4 replies to this topic

[joshua jet]

Hi all, New jet boat enthusiast here. I have never owned a boat before, and my question is, What should I keep in mind if I want to drop my boat in the bay for a couple hours after work and then put it back in my garage. Any kind of wash procedures? How much time involved?
Thank you.

[stevenh]

Hi all, New jet boat enthusiast here. I have never owned a boat before, and my question is, What should I keep in mind if I want to drop my boat in the bay for a couple hours after work and then put it back in my garage. Any kind of wash procedures? How much time involved?
Thank you.

I always flush the exhaust with a garden hose following the instructions in the manual after salt water use. I usually put in a squirt of disk soap in the hose before I hook it up (and before I start water flowing). This helps break up the salt and cleans the impeller and outlet a bit as well. Once the water flows clear I know it's time to turn it off. Remember, the engine has to be running before water flows and water has to stop before the engine or you run the risk of water ingestion (bad).

I wash the hull down quickly after each salt water outing as well paying close attention to any exposed metal. You really don't want to leave salt water on any exposed metal or it will start to corrode on you.

Washing and flushing is a bit of a pain, but it seems to work. This is my third SeaDoo and all have been used mostly in salt water with no ill effects. The 4-tec's are great since the salt water won't enter the engine jacket like with the older 2-stroke rotax engins, it is only used in the intercooler (if you have one) and to cool the exhaust.

Flushing takes 2-3 minutes an engine (I have two!) and washing takes 20 minutes or so for me, but that part is probably optional.

Steve

[thumper]

i only flush for 30 seconds - the engine is already hot and without any cooling for the engine and drive seals - i would rather stick to 30 secs. 2-3mins is along time.

taste the water coming out to see if its salty

just dont swallow

[joshua jet]

Thanks, you guys are great!
I look forward to keeping an immaculate boat, and your insght's are both inspiring for further fun!

[stevenh]

i only flush for 30 seconds - the engine is already hot and without any cooling for the engine and drive seals - i would rather stick to 30 secs. 2-3mins is along time.

taste the water coming out to see if its salty

just dont swallow

My 2-3 minutes was not all run time. It includes walking the 30 yards or so to the water to turn it on after starting the engine, waiting a minute or so, then turning the water off and climbing back into the boat to turn it off. I probably only have the water running for a minute or so. Then I have to move the hose to the other engine and repeat (after adding dishsoap to the hose).

Steve