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Sea-Doo Spark Accessories – Must Haves & Tips!

After owning a Sea-Doo Spark since they first came out, I have gathered a nice list of the must-have Spark accessories. Some of this stuff is a no-brainer, but the others will make you want it!

If you want a general jet ski accessories guide, then go here. Let’s go over some of the must-have below!

1. Registration Numbers

boat registration number

Registration numbers sound simple, just buy some mailbox numbers and throw them on the side of the Spark. You can’t do that. The body of the Spark won’t let regular stickers stay on.

If you don’t clean the top surface area with rubbing alcohol, the numbers will not stick. This is because the Spark body has a protective layer on it from the factory.

Even if you buy the Sea-Doo Number Kit here (Amazon Link Ad), you’ll still want to clean the surface where you place the numbers. When I say clean, I mean place some rubbing alcohol on a clean rag and scrub – stop if you see any color transfer on the rag.

Once you have the numbers on, you’ll need to let them sit in the sun all day long if you want them to stay. Don’t jump in the water right away, or they will fall off!

2. Cover

The next Spark Accessory is a cover. I did not get the cover that Sea-Doo sells, as I think it’s too much. The cover I use is this one here (Amazon Link Ad), and I’m happy with it. I don’t tow with the cover on, if you do that, then consider the Spark Cover here (Amazon Link Ad). (Make sure to get the correct size if you have a 2up or 3up)

The whole body of the Spark is Polytec, which is a type of plastic. Unlike fiberglass, plastic is not porous, so it does not dry out the same way that fiberglass does. That is why you see old jet ski’s looking chalky.

This does not mean your Spark won’t fade; nothing is safe from the Sun. What a cover will do is keep excess rainwater, dust, and bird poop away from your machine. Rainwater and bird poop are very acidic and combined with Sunlight it’s a recipe for a mess.

Tip: Wipe the seat down before you put a cover on it, or remove the seat and store it somewhere dry. This will keep mold from growing on the seat.

3. Shock Tube / Impeller Protector

A shock tube, or also called an impeller protector, (Amazon Link Ad) helps keep your tow-rope away from the intake of the Spark. Out of all the Spark Accessories, this one is a must-have for sure.

Shock Tube for PWC
Pool Noodles can also work too!

Think of it like this, you’re riding a 90HP vacuum and whatever is in the way of the intake will get sucked up. Something like rope doesn’t do well in a jet pump, as it gets wrapped around the driveshaft.

You have the full force of the engine wrapping up this rope around the driveshaft, and it eventually runs out of rope and stops the engine. The engine won’t start unless you get that rope freed, so now you got to figure out how to get back to land. Even worse is that most often you’ll have to cut the tow-rope free and thus destroying the rope.

Getting that impeller protector almost becomes a no-brainer when you see it this way.

4. Battery Charger

Not only did I sell Sparks, but I also put them together out of the box. I’ve come to learn that it’s painfully hard to replace the battery in one – the access panel is small and puts up a fight.

The good news is that the battery Sea-Doo gives you is decent – like, way better than you might think. To keep the battery good for years, the trick is to keep it on a battery charger or maintainer. I talk about this in great detail on why keeping your battery on a charger is great here.

Not just any battery charger will do. The best option is to use a solar charger like this one here (Amazon Link Ad) to help keep your battery maintained. When you’re not using a jet ski for weeks, the battery starts to drain; it’s the nature of the lead-acid batteries. Even your car would do the same if you did not drive it for months.

Trust me; you want the solar charger, as it’s not fun to replace those batteries. One tip is to remove the whole top deck, which can take 10 minutes to do, and then the battery is super simple to change out. Or take it to the local dealer, the shop guys can probably do it blindfolded.

5. Life Jackets

It’s pretty obvious you’ll need a life jacket on any jet ski; you would be a fool not to wear one. You need to buy the correct life jacket that is approved for jet skis.

One option is the O’Neill Wetsuits Wake Waterski Men’s Superlite USCG Nylon Life Vest (Amazon Link Ad) which will be fine to use.

I talk more about the different types of life jackets here if you want to see what works better for you. There is a video showing you how to properly fit one on your body in that post. 

6. Snap-In Fenders

Jet Ski Fender

The Snap-In Fenders (Amazon Link Ad) fall in the category of the coolest-but-simplest idea ever. They pop in the hole that is already on the Spark, and they keep you from rubbing against the dock. You must remove them when you go for a ride as they will not stay on with all the waves.

You only need 2 per Spark – as you dock on one side. The Spark will have the holes on each side, one in front, the other in the rear.

7. Safety Kit

I love the Sea-Doo Safety Kit.

I would recommend getting the Sea-Doo Safety Kit (Amazon Link Ad) because it has a special shape that fits under the glove box of the Spark. I use the kit as a dry box to keep my keys, phone, and wallet dry. Plus, it’s bright, so you can see it if you drop it in the water.

8. Front Storage Bucket

Front storage bucket added to Spark showing its capacity

I didn’t put this option that high up, don’t get me wrong, having storage is important. But if you get a Spark with iBR, then more than likely you already have this option along with the step in the rear.

If you got a base model, then you can get the front storage here (Amazon Link Ad).

Is it hard to install? No. Just make sure to use the correct size drill bit. It’s about 6 holes you’ll have to drill, and the Spark already has the indention for where they go.

I never got the front storage option and instead went with a dry bag like (Amazon Link Ad) this one here. I clip it on the front side or off the rear tow hook. I like this better because it’s cheaper, and I can take it with me. I would still buy the dry bag even if you have the front storage because the front storage is not dry, unlike a dry bag.

9. Reboarding Step

Just like the front storage above, you might already have this accessory if you got the Spark with iBR.

If you have a base model Spark, then the Spark Reboarding Step (Amazon Link Ad) is one of the must-have Spark gear. I would get this step before I ever got the front storage because the step makes your life easier.

If you buy the step and install it yourself, there is some stuff you need to know. First, you need some Clear Silicone Waterproof Sealant like this here (Amazon Link Ad) because you’re drilling into the hull of the craft. I know it sounds scary, but if done right it’s no big deal. The next thing you need to know is once you read the directions and put the sealant in the holes and screwed the step on is that you need to let the sealant dry for 24 hours. Don’t fudge the numbers, make sure to give it a full 24 hours.

10. Safety Lanyard & Locks

One interesting thing about the Spark is the key, also known as a safety lanyard, is that some Sparks will have the DESS key, which is an encrypted key that will only start your Spark.

Then you have other Sparks that don’t have a DESS key but use a standard magnetic key. The magnetic key can start any Spark without DESS, which is just about every Spark without iBR.

Which sparks have the DESS key? All the 2016 and up models with iBR. The base model and previous Sparks just have a standard magnetic key.

You can get the Spark key here (Amazon Link Ad), but if you have the DESS model, you need to have a dealer program a DESS key for you (no way around this). I go into great detail about what to do if you lose your key here if you want to learn more.

No matter what key you have, I still recommend a cable lock like this one here (Amazon Link Ad) to keep your Spark secured. It doesn’t matter if your Spark is on a trailer or a dock, having a lock that loops around the front hook will make it harder for people to steal it.

11. Oil Change Kits

Every year, you should change the oil in your Spark or every 50 hours, whichever comes first. You can take it to the dealer and let them do it, or you can do it yourself.

It’s not difficult, but if you never changed the oil on something before, then you might have a hard time.

The good news is that you can get oil change kits like this one here (Amazon Link Ad), but you’ll need an oil extractor (Amazon Link Ad) to get the oil out. Some other good news is that there is a video on how to do it here…

Some people say you can change the spark plugs every other year, but I recommend changing them every year. Spark plugs going bad is what makes a jet ski not run well, and it’s simple to install them, so why not do them?

12. Speed Ties For Sparks

Speed ties (Amazon Link Ad) are not really a must-have, but they can make life easier for you. The speed ties are retractable dock lines that you pull out at the dock and retract when you’re done.

Speed ties are a super convenient way to pull up to a dock and tie-up quickly. When you’re done, they retract back in and you head off. No need to mess with storing lines and them getting dirty or tangled.

The downside is that you don’t want to use them for overnight or long-term docking. I would use a regular dock line for that. Speed ties are for the times you go to the gas docks or stop to eat at that restaurant on the water.

Author

Steven

I started working at a power sports dealership in 2007, I worked in parts, service counter, and as a technician before moving to sales in 2013. I created StevenInSales.com in 2014 to answer common watercraft questions I would get from people. Now managing the site full-time, I continue to provide advice and web tools for my readers about watercraft. I've owned several watercraft, with a Sea-Doo Spark as my current main PWC.

Comments

  1. Thank you for this! I bought my first ever jet ski spark and im so excited. I have an unique situation though and hopefully you can help. Our place is an Island, so when i dock the jetski for the night I can either pull it up on a boat ramp in a boathouse or tie it up at a dock. What would i put down on the boat ramp so it doesnt scratch the bottom? Or should i jsut leave it at the dock? Im away during the week and up on weekends.

    Reply
  2. Very helpful Steve, I have a 2014 90 HP 3 Up with 30 hours on the clock.
    I live in PERTH Western Australia.
    Please make a note of my email address as I would appreciate receiving any posts you make going forward.

    Many thanks,

    Gary

    Reply
  3. Steve thank for all your Spark info. Can’t find the answer to this online anywhere…Can I pull a 175lb water skier behind a SPARK. I live in FL on a private lake, so I am OK with at 2 or 3 seater to satisfy the boating rules.

    Reply
  4. Steven – my search has changed from used to new after reading your posts on the Spark.
    I appreciate all your help. With regards to pricing, the dealers I have called within 100 mile radius have new 2016 and 2017 models with/without iBR. I think the list is $6499 and $7499 respectively for 2017 3up. What price should I offer and expect to pay? Thank you.

    Reply
    • When it comes to Sparks they don’t have much mark up in them so it is common to pay MSRP and Freight on them. A dealership may have a prep fee for getting it ready since the Spark apart and not ready in the crate. Then you’ll have taxes and other state/county fee’s to deal with too. Remember the Spark is not going to be the most comfortable ride compared to the other models and a 3-seater is really a 2-seater for normal size humans.

      Reply

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