Before we begin, here are the preliminary things to check on your personal watercraft: If you’ve covered the basics for your Jet Ski, WaveRunner, or Sea-Doo, then stick around to learn what might be shortening your PWC’s lifespan. Each damage scenario will address the following: This example was shared by WaveRez CEO, Greg Fisher, in one of his podcast episodes while sharing his experience dealing with difficult customers during his time as a watersport business owner. When customers drive jet skis in water that is too shallow causing it to suck in sand, a variety of issues can occur and they should be addressed as soon as possible. Possible damaged jet ski parts: Jet Pump, Hull, Motor Items for fixing this issue: Garden Hose & Flushing Adapter Time needed for fixing the issue: Check your PWC owner’s manual, as it varies from model to model Repair Instructions: Consequences of not fixing the issue timely: Ways for preventing this issue from happening again: This incident is not only dangerous for your jet ski, but also your customers, including broken bones, fractured ankles, and others. That is why it’s essential to conduct injury prevention briefings before customers hop on their jet skis and start enjoying their ride. Nonetheless, let’s take a look at what might happen to your PWC when this type of accident occurs. Possible damaged jet ski parts: Fiberglass and gelcoat that make a firm surface when combined Time needed for fixing the issue: Around 2 hours Consequences of not fixing the issue timely: Ways for preventing this issue from happening again: Your briefings with customers before the start of the rental should address the following points: It is vital to indicate applicable regulations to your customers before their rental begins and to stress safety requirements with younger guests. Sometimes your customers, especially those who are new to jet ski driving, can cause your WaveRunner to flip over. Something as simple as a passenger who shifts their weight incorrectly in a turn is sufficient to cause your PWC to capsize. A sudden wave can also easily turn your jet ski over if there is excessive weight on the ski. Whatever the reason might be, it is crucial to address it ASAP if you don’t want your PWC to die, especially if you can’t replace it. The 2021 season looks promising so far in the southern U.S., so you don’t want to miss an opportunity not to catch the wave of leads. Possible damaged jet ski parts: Engine Crank Case and Hull Items for fixing this issue: Starting Fluid, and/or Mechanic (optional) Time needed for fixing the issue: Check your PWC owner’s manual, as it varies from model to model Repair Instructions: Consequence of not fixing the issue timely: ‘ If you don’t check on the equipment’s engine before the next rental starts, it can cause damage to the crank case damage, in which case you would have to replace it or, in the worse case scenario, get new equipment. Ways for preventing this issue from happening again: Your briefings with customers before the start of the rental should address the following points: Some inexperienced jet ski drivers drive over a rope, and it then wraps around the prop shaft. This problem can be why your jet ski won’t start. For that reason, it’s important to either address this problem on the spot or, otherwise, take down the online booking availability of the broken PWC. Being overbooked is one of the biggest problems that WaveRez partners had experienced before they started using our reservation software; take a look at the video below to see how our support team has solved this problem.
If you want to see other WaveRez booking software features in action, make sure to check out our YouTube Tutorial Playlist for more information. Possible damaged jet ski parts: Rope, Prop Shaft, Carbon Seal Items for fixing this issue: Stand or Trailer, Long Handle Razor Knife or Scrapper Time needed for fixing the issue: Ranges from 1 minute to multiple hours depending on job difficulty Repair Instructions: Check out the video guidelines. Make sure you don’t do this on the water, or, otherwise, refer to directions on addressing the damage that occurs when a WaveRunner gets flipped. Likewise, do not put the engine in reverse, as it will just make things worse. Consequences of not fixing the issue timely: Because the rope wraps around the prop shaft, starting jet ski will make the problem worse. Ways for preventing this issue from happening again: While towing, avoid going in reverse. Additionally, know where your tow line is located at all times. You can also consider installing an impeller protector to keep the rope away from the PWC’s impeller. Another trick can be applied when the rope is in the water. When your customer is getting ready to tow, advise them to put the kill switch lanyard around their right wrist. That way if there is a need to shut equipment down in a hurry, there is an opportunity to pull the lanyard out much faster than using the ignition key. Finally, the last most common issue our partners tell us about, is getting an overheating alarm on your jet ski. One of the possible reasons for your jet ski to overheat is having low oil pressure. Low oil pressure can occur for the following reasons: To confirm the presence of the issue with oil, try taking the following steps: If that does not help, refer to further guidelines. Possible damaged jet ski parts: Oil Filter, Oil Injection System Items for fixing this issue: Dipstick Time needed for fixing the issue: From 10 minutes to up to 5 hours Repair Instructions: Consequences of not fixing the issue timely: Damaged engine can prevent jet ski from being started. Ways for preventing this issue from happening again: As you can see, there are multiple types of damages that can occur to your jet ski. However, if you didn’t find what you were looking for, then check out tips on handling 5 more common types of jet ski damages & solutions to them. Ultimately, to make sure you, as a tour operator, don’t let them happen, address all of these potential issues with your customers before their rental time begins. Additionally, just in case, you might consider collecting damage fees in cash, instead of taking credit card deposits, because it can help you avoid a transaction dispute should damage take place.
Table of Contents
#1: Jet Ski Sucked in Some Sand
#2: Jet Ski Hits Another Vessel or Dock
#3: WaveRunner Gets Flipped
#4: Jet Ski Sucks Up a Rope
#5: PWC Overheating Alarm
Conclusion
Tips on Handling 5 Common Types of Jet Ski Damages & Possible Solutions
05/05/2021