Storing your PWC for the Winter

With the weather cooling off and going out on the water quickly losing its appeal, you’re probably looking to pack away your PWCs for the winter. But hold on just a minute. While it’s certainly easier to throw them in the garage and not look at them until Spring, improper storing practices may leave you with no PWC. Take some time to properly prepare your equipment for extended periods of time out of the water, as well as periodically checking on them while they’re in storage.

Cool Spring Powersports has listed out some of the basics for storing your PWC for the winter. If you need supplies or more advice, stop by our location in Franklin, Tennessee. We welcome all PWC owners from Nashville, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Dickson, and Hendersonville, Tennessee, as well as Huntsville, Alabama.

Before you Start…

Before you even think about storing it, you’ll want to drain the engine, so plan to take it out for one final day in the sun. When you bring it back to the loading dock, tilt the craft up so the back is lower than the front. Start the engine a few times and don’t let it run for more than 30 seconds. As it’s running, turn the handle back and forth to force out excess water. Now you’re ready to haul your PWC to storage.

Clean your PWC First

Make sure your PWC gets a thorough washing before you store it away. Any dirt or grime can get worse if not treated properly and if you’re using a semi-warm place for storage, that “healthy film” will become really gross, really fast. Don’t forget to allow your PWC to dry completely. Mildew can build up overtime and extra moisture can damage your craft’s gears and features.

And while you’re at it, wash your trailer as well. Your trailer should be getting some regular TLC to make sure dirt and grime don’t eat away at its internal workings. This is especially important if you take your PWC in saltwater.

Touch up your Fluids

Make sure you have a full gas tank that includes a fuel stabilizer. Gasoline starts to corrode after about a month and storing it as is can be damaging to your PWC. Run the engine at 30-minute intervals to allow the treatment to do its work on the engine and carburetors.

To keep your engine clean while it’s not in use, perform a quick oil change, including new oil and oil filter. Speaking of oil, make sure all the parts of your craft that need lubricating get oiled down. You may still find these gears a little stiff come spring, but this will help you avoid corrosion.

Remove the battery to keep it from losing power over winter. You’ll want to store it away from flammable substances. You’ll also want to hook it up to an automatic battery charger so it’s fresh and ready to go when the weather gets warm again.

Finally, for good measure, consider using a tire preservative to prevent cracks and leaks from happening. Also, check for signs of damage or repair needs. Some problems will just sit,waiting to be discovered the hard way when you try to use it again, but some problems will need to be fixed before you set it aside.

Storing your PWC

Now that your PWC is ready for storage, you’ll want to make sure you put it in a safe place. If at all possible, avoid putting it outside. The constant flux in temperature and weather can damage your craft. Try to find a dry, semi-warm area, like a garage or storage container. Also, cover your PWC with the appropriate cover style, built specifically for your craft. Tying down a tarp effectively keeps off any dust and dirt, too. Consider checking on your PWC every once in awhile. Just a quick once-over will tell you if there’s a problem developing.

While the winter will be long, Cool Springs Powersports wants to make sure you’re watersport season can start as soon as the weather gets warmer. We don’t want your fun to be delayed because of improper winter storage, so follow these guidelines. If you do need repairs before putting away your PWC, our mechanics are happy to help you out. We proudly serve the areas of Franklin, Nashville, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Dickson, and Hendersonville, Tennessee, as well as Huntsville, Alabama.