How to Maintain Your Kawasaki Jet Ski After Saltwater Rides in Miami
The thrill of carving through Biscayne Bay, feeling the salt spray as you glide past the Miami skyline, is what owning a Jet Ski is all about. But Miami’s saltwater—while beautiful—is brutal on your Jet Skis internal systems if you don’t maintain it properly.
Whether you ride an Ultra 310LX-S or a nimble STX 160, following a saltwater maintenance routine will help you avoid corrosion, overheating, and expensive repairs. Let’s walk through the exact steps to protect your Kawasaki Jet Ski after every saltwater session.
1. Flush the Engine Thoroughly After Every Ride
Why it matters: Flushing your engine removes salt, sand, and debris from the cooling system. Skipping this step leads to internal corrosion and clogged lines.
How to do it:
Locate the flush port on your Kawasaki Jet Ski. This is usually at the rear or under the seat, depending on your model (check your owner’s manual if unsure, or ask our service team).
Attach a standard garden hose to the flush port, making sure you have a tight seal to avoid low pressure or leaks.
Start the engine first — never run water through the cooling system while the engine is off, as it can cause water to backflow into the cylinders.
Then turn on the water while the engine is idling.
Let the engine idle for 3–5 minutes with water flowing. Do not rev the engine during this process, as it could damage the pump while the ski is out of water.
Turn off the water first, then shut down the engine immediately after.
Quick Tip: Use a dedicated hose for flushing to avoid cross-contamination from lawn chemicals.
2. Rinse the Exterior with Fresh Water
Why it matters: Salt left on the hull or around mechanical parts can eat away at paint, seals, and metal over time.
Spray down the entire exterior, focusing on high-splash zones like the jet nozzle, intake grate, and ride plate.
Avoid spraying directly on electrical components or under high pressure.
Dry with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots and oxidation.
Miami Insight: Areas like the Haulover Sandbar or Oleta River can leave sand residue around your intake—pay extra attention after riding near them.
3. Dry and Lubricate Moving Parts
Why it matters: Saltwater causes metal to corrode and parts to seize. Lubrication keeps steering and throttle systems moving freely.
After drying, apply a marine-grade corrosion inhibitor (like Salt-Away, CRC, or Yamaha’s Yamalube) to exposed metal surfaces.
Use waterproof grease for linkages, throttle cables, and the steering nozzle.
Spray a light coat on the engine block to help repel moisture.
Pro Tip: Avoid over-spraying. Use just enough to create a protective layer—wipe off excess.
4. Check the Jet Pump and Intake Grate
Why it matters: Debris like seaweed, fishing line, or sand can reduce performance or damage the impeller.
Look under the ski and inspect the intake grate for buildup.
Spin the impeller gently to check for resistance.
If you notice any damage or unusual noise, it’s best to schedule a service with our Kawasaki-certified techs before your next ride.
5. Store It Right
Why it matters: Miami’s intense UV exposure and humid air can damage seats, grips, and hull finish even when your Jet Ski is out of the water.
Always use a UV-resistant cover when not in use.
Store in a shaded or enclosed area when possible.
If not riding for more than a week, disconnect the battery and store it on a trickle charger.
6. Follow a Regular Maintenance Schedule
Even with perfect post-ride care, your Jet Ski still needs routine checks:
At Broward Motorsports Miami, our team provides full-service maintenance designed specifically for saltwater riders. We know the toll Miami’s environment takes—and we’re here to help you stay ahead of it.
FAQs: Common Saltwater Questions
Q: Can I use regular car soap to clean my Jet Ski?
A: Not recommended. Use marine-specific wash that won’t strip protective coatings or dry out rubber seals.
Q: Should I flush my Jet Ski while it’s still on the trailer?
A: Yes! Flushing is best done on the trailer immediately after your ride.
Q: What are signs of salt damage?
A: Stiff steering, rust around bolts or cables, cloudy spots on the engine block, and white salt residue around fittings.
Q: Does my Jet Ski have zinc anodes I need to replace?
A: Some models do. Check your Kawasaki manual or ask our service department to inspect and replace them as needed.
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Local riders trust us because we know how Miami's climate affects your ride—and how to protect it.