Personal watercraft (PWC) are one of the most popular types of watercraft in the world. PWCs are extremely safe, maneuverable, and enjoyable. However, sun and sea spray can wreak havoc on glossy, vivid surfaces and hulls over time. Is it possible to paint a jet ski?
Yes, you may paint a jet ski. To do so successfully, however, you’ll need talent and expertise. You can save money by repairing your jet ski yourself rather than hiring a repair facility if you take the appropriate precautions and follow recommended practices.
You’ve probably had enough of renting Jet Skis and are beginning to consider purchasing a second-hand one and giving it the TLC it deserves. Perhaps your formerly new Sea Doo is in dire need of some tender loving care.
Professional repairs might be pricey, so a DIY maintenance plan is worth considering.
A Brief History of the Personal Watercraft
The brand name for one type of Personal Watercraft (PWC) made by Kawasaki is “Kawasaki Jet Ski.”
The Sea-Doo (made by Bombardier) is one of the most well-known brands, while the WaveRunner (made by Yamaha) is another.
All of these are distinguished by the rider’s position, who stands or sits atop the PWC rather than inside as is the case with a boat.
Water scooters, often known as water wheels, were first constructed in the United Kingdom in the 1950s.
Clayton Jacobson II, an American motocross enthusiast, created the design in the 1960s by replacing the original outboard motor with an internal pump-jet engine.
The popularity of the vehicle among lifeguards was aided by a regulatory change that modified the water flow, allowing swimmers to be more easily seen.
The first fiberglass PWC prototype was completed in 1966. The hull had originally been constructed of aluminum.
Today, most hulls are constructed of fiberglass or sheet molded composite (SMC), both of which are forms of fiber-reinforced polymer.
Although it began as a recreational pastime, wake-style (think tricks and stunts) and racing categories have been added to the sport of kiteboarding.
You’re not the only one with your level of expertise and interest.
There’s a huge community of PWC enthusiasts and experts out there, and many of them find DIY maintenance and tinkering to be a source of considerable pleasure as well as being a clever way to save money.
The Importance of Hull Maintenance
It’s easy to get caught up in the desire of owning a speed machine, such as a jet ski, and spend hours polishing the hood.
The hull of a boat is similar to the tires on your vehicle in that it is your connection with the water’s surface.
You wouldn’t drive your automobile with bald tires, so don’t ride your Jet Ski with a damaged hull.
It’s easy to forget about the engine when attempting to avoid costly and time-consuming damage on a house boats.
Dents can progress into holes in extreme situations, causing the boat to sink.
It’s also worth noting that a rusting, dented hull will produce more drag and slow you down in the water.
The smoothness of the hull improves your PWC’s efficiency in moving over water, resulting in a faster trip.
How Do I Know if Maintenance is Needed?
Many PWC enthusiasts, like automobile aficionados, enjoy buffing, polishing, painting, and vinyl wrapping their watercraft on a regular basis.
After all, experimenting is a large component of the hobby, especially during the winter when the cold might force you off the water.
You don’t have to go as far if you’re a low-maintenance owner who prefers not to spend every weekend in the garage.
However, a regular examination of all critical areas on your PWC is required.
Jet skis are among the most efficient, powerful watercraft on the market, and your safety and that of other people is contingent on your jet ski being in good working order.
Winter is a fantastic time to do any necessary maintenance on your WaveRunner. Don’t just put your WaveRunner in the garage and forget about it: take advantage of the winter month to get important maintenance done.
When it’s nice out, you’ll want your WaveRunner to be on the water with you, not hanging under a tarp.
How Do I Refinish the Bottom of My Jet Ski?
Make sure that this is something you truly want to do in your free time and money.
It is not at all free to do it yourself, despite the fact that doing so may save money. You’ll need to invest in tools and supplies.
If you take the time to consider it, you may find that rebuilding your PWC yourself isn’t less expensive: it can be quicker and simpler to take it to a professional.
You may, on the other hand, get a great deal of joy and gratification from doing the task yourself.
If you’re up for the task, start by preparing thoroughly and researching everything you need to know. Take care with every stage of the process as you go along.
If you rush the project, pick inappropriate materials, or overdo it with the buffer, you might end up wasting time and money.
Preparation is Everything
Unless you’re a seasoned or committed enthusiast, you probably don’t want to spend the rest of your life spraying and respraying your Jet Ski.
If you’d rather be riding the thing than painting it, your goal should be to keep the paint job intact for at least a few years. As a result, thorough planning and acquisition of necessary materials are required.
Assess the severity of the damage and the size of the project in terms of your skill level.
It’s almost impossible to avoid minor scratches in the paint; they’re unavoidable, and there’s no need to be concerned about them.
Large dents or breaches may be out of your reach and necessitate expert assistance. Before you begin, consider speaking with a local boat repair company for professional advise.
Ensure that you have plenty of space to work in; avoid leaves and sand from getting caught in the wet paint, spoiling your beautiful finish.
Remember that spray painting is a messy business, so don’t try this inside your garage next to your automobile.
To make the weight of your PWC lower, drain the fuel and oil and remove the seat, battery, and engine (if possible).
To reach the hull, flip her over carefully. Make sure you’ve got a firm base and that the craft won’t collapse or fall as you work. Suspend the device from sturdy overhead supports provided that no straps block access to the painted areas.
Know your watercraft
Not all PWCs are made equal. The treatment and materials required depend on whether your hull is constructed of SMC or fiberglass.
Epoxy resin is required to mend SMC, so polyester resin cannot be used to repair it.
The majority of fiberglass boat hulls are gel-coated. Gelcoat is a type of resin that gives the surface added strength and sheen.
It is possible to cover the gel coat, however be aware that sanding it might damage the outer layer and make it more susceptible to deterioration.
Gel coat may also be replaced, but it is more difficult to work with than normal paint.
Gather Your Supplies
The most essential piece of equipment to have for PWC painting is a high-quality pneumatic paint gun and a modest compressor.
Although some individuals claim that they can paint using a paintbrush successfully, spraying is far more likely to provide a decent finish.
Next, you’ll need a sufficient supply of consumables, such as:
- Damp-Rid, a powerful degreaser.
- To prevent paint from seeping through gaps, tape over any areas you don’t want to be painted and secure the protective wrapping.
- Ground cloths – look for painters’ groundsheets to protect your furniture from paint.
- Various textures of sandpaper, ranging from coarse to incredibly fine – a sanding block or sander is recommended to reduce arm strain and guarantee a smooth finish.
- Repairs to the fiberglass will require epoxy or polyurethane. Choose one that adheres to the boat’s material.
- Paint, varnish, and a primer are all required.
What type of paint should I use?
Since the belly of your PWC spends the bulk of its time submerged in water – and very likely saltwater at that – routine painting will not suffice, and it will peel away quickly.
It’s critical to choose a paint that is both under-water and (if necessary) marine-rated. If you’re painting the entire ski, it’s best to use a water-resistant paint.
There are a number of paints available for watercraft. Hard bottom paint is durable and suitable for PWCs and speed boats that operate in fast water.
If you need to re-paint your house in the next couple years, hybrid or semi-hard paints are durable but easier to remove.
To learn what individuals at your local boat shop and paint shop believe would be the greatest option, spend some time chatting with them. Check with the maker of your PWC for suggestions.
How much paint will I need?
The quantity of paint you’ll require is determined by a variety of things, including how skilled you are and what brand of paint you choose.
For assistance with quantities, consult a specialist at your local paint store.
Although it may be tempting to save money and skimp on paint, you should overestimate your requirements.
You’ll need enough paint to paint your PWC in one go, since the colors from batch to batch may vary.
Getting Down to It
You’ve done your research and purchased everything you’ll need. It’s time to jump in now that you’ve done your homework. Make sure you have adequate time to finish the project.
If you’re new to Jet Ski upkeep, you’ll need time to master your talents and work with caution. You won’t be able to complete the job in one go if you rush.
Prep your surface.
Begin by removing or hiding any objects you don’t want painted.
Cover the top of the PWC with plastic sheeting and tape it securely along the line between the hull and the topside, where you’ll most likely want a clean color transition.
After removing the Jet Ski from its watery grave, clean the hull completely, eliminating any grease that may have clung to it. Sand the entire surface using a medium-fine grit sandpaper.
If you can, don’t sand down to the bare hull: it’s only roughing up the surface so that the new paint will adhere.
Sand the scratches you want to repair with a rougher paper, then fill any minor holes with putty or epoxy that is suited for underwater use and is made of the same material as your hull.
Holes that are bigger may need more labor and sometimes numerous applications of repair material. Dry the filler, then sand it once more with a fine paper for a smooth surface.
After sanding all of this, vacuum the area you’ll be working in to avoid getting dirt in your wet paint.
Allow the PWC to dry completely after washing it with a damp cloth several times. Wipe down the PWC one more time with a clean, wet cloth to make sure all of the dust has been removed, then let it dry fully before proceeding.
Paint time
Look for bare spots on the boat’s hull that are visible through your repaired marks after sanding. If you’ve sanded all the way through to the hull, add a thin layer of primer over everything before proceeding with your topcoat.
Fill your spray gun’s container with the quantities specified in the mixing instructions.
Don’t scrimp on paint; it will begin to harden and set before you can use it if you do. To limit spatter, spray a cardboard block instead of the intended surface.
When you’ve reached the bottom of the boat, work in small sections to prevent the paint from running.
You’ll almost certainly need to apply four coats, so be patient and don’t expect full coverage with the first one.
Between each coat, allow plenty of time for the paint to become sticky and almost dry.
The importance of removing barnacles and other marine growths from your boat cannot be overstated. Working systematically about, up, and down the body will guarantee thorough coverage.
Don’t get any paint on your clothing or person, and don’t go back into the area until after the job has had ample time to dry.
If you want to sand the hull or apply a clear topcoat before it’s completely dry, wait for the undercoat to dry first. If you want to wet sand the boat, wait until it has fully dried before doing so.
Rinse and repeat
Stripping down and refinishing your PWC may be an interesting experience once, but you may grow weary of the need to repeat the procedure yearly.
Keep that gleaming new paint looking fresh by following a few basic upkeep procedures on a regular basis.
After using your Sea Doo, clean or hose down the exterior to prevent corrosion.
To keep it out of the sun and protect it from UV damage, cover the PWC or store it inside a garage when you’re not jetting all over the bay.
Maintenance is Not Only Skin Deep
Keep in mind that the visible damage, such as scratches or dull paint, is just a fraction of what may really exist.
PWCs, like automobiles, require maintenance on the engine (or interior of a seat) as well as on the outside.
Maintain your jet ski’s engine on a regular basis, just as you would a car. Every year, the oil should be changed, worn or damaged components should be inspected, the filters should be replaced, the spark plugs should be cleaned and lubricated, and all seals and bearings should be lubricated.
Before every use, check the gas levels and top off the gasoline if necessary. After each ride, drain any water from the engine.
Make sure your insurance and license are up to date to protect yourself and others from the risks of accidents, and that you follow all local, state, and national laws regarding fun.
Conclusion
Tinkering with your toy might be one of the most exciting aspects of owning a car, whether on land or water, and DIY maintenance may offer not only cost savings but also a wonderful opportunity to interact with a community of like-minded hobbyists online and in your local clubs and stores.
Whether you’re a seasoned Jet Skier or an inexperienced amateur, it’s straightforward to restore your PWC’s hull by yourself.
However, failing to do your homework, prepare thoroughly, and take your time may result in future rework costs.
Painting and repainting your PWC is not only an enjoyable way to make it unique, but it’s also an essential aspect of keeping its overall health in good working order.
Remember, though, that maintenance doesn’t just stop at the surface: frequent cleaning, inspections, and repairs on all of your working elements will ensure that your paint job and the rest of your PWC endure many water-loving summers.
