All you need to know about jet skis this summer

Summer is prime time for jet skis (or personal watercraft, otherwise known as PWCs) in Australia, but before you jump aboard yours ensure you’re well prepared to get the most out of your jet ski experience.

Whether you’re an old salt or even considering a jet ski for the very first time, here at boatsales we’ve got a wealth of essential jet ski information to make buying, owning and selling a jet ski as smooth a process as possible.

Before you even consider buying your first jet ski, do you know the ins and outs of getting your jet ski licence? You won't require a licence in the Northern Territory but you will need a licence everywhere else in Australia. And the process can differ from one state to the next. Check out our article on the licensing requirements for jet skis state by state for all the info.

There are three main brands of jet ski or PWC available in Australia, namely Sea-Doo, Kawasaki and Yamaha. But across those brands are different types of hull, different engine formats and jet skis to suit quite a number of different applications. Do you need a supercharged jet ski? Do you want a jet ski for adrenalin-fueled watersports or for fishing or leisurely exploration? Do you want to take one or two passengers along for the ride? Take a look at Top 10 tips for buying a jet ski and What sort of jet ski should I buy? to answer all these questions and more.

And if you're already sold on picking up a new or used Sea-Doo jet ski, our article Which Sea-Doo jet ski should I buy? covers all the essentials, from the entry-level Sea-Doo Spark and Spark Trixx right up to the full-size models including the Sea-Doo GTX, Fish Pro Sport and Trophy, Explorer Pro and the performance RXT-X. Sea-Doo lays claim to the largest range of jet ski models in Australia, so this article is packed with info to point you in the right direction.

Do you already own a jet ski? How do you safely store it for maximum longevity and practicality? Many marinas offer pontoon storage solutions that safely lift your 'ski high and dry, but dry stacking is all the range in the US, with automated facilties that will drop your ski into the drink at the push of a button. Want to find out more? You’ll find all the info at Should I dry stack my jet ski?

What about the best accessories to help you get the most out of your jet-skiing obsession? Whether you’re cruising, towing or fishing, there are smart ways to enhance your time on the water, with gadgets like bungee cords and fenders for safe and easy docking to pre-made gunnel traction pads, cool boxes and more. Take a look at Top five must-have jet ski accessories for all the guff.

And while you might know exactly what to do when you're behind the 'bars of your jet ski, your passenger may not. Help make the experience as safe and enjoyable as possible by giving inexperienced back-seaters a rundown on the basics. Communication is the key here, as is sensible riding that won't catch your passenger unawares. Check out How to be a good passenger on a jet ski to ensure your passenger keeps coming back for more.

Alternatively, if you find yourself at the other end of the jet ski ownership journey – i.e. selling it – our article How to sell a boat or jet ski on boatsales will steer you in the right direction to see your jet ski off your hands quickly and efficiently, and money in the bank for your next one! From creating your account through to listing your ski's details and taking photos and videos, there's a lot in this article to help you seal that deal.