Every Jet Ski lover knows the thrilling experience of getting out on the water. Summer just isn’t complete without a visit to the lake. However, several people don’t realize that they need to regularly change the batteries on their PWC.
Just as with motorcycle and car batteries, Jet Ski batteries also need to be replaced once in a while. Purchasing a new one may look like an easy task, but with a wide range and extensive PWC batteries market nowadays, it can be challenging to find the ideal battery that is reliable.
The best jet ski batteries are:
- Deka Power Sports ETX16L (2-stroke engine)
- Chrome Battery YTX-30L (4-stroke engine)
- Deka Power Sports ETX20L (Sea-Doo)
Jet Ski Batteries for 2-stroke and 4–stroke Engines
An ETX16L is the “2-stroke” battery and is found in almost all 2-stroke Jet Skis. It’s more rectangular in shape and smaller than the 4-stroke battery. I should also point out that some 4-stroke Yamaha and Kawasaki models use this “2-stroke” battery.
Fits most 2-stroke jet ski engines, make sure you check compatibility with your particular PWC model .
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The battery of choice for 4-stroke engines is the bigger YTX30L. This battery has a more square shape than the 2-stroke battery and is heavier too. It’s mostly used in newer Jet Skis and has more power.
Uses AGM technology for a resilient, durable, safer battery.
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Another important point you should note is that these batteries cannot be interchanged even though they are both 12-volt. They are made specifically for different types of engines.
Batteries for Sea-Doo PWC
You probably need the ETX20L if you have a Sea-Doo Spark (2014 and later) or any other Sea-Doo model after 2016. Otherwise, you’re going to want to look for a general 2-stroke battery or 4–stroke battery, depending on which size engine your PWC has.
Sealed, Maintenance-Free, Leakproof/Spillproof. Ships fully charged and ready to use
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Battery Maintenance Tips
You can always do simple things that will increase the longevity of water sport batteries like:
- Keeping it charged. Allowing the battery to completely drain can reduce its ability to hold a charge. Your Jet Ski battery goes bad quicker than car batteries mainly because you rarely use your Jet Ski.
- Minimum use of your Jet Ski can cause the battery plates to sulfate so much Jet Ski will struggle to start leading to a new battery. To counteract this you need a solid battery charger or desulfator which will help prolong the battery life.
- Checking cable connections should be done on a regular basis to make sure everything is clean and tightened properly. Not taking good care of your battery can reduce its lifespan and cause corrosion.
Finding the best PWC Battery
It all depends on your choice since some people are comfortable using a lawnmower battery while others prefer the standard marine battery.
The best Jet Ski batteries are the AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) or sealed batteries since they are durable and last longer than the regular lead-acid batteries. This battery doesn’t require any maintenance and is ideal for watercraft because it can resist vibrations or other tough effects.
Moreover, try not to spend too much energy thinking about minor details like CCA ( Cold Cranking Amp) and other characteristics on batteries.
Companies always come up with new selling points that don’t add value. Go for anything above 100 CCA. It’s also okay to go higher if that’s your preference. People mostly prefer 100-350 but again it depends on an individual’s choice.
What do Jet Ski batteries cost?
The best battery for a Jet Ski should cost you $50-$250 depending on their specifications and make. Anything above this is overpriced and anything below this price is of poor quality. Always make sure to choose a good quality battery, even if it costs more. Cheap ones may end up being expensive in the long run.
You are now armed with enough information on the factors to consider for a Jet Ski battery.
But do you know the size to look for?
Types of PWC battery
There are not many varieties in types of Jet Ski batteries. There are batteries made for 4-stroke engines and those that work well for 2-stroke engines.
The differences between 2-Stroke and 4-Stroke engines:
4-Stroke engines are heavy and weigh about 50% more than 2-stroke engines. A four-stroke creates a higher torque at lower RPMs, while a two-stroke creates more torque at higher RPMs.
Another difference is that two-stroke has a chamber for adding oil and fuel to be premixed while a four-stroke jet ski engine needs oil to be changed.
Your Jet Ski is most likely to be a 4-stroke if it was made after 2007.
A four-stroke is also more efficient and quieter. However, two strokes are easy to fix and have a simple design.
How to change your Jet Ski battery
Changing the battery on your PWC is as simple as:
- Remove the Old Battery
- Prepare a solution of a 50-50 ratio of baking powder and water to neutralize the corrosive effect of battery acid.
- Put on protective gear to safeguard your skin and eyes. Latex gloves can provide the dexterity that you need while protecting your hands.
- Locate and open the compartment and access your batteries.
- Disconnect the earth connector which is the black terminal with the negative sign. This will eliminate the risk of an electric short in the system.
- Next, remove the clamp from the red terminal with a plus sign.
- Finally, properly dispose of the old batteries.
- Clean the terminal clamps with a wire bristle brush and replace any clamps and cable that are broken, damaged, cracked or frayed.
- Install the new device in the compartment, and coat the clamps with white lithium grease to repel water and prevent rust.
- Connect the cables in the reverse order that you removed them from the previous device.
- Attach the red clamp and then black ones.
- Secure any newly installed batteries in place and use a charger designed to perform deep cycle charges.
- When the new unit is fully charged, disconnect the charger and close the battery compartment.
