Seasonal Maintenance for your Sea-Doo Spark

It's the first day of Spring and that means that it will be time to get back out on the water very soon. Some of you southerners may even be out on the water already. I put together this list of tips that lets you know about some of the things that you should do for seasonal maintenance before taking out your Spark again. Feel free to add to this thread with your own advice and instructions too.

Owner Prep

The biggest advice that I can give is to check your owner's manual. Here I have included a link to the online owner's manual for everyone to have quick access to.

Owner's manual

You can find out where corrosion protection is on your watercraft. This little piece of zinc prevents galvanic corrosion (rust). Replacing it is as easy as taking out a screw and then screwing a new piece of zinc into place. Any zinc that is half worn should be replaced.

You can also tighten bolts on any add-on equipment, like wakeboarding poles. Check the fuel tank hold-down straps and also fill up your gas tank.

Electric Systems

At home you can test your lights and horn. Silly as it sounds, this can be a good way to find if there is a much bigger problem going on. A mechanic will test things like your electric starting, electronic engine management system, inspection of wiring and alternator, and a battery test.

Fuel System

To check the fuel system start by checking the condition of the fuel tank's cap and filler neck. This includes a check of the tank's condition , an inspection of the fuel lines and the fuel line connection at both the tank end and the carburettor. You should also check the fuel system for any leaks. Make sure fuel isn't leaking into the bilge.

Mechanical Systems

This can be the most intensive part of your seasonal maintenance. You should inspect and adjust the steering system and the off-power assisted steering system. An inspection of the gearshift and the shifter cable is also on the to-do list. The coolant level, coolant hoses and their connection should all be inspected too. This includes a complete propulsion system, an inspection of the exhaust system intercooler hose and fasteners. Finally, check your spark plugs.

Miscellaneous

Check your oil tank for leaks and make sure that the motor oil level is within its limits. Also check the condition and fit of the bilge drain plug.