
  • Trickle charger
  • Flathead screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lift or remove your Jet Ski seat according to the manufacturer's directions. Locate your battery at the back of the Jet Ski.

    • 2

      Undo the bolts holding the battery hold-down bracket in place using a spanner or according to the manufacturer's directions. Remove the hold-down bracket.

    • 3

      Flip back the rubber cap from the negative terminal of the battery. Unfasten the screw connecting the negative terminal to the battery cable with a Phillips screwdriver. Lift the cable away from the battery.

    • 4

      Flip back the rubber cap from the positive terminal of the battery. Unfasten the screw connecting the positive terminal to the battery cable with a Phillips screwdriver. Lift the cable away from the battery.

    • 5

      Put on protective gloves. Lift the battery out of its housing taking care to keep it level at all times.

    • 6

      Place the battery in a dry garage or shed upon a rubber mat. Attach it to a trickle charger according to the manufacturer's directions. This will ensure your battery recharges at the same rate as it naturally discharges over the winter.

    • 7

      Check the fluid level of your battery every four weeks. Unscrew or pry off the battery cap with a flathead screwdriver and refill with distilled water should it fall below the lower-level marking on your battery. Refill to the bottom of the refill hole should there be no fluid-level markings on your battery. Replace the battery cap.