3 replies to this topic

[D Lo]

Long post

It was very hot day...my wife and I did the usual....launched at Pace Bend Park, cruised over to Carlos n Charlie's (a popular restaurant at the lake) and picked up a friend. Went straight to the store on the lake next to Carlos n Charlie's to pick up some ice and off we went. Well, should I say....we got past the 'no wake' zone and the boat started stuttering. Gave it a little gas and no go. I limped it over to the boat rental place right next door, docked it, got under neath with some goggles and checked the jet pump for anything that may be clogging it...couldn't find a thing. I then pulled the plugs to check em over (just installed them that day) and they of course looked great. Scratched my head for a second restarted it and all was well. GREAT! We got passed the 'no wake' zone and started cruising at 20 mph with no issues (previously 2 mph with stutter) and then I proceed to give it some throttle...got to 6K-7K and SNAP! ! !. Boat stuttering again.

I limped it over to Devil's Cove (where there's no wake after you get in) and tied up with another boat and proceeded to examine it again. I called the technicians from the place I bought the boat and they indicated something was in the pump....so I got a friend to help me and this time was able to feel some plastic.....and more...and more....got to a point where the boat didn't stutter so much, but still only cruised it @ 2 mph! (I know! , slow down!!!) till I got back to the restaurant and stayed at the docks. Had my wife bring the truck and loaded it back up.

Examined it the next morning and it looks like the prop came in contact with the plastic housing. After looking at it some more it looks like the thrush angle of the shaft is off because there is little clearance at the top and lots of space at the bottom. Doesn't look good

I'll find out what the issue is this week after taking it over to the dealer...seen anything like this? This really bites.

[thumper]

seems like it was a bad weekend for sportsters - ours wouldnt start at all on sunday - tried it several times - paddled back to pontoon - waited half an hout then tried it again and it burst into life??????? - the only difference to last time was i sprayed the engine bay with fresh water.... maybe there was some water on something electrical? - least ways it was incredibly annoying for half an hour - having our 10 hour service this week so i guess they can sort it - will ask them to look at the wear ring aswell - hope yours is better soon.

[D Lo]

UPDATE:

Well, I had my Sporster looked at....the plastic parts I pulled out was indeed the wear ring. In fact, all of the area where the impeller could possibly touch the wear ring is completely gone. The technicians showed me the housing and impeller!!! WOW The impeller came unscrewed from the shaft and tore out the wear ring and resurfaced the aluminum pump housing. Needless to say the impeller was damaged. They couldn't figure it out other than 1.) a factory defect 2) someone in Illinois didn't torque it down properly.

So, the good news is that it's being covered under warranty by SeaDoo.. Bad news is that entire housing is on back-order. I wonder if this has happened to others? I was going to take pictures, but I forgot the darn camera. So, if the parts are still there when I go back to pick the boat up I will snap some shots for you guys to check out.

I must say. Even experiencing this issue I have enjoyed every visit to Houston Boating Center in Conroe, TX. All of the staff is knowledgeable and courteous. If you are in the area and thinking about a boat...head over there!

-D Lo

[thumper]

wow - thats gotta hurt

hope all is well soon