​​​​​​​Take Care Of Your Personal Watercraft


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Prepare for Your Next Sea-Doo Lake Adventure

If you’re planning your next lake day, ensuring your Sea-Doo is in top condition is just as important as checking the weather. Just like your car, these high-performance watercraft need routine upkeep to deliver the power, agility, and fun you expect. Whether you're carving up Lake Tuscaloosa or coasting with the family, this maintenance checklist will help you protect your investment, prevent unexpected issues, and maximize your time on the water.

 

Pre-Ride Sea-Doo Inspection

Before you take your first ride this summer, give your Sea-Doo a quick walk-around. Check the following components to make sure your days on the water are pleasant and uninterrupted by mechanical issues. 

  • Check the oil and coolant levels. If your Sea-Doo has low fluids, it could lead to overheating or even engine damage.

  • Inspect the hull and the jet pump. Pay close attention to cracks, dings, or captured debris that could affect performance.

  • Test the battery voltage. The first time you pull your Sea-Doo out of winter storage, a weak or dead battery is a common problem.

  • Inspect the responsiveness of the steering and throttle. Look for binding cables or sluggish controls, which could indicate wear or corrosion.

  • Examine the intake grate and impeller. Debris here can affect thrust and control.

 

Post-Ride Sea-Doo Protocols

A smart post-ride routine will keep your Sea-Doo performing smoothly and prevent long-term wear.

  • Flush the cooling system. This process removes any water in the system as well as algae and other potential contaminants from the engine and exhaust system. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and use a hose adapter. 

  • Wash the exterior with freshwater and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and dry to avoid hard water spots or corrosion. This is especially important if you’ve been adventuring in the salty waters of Alabama’s Gulf Shores. 

  • Check for leaks or damage. Pay close attention to the hull, seat seals, and storage compartments.

  • Remove and dry out the seat and gear. This will prevent mildew.

 

Seasonal Sea-Doo Maintenance Checklist

How you prepare for the first spring and summer adventure and set up for winter storage can have big effects on how well your Sea-Doo stands up to the tests of time.

Spring Routine

  • Replace the engine oil and filter. After a long storage period, fresh, clean oil ensures peak lubrication and protection.

  • Recharge your battery or replace it if needed. 

  • Inspect the wear ring, impeller, and carbon ring. 

  • Lubricate all moving parts with marine-grade grease. 

  • Update software and diagnostics. Visit us at Bama Buggies for a dealership scan that can catch any hidden issues early and install ECU updates if needed.

Fall and Winterization

Tuscaloosa doesn’t always see harsh winters, but freezing temperatures can still happen. Protect your investment with proper off-season care.

  • Add marine fuel stabilizer and run the engine briefly to circulate it right before storage.

  • Fog the engine to prevent internal corrosion.

  • Drain and dry the exhaust system to avoid water freezing inside integral components.

  • Remove the battery and store it indoors and, if possible, keep it on a trickle charger.

  • Cover your Sea-Doo with a breathable, snug-fitting cover. It should prevent UV damage while allowing trapped moisture to escape.

Annual and Hourly Maintenance Intervals

Sea-Doo recommends specific maintenance based on usage. If you're riding frequently during summer, stay ahead of these markers.

  • Every 25–50 hours of Riding: Oil change, check engine diagnostics, inspect cooling and exhaust systems.

  • Every 100 hours of Riding Time or Annually: Full service, including coolant replacement, pump system inspection, and software updates.

  • Every 200 hours or Every 2 Years: Replace wear ring, inspect carbon ring and drive shaft, and replace spark plugs.

 

Why Professional Service Matters

Some maintenance tasks – like fogging the engine or diagnosing ECU codes – are better left to certified technicians. Bama Buggies offers factory-trained service in Tuscaloosa for all Sea-Doo models. We know the quirks of each platform and carry the tools and parts to handle issues before they ruin your weekend.