Complete Guide To Jet Ski Hull - Hiseadock

A Complete Guide to Jet Ski Hull

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The Hull of a jet ski is a watertight shell on which the machine is built. A top deck covers the shell of a jet ski. Hulls are generally made of polytechnic, SOC, fiberglass, carbon fiber, and other materials. 

In this article, you will know everything that you need to know about jet ski hulls- the types of hulls used in a jet ski, parts of the hull, materials used to make hulls, planning of the jet ski hull, and much more- so make sure you read the article till the end. While buying a jet ski hull, also make sure to buy a dock for your jet skii from a reputed floating dock manufacturer. Before moving on to anything else, let us first understand what exactly a jet ski hull is.

jet ski on a floating dock
Source: Hiseadock

What Is A Jet Ski Hull?

A jet ski hull is that part of the vehicle that goes in the water. It looks like a vast bowl. A top deck covers the hull. The hull and the top deck are sealed together, which makes the body watertight. The hull can be open at the top of it can be fully or even partially closed with a deck. There might be a deckhouse on the top of the deck, especially in the case of boats and ships. The line where the hull comes in contact with the water is known as the waterline. Before hitting the water, you must know the jet ski tricks for beginners and tips

Now that we know what a jet ski hull is, let us know several types of hull you will find these days.

red jet ski
Source: Hiseadock

Types of Hull

There are several types of hulls designed for several uses. The shape of the hull depends on the requirements of the design. The hull’s shape is chosen while keeping in mind the hydrostatic conditions, costs, hydrodynamics, and other special considerations. Now we will discuss each type of hull in detail below:

  • Flat bottomed hull: Boats that have flat bottomed hulls are generally very stable. They are especially great for fishing. A flat bottomed hull is usually used in small and calm water bodies.
  • Round bottomed: Another kind of hull is the round bottom hulls. These are designed to sail smoothly with minimum effort. However, this hull comes with a drawback; it is less stable and can quickly capsize. Therefore one has to be careful while entering and exiting from the boat. 
  • Multi-hulled: The next is multi-hulled boats. Multi-hulled boats are considered the most stable while sailing. However, they require more space to turn and steer. 
  • V-shaped hull: This is one of the most common types of hulls used. These hulls have a deep V design which provides much smoother rides. Boats with v-shaped hulls generally have larger engines.

These were some of the most common types of hulls differentiated from each other based on their shape. There are different types of hulls as well, such as the displacement and planing hull, semi-displacement or semi-planing hulls, rigid chined and chined hulls, and smooth curved hulls. We suggest you first walk on the floating bridge before riding your jet ski. 

Hull Used in Jet Skis

Jet skis use a V-shaped hull, which is also used in powerboats. A V-shaped hull has a pointed front, and it flattens towards the rear side. Due to the “planning” design of the hull, the jet skies can quickly rise from the water, and it can also easily plane on it. 

As a result, the speed increases, and the ride becomes much smoother. One of the most significant advantages of this type of shape in a hull is that it can easily cut through small waves. Make sure to check the frequently asked questions related to jet ski hulls. 

The deep V shape of the hull makes it easy to cut the chop. Besides that, it sits deep inside the water, and it also has a larger surface. These features result in resistance and thus make it challenging to rise from the water. This is why jet skis with a V-shaped hull are a bit slower and need a powerful engine.

They also burn more gas. However, these are perfect for riding on rough waters. They are very predictable, stable, and are much smoother. Jets with shallow V hulls can quickly come out of water. However, they are more challenging to handle on rough waters. 

Planning jet ski hull

You might have heard of the term ‘planning jet ski hull’, but what does it mean? When a jet ski is moving at a low speed or lying completely idle, it sits in the water. However, once the speed starts rising, the hull starts rising from the water. After the jet ski reaches a particular speed known as the planning speed, the hull then starts sailing on top of the water. Therefore planning speed is the speed at which the hull starts floating on the water. With the right jet ski hull, you can even try your hands at cage fish farming.

Parts of a Jet Ski Hull

Jet ski hull has many parts, and we will discuss each one of them below:

  • Pad: It is a flat part on the rear side of the bottom of the hull. The kneel (another part of the hull) turns into a flat area as it moves towards the rear of the hull. The pad reduces the water drag.
  • Kneel: It is also known as the centreline or spine of the hull. The deeper the V shape of the hull, the lower the kneel will cut the water.
  • Chine: It is that part of the hull where the side of the jet and bottom meets. More complex and sharper chile would result in aggressive turns as it will provide more traction at high speeds. Softer Chinese will make sure that the jet leans quickly in case of sharp turns.
  • Additions: Several types of equipment can be added to the jet ski hull, such as bow eyes, sponsons, splash deflectors, reboarding steps, and much more. Generally, the HIN ( Hull Identification Number) of the jet ski is fixed on its hull. 
  • Strakes: These are used to lift the hull out of the water. 

These were some parts of the hull that enhanced its functionality and overall performance of the boat. Check out custom waterfront solutions for more information. 

What are Jet ski Hulls Made Of?

jet skis on a floating dock
Source: Hiseadock

Earlier hulls were exclusively made of fiberglass; however, hulls can be made of many different materials today. Here are some of the common materials used in the production process:

  • SMC (Sheet Molding Compound)

SMC or Sheet Molding Compound is one of the most common materials used for making jet ski hulls. It is a glass fiber reinforced polyester material that can be easily molded. These are manufactured in a high-pressure process and closed mold. Glass fiber or carbon fiber is generally used to provide stiffness and strength to the material.

  • Fiber-reinforced plastic or FRP

This has become a prevalent material for making hulls these days. It is known to be one of the best materials for hulls because of its speedy, durable, water-tight, corrosion-free, and robust features.

When talking about sustainability, FRP is 100% recyclable and has zero adverse effect on marine life. Apart from the hull, FRP is also used to make other parts of boats, thanks to its beautiful features.

  • Nanoscale

The nanoscale is an ultra-light material. The material is born because of the unique technologies of Yamaha. Nanoscale has been further improved, and new material, nanoscale 2, has been introduced to the world. Nanoscale 2 is 18% lighter as compared to the nanoscale. Both these materials are durable, rigid, and light making them the perfect material for hull making.

  • Fiberglass

Fiberglass has been used as a hull material for a long time. It has many advantages over other traditional materials like wood. One of the biggest reasons why fiberglass was used is because it is a relatively cheaper material. Besides that, the material is strong, durable, lightweight, and it doesn’t require any waterproofing. All of these features make fiberglass one of the best materials for making hulls.

  • Carbon fiber

It is a polymer and is also called by the name of graphite fiber. It is a very durable and lightweight material, perfect for making hulls. Carbon fiber is known to be five times stronger than steel despite being much lighter than steel. Carbon fiber is high in stiffness, has high chemical resistance, and is temperature tolerant, making it one of the most common materials used in the manufacturing industry. Carbon fiber is generally used in racing jet skies.

  • Aluminum

Aluminum is not used much now for making hulls. It is, however, used in some of the DIYs only. It is lightweight as compared to steel. It is also a very sturdy and durable material. It is easy to work with the material, and its properties like corrosion and chemical resistance make it ideal for hull making.

These were some of the materials used for making hulls these days. Generally, a lightweight, strong, durable, watertight, corrosion and chemical resistant material is preferred for making hulls.

A jet ski is way more than just enjoying the water. Ideally, it is a lifestyle. Consequently, after you have made a significant investment in creating that lifestyle, a significant downer occurs when you discover a scratch in your hull. However, there is good news! As long as you know the proper steps, you can repair your jet ski quickly! Below, we have noted essential jet ski hull scratch repair tips that can help you get started quickly. Let’s look into it. 

Jet Ski Hull Scratches 

Well, before heading over to the jet ski, let us first talk about the hull. Ideally, jet ski hulls are made of fiberglass. After working out in the RV, automobile, and the like, you must be familiar with the material. Although fiberglass is a strong, robust, and durable material, individuals who have repaired it will understand that it requires a lot of finesse when removing scratches. 

Additionally, it is even vital to understand the gel coat on your hull. This layer is quite complex and is made of resin. It is placed on the exterior of fiberglass that seals the Hull with an excellent finish. Sometimes, scratch level repairs need you to work with this gel coat and analyze why undergoing a few repairs like sanding can destroy the gel coat that requires nothing but replacement. You can also consider buying a floating dock for safety purposes. 

The Steps To Repairing A Jet Ski Hull Scratch

Now that you are aware of what you are dealing with, it’s time to know the best practices for getting a scratch out of your jet ski. In addition to the below points, we recommend you invest in a gel coat repair kit for your jet ski. 

  • Diagnose the depth of the problem: In hull-changing dings, you may need to reach out to a professional for extended labor-intensive repairs. 
  • Clean: Clean the entire area of the debris. Even if you think that your jet ski is not dirty, it might not be the same. You will always want to wipe out the debris from scratch that is harder to see. The key to offering your jet ski a smooth and seamless finish is to be transparent and thorough with every step. 
  • Sand down the entire area: This will wipe off the gel coat. Hence, be aware of what you are doing. You will need gel coat repair to touch up the area once you are done. Again, bear in mind that the key here is to maintain a smooth consistency. Replace the gel coat as per the instructions of your individual gel coat repair kit. Make sure to use a kayak dock before climbing on your jet ski. 

Buying A New Jet Ski

If you are planning to buy a new watercraft, it is best to buy one from a well-reputed dealer as they can provide the proper guidance and documentation like, 

  • Keys
  • A warranty
  • The owner’s manual
  • Datatag registration number
  • Lanyard or kill cord (key connected to a cord used to stop the engine if the rider falls off)

Buying A Used Jet Ski

Buying a used PWC can be a money saver and cost-effective. However, riders must always be cautious and look for all the potential issues before purchasing any used jet ski. Below we have listed a few things to consider while buying a used jet ski. 

  • Ensure that the Jetski is registered: Start by ensuring that PWC has been appropriately recorded. This is because most states call out watercraft with titles. Check for the Hull Identification Number (HIN) and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the Hull to ensure they match with the numbers on the title. 
  • Check For Rust On The Hull: Check for the nuts and bolts on the motor for checking the indications of corrosion. Rust denotes that there could be zero maintenance by the previous owner and hence could be damaged. 
  • Search for wiring issues: There should not be any loose wires that hang out of the PWC. Each of the terminals must be secured because loose wires can easily corrode while being wet. Electrical equipment has a restricted life span in a marine environment, and corrosion in connections can cause trouble. 
  • Look For Water Leak Signs: Make sure you look for signs of water leak at the head, hoses, and exhaust inside the hull. If possible, take your PWC for a test ride. This is because you can easily spot potential water leaks in the hull. Leaks can denote that hoses are cracked, loose, seals, or the fittings are in poor condition. You might also face some problems while using the plastic docks. Make sure to check out some plastic floating docks problems and their quick fixes before you use it. 
  • Keep the low hours in mind: Spotting a PWC with low hours and easy usage is perfect as low hours generally indicate a lower age. While new watercraft usually have hour meters, the older models may not have such. Hence, ensure inquiring about the hours of PWC that you consider. 
  • Inspect the intake impeller and grate: Scrutinize both of these areas. This is because sand or rocks that travel through the intake and out of the impeller can cause high damage leading to expensive repairing costs. 
  • Test the handlebars and throttle: Test both to make sure that they operate seamlessly and smoothly. Ensure that you know how to ride a Jetski safely before bringing it out for a test ride. 

While it is vital to view a PWC before purchasing, there is so much you can see by a strict visual inspection. If possible, try reaching out to a professional mechanic who will perform a precise and thorough inspection to ensure you make a satisfactory and informed purchase. 

Now, whether you are buying a new jet ski or purchasing a secondhand ski, knowing the potential problems and how to fix them is essential. This way, you save a considerable amount of time and money for yourself, thus refraining from visiting a clinic or something. Here, we have listed a few common issues with jet skis and how to solve them with DIY. 

The Way To Repair Your Jet Ski Yourself 

To prevent extensive damage, make sure that you carry each of these following tools in hand inside the front storage compartment of your jet ski to fight at crucial times. You will need, 

  • Screwdriver
  • Sharp lengthy knife
  • Tow rope and shackle
  • 3/8 Drive socket set
  • Anchor and rope
  • Shifter or wrench
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Torch
  • 40cm long metal bending rod
  • Suaoki Pocket Jump Starter
  • Water and spare life jacket.

Generally, many riders commit this mistake. They think it is okay to ride across a ski rope as they don’t have an exposed propeller. However, this is entirely wrong and hence can lead to massive damage to your entire PWC. Make sure to buy a floating deck from the best floating dock manufacturer.

The intake grate to the jet ski was created to ingest vast amounts of water. This holds the capability to suck in a rope besides other foreign material. Consequently, the rope starts getting wrapped around the jet pump shaft until it stalls the motor. 

An adverse effect that can take place is it could bend the shaft and harm the bottom jet pump hull. Thus, never ride across a ski rope from the water or enable a rope to move slack close to the rear of the jet ski. 

How to eliminate a rope or canning stuck in the intake grate? 

jet skis on a floating dock
Source: Hiseadock

The only effective way is to tow the ski back to shore and keep it on the trailer. You can consider parking your jet ski on a reliable floating bridge. Consequently, you can take a knife to cut the rope away from around the shaft. If you still cannot get along to the rope, you will need to eliminate all the three bolts holding the intake grate on. Doing this will give you more space to work in the area. 

There is another DIY alternative that you can try. You can use a pool noodle that will be cable attached to the ski rope’s Conclusion. This keeps it off and afloat from the pump intake.

  • Hinge Busted On Jet Ski Front Storage Compartment 

Most watercraft will be equipped with a compartment to store fire extinguishers, water bottles, safety gears, and gear. What often occurs is individuals slam the lid shut and pack as much equipment in the front compartment. 

Due to this angle of the hinge, it is often considered as a weak place and the hinge or the lid will break or crack. Make sure you don’t overload the front seat. In case you do, pack it completely. Close the lid slowly to ensure there stays no added pressure with this lid. 

The tiny glove box lid right in front of the handlebars on some Sea-doo’s can undergo the same issue. What you can do here is pack them 3/4 with gear and you will face no problem. 

You can repair a broken hinge by purchasing the replacement parts on the Internet or try correcting the hinge with the help of a fiberglass repair kit. 

Conclusion 

Make sure to read this guide before buying a jet ski hull. However, even if it gets a scratch, know that it is not the end of the world. It is essential to understand what you are dealing with and how to repair the scratches. With this, we come to the end of this guide. We hope we were able to answer all your common queries regarding jet ski hulls. Contact us to buy the best jet ski hull.

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