Can You Store a Jet Ski in a Storage Unit? What Indiana Owners Should Know
Quick answer: Most single jet skis on a trailer need a 10x20 parking space or storage unit, while two jet skis on a double trailer typically require a 10x30 or larger space. The trailer length, not just the jet ski itself, usually determines the size you need. Always measure your trailer's total length (including the tongue) and compare it to the unit's door opening before booking jet ski storage.
Storing a jet ski for the winter (or between lake trips) seems simple until you actually try to find a space that fits. You measure the jet ski itself, book a unit that seems roomy enough, and then discover the trailer tongue sticks out three feet past the door. It happens more often than you'd think.
This guide breaks down exactly what to measure, what size unit to look for, and how to choose between indoor, covered, and outdoor jet ski storage. We'll also cover how to prep your jet ski so it comes out of storage running as well as it went in.
Hawkeye Storage offers parking, covered, and drive-up storage options built for exactly this kind of gear.
Can You Put a Jet Ski Inside a Storage Unit?
Yes, you can store a jet ski inside a storage unit, but the trailer is usually the deciding factor, not the jet ski itself. A typical jet ski measures around 10 to 11 feet long and 4 feet wide. On its own, that could fit in a fairly modest space. But once you add the trailer, especially with the tongue extended, total length often stretches to 16 or 18 feet.
This is why so many people get surprised when booking jet ski storage. They picture the jet ski and forget the trailer adds several feet on either end. Before you commit to a unit, check both the door width and door height listed for the space. A unit might advertise generous square footage but have a narrow roll-up door that a wide trailer simply can't clear.
What Size Storage Unit Do You Need for a Jet Ski?
The right size depends on how many jet skis you're storing and how they're loaded.
Storing One Jet Ski
A single jet ski on a trailer typically fits in a 10x20 space. This gives enough room for the trailer length, the tongue, and a little buffer for maneuvering in and out. If your trailer runs long, sizing up to a 10x25 or 10x30 space gives extra breathing room.
Storing Two Jet Skis
Double trailers carrying two jet skis side by side need more width and length. A 10x30 or 12x30 space is a common fit, though it's worth measuring your specific trailer since double trailers vary quite a bit in overall width.
Measure These Four Things Before Renting
Before you reserve any jet ski storage space, grab a tape measure and record:
- Overall trailer length, including the tongue. This is the single most common measurement people forget.
- Maximum width, measured at the widest point (this might be the fenders, not the hull).
- Overall height, especially important if you're considering an indoor or covered unit with a clearance limit.
- Storage unit door opening, both width and height, not just the square footage of the unit itself.
If your trailer is 17 feet long with a tongue, a 10x20 space gives you room to pull in and close the door behind you. Skip this step, and you might end up with a jet ski that fits the unit but not through the door.
Indoor vs. Covered vs. Outdoor Jet Ski Storage
Each storage type comes with its own tradeoffs, and the right choice depends on your budget and how much protection your jet ski needs.
Indoor storage offers the most protection from sun, rain, and temperature swings. It's the best option if you want to minimize UV fading and keep moisture away from the engine and electrical components. The tradeoff is cost. Indoor units typically run higher than covered or outdoor options, and not every facility has indoor bays large enough for a trailer.
Covered storage offers a middle ground. Think of it like a carport: your jet ski stays shielded from rain and direct sun, but it's still exposed to temperature changes and wind-blown debris. This tends to be a solid balance of price and protection for jet ski storage.
Outdoor storage is the most budget-friendly option. It works fine for shorter-term storage, but leaves the jet ski fully exposed to the elements. If this is your only option, a high-quality cover becomes essential.
How to Prepare a Jet Ski for Long-Term Storage
Once you've settled on a jet ski storage unit, proper prep work protects your investment for months at a time.
Clean and Dry the Jet Ski
Salt, sand, and algae left on the hull can cause corrosion and staining over time. Wash the exterior thoroughly and dry it completely before storing, especially if it was in saltwater.
Winterize the Engine
Run fuel stabilizer through the engine and fog the cylinders according to your manufacturer's instructions. This prevents internal corrosion during months of inactivity.
Deal with the Fuel System
A full tank with stabilizer added helps prevent condensation from building up inside. An empty tank, on the other hand, is more prone to moisture buildup and rust.
Protect the Battery
Batteries drain over time even when nothing's running. Disconnect the battery or connect it to a trickle charger (some facilities, like Hawkeye Storage's private bay units, include a 110 plug ideal for a battery tender).
Check the Trailer
Inspect tires for proper inflation, check the bearings, and make sure the lights work. A trailer sitting all winter with underinflated tires can develop flat spots.
Use a Proper Jet Ski Cover
A fitted, breathable cover keeps out dust and moisture while allowing air circulation, which helps prevent mold and mildew.
Common Jet Ski Storage Mistakes to Avoid
A few mistakes show up again and again with jet ski storage:
- Skipping the trailer tongue measurement, leading to a jet ski that won't clear the door.
- Storing with an empty fuel tank, which invites condensation and rust.
- Forgetting the battery, resulting in a dead battery every spring.
- Choosing outdoor storage without a cover, exposing the jet ski to unnecessary sun and moisture damage.
- Underestimating width, particularly with double trailers carrying two jet skis.
Taking the time to measure carefully and prep properly means your jet ski will be ready to hit the water again as soon as the season starts.
If you're near Heritage Lake, Coatesville, Bainbridge, or Greencastle, Indiana, Hawkeye Storage's Heritage Lake facility offers parking spaces, covered parking, and drive-up units with gated access and 24/7 entry, giving your jet ski a secure spot no matter which season you're storing it for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you store a jet ski with gas in it?
Yes. In fact, a full tank with fuel stabilizer added is recommended over an empty tank. An empty tank allows more room for condensation to form, which can lead to rust inside the tank.
Is it better to store a jet ski indoors for winter?
Indoor storage offers the best protection from sun, rain, and temperature swings, making it a strong choice for winter. That said, covered storage is often a practical middle ground if indoor space isn't available or affordable.
Do you need to winterize a jet ski if you're storing it indoors?
Yes. Indoor storage protects against weather exposure, but it doesn't prevent fuel degradation, battery drain, or internal engine corrosion. Winterizing the engine and fuel system is still necessary regardless of where the jet ski is stored.
Should you remove the battery from a jet ski for winter storage?
Removing the battery or connecting it to a trickle charger is recommended. Batteries naturally lose charge over time, and cold temperatures accelerate this process, so a jet ski left untouched for months often needs a battery replacement come spring without this step.