Jet skis or WaveRunners are a common sight in summer. They’re fun and easy to drive. However, like with every other water activity, you need to be cautious.
Many people enjoy the adrenaline rush that results from an hour in mid-water. However, can jet skis sink? Do they pose any risk? Read on for more.
Can Jet Skis Sink?
Jet skis can sink, but only partially. Jet skis, typically, have floatation foam in their hulls. As a result, even if they get filled with water, they remain afloat.
In other words, jet skis can sustain water damage but won’t become completely submerged if water gets in.
3 Main Reasons Why Jet Skis Sink
There are several reasons for a jet ski to partially sink. The good news is that you can easily avoid those causes with some extra care and thorough maintenance.
These reasons include:
1. Drain Plugs Issues
Jet skis normally come with drain plugs to help drain out the water inside them when not in use. The most common cause of jet ski partial sinking is a damaged or missing drain plug.
If you fail to properly secure the plugs back on the hull, water will most probably flow into your jet ski once you put it in the water.
When buying a jet ski, you need to check the number and position of these plugs because it’s different according to the model.
Moreover, your jet ski’s drain plugs may get damaged or worn out. In this case, you’d do everything right and still see your jet ski filling up with water. Therefore, you should regularly check the drain plugs before every use.
2. Poor Maintenance
As the owner of a jet ski, you need to dedicate some time and effort to the maintenance of your watercraft. Regular maintenance is essential whether you use your jet ski regularly or only once a year.
You can perform this maintenance yourself by following the instructions in the owner’s manual, or you can simply take your jet ski to a service shop.
If you aren’t careful enough about the maintenance of your watercraft, a part of the jet ski can get damaged due to a leak somewhere.
An incident as simple as hitting a rock can cause little cracks on the outer layer of the jet ski. This, in turn, may cause damage.
Moreover, improper beaching techniques can damage the hull. So, make sure you don’t beach on a rocky area to avoid cracking the hull of your jet ski. The slightest damage to the hull can cause water leaks.
3. Improper Use
Improper use can refer to different practices. For starters, you may improperly tow your jet ski in the water. It’s a huge mistake because jet skis aren’t designed to be towed in the water for long.
Being exposed to water, especially seawater, may cause corrosion rapidly. Corroded metallic parts can leak water without you noticing in the first place.
To avoid causing damage, you should load your jet ski on its towing trailer correctly. This is the best towing method if you store your jet skis between uses.
Another form of improper use is how you drive your jet ski. Driving a jet ski is just like driving a car; you need to be aware of your surroundings to avoid accidents.
However, the risk isn’t restricted to the surrounding boats and jet skis. You may cause trouble without any collision. For example, turning too fast or jumping over waves are forms of improper use.
7 Tips to Prevent Jet Skis From Sinking
Fortunately, there are ways to keep your jet ski from sinking. Follow these tips to stay safe and have as much fun in the water as possible.
1. Check Your Drain Plugs
Before every use, you should always make sure that the drain plugs on your jet ski are tightly fastened. You should also keep some spare drain plugs on hand in case of an emergency.
2. Attach a Bilge Pump
A bilge pump will drain any excess water from the jet ski, especially from the engine. This can help prevent engine damage to your watercraft.
3. Maintenance Is Crucial
Put some extra care into your craft’s maintenance. Regular maintenance can help you avoid major problems. For instance, you should check your jet ski for cracks before every use.
Not to mention, you should read the owner’s manual to make sure you don’t miss any required maintenance.
You can, however, take your jet ski to a service shop or a dealership to get on top of any necessary repairs.
4. Check the Rubber Seals
Rubber seals, especially those in the driveshaft, are likely to leak. You must be cautious of any tear or wear to replace the seals before any serious damage occurs.
5. Cover Your Jet Ski
When not in use, you should cover your jet ski when out of the water to protect it from the heat of the sun, which can cause your jet ski to crack. You should also put it in a garage or anywhere out of the sun.
6. Grease the Fittings
You should always grease the fittings that stand between the hull and the water, including steering cables, driveshafts, and pump fittings. Grease prevents the water from easily entering those areas.
7. Get the Right Towing Trailer
Your towing trailer should fit your jet ski. Always make sure that your jet ski is securely strapped down in order to avoid sliding, slipping, or falling off the trailer.
Conclusion
Can jet skis sink? Yes, they can but not fully. The hulls of jet skis are made from floatable foam, which keeps them afloat no matter how much water gets into them.
However, a large amount of water in your jet ski may cause severe damage. There are three main reasons behind jet ski sinking: poor maintenance, improper use, and impaired drain plugs.
Therefore, to save yourself the hassle, follow the instructions manual for any tips and ideas to keep your jet ski in shape.
You can also take good care of your jet ski by regularly checking for cracks and sending it to a service shop from time to time to double-check. Another crucial precaution is to make sure the drain plugs are tightly secured before every use.