me cleaning procust, Jet skis, like any other marine vessel, do require regular cleaning and maintenance to help ensure performance and longevity. Many jet ski owners regularly wax their jet ski, as it has a range of both aesthetic and performance benefits. However, many people are not sure whether or not it is beneficial to wax a jet ski hull, which is the bottom part of the jet ski. In today’s article, I will explain why it is good to wax your jet ski hull and discuss some of the benefits.
Can you wax the hull of a jet ski?
Yes, you can certainly wax the hull of your jet ski. The hull is usually made from the same fiberglass or carbon fiber that the top part of the jet ski is made from, so you can use the same polisher and wax for the hull.
Is it good to wax jet ski hull?
Yes, you should wax the hull of your jet ski, as it will help protect the hull and give it a cleaner look.
Just like other parts of a jet ski, the hull is regularly exposed to the adverse conditions on the water, including UV rays from the sun, debris, mold, oxidation, and salt if you take it out on the ocean.
This can result in wear and tear on the hull, which can lead to fading colors, chips in the paint, rough surfaces, and even damage to the hull itself.
Therefore, it’s important to regularly clean and wax the hull of your jet ski to maintain a polished look and good performance.
The Benefits of Waxing Your Jet Ski Hull
Some benefits of waxing your jet ski hull include increase protection, better shine and appearance, easier cleaning and oxidation prevention.
- Protection Against UV Rays
Over time, exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause the gel coat of your hull to fade and deteriorate. When you apply wax to your jet ski hull, it acts as a protective barrier against the UV rays. This means it will greatly minimize the impacts of the sun’s rays.
- Enhanced Shine and Appearance
One of the main reasons why people wax their jet ski is to give an a greater shine and appearance, and waxing the hull is no different. Waxing the hull of your jet ski will give it a nice glossy finish that will make your jet ski look way newer.
Many people that neglect to wax the hull of their jet ski don’t realize that it can have a noticeable difference. If you only wax the upper part of the jet ski, the hull will stand out if it is left uncleaned and faded. This is very noticeable when you are taking your jet ski in and out of the water.
- Makes cleaning easier
As you probably already know, waxing your jet ski will help create a clean, smooth surface. This will make it easier for you to clean the hull surface in the future, as it will be much easier to remove dirt and grime from the smooth surface. A smooth surface also makes it more difficult for dirt and grim to stick to.
- Preventing Oxidation
Oxidation will affect just about every surface on your jet ski, and your hull is no different. Oxidation causes the surface to become dull and discolored. By applying wax to your jet ski hull, it can act as a protective layer against oxidation and help preserve the hulls natural color.
Does waxing the hull of a jet ski make it faster?
In some respects, waxing the hull of a jet ski does make it faster. However, it can also cause slightly more drag.
How it makes it faster: As mentioned above, waxing the hull of a jet ski will help maintain a clean smooth surface that prevents the build up of dirt and other debris. Because of this, your jet ski will have less drag in the water, which can improve both the speed and fuel efficiency of your jet ski.
How it makes it slower: While it probably won’t make your jet ski noticeably slower, waxing can technically cause more water to lightly stick to the jet ski hull, which can increase a little bit of drag when it is going through the water.
However, a clean, waxed jet ski hull will definitely be faster than an unwaxed jet ski hull that has dirt on it which causes more drag.
Some people have had success increasing the top speed of their sea doo and jet skis by sanding the hull, but I have never tried this. If you have a need for speed, you should check out my article on the fastest jet skis and sea doos.
Tips for Waxing Your Jet Ski Hull
If you decide that you want to wax the hull of your jet ski, here are a couple tips to help ensure that you do it correctly and safely:
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Choose the Right Wax
While it may be tempting to go with the cheapest wax, it’s important that you choose a high quality wax for your hull. Some cheap brands of wax can contain harsh chemicals or abrasives that can cause damage to the surface of your hull. Also, before you purchase a wax, make sure that it is safe for jet skis, and specifically safe for the material that your hull is made out of. Also, make sure to closely follow the instructions that are on the wax, as waxes can have different application methods and dry times.
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Pre-clean
Some people don’t realize that if you don’t clean the surface of your jet ski before waxing it, waxing can actually have an adverse effect. You must clean the jet ski hull to remove any excess dirt or other debris to make the surface as smooth as possible before you apply the wax. You can clean your jet ski hull with a hose, water, and sponge. If you’re in need of some cleaning products, you should check out my guide on the best jet ski cleaning products.
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Make sure jet ski is on a secure surface
Since a big portion of your jet ski’s hull is on the bottom side of the jet ski, you want to ensure that your jet ski is on a secure dolly or jet ski trailer. It is obviously a big safety hazard if your jet ski is not secure, as it may fall on top of you while you are waxing the hull.
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Apply the wax evenly
If your budget allows, I strongly recommend that you purchase an electric buffer polisher to help ensure that the was in applied evenly to the hull. You want to make sure that you put the same amount of wax across the hole surface, or else the wax may cause the surface to become uneven. If you are applying wax with a sponge or rag, make sure to apply it in a circular motion.
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Follow post wax directions
After you apply the wax, you will want to wipe down the surface with a microfiber cloth. Also, make sure you read the instructions on your wax to see if there are any additional required steps.
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Proper storage
If you are putting your jet ski up for the season, make sure you put it in a covered space that is protected from the elements to help ensure that the hull is not damaged in the off season. You can learn more in my article on how to winterize a jet ski.
How often should you wax the hull of your jet ski?
You should wax the hull of your jet ski whenever you are waxing other parts of your jet ski, as this will help maintain a cohesive surface and color for your jet ski.
While it depends on the frequency you use your jet ski, most jet skis should be waxed at the beginning of the season, and then one more time at the end of the season before you put it into storage.
Waxing your jet ski hull
While it will require additional time, you should always make an effort to wax the hull of your jet ski. It will help protect your jet ski hull from the elements, and will help your jet ski maintain a clean, polished look.