Steering problems

[gcboat]

Have a 2004 SeaDoo RXP. Went out and she wouldn't steer worth a hoot. Anyhow, bought it home and noticed that the starboard side steering cable had come loose from the transom housing - now, how does one go about screwing that back in place without removing the whole back unit? I just cannot get my hand in there - absolutely no room. I can just about reach it but that's it. Anybody have a magic wand I can use ???

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: Steering problems

you have to pull the pump// sorry been there several times/// and the plastic probably broke off and you will need to get that broken part out also, then if you didn't loose the snap retainers all you need is to go buy another of those crappy pieces of plastic and you will be fine till it breaks again, you can slide a piece of rubber hose and a flat washer on the cable once you get it loose but you need to pull the cable through the transom first,,, place a snug piece of automotive hose over the outer cable and then a stainless flat washer and place the cable through the transom, once you have reinstalled all the parts you push the hose and the flat washer up against the inside of the transom and put a small stainless clamp on the hose piece to keep it from sliding, then you may avoid breaking the plastic piece in the future as it will secure the cable from the inside and keep it from pushing so hard on the plastic fitting. I hate those things and if you don't remove the ski from the water when they break you will take on water through the loose cable, I have had the same problem with the reverse cable fitting, since the plastic is getting a lot of stress holding the cable in all by itself.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Steering problems

Thanks Jeff,

Had a funny feeling that this would take more than a six pack. Oh well, it's off to the shop we go. I think that is a little above my head. The main pain is that this thing only has 17 hours on it - and they're not hard hours either. So much for plastic and boats eh ???
Appreciate your time.

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: Steering problems

when you see this crappy part it will leave you wondering WHAT WERE THEY THINKING???
The problem comes from making left turns, the plastic holds the cable from pushing out on a left turn as the inner cable is pulled in the outer cable wants to extend and presses on the thin plastic cap, that is why I said to put a hose and a washer insude the hull against the transom and clamp it tight, the cable won't be able to push on the cap because the hose and washer will hold it.