For any water sports enthusiast, owning a jet ski is almost always their first choice of transport when out on the water.
A jet ski offers speed, stability and is easy to maintain.
For those who like to push life to the limits, you can do flips, spins, and a host of other tricks.
More importantly, jet skis are an affordable option for transport.
Whilst a jet ski can be expensive, it is a worthy investment.
Nevertheless, one question that jet ski fans, both new and old, often ask is – what is the life expectancy of a jet ski?
The average lifespan of a jet ski is 300 hours. On average, jet ski users are out on the water for 20 to 30 hours a year, meaning your jet ski can last up to ten years. If your jet ski is maintained well, it could last even longer.
While 300 hours is considered the average lifespan, there are various factors to take into consideration in maintaining the longevity of a jet ski.
Amongst these are checking its maintenance history and how many hours it has been used for.
Knowing this information is crucial to getting the most out of your jet ski.
The Importance of Engine Hours
The engine hours are a key factor when purchasing a jet ski.
The lower the number of hours, the more value and enjoyment you will get from your jet ski.
As you can expect, the older the model, the more likely the jet ski has been out on the water.
Can jet skis last longer than 300 hours?
Simply put – yes.
However, it depends on the type of engine the watercraft has. 2-stroke jet ski’s usually last around 300 hours, while 4-stroke models can exceed this amount.
Due to their significantly poor fuel consumption, 2-stroke models don’t last as long as their 4-stroke counterparts.
It’s recommended that if you’re looking for the most miles per gallon, a 4-stroke model should be your choice of jet ski.
Many jet ski experts advise that any model over 500 hours is too many.
How to Check the Engine Hours
Many jet ski models have an engine hour gauge on the dashboard of the jet ski.
However, older models are known to not include this.
What Factors Affect Jet Ski Hours?
Although the average lifespan of a jet ski is 300 hours, several factors affect this for better or worse.
Year
The year a jet ski was manufactured can certainly affect its life expectancy.
Older watercraft will have more hours on the clock as they’ve been used more than newer models.
The downside of purchasing an older model means that you will likely get less use out of the jet ski.
Manufacturer
Everyone will have their own opinion on what is the best manufacturer of jet skis.
As with any product, the better the quality, the more you will pay.
Sea-Doo, Yamaha, and Kawasaki are often considered the best manufacturers of personal watercraft.
In the past, the likes of Honda, Arctic Cat, Tigershark, Polaris, and Wetbike were notable and recommended manufacturers.
However, these companies are no longer in production, so it is not suggested to purchase watercraft from these manufacturers.
Overall, doing some research on the manufacturers before purchasing a jet ski is recommended.
Model
As mentioned previously, 2-stroke engines will not last as long as 4-stroke watercraft.
4-stroke engine models are often recommended due to their longevity, being more durable, their speed and being eco-friendly.
Their motors have increased efficiency, resulting in lower total aromatic hydrocarbons (TAH) discharge per boat.
Maintenance
When purchasing a jet ski, it is advised to see its maintenance record.
This can show how good or bad it has been looked after.
Seeing its maintenance record will show if it has required any repairs and how often the jet ski was serviced.
If a jet ski hasn’t been looked after, then you’re more likely to encounter issues in the future.
Repairs can cost a lot on a jet ski, especially for more expensive and complicated models.
To maintain the quality and durability of your jet ski, it is advised to have it serviced yearly.
This involves maintaining engine fluids, disposing of old fuel, checking for loose or damaged parts, changing the engine oil and filter, adding grease to all seals and lubricating parts.
Modern models have built-in service timers to remind you when a servicing is due.
Winterizing your watercraft can also be beneficial in preserving its life span.
This process consists of draining any water from the engine, cleaning the craft thoroughly, adding fuel stabilizer, covering up the jet ski and storing it in a safe location for the winter.
Do some jet skis last longer than others?
Some brands/manufacturers are known to produce jet skis that last longer than others.
Newer models have modern technology and are built to last longer.
Whereas older models, especially those no longer in production, are unlikely to last longer as it is difficult to find parts for any repairs.
Will a new jet ski last longer than a used one?
Yes, they can last longer.
A new jet ski with zero engine hours means you will get plenty of life and use from it.
However, purchasing a used jet ski should not be ruled out.
Buying a used jet ski might be a cheaper option, you should still consider the quality of the model, the type of jet ski (2-stroke or 4-stroke) and you should do your research into the history of the jet ski.
Repairs for used jet ski’s are likely to be more common than modern models. 2-stroke engines have less moving parts yet are more expensive to repair because repair shops find it difficult to find the parts to replace.
4-stroke models have more parts and are overall built better, leading to fewer problems.
What can I do to make my jet ski last longer?
Regular maintenance is vital to increase the life span of your jet ski.
This involves numerous factors:
Clean your jet ski
It is important to clean it after every use.
This will prevent the build-up of salt on your jet and prevent parts from seizing up.
It will also maintain the plastics, metal and rubber components that are open to the corrosive elements.
Flush it out
After each ride, it is advised to flush out salt water from the pump and exhaust system.
If you do not do this, you’re at risk of damaging the internal systems potentially leading to long-term issues.
Check for damages
It is ideal to do this before and after every time you use your jet ski.
Although it doesn’t have to be a thorough check, looking for anything broken or missing is recommended.
However, if you take great care of your craft, then you will rarely see any damages.
Cover it up
If you are storing your jet ski outside or inside, it is advised to cover it up when it is not being used.
Jet skis are made of fiberglass, making them vulnerable to all types of weather.
Replacing your jet ski cover every 3 – 5 years is advised.
Servicing
Having your jet ski serviced yearly is paramount to ensuring any small problems don’t lead to major issues.
Service and repair shops are sure to thoroughly check and service the jet ski.
Built-in service timers on modern jet skis are there to remind you when a servicing is due.
Depending on your manufacturer, it is recommended to have your jet ski serviced every 25 – 50 hours, or at least once a year.
All things considered, the life expectancy of a jet ski can last up to ten years and beyond.
There are various factors to contemplate when purchasing a watercraft; the type of model, the manufacturer, its maintenance history and how much it would cost to sustain the jet ski.
If you do your research, take care of your jet ski, and be safe and aware while you are out on the water, then you will have plenty of fun being a jet ski owner.
This means you can own a jet ski for a long time.
