How Long Do Jet Ski Batteries Last

How Long Do Jet Ski Batteries Last

If you keep replacing your jet ski battery every year, then it is about time to ask how long a jet ski battery should last.

Jet ski batteries are an important component of any personal watercraft. If you recently bought a jet ski battery, you may be wondering how your new battery will last and how to check if it's bad. In this post, we'll answer these questions and offer some tips on maintaining your jet ski battery.

How Long Do Jet Ski Batteries Last

A healthy well-maintained jet ski battery lasts for around 3 - 5 years. Batteries that are not cared for, and the ones that lie idle for a long time can die in less than two years. In the off-season, most of the jet ski batteries are not maintained. If your jet ski battery is dying in less than two to three years then you are probably doing one or all of these things:

1. Keeping the jet ski idle for a long time without charging the battery.

2. Not charging or intermittently charging the battery in the winter season.

3. Overcharging the battery;

4. Handling your jet ski battery in the same manner as your car batteries.

When Does Your Jet Ski Battery Need a Replacement?

If your battery has completed its normal life (3 - 5 years), then it is about time to replace it with a new one. However, if the battery is younger than 3 -5 years but is making a rapid clicking sound it means that it is not working properly. Unlike a bad starter relay in which the battery makes one or a maximum of two click sounds when you start it, a bad battery will make constant clicking sounds coupled with an unresponsive engine indicating that it is now time to change the battery of your jet ski.

Five Major Factors That Determine the Life of Your Jet Ski Battery

The average lifespan of a jet ski battery is three to five years, in contrast, a neglected battery only lasts for one to two years. Five major factors contribute to the life of your battery:

1. Type of the Battery :

For a jet ski, a sealed AGM battery is more suitable than a well-cell or a flooded lead-cell battery. The types of jet ski batteries are discussed in detail later in the post.

2. Quality of your jet ski battery :

A quality jet ski battery might cost you a little more than an average battery, however, it saves you time and money in the long run. The quality of a battery depends on the model and manufacturer.

3. Maintenance of your jet ski :

How you maintain your jet ski will not only determine the health and life of the battery, but it will also determine the overall performance and life span of the jet ski itself. A poorly maintained jet ski will eventually lose its parts with a decline in overall performance and value.

4. Storage and Temperature :

How long the jet ski battery lasts also depends on how you store the jet ski, and at what temperature you store it. Too hot or cold weather can damage a jet ski's battery and shorten its life.

5. Size of the Engine :

Different sizes of jet ski engines require different batteries. In general, 2-stroke jet skis have smaller, 500-1000 cc engines which generate less torque at lower RPM. 4-stroke engines are usually bigger (up to 1800 cc), and create more torque.

Knowing how long your jet ski battery will last is important because it helps you plan for future expenses and will ensure that you won't be stranded out on the water with a dead battery. Additionally, understanding how to test and check the battery can help you maintain it properly and extend its lifespan.

Types of Jet Ski Batteries

There are two main types of jet ski batteries, conventional flooded batteries, and sealed AGM batteries.

Conventional Flooded Battery

Conventional batteries are normally less expensive than sealed AGM batteries, but with the cost savings come heavy maintenance. These batteries need constant maintenance, besides in order to prevent the battery from sulfating you will need to add distilled water from time to time. Paradoxically, due to the high internal temperature continuous water loss is a normal characteristic of this type of battery. This means that the fluid level of the battery needs to be checked on a regular basis.

Sealed AGM Jet Ski Batteries

Most of the newer jet ski models have already shifted to AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries. It is a specially designed glass mat made to wick the battery electrolyte between the battery plates. The fine mat separators (glass fiber), absorb sufficient power to provide the longest life and steady service, preventing the escape of energy from the separator. AGM Batteries contain only enough liquid to keep the mat wet with the electrolyte and if the battery is broken no free liquid is available to leak out. A fully recharged AGM battery can last up to 3 to 6 months. For better performance it is recommended not to discharge more than 60% between recharges.

These batteries have sealed construction and are mostly maintenance-free throughout their life, however, they will cost you more than a conventional flooded battery.

How to Test a Jet Ski Battery with a Multimeter

To test your jet ski battery, you will either need a multimeter or a voltmeter. This step-by-step guide focuses on how to test your battery and interpret the results with the help of a multimeter. Remember, before measuring the voltage of your jet ski battery remove the covers and panels around the battery and let it air for an hour.

Step 1: Plug the Wires

Typically, there are two long and insulated wires that flow out of the free terminals of the battery cell. Pick up the test wires and attach them to the multimeter. In this case, you will have a red wire and a black wire. Attach the black wire to the plug which says COM. Then take the red wire and attach it to the plug that probably has a symbol like this: Ω.

Step 2: How to do Manual Reading

Automatic multimeters will read the voltage right away, however for manual reading, you must select the function that has a V and two lines above it, and the second line will be a broken one. This V and the two lines mean it will measure the voltage of the direct current or DC. Don't confuse it with the V with a wave on top of it. Set the meter to 20 for 12 volts for maximum reading.

Step 3: Interpret the Reading

Attach the red probe to the positive terminal on the battery and the black probe to the negative terminal. At this point, the multimeter will start displaying readings. Following is given the interpretation of the readings that might be displayed on your multimeter at this point.

• If the reading is under 11.8 volts, your jet ski battery is completely dead.

• If it is somewhere near 12.2 volts, your battery is 50 percent charged.

• If it is between 12.6 volts and 12.8 volts, the battery is completely charged.

• If the reading is about 14.5 volts, the battery is in perfect condition.

In case you are trying this with a battery bank, attach the red and black wires in the same way as described above. Then individually disconnect every single battery and test it. A reading from the battery bank tells you about the capacity of the battery and your charging needs.

How to Charge a Jet Ski Battery

To keep your jet ski battery in good condition, you'll need to charge it regularly. Most commonly, the battery is located near the front or under the driver's seat of the jet ski. We'll explain how to use a jet ski battery charger and offer some tips on how to maintain your battery's charge.

How to Charge Your Jet Ski Battery;

Secure your jet ski and remove the access panels exposing the battery. Before plugging in the battery, remove the black. Connect the red charging cable to the red battery post and the black charging cable to the black battery post. Make sure that the charging light is on as this light will indicate that the battery is charging.

When removing the charging, remove the black cable first followed by the red cable.

How to Take Care of Jet Ski Battery Charger

Here are some tips to maintain your jet ski battery charger:

• Turn the charger off before attaching.

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions in letter and spirit.

• Keep it away from places exposed to open flames, sparks, and water.

• Keep vent caps in place.

• Charge at a ventilated place.

Taking Care of Your Jet Ski

Jet ski maintenance is mostly taking preventive steps to make sure that you keep having fun. Here are some easy-to-follow tips on how you can take care of your jet ski.

• Rinse your jet ski with fresh water after each use;

• Check the oil level and change the oil regularly.

• Keep the fuel tank full to prevent condensation.

• Store your jet ski in a dry, covered area.

Covering Your Jet Ski

It is essential to keep your jet ski covered in order to protect it from dust, bug, and rock chips , and will keep the paint as good as new for a long time. Whether you have the jet ski parked or plan on towing it, it is highly recommended to cover it with a soft layered cover . You can get your own high-quality custom-made jet ski cover here.

Understanding how long jet ski batteries last will help you track how often you should expect to change the batteries. It is about time that you replace your conventional flooded jet ski batteries with the more practical (albeit a little costlier) AGM batteries. We have explained the process of testing and checking the batteries of your jet ski in detail. Taking care of the batteries is a continuous job and should be done regularly. For many enjoyable and trouble-free rides on the water make sure that you take care of your jet ski methodically. For more information on jet ski maintenance and repair, be sure to check out our other resources.