Tracking Fin Junked?

[SoDakWake]

Well, as I was getting ready to leave the lake today, I pulled up to the boat ramp as usual.. I had a few friends with me and my sister's boyfriend who had ten too many beers on the lake today. I asked my girlfriend to watch the boat, but he insisted that he had it under control. He was holding onto the tower while standing on the dock, while I jumped out to run and grab my truck.

I made it about 10 steps down the dock when I suddenly heard my boat engine rev up, I turned around and saw it racing toward the concrete ramp and without hesitation superman dove off the dock and grabbed the throttle just in time to throw it in reverse before it crashed into the ramp.. After getting it under control, what happened was that apparently, he was so far gone that he fell over and right into the throttle pushing it fully forward.

Anyways I heard the boat scrape some concrete, and fearing the worst, when I got it loaded I noticed the only damage was to my front tracking fin. It could have been a lot worse considering the circumstances, but I learned a couple new lessons today.

1. My boat will be going into neutral every time I get to the dock.
2. The engine is going off and the key is coming with me

Sorry for the unnecessary information, but I figured I would let you guys know how my afternoon went, haha.

My question is, can the tracking fin be bent back straight? And if that's possible, can the small crack be fixed as well?

If not, if someone knows where I can find a replacement for an 82 2001 that would be awesome. I've checked CCP and SKIDIM but haven't been able to find anything.

Any help would be great, thanks.

[SkiTower]

3. boyfriend in law won't be going on boat anymore.

Have you called Nautiqueparts? It's like a prop, you'll never get it straight enough...

[ski4evr]

Been there, done that! mine was being a courteous boater towing in a stranded boat to an unfamiliar ramp which had a hidden curb extending 20 feet or so into the water. Bought a new one from whitelake, and the super adhesive to seal it up as well. David will tell you what you need.

[s_kelley2000]

You might want to check out the classified section on correctcraftfan.com and see if there are any there. Might be able to get a good deal on one from a boat that is getting parted out. Glad things didn't end up worse for you, scary incident.

[surroundsound64]

X2 on no more boat trips for him.

[DanielC]

Most any propeller shop could repair the tracking fin, but in straightening it, it might crack. But you need a new one anyway.
Nautique parts should have several in stock. Even I have a spare one in my garage. But is is a spare for me, and not for sale.

Tell your sister her boyfriend is not allowed on your boat, unless there is NO alcohol on the boat. She probably will not like this advise, but is this the guy she really wants to marry?

[SkiTower]

two conditions for his return: no alcohol (as mentioned) and he pay for this repair (he offers, not you asking). And even then it's a maybe (can't judge him without meeting him). I understand accidents. This was not an accident.

[SoDakWake]

Yeah I can't even describe how mad I was after everything settled down. The last thing I wanted to do was babysit a 25 year old who can't handle himself, ridiculous...

But anyways, I called Nautique Parts, 150 dollars for a replacement! I haven't talked to him yet today, so hopefully he offers to pony up for the new fin. My sister already offered to replace it last night, but I don't think it's her responsibility for his own dumb mistake. The worse of it all is that I would bet money that he doesn't even remember leaving the lake. And yeah, from now on he will be lucky if I let him back on my boat. And if for some reason I do, he's drinking juice box's the whole **** time for all I care as long it's not alcohol.

Thanks for all the information to everyone that commented, I appreciate it. I suppose I will continue to search the classifieds and other distributors in search of a cheaper one. I've heard of people finding replacements for almost half of that price. If not, I suppose I will bite the bullet and hopes he gives me money for the tracking fin from NP. Thanks again!

[bsb4fsu]

Glad the boat was ok with just a small amount of damage and no one was hurt (yet). The throttle is not supposed to go into gear without pulling up on the release. You may want to check that out as well so something similar can't happen.

[SoDakWake]

With my boat being older, I'm pretty sure there is only just the neutral switch, otherwise if it's not in neutral it's literally just throw and go. In a way I could have prevented it, I usually always throw it in neutral when I leave it running at the dock, but six hours in the sun had me in a hurry to get out of there and I didn't think about it. Oh well though, you live and you learn I guess.

[orzech]

glad it was only that... nice 1g dsm. Any major mods done to it?

[surroundsound64]

Glad the boat was ok with just a small amount of damage and no one was hurt (yet). The throttle is not supposed to go into gear without pulling up on the release. You may want to check that out as well so something similar can't happen.

With my boat being older, I'm pretty sure there is only just the neutral switch, otherwise if it's not in neutral it's literally just throw and go. In a way I could have prevented it, I usually always throw it in neutral when I leave it running at the dock, but six hours in the sun had me in a hurry to get out of there and I didn't think about it. Oh well though, you live and you learn I guess.

They didn't start putting the collars on the throttle till the 90s.

[SoDakWake]

They didn't start putting the collars on the throttle till the 90s.

It would be nice if they would have had started putting those on earlier after my situation. I've been thinking of investing in an emergency kill switch because the thought of getting dumped and having a runaway boat is always in the back of my mind.

glad it was only that... nice 1g dsm. Any major mods done to it?

Yeah I feel pretty lucky that I caught it in time.

And thanks man, I have way too much money into that thing haha. Major mods.. 2.3 stroker conversion, 4g64 100mm crank, manley rods, cp pistons, .40 over, 1mm oversized valves, evo III 16g turbo, jack's trans, etc, etc, etc haha, thing rips though..

I should probably quit talking about my dsm though because if this forum is like tuners, I'm sure I'm breaking some rules right now haha.