Get Your Sea-Doo Summer Ready
As the weather warms up, it's time to start thinking about the Sea-Doo season ahead. Here’s a quick checklist and some tips to get your Sea-Doo Personal Watercraft or Switch Pontoon ready for the new season.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or prefer to leave it to the dealer, following these steps in the order outlined will protect your investment and ensure your Sea-Doo is primed and ready for action as soon as you hit the water this season.
You can always refer to your Sea-Doo Operator's Guide for assistance, and your local Sea-Doo dealer is another great resource for getting your Sea-Doo ready for another season.
**Start with Spark Plugs**
Spark plugs should be replaced every few seasons to avoid getting stuck at the launch on the first hot day. It’s a good idea to inspect or change your spark plugs as recommended in your Sea-Doo Operator's Guide. Replacing them is straightforward, or your Sea-Doo dealer can assist.
1. Access the engine compartment by removing the watercraft seat (or top, if it’s a Sea-Doo Spark model) or the engine access floor tiles on your Sea-Doo Switch.
2. Disconnect and remove the ignition coils.
3. Using a standard 5/8-inch spark plug socket, remove the plug from the engine.
4. Inspect the plug for excessive wear and replace if necessary.
5. Reinstall the plug (or a new one), ensuring it’s not cross-threaded.
6. Reinstall and reconnect the ignition coils.
**Be Charged and Ready**
If you followed the Sea-Doo Operator's Guide for long-term storage at the end of last season, you likely removed the battery. Now’s the time to place it on your battery tender and check that it’s ready to power you through the season. Follow these easy steps:
1. Remove the battery from your Sea-Doo by disconnecting the negative cable first, followed by the positive cable.
2. Place the battery on a dry, level surface and connect it to your battery charger.
3. Most chargers will indicate if your battery is faulty. If your battery charges normally, you can reinstall it once fully charged. If not, it’s time for a new one. Your local Sea-Doo dealer can help!
*TIP: Never charge or boost the battery while it’s still installed in the Sea-Doo.*
**Inspect the Sacrificial Anode**
The sacrificial anode is a wear item that, as its name suggests, needs to be replaced periodically to prevent serious damage. A quick visual check is all it takes. If the anode is worn more than halfway, it’s time for a replacement. Your local Sea-Doo dealer can help if you’re unsure.
**Inspect Wear Rings and Impeller**
Perform a quick visual check for any abnormal or excessive wear. Look for deep scratches, nicks, or unusual grooves on both the wear rings and impeller. If you notice any signs of water intrusion in the engine compartment, that’s a clear indication you should contact your local Sea-Doo dealer for further assessment and service.
**Replace Engine Oil and Filter**
If you’re a DIYer, check out the XPS oil change kits available through your dealer or our online store. These kits contain everything you need for a complete oil change and can be delivered right to your door.
Replacing the engine oil and filter is simple. You’ll need the correct XPS oil change kit for your engine (which includes oil, filter, and O-ring), an oil pump or fluid transfer pump to extract old oil (available at most hardware stores), a socket or wrench to remove the oil filter cap, shop rags to clean up spills, and a container large enough to hold the old oil (about 3 quarts).
1. Warm up the Sea-Doo by running it for 20-30 seconds to move the oil through the engine. Instructions for this process can be found in your Sea-Doo Operator's Guide.
2. With access to the engine, remove the oil fill cap and oil dipstick (this may vary by model, consult your Sea-Doo Operator's Guide).
3. Remove old oil by inserting the oil/transfer pump hose into the oil dipstick location until it reaches the bottom of the crankcase.
4. Pump out the old oil.
5. Remove the engine filter cap and old oil filter. Have a rag handy to minimise dripping in the engine bay.
6. Replace the oil filter cap O-ring with the new one from the oil change kit.
7. Install the new oil filter into the oil filter cap or compartment (varies by model, consult your Operator's Guide or Sea-Doo dealer).
8. Replace and tighten the cap onto the filter compartment.
9. Fill the engine with fresh oil from the oil change kit, and double-check the oil level with the dipstick.
**Wash, Shine, Protect**
Make heads turn with a showroom shine as soon as you’re on the water! XPS Wash & Wax is a one-step formula that removes dust, dirt, and grime from your Sea-Doo that may have accumulated during storage. It also leaves all surfaces with a high-gloss finish.
The start of a new season is also a great time to protect your Sea-Doo surfaces with XPS Vinyl & Plastic UV Protectant. It helps shield against harmful UV rays and prevents cracking and fading.
**Pre-Ride Routine**
To ensure that first ride of the season goes as smoothly as you’ve imagined, run through the pre-ride checklist in your Sea-Doo Operator's Guide. Get ready to enjoy another season of the Sea-Doo Life!
To book youre ski in today, call 07 5479 4344 (Sunshine Coast) or 07 4124 2322 (Fraser Coast)
or head across to our BRP site to BOOK YOUR SEA-DOO SERVICE
