Sportjet Help Needed???

[snit]

Last month my wife bought a used 20' Alumaweld Intruder for me. It's a '99, with a 175 Sportjet. It's replacing a 18' Fishrite with a 150 pump (great boat, no problems, just 2footitis). Twice now, I've trailered in "freezing weather" to the launch only to discover both the steering and throttle cables to be frozen. After an hour soaking in the water, they free up and work fine, but I can't believe this is normal. I'm assuming water is entering the cables somewhere, then not draining out. Last week the boat was stored in a heated shop for 5 days, then trailered to the launch and they were still froze up. I'm not too concerned, just annoyed. Any ideas on where to start? Thanks guys, snit

[Thumper]

Summer is just around the corner. :tongue:

I hope this is not a general problem of Sportjets.

[WaterDog]

In 3 years I've never had that kind of problem.

[Pete]

Snit, that doesn't sound normal. I'm on my second 20' Intruder with the 175 and I haven't experienced that problem. You might try addressing your question to Boat Doc' ... I bet he'd have a good answer for you.

[Lured In]

A couple thoughts...

1. Are you sure its the actual cable or just that both the throttle and steering are locked up when you arrive? It may not actually be the cable. The throttle and steering cables both exit the transom and are attached externally to the nozzle and bucket. It is possible that they are freezing up there as road moisture splashes up. Try using some 'de-icer' on the nozzle and bucket mounts.

2. If storing inside, you might be getting condensation inside the cables as it cools. Again, just a possibility.

The boat doc probably has a better answer, though.

[snit]

Thanks guys! I'll post in the boat doc thread also. She's outside today, so I'll investigate a little more, but it's just too cold (-3) for much investigation!

[FEAR NO FISH!]

Snit,
My boat is so cold that it actually told me it does not want me to pull it anywhere near water. It wants me to move to Florida! I too have a sporty and that baby is frozen! I need a biiiiiiig shop! :grin:

[Silver Hilton]

Mine is frozen solid, too. It was dry before we got cold here, so it seems like it's a general design issue. That's OK. When it's this cold and slick, I ain't going anywhere.

I can't figure out why the throttle should be stuck. That cable should be completely dry.

[snit]

FNF, how cold there? Only -3 here. Florida sounds good. Mexico is closer too!!!

I can understand something happening in this cold of weather (sub zero), but the first time it was only in the high 20's, so something must be holding water.