18 replies to this topic

[dootndo2]

I have a 06 Challenger 180 CS. It has a spring that is used to keep the ski locker in the open position. I have hurt myself on this thing far too many times and am interested to see if anyone swapped out the crappy spring for a hydrolic arm (similar to what opens up the engine compartment)?

What part would/did work? Has anyone else inadvertently severed a piece of toe with this thing?

I'm brainstorming here. Any thoughts are appreciated.

dootndo2

[Kevin Leclair]

I haven't heard of anyone doing this yet, but it doesn't sound like a bad idea. I don't know how much luck you will have finding a SeaDoo part number that will work there -- you might have to just a go to marine shop, try some different parts over trial and error to get one that might work.

[1fastboat]

My old Sportster SCIC had the spring and the oversized bracked scratched my skis when pulling them out and then having to lean over it to push the spring to close the locker (very bad design IMO). I was happy to see my new Speedster 200 had the hydrolic arm and I'm pretty sure you could order it from SeeDoo and put it on your boat, I would!

[rcar908]

I don't know how similar the 06 locker is to the 2010, but once I read your note I thought I would investigate a little further because my 09 has the same crappy spring, which is just plain nasty. The 2010 has a hydraulic arm. Total parts are about $80. I may give it a shot. The link is: http://www.seadoopar...2010&fveh=38613

Parts are 10, 11a, 11b, 12a & 12b If you beat me to it, let me know how it goes.

[rcar908]

Just ordered all the parts from http://www.ski-doopartspitstop.com/ They had the best price when you add in shipping. Will take a pic once it is installed.

[STEPHEN X-20]

I'm glad you're keeping the money from the Place Diverter in circulation. It works fantastic so thanks again! Please post pics here and a review of your spring replacement, as this sounds like a very nice upgrade.

[Kevin Leclair]

Yeah, if this works out I would like to do the same thing. I can't stand that stinkin' spring, I was putting my wife's wakeboard in the ski locker last night and it almost fell on me like three times due to that stupid spring. I eventually just had my wife hold the ski locker door open so I could move some stuff around in there - the spring is useless!

[H-do-O]

Just ordered all the parts from http://www.ski-doopartspitstop.com/ They had the best price when you add in shipping. Will take a pic once it is installed.

Hey,

Im just wondering how this went? Any Pics?

[rcar908]

I finally got around to it last weekend and it was a piece of cake. About 15 minutes to get it done. I will be taking a few pics this weekend. I opened the locker and let the existing spring be the guide. I then put the two brackets on the hydraulic arm and taped them into position on the lid and side. It is just a matter of lining it up properly. The drill 2 3/16" holes for the pop rivets and two smaller pilot holes for the screws. That was it. Easier than I expected beacuse you don't even need to measure or mark anything.

[Kevin Leclair]

Very cool, looking forward to the pics!

[rcar908]

Here are three pics from the completed job. If you notice on pic2, the bracket is the same width as the raised section on the bottom of the ski locker. That allows you to have it perfectly placed without any measuring. Just tape the bracket in place and the other bracket will naturally fall into place since the arm is extended. Just tape that bracket a little below the curvature of the section and you are ready to drill. Just make sure you eye it from overhead so it is straight. Then drill, screw and rivet. Not more guillotine on the boat.

 arm1.jpg   341.25KB   94 downloads  arm2.jpg   587.98KB   128 downloads  arm3.jpg   535.42KB   88 downloads

[STEPHEN X-20]

That is sweet!

[H-do-O]

Do you know how long that shock is closed and extended? Very nice mod by the way. I think my locker has fell on just about every body part i have. I have a 2 year old also so i really need to get this done.

[PYLEOTIS]

Very usefull modification!i hate the spring style ski locker support AND IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR MY 6 YEAR KID!Is it possible to have the brand(signature?) and the part number from the gas shock or the length extended & closed to search for an aftermarket part ?

[Kevin Leclair]

Is it possible to have the brand(signature?) and the part number from the gas shock or the length extended & closed to search for an aftermarket part ?

The parts are listed in this post here, http://seadoosportbo...dpost__p__13688.

Keep us posted if you do this mod too!

[rcar908]

I can't measure the shock because the boat is at the dealer being winterized. Based on reviewing the various parts diagrams, the gas shock that I used (204072218)appears to be the same shock on the back passenger side compartment on the 2008 Challenger.

[rcar908]

I looked at the hydraulic arm and found the website: www.signatureseriesgasspring.com They also appear to have the mounting brackets. There are no prices so you need to call. Hopefully it will save those that are planning to make the upgrade some money. Hope this helps.

[H-do-O]

The spring is a SE115p-20
extended length = "11.5
compressed length = "7.65
stroke =3.85
pressure = 20

I think im going to try this with a different brand. should cost about $30 for everything.

[Kevin Leclair]

Sounds good, keep us posted on what you go with.