Jet Skis are versatile vehicles, perfect for recreational use, vacations, or easy transport to any body of water. They serve in rescue operations and, increasingly, for fishing trips. If you're considering purchasing a jet ski or already own one, understanding the essential accessories and equipment is crucial for a safe and successful experience.
Jet skis can be used for different purposes so it should come as no surprise that there are accessories for all sorts of purposes and activities.
Essential Safety Gear
Before diving into the fun accessories, prioritizing safety is paramount. Jet skis offer great fun but can be dangerous if not handled correctly.
Life Jacket
Purchase a USCG-approved life jacket and make sure your passengers wear one too. This is one item that is required by law. The best way to use it is to attach it to your life jacket.
Fire Extinguisher
The gas tank of a PWC is full of combustible fuel so having a fire extinguisher might save your jet ski and yourself.
Read also: Sled Pullers for Ice Fishing
Anchor
You can use an anchor when you are in an emergency to hold your position.
Enhancing Your Jet Ski Experience
Jet skis aren’t just good for dashing about in the sun. They are vehicles in their own right and can be used to travel to a destination.
Pontoons
You can attach pontoons to jet skis which would allow the transportation of more accessories or you can try camping without a tent which is known as bivouacking.
Cooler and Cooler Holder
Part of the fun of camping is cooking and drinking around a campfire so you will need a cooler. Store ice, drinks, and food here for your overnight trip. You’ll also find cooler holder attachments available.
Waterproof Speakers
Many jet ski models have built-in speakers but you might want to invest in some waterproof models you can take with you off the Jet Ski.
Read also: Ice Fishing Sled Plans
GPS
You don’t want to get lost on your trip, do you?
Jet Ski Fishing Accessories
Another use for jet skis is fishing. This is becoming a popular way to fish as jet skis can reach areas that boats and even kayaks cannot. They maneuver extremely well and can cover distances very fast.
Fish Finder
These devices are great for finding and mapping the best fishing spots. You can use them to spot schools of small fish and larger fish hiding below these.
Dry Bags
These bags can be used for any purpose when on a jet ski but they are a really useful addition to your equipment. You can put anything you want to keep dry in here safe in the knowledge that water won’t seep in.
PWC Lift
These are useful for lifting your PWC around when out of the water.
Read also: Essential Yamaha Jet Ski Accessories
Protecting Your Investment
A new jet ski can cost between $5,000 and $20,000 and is the biggest expense you will make when taking up this new hobby. You should consider that you will also need to buy insurance, fuel, and have some maintenance costs for your new PWC.
Jet Ski Covers
You will pick up the odd knock and scratch on the fiberglass body of your PWC. These covers should always be used to help protect your PWC from the elements. Remember you may only use your jet ski 30 hours a year so you want it protected during the down season and in between uses.
Essential Jetski Fishing gear- Plus some you didn't know you need!
Buying a Used Jet Ski
As with anything, there is no reason why you shouldn’t look for a cheaper option and a secondhand PWC might be a good bet. There is a theory that jet skis only last for 300 hours but this isn’t a fact. The average owner will take a jet ski out for around 30 hours a year so if you see an older PWC with 300 hours on and it is in good condition then the likelihood is that it has been looked after very well. A jet ski that isn’t serviced and looked after might have significant issues after much less use.
Inspection Tips for Used Jet Skis
If you wanted a used car you would check for damage. Do the same with a PWC. This means checking for rust, signs it has sunk at some point, and damage to the underside. You can see if a jet ski has been sunk by lifting out the seats. 2-stroke engines are bad for the environment and as they get phased out the parts for them will become harder to find.
Test Run
Again, you wouldn’t buy a car without giving it a test run and with a PWC the proof of the pudding is getting it in the water. You want to see that it runs well at full throttle.
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