Helpful Guides

I always like to say that Queensland is the world capital for jet ski ownership. Every time I see one on the M1/Bruce Highway, I smile. I know they’re off to forget the week that was…and go and have some serious fun!

I recently moved to the Sunshine Coast and had to do a ton of research to find good places to ride. Fortunately for you, it’s so much easier after I created this guide.

Best Jet Ski Riding Areas on the Sunny Coast

We’re really spoilt here to have some of the best places to ride jet skis anywhere in Australia.

As a Queenslander, and even someone who now happens to live on the Sunshine Coast, I’m well-positioned to help you discover where you can go riding on this beautiful spot.

On this site, I’ve written extensively about jet ski ownership and places to go riding. I’ve done all this groundwork for you so you can spend more time out there riding and exploring, or even drop a line in the water.

So much to do and so little time. Let’s begin.

1. Maroochy River

One of my favourite places to explore is Maroochy River where you’ll find about 10km to 20km worth of navigational riding areas. This is of course dependent on the tide and she can get real shallow on a low tide, so look up those charts before you head for the ramp!

There is a 40-knot limit in some places and 25 in others, however the further up you go, the shallower she gets. Therefore, you’ll want to make sure that you’re only travelling as fast as you want to bottom out.

Keep in mind that the sand does shift and the charts aren’t perfectly accurate. Even the multiple channel markers upstream from the Sunshine Coast Motorway bridge aren’t accurate and I’ve touched the sand even when riding in the middle.

2. Noosa River / Lake Cootharaba

After a trip or two, you’ll probably get bored of the Maroochy River. Sure – it’s great and uber convenient, but Noosa is the next best spot. Actually, you’ll find it the best spot if you live north of Mudjimba anyway.

There are numerous boat ramps here to launch though they get busy on weekends due to the Brisbanites coming up, so get in before 8am. There are also lots of tourists boat out there on the water in the Tewantin area so be mindful, and I’d aim to ride an hour on either side of high tide.

Look out for those channel markers and speed limits too. The water police do patrol this area quite often looking for anyone they can ticket on the spot. You can then ride up to Inskip Point on a calm day.

Update: It appears that jet ski riding west of the yacht club isn’t legally permitted anymore. See update here from the Noosa Council: https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/downloads/file/1406/noosa-river-marine-zone

Essentially, riding jet skis in Lake Cootharaba, Lake Weyba and Lake Cooroiba is off the cards.

3. South of Caloundra

The last on my list is perhaps one of the best. Drop your ski in the water at Golden Beach or Pelican Waters and you’ll have much more to explore. This is the northern tip of Bribie Island so you’ll be protected from the ocean swell unless you head out into the ocean…then you’ll be contending with container ships!

There are quite a few uninhabited islands here worth exploring if you’re keen for a break, otherwise, you’ve got a lot more space than say Maroochy or Noosa. I can’t recall what the speed limits are here on jet skis but I think it’s 40-knots.

You can actually get right down to the bridge that connects Bribie Island to the mainland and even stop for some lunch at one of the numerous spots there including the famous Sandstone Point Hotel. In short, don’t leave the wallet at home!

Places You Shouldn’t Ride

I thought I’d list some of the spots where you wouldn’t necessarily ride. I mean – you can ride there as people do, but you won’t be able to have much fun as the speed limits are often 6 knots.

1. Mooloolaba River and the canals. While you’ll find numerous canal homes with jet skis on pontoons, the owners don’t necessarily ride in the river. Instead, they’re riding in one of these spots on weekends and simply storing their toys…though maybe not the safest option.
2. Birtinya Canals. Some story with Mooloolaba though the waterways here are a bit dirtier and well…full of bull sharks. Good for an hour of two worth of slow-speed exploring but not much else.

Extra Spots to Consider

If you’re a local and keen for a bit of an adventure, then I’d tow the ski up to Tin Can Bay, Rainbow Beach or even Inskip Point. This way you’ll be able to explore the entire Great Sandy Strait region on a jet ski which is much deeper than the Sunshine Coast rivers. No need to worry about the tides here!

While some guys do tow their jet skis on to Fraser Island, I wouldn’t really recommend it. There are no official boat ramps on Fraser Island either but some guys do beach launches though this can be sketchy for the novice riders amongst us.

Lastly – if you’re up for it – then consider a trip to Brisbane and explore Moreton Bay, or even the Gold Coast. Plenty of spots to explore and you’ll probably want to bring some extra fuel for the PWC. You can actually reach Tangalooma Island Resort from Golden Beach and Caloundra but take the western passage inside of Bribie Island to avoid the waves and the big ships coming out of the Port of Brisbane.

For freshwater, it’s hard to go past Lake Wivenhoe. Perfect for a daytrip but again…get there early!

Have I missed anything? Let me know as I’m keen to make this the go-to guide for Sunshine Coast locals to help make more places accessible.

Have you ever wondered if you can store a full size sit down jet ski on a boat? Well, there are some things to really consider here.

Generally speaking, you can store a jet ski on a boat which is at least 40 feet long and has a davit to haul up the jet ski, or a rear tender garage for storage. However, the additional weight at the rear of the boat will impact the performance of the mother vessel, so I recommend storing recreational jet skis on boats which are 60′ feet or longer.

Some superyachts have extensive garages that can store multiple jet skis, but for the typical owner, this is well beyond their means. Often the boat isn’t designed for an additional 800-pounds at the rear.

In this guide, I’ll be talking about some of the real challenges and nuances that come with jet ski storage on boats.

Bringing Jet Skis On Boats

It’s not so clear-cut as to whether you’re able to bring a jet ski with you on the boat. A fishing vessel, for example, probably won’t have the storage space anywhere for a PWC despite having a davit (a crane used for lifting things out of the water) on board.

However, there are certain cruisers designed for bringing additional toys out there on the waterways. They’ll either have additional rear deck storage or a tender garage which can fit a full-sized jet ski. However, the tender will need to be stored elsewhere or towed behind the cruiser while underway.

This is prefered than towing the jet ski itself. Given the tender is often much lighter, and indeed much less expensive too, it’s just better all-round. You’ll get better mileage and higher cruising knots than if you were towing the ski.

What some people do – especially in calmer areas like the Florida Keys or Queensland coastlines, is actually have a member of their travel party ride the jet ski. This is a lot of fun and you can use the main cruiser vessel to create a wave bow which is a lot of fun for jet ski jumping!

Things To Consider

Before you think about getting out there and buying a jet ski to take along with your crusing adventures, there are some things to remember.

1. Do you need to really bring a jet ski? Some places aren’t so desirable to ride in.
2. What will you store your jet ski on? Well, I’ve actually written a guide about jet ski stands which is helpful. You’ll need to make one of these custom for your boat.
3. Can you hire one when you get there instead? The best jet ski riding areas actually have places where you can hire one, however admittedly, these are underpowered and designed for beginner riders.
4. The additional weight impacts your boat’s performance. Chances are that you’ll add in 300kg/1,000lbs extra (likely more) of weight that your boat will have to handle. This changes the way in which it planes across the water and your gas consumption will climb. It’s best to count this weight as an additional 4 passengers as a safety precaution.
5. You’ll need to store additional gas. While your boat may run on diesel, jet skis run on ordinary gas/petrol so you’ll need some gas cans to bring for riding in more remote locations.
6. You may not be able to bring a tender. If your jet ski is taking up additional space on the boat, then you may not have space for a tender. This makes it tough when you’re doing island hopping as your entire travel party will have to go 1 or 2 at a time.
7. You might have to install a davit. Any good marine davit is going to cost a few thousand dollars and does need strong mounting points plus electrical wiring, while taking up additional room on the deck of your boat. This wouldn’t really apply if you have a rear tender garage with winch.

Another thing to consider is that if you do cross countries, then you’ll need to ensure the jet ski is registered and that you have a licence. It will need to go through the same formalities as your main vessel and tender.

In Summary

Bringing a jet ski along for your next multi-day adventure out there on your boat is a great idea. However, it does bring with it some additional headaches.

I’d recommend that you actually bring the jet ski seperately when you’re transitioning between islands or anchorages. This means that someone has all the fun of riding and without the stress of trying to store the ski somewhere on the boat.

Above all else – have some fun out there!

Have you ever wondered if you should be refuelling with premium fuel or just normal fuel? Well, after spending several hours through looking the responses inside a large jet ski riding community, I was able to draw some findings which didn’t surprise me that much.

It’s best for the longevity and performance of a jet ski engine to be running on premium fuels such as 95 and 98 octanes. Yamaha, SeaDoo and Kawasaki have all designed their jet skis as performance-orientated machines. Further still, their user manuals often clearly state the requirements for premium fuels to keep their warranty valid.

As I recently found out, the overwhelming majority of jet ski owners do stay away from 91 octane and below.

Choosing The Right Fuel for the Tank

Certainly, the first time you go to fuel up your jet ski at the gas station, you’ll be wondering what you should do. You might be sold on the idea of premium fuel, but unsure if you should choose 95 of 98.

Truth be told that both are excellent, but 98 is certainly a better choice. Yes, your jet ski doesn’t NEED it but it will run cleaner with it with a potential increase on performance in both acceleration and top speed, though such improvements will be barely noticeable.

Not only is choosing to go with premium fuel options important for cleaner burning and performance, but it can stop your jet ski from premature engine failure. The lifecycle of PWCs is sadly quite short (100 hours is considered ‘rich’) and this is due to the constant aggressiveness of the engine.

It’s not just the main fuel tank but any auxiliary fuel you’re carrying too that should be premium.

Is The Gas Station Brand Important?

Well, that depends on how much you value your jet ski. I generally stay away from the no-name gas stations around me as I’ll never be too sure where they get their petrol from.

In other words, I don’t go for the cheapest price in town. As it costs a lot of money to buy a jet ski outright, it can also cost a lot to repair or replaced a seized engine.

This is why I’ll go with trusted brands like BP, Shell and Mobil as it’s unlikely that I’ll get a bad batch of gas in my tank. That said – I know of some people that this *has* happened to recently which was worrying when you’re 5 nautical miles offshore.

What Happens If I Run 91 Octane?

To be honest, I’m not sure as I’m not excited enough to try this out. 91 Octane might be alright for the rental businesses as their riders generally aren’t hitting the redline, but not ideal for jet ski owners.

I imagine the engine would have a slightly harder time getting up to speed and would somewhat run a little weird. You might even hear this when you’re idling at the dock or boat ramp.

While your jet ski won’t blow up in the first hour of running 91 octane, prolonged use could cause a premature retirement for your machine. I’d take it if that’s all which is available, but remember that you could be voiding your warranty by using lower grade fuels.

In Summary

For the few extra cents that it costs, you get the peace of mind that you’re looking after your engine. The last thing you want is your engine to be running strangely as it’s a sure-fire way to spoil your day out there on the water!

Just about everyone runs premium.

Have you ever wondered whether it’s best for you to ride your jet ski in the saltwater, or retreat to staying in lakes and rivers?

Well, there are numerous factors that come into play here.

In most cases, jet skis are best ridden in freshwater environments for beginners and those without the physical ability to handle small waves and swell. Riding a jet ski in the open ocean is best tackled by more experienced riders with larger, performance-orientated watercraft.

In this guide, I’ll go a little deeper on this topic to help you get the most of where you are today in this journey of PWC ownership.

Let’s begin.

Jet Skis: Freshwater vs Saltwater

One of the key reasons why I often recommend freshwater riding over salt water riding isn’t just the fact that the surface is significantly flatter, and you’re less likely to get stranded, it’s actually for longevity. Salt water is quite corrosive even to modern-day jet skis. This is why their engine hours are quite short (100 to 200 hours) because that salt really finds its way into your engine bay.

So if you’re new to jet ski riding and you have a limited budget, then I’d try to stick to freshwater environments as much as possible. Sure – you’ll still have to wash out your engine but it’ll be a brief wash without the need for products such as Saltaway.

Now, let’s look into other reasons why you’d want to avoid the ocean on your PWC, at least for now.

Easier to Get Help

When you’re starting out as a beginner with a jet ski, there is a sense of nervousness towards the day ahead. You’ll check that drain plug 3 times and hope that no one’s paying attention to you as you unload at the boat ramp.

If you do get stuck out there in the waterways, then it’s far easier to get some assistance in freshwater environments than salt water. You won’t have tide or current, though in a river system you may drift slowly downstream but it’s nothing like the open ocean.

Waterside Camping

One of the most wonderful things about jet ski ownership is the camping ability. You can pull up at one of the hundreds of river-side camping areas around the country and stay for a few nights and really enjoy some time away.

It’s hard to beach a jet ski in saltwater and leave it parked up overnight securely. It’s not just theft that you have to worry about either, since the tidal movements could see your jet ski beached or in deep water and dragging anchor. This also brings us to the next point…

Towing Tubes and Skiers

I’d always get a fear of towing tubes in saltwater and my passengers being attacked by a shark or crocodile if they fall off while the jet ski circles around. This is a key reason why freshwater is so much better. It’s not just this as well, since the swell/chop is much less meaning they’re less likely to fall off.

You’ll also find that freshwater is slightly less corrosive to metals and plastics. If you’re seeking to get more than one season from your gear, then aim for the nearby lake or river.

Less Weather Influence

As I partially just mentioned, you won’t be so impacted by the swell and small waves in freshwater environments. Even if you get a thunderstorm rolling through, you’ll be able to get some shelter pretty easily. Let’s not forget sun protection! When you’re out there in the middle of the day, having a break under a shady tree is the perfect escape.

In Summary

Yeah…I’m biased but I also like to enjoy my days out there on the waterways and not have salt water coming out of my nostrils that evening. Plus I want my PWC to retain its value and really be able to get the most hours out of my investment.

So it’s freshwater for me (most of the time…).

Stay safe and I’ll catch you out there!

It’s a scary thought when your jet ski won’t start and you’re worried about the expensive repair bill at the dealership, or the thought of being stranded.

Through this guide, I’ll be helping you diagnose the core problems with jet skis that don’t turn on when you hit the start button. Essentially, most of the problems you’ll encounter are actually quick fixes.

Editor’s Note: Avoid messing around with your starting system and battery unit unless you have electrical knowledge. These carry high volts and may cause injury or death for the individual who lacks knowledge and expertise. If in doubt, always use a licence personal watercraft dealership for repairs, servicing and diagnostics.

Reasons Why Jet Ski Won’t Start

In most instances, it’s the battery that is causing the problems with your jet ski not starting up.

Let’s unpack all the common faults for Yamaha, Sea-Doo and Kawasaki here:

1. Weak or Bad Battery

Batteries on jet skis are designed to last 2 to 3 years in normal conditions. If you use your jet ski more frequently (say every weekend) then their lifecycle reduces especially as they have mild exposure to salt water despite being tucked away in the engine bay.

You can now buy batteries online and they ship really fast. Check out these batteries for instance. I actually recommend ordering one as a spare so you can quickly change it out even if your current battery is good.

2. Jet Ski Has Sucked Up Something

Check the rear end of your jet ski to see if it has sucked up something like a rope, stick, rocks, plastic bags or even a sea creature. True! I’ve found several jet skiers who have sucked up little fish into their intakes.

To prevent your jet ski from sucking up debris, don’t run it so close to shore. Essentially you’ll want momentum and turn off the engine when you’re in less than 1 meter of water before reaching the sand.

3. Bad Starter Relay

Your starter relay could be shot through. Unfortunately, the easiest way to handle this is to take it into the dealership. If you’re under warranty, then your warranty could be voided if you choose to take on the work yourself even if it’s a quick part replacement.

4. Broken Button

The button used to start your jet ski could actually be faulty. This isn’t common but I’ve seen it before. If you’ve got a new battery installed and the relay looks fine, then the culprit could be the $3 button that the manufacturer installs in the factory which isn’t engaging.

5. Bad Alternator

Your alternator may not be charging the battery when you’re riding. It’s a total disaster when you reach a beach and go for a ride, only to try and start up later and there’s no life left. That’s going to be an embarrassing call to the coast guard and my recommendation is to pack a spare solar battery charger just in case. These are very affordable and pack easily into the front storage locker.

6. Blown Fuses

Have you checked your fuses? This often can be a fault of multiple other issues too. One quick check of that fuse panel and you may find other issues. Also, check the starter motor solenoid.

In some models, there is more than one fuse box so don’t assume you’re seeing every single fuse there. Consult your owners manual for the full low-down and you can find these online.

7. You Copied The Key

When getting a new set of jet ski keys, you actually can’t have the key copied by a locksmith. It has to be done by an authorised dealership and many beginners make this mistake.

Go and get your original key and throw the ‘copy key’ in the trash as it’s useless. Modern-day jet ski keys have special codes designed to prevent theft which is matched up to the jet ski and only dealerships can assign new ones.

8. Faulty Fuel Injectors

Another less obvious problem is the fuel injectors. If your jet ski has sat idle for years then this is a common issue. It’s not that expensive actually to replace the fuel injectors.

If you’re using an older jet ski which hasn’t been started for several years, then consider some fuel treatment concentrate. This can cure ethanol problems within the engine bay.

9. Fuel Pump Issues

How old is the fuel you’re running? Is the fuel pump in good working order? You can’t start a jet ski without a solid fuel pump as well as hoses which are primed properly.

With this you’ll want to check the pump, its hoses and the fuse. And…I’m sorry to mention this one…but is there fuel in the tank? Have you physically looked inside the fuel tank?

10. Bad Spark Plugs

Bad spark plugs are common in cars just as they are in jet skis. These are super cheap to replace and you can find brand new spark plugs available right on Amazon. These take a few days to ship so I recommend dropping into your local automotive store who typically has spark plugs capable for jet skis.

11. The Jet Ski is Hydrolocked

Have you already tried flushing out your jet ski the wrong way? This is a common mistake. I’ve written a guide here on how to properly flush it out. A hydro-lock in a jet ski means that water can’t escape internally and you’re stuck (as is the engine) and you really need a dealership to rectify this. This applies to Sea-Doo, Yamaha and Kawasaki.

12. Technical PWC Faults

Jet skis today have multiple computer systems on board. As a result, there are technical issues that are beyond the scope of the average rider to be diagnosed. Again – another reason why the dealership is the best idea as they have the experience and the systems to hook it up and check out your jet ski error codes.

More Assistance

If you need more assistance, you can leave your question below and I’ll do my best to help you out. Firstly, however, use this list and tick off each one as you go.

If you call the dealership, then their #1 advice will be to bring it in for diagnostics. How much will this cost? Anywhere from $150 to $700+.

For that reason, see how you go tinkering along yourself but remember the risks associated with batteries. Leave that for the experts!