FCT3 - Anyone had any problems? (I've got a small one).

[Chattwake]

The week after I got my new boat, I tried to turn the handle on the base of the FCT3 tower that allows the tower to fold. Yes, I tried to turn it the right way - before you ask. The handle just snapped off in my hand. The shaft that goes into the tower base just sheered off. Well, I called the dealer immediatly and they said no problem, that they had noticed it was kind of stiff when they had previously lowered the tower.

Has anyone else had this issue? I'm asking because I don't knwo whether to expect CC to have to put a new tower on my boat. I don't want to have to take the z5 and tower speakes off if I don't have to.

[2gofaster]

RE: FCT3 - Anyone had any problems? (I

Probably just got a burred thread or crossthreaded. I would expect they could back the broken piece out with an easy out, or drill it out, and then retap the threads.

[tmb]

RE: FCT3 - Anyone had any problems? (I

I haven't had any problems with mine

[Chattwake]

RE: FCT3 - Anyone had any problems? (I

Well, I just talked to Ron at CC. He was super helpful. Apparently, this is an issue that has happened many times with this tower. It is caused when someone folds the tower and then tries to put it back up when the handles are not completely disengaged. If the handles are not completely turned to open, when the tower goes back up, a piece gets tweaked in the locking mechanism, and this makes the handle much harder to turn thereafter. The results are that the handle breaks off. The good news is that, because it broke the first time I tried to lower the tower, I obviously didn't mess anything up myself (the dealer even remembers that handle being hard to turn when they got the boat) and warranty will cover it. Also, it's a minor fix, because there is an access panel on the tower that I hadn't noticed before.

Just make sure your handles are completely disengaged when folding and unfolding your fct3's!

[tazz3069]

RE: FCT3 - Anyone had any problems? (I

That is good to know.

[Diggityd]

RE: FCT3 - Anyone had any problems? (I

Had no problems with mine ... new on 2009 SAN ... but will NOW be way more careful taking it down so I do not cause that shearing.... seems they should have a lock out pin or some such that keeps it 101% out of the way...hmmm

[Frtylewe]

This just happened to me on my FTC3 tower! I went to lower it and the handle was very “snug” so I put a little elbow grease in and it snapped the handle and shaft. I see no access panel on the tower and have no idea how to disengage the latch?! Any ideas?! Do I have to drill my own access panel?