A personal watercraft (PWC) is the general name for a jet ski, WaveRunner or Sea-Doo. "Jet Ski" is Kawasaki's brand, "WaveRunner" is Yamaha's and "Sea-Doo" is BRP's, but the storage questions are the same for all three. This page covers how much space you need, where to keep it and how to winterize it, using the manufacturers' own pages and BoatUS. Your owner's manual always comes first. Sources were checked on October 25, 2026.
How much space a PWC needs
Start with the watercraft's own dimensions. Here are three popular three-seat models, from each maker's official spec page:
- Yamaha VX Cruiser: 11'0" long, 4' wide, 3'9" high. Yamaha: VX Cruiser specifications
- Sea-Doo GTI 130 (2027): 130.7 in (332 cm) long, 49.2 in (125 cm) wide, 44.9 in (114 cm) high. Sea-Doo: GTI specifications
- Kawasaki Jet Ski STX 160LX-S (2027): 134.6 in long, 46.7 in wide, 45.1 in high. Kawasaki: STX 160LX-S
The trailer usually decides the space you rent, not the watercraft:
- Trailer length rules: Extra Space says the trailer length is the deciding factor, that PWC trailers commonly run from 12 feet to 15+ feet, and that 10x15 and 10x20 units suit them. Double trailers under ten feet wide should fit the same sizes. A four-PWC trailer needs a 10x20, 10x30 or larger. Extra Space: Small vehicle storage
- Its size chart: Extra Space lists a 10x15 for jet skis and other PWC up to 14 feet. Extra Space: Boat storage
- Outdoor parking: Extra Space says most single and double trailers are under 20 feet and fit standard outdoor spaces, while a four-PWC trailer needs a 30- or 40-foot spot. Extra Space: Small vehicle storage
- Measure it yourself: measure the full trailer, tongue included, and the height on the trailer. Extra Space notes most indoor units have eight-foot ceilings. Extra Space: Boat storage
To find places near you, use our storage search or browse a city page.
Indoor, covered or outdoor jet ski storage
- Indoor storage: a garage-like unit, fully enclosed, sometimes climate-controlled. Extra Space: Boat storage
- Covered storage: an outdoor parking spot with a roof, giving partial protection. Extra Space: Boat storage
- Outdoor storage: an uncovered parking spot, usually the cheapest. Extra Space: Boat storage
Yamaha says WaveRunners can be damaged by sun, rain, snow and dust. It recommends storing indoors or under a shelter when possible, and using covers when outdoors is the only option. Yamaha: Maintenance Matters
- Footwell water: Yamaha warns that water pooling in the footwells can damage paint, graphics and mats. On models without footwell drains, store a trailered unit bow up. On models with drains, keep it level with the drain holes clear. Yamaha: Maintenance Matters
- Use a breathable cover: Sea-Doo says to use a breathable, fitted cover and to avoid plastic or non-breathable wraps, which can cause mold. Sea-Doo: How to winterize your PWC
- Skip the tarp: BoatUS says stitched-together tarps tend to shred in the first serious storm. BoatUS: The Boater's Guide to Winterizing (PDF)
Trailer, marina dry rack or lift
- Trailer storage: BoatUS says trailers are adjustable and mobile. Ideally, take the trailer to a gated, secure facility for winter. Otherwise, keep it away from overhanging branches and sloped roofs that can shed ice and snow. It adds that boats in gated or patrolled facilities are much less likely to be stolen. BoatUS: The Boater's Guide to Winterizing (PDF)
- Marina dry rack storage: some marinas keep PWCs on racks and launch them for you. Marina One in Deerfield Beach, Florida, for example, offers dry rack storage for jet skis, WaveRunners and Sea-Doos that includes launch and retrieve, a wash and fuel with each launch. Marina One: Jet ski storage
- BoatUS notes dry racks are built for "typical" hulls. If you doubt a rack supports yours, ask about it, and check the yard's fuel-tank rules. BoatUS: The Boater's Guide to Winterizing (PDF)
- Lift storage: BoatUS calls lifts "the best of both worlds," but says its claim files show lifts do poorly in hurricanes and strong nor'easters. Rain or snow can add enough weight to break a lift. In stormy areas, it says, a trailer is better. On a lift, a cover matters even more, and you still need to winterize because the hull is out in the air. BoatUS: The Boater's Guide to Winterizing (PDF)
How to store a jet ski for winter
Each maker has its own procedure. Sea-Doo's own steps, in order: Sea-Doo: How to winterize your PWC
- Clean and inspect the jet pump intake and impeller.
- Flush the exhaust system with a garden hose for about 90 seconds at idle. Turn the water off before the engine, then blow air (no more than 55 PSI) through the port until no water comes out. Sea-Doo's closed-loop cooling already contains antifreeze.
- Add fuel stabilizer, fill the tank with fresh gas and run the engine briefly.
- Change the engine oil and filter.
- Fog the engine with storage oil.
- Lubricate cables, linkages and exposed metal.
- Remove the battery and keep it on a maintainer.
- Wash, dry and cover the craft, and store it in a dry, ventilated place.
Yamaha adds these points for WaveRunners: Yamaha: Maintenance Matters
- Inspect the bilge for oil or fuel before storage.
- Change the oil and filter before lay-up, not in spring.
- Grease the fittings listed in the owner's manual.
- Have fogging done by a qualified Yamaha technician, because some intake systems are complex.
- Don't wait for the first freeze to call your dealer.
BoatUS gives general guidance for all jet drives: change the oil, oil filter and fuel filter, and stabilize the gas. To clear water, it says you can usually run the engine out of the water for about 30 seconds while turning the steering lock to lock, two or three times. Any longer can overheat the engine. Larger jet drives may need a qualified shop. BoatUS: The Boater's Guide to Winterizing (PDF)
Sea-Doo says to winterize even in warm climates such as Florida or California: stabilize the fuel, fog the engine and disconnect the battery. Sea-Doo: How to winterize your PWC
What jet ski storage costs
Prices vary by place. These are posted figures, checked October 25, 2026:
- Self-storage averages: Extra Space lists average prices of $227 for indoor boat storage, $253 for covered and $110 for outdoor. It says prices are for reference only and can change. Extra Space: Boat storage
- Marina dry rack: Marina One in Deerfield Beach lists PWC dry rack storage at $425 per month, all-inclusive, plus 7% sales tax and an environmental fee. Flushing costs extra, and you supply the cover. Marina One: Jet ski storage
What to ask a storage facility
- Will my trailer fit, tongue included, and how tall is the door?
- Is the space indoor, covered or open?
- Is the lot gated, and what are the access hours?
- For a dry rack: does it fit my hull, and what do launch, wash, flushing and fuel cost?
- Are there fuel-level rules for stored craft?
- Can I take the battery out, or charge it on site?
FAQ
Can you store a jet ski in a storage unit?
Yes. Extra Space lists a 10x15 for jet skis up to 14 feet and says trailer length decides the unit size. Extra Space: Boat storage
Can you store it outside in winter?
Yes, but prep matters more. Extra Space says indoor is preferred where winters are cold. Extra Space: Small vehicle storage Yamaha recommends a cover outdoors and says to bring the battery inside. Yamaha: Maintenance Matters
How much does it cost?
See What jet ski storage costs above. Always confirm current rates with the facility.
How do you store it without a trailer?
A marina dry rack is one option: the marina keeps the craft on a rack and launches it for you, so you don't need a trailer. Marina One: Jet ski storage
Can you store it in the water?
BoatUS says boats kept in the water face more risk of sinking and storm damage, and its claim files suggest storage on land is less likely to lead to damage. BoatUS: The Boater's Guide to Winterizing (PDF)
Can it go on a boat lift?
Yes, but BoatUS warns lifts fare poorly in hurricanes and strong winter storms. It says a trailer is better in those areas. BoatUS: The Boater's Guide to Winterizing (PDF)
How do you keep the battery charged?
Disconnect the negative terminal first, store the battery somewhere cool, dry and ventilated, and keep it on a maintainer. A drained battery can freeze. Sea-Doo: How to winterize your PWC Yamaha suggests checking the charge monthly. Yamaha: Maintenance Matters
What size space does it need?
For one or two PWCs on a trailer, Extra Space suggests a 10x15 or 10x20. Measure your trailer first. Extra Space: Small vehicle storage