'05 Engine Compartment

[Luke]

Anyone know if the '05 SANs still have the latches in the padding of the rear deck?

[NautiqueJeff]

They do.

[Luke]

Thanks. Anyone have an '04 have comments on them? They seem like they would be extremely hard on the knees in those locations.

[ag4ever]

I am sure they are doing that to cut down on the warranty adjustments of the push button system. I have learned to live with the push the button, and pull the hatch syndrome. I think it is much better than the knee busters.

[lcap]

I was extremely concerned about the knees, comfort, heat. Much to my surprise they have never been a problem or concern.

The real knee/shin killer is the rear pylon I insisted having. Never have used it and at least a handful of people (me included) have really hurt themselves on it. Going to have a pad made over the winter.

[skinautique]

The hatch buttons were a very good idea but they were a mechanics worst nightmare because of the difficulty of adjusting them. The new latches aren't too bad. I don't see what really could be done to get away from that type of a setup. The rear pylon is an option lcap on the 2004 and newer boats. I have seen alot of boats ordered without them.

[tlb]

I think MC has the right idea. They have a latch/lever between the two cushions that you slip your hand into to open. You can't see these and they are very simple. I know Malibu has had problems with the upolstery coming out from around their latches which are similar to the new Nautique ones.

[skinautique]

My biggest problem with the MC is that you have to spend time looking to find them. I guess you might get used to it after owning the boat?

[Nautiqueman]

I like the new hardware much more than the buttons. I couldn't cuss the back hatch open on my 2002 SKI, so something mechanically simple is a godsend. I also have had no problems with any separation in upholstery, or injuries on the SV-211. I did need an adjustment to tighten the bolt on the latch with my 1st oil change. I have had concerns over the rear pylon as well. let me see the pad you make for it, I thought about a noodle to cover it while not in use.

[lcap]

Nautiqueman

I am going to use Armaflex pipe insulation, can specify wall thickness and pipe O.D., for a good fit. Just need to measure the diameter of the rear pyon. After that my wifes seamstress will sew a cover with some elastic to keep it in place.

Although its been over two months since I blew apart my ankle, I'm still not getting around well. I'll post the pictures when I'm done.

[Luke]

I personally like the button activated latches. They’ve worked flawlessly for me, and I was a little disappointed to see them go. Glad to hear the new latches aren’t as bad as they look.

[NautiqueJeff]

Luke,

Do you have to pull on the straps to get the doors to open? I do. Is that how it is supposed to be?

I have also had trouble with the latch mechanism pulling out of the door. Three of the four screws are stripped on mine.

[Luke]

One of them usually requires a small tug. The other one usually pops open on its own. I haven't had any screws strip on mine...

[NautiqueJeff]

It is actually the holes that are stripped, not the screws. I just talked to James and Eric at Mid-Ohio Nautiques, and they're going to figure out how to fix it up.

[ag4ever]

The sollution to the sticking hatches is to drip some water between the two pieces. If they are slightly lubricated, then they don't stick to each other. If they have been in the sun, and allowed to dry together, they kinda glue themselves together. I have thought about spraying some silicone on the edges to see if that is a longer term sollution, but just have never done it. Either way, once they pop open once with a tug, mine usually pop by them self for a few times after that, untill they are left closed for a few hours.