FCT 2 Tower Knob retaining rings

[BrickBrock]

I just purchased a 2005 SANTE and the tower knobs could be fully removed from the tower. I have seen other boats where the knobs are retained in the lower section of the tower, but I was not sure what hardware was needed.

I went to the hardware store and bought and plastic washer and an external retaining ring. I put the knob into position on the lower half of the tower, slid the plastic washer on and then installed the retaining ring into the groove on the shaft. It seems to hold pretty tight. Does anyone think this will cause any issues?

[ski4evr]

The tower knobs are supposed to be spring loaded and retained in the lower tower section. here are links to the spring and retainer clip. http://www.nautiqueparts.com/springtowerstud2000-.aspx http://www.nautiqueparts.com/snapringtowerstud2000.aspx

[BrickBrock]

Ski4evr,
I think the snap ring is probably the same size. I looked for compression springs at the hardware store and I could not find one that would be a good fit. If my set-up ever fails, I will buy the correct parts from nautique parts. Thanks for your feedback.

[john_keck]

I found the springs annoying - I removed them and am much happier with the way the knobs function. I have never had a problem with just the snap rings in place.

[BrickBrock]

John,
Thanks for the reply. My knobs have become loose when I had the boat out in rough water. I think without having a spring, it will be easier to identify if the knob has unscrewed itself completely. Hopefully that does not happen. Glad to hear someone else has the knobs retained without a spring and has not had any issues.