Thrust Vector question

[John DiBattista]

Had Thrust Vectors installed on a 2014 SX 190 when I purchased new. This past summer was experiencing a vibration and sound coming from back of boat. But it didnt always occur, only after about 20 minutes of use. All other things were checked in jet drive by dealer. Then they noticed pin connecting Thrust Vectors fins was free from one fin and hanging from the other. Would this have caused what I experienced? Had it replaced/reconnected.
Havent gotten boat in water to find out yet if that was issue. Curious if anyone else has experienced this.

 

[Hot2Go]

Possibly yes, but also check your impeller to make sure nothing is lodged in the blades. Through the clean-out plug access and/or crawl underneath to visualize the impeller through the intake grates. When I think of vibration I think of something stuck in the impeller causing cavitation and loss of propulsion power. The missing piece to the thrust vector could very well have been the issue you had!

Give us an update after you get back on the water!

 

[John DiBattista]

Yeah we went thru all the impellar stuff. Me on my own when I pulled it and then the dealer went thru the entire jet drive at winterization time last fall. Keeping fingers crossed the loose Vectors were the issue. I’ll check back in.

Thanks.

 

[drewkaree]

Yeah we went thru all the impellar stuff. Me on my own when I pulled it and then the dealer went thru the entire jet drive at winterization time last fall. Keeping fingers crossed the loose Vectors were the issue. I’ll check back in.

Thanks.

Sounds like a possible installation issue with not enough Loctite (or none used on those bolts). If they're screwed into threaded holes, loctite. If they're bolted in there, nylock nuts, as well as some stronger bolts

 

[John DiBattista]

Well, they have been on for about 12 years, then the issue began. When I pulled the boat last fall is when we noticed the pin hanging loose. Might of just worn out. Got over 800 hrs on the boat. Hoping that was causing that sound/intermittent vibration. Jet drive/impellar checked out.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

Well, they have been on for about 12 years, then the issue began. When I pulled the boat last fall is when we noticed the pin hanging loose. Might of just worn out. Got over 800 hrs on the boat. Hoping that was causing that sound/intermittent vibration. Jet drive/impellar checked out.

Pictures always help people see what you’re talking about.

Did this pin have a fastener ? Was it able to be tightened up with a wrench?

Nice to see you’ve got over 800 hours on your boat, you’re averaging about 100 hours a year.

 

[John DiBattista]

Pin replaced. We’ll see if that was issue when boat goes in water for season. (generic photo for reference). Pin was free from one side and just hanging loose from other side.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

Pin replaced. We’ll see if that was issue when boat goes in water for season. (generic photo for reference). Pin was free from one side and just hanging loose from other side.
View attachment 244415

So it’s held in place by a bolt on each side that had come loose?

 

[John DiBattista]

Correct. Was just hanging from one fin. Just never thought to go back there and feel around while it was in water. Checked everything else under the sun. Soon as I pulled boat last fall I noticed it. Told Dealer about it, then they noticed it when it was getting winterized. Hoping that was cause of occasional clanking.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

Correct. Was just hanging from one fin. Just never thought to go back there and feel around while it was in water. Checked everything else under the sun. Soon as I pulled boat last fall I noticed it. Told Dealer about it, then they noticed it when it was getting winterized. Hoping that was cause of occasional clanking.

More than likely it was. Hopefully at least blue loctite was used on re assembly, seeing how it is a rather permanent fixture red loctite would be best.

Here’s hoping all is sorted and you’ll put another hundred hours on your boat this season!

 

[John DiBattista]

Hope so. Love that boat. Lots of great memories. Still runs great besides that issue.