2012 230 Tower problems

[Josh L.]

Hello,

We have a z5 on our 230 and one of the bolts that connects the bracket that holds the front of the z5 has completely ripped the threads out. We've talked to 2 different dealers about it (long story, we moved) and one said they'd heli-coil it and fix it that way, the other says a heli-coil won't work and they'd prefer to plug all the holes and get us a new bimini from a local source.

Just wanted to see if anyone else had any suggestions as to how to fix it, we don't really want to spend the money on a new bimini if we could easily fix the threads, be it with a heli-coil or by some other method.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

[nyryan2001]

I would consider a heli coil as more of a temp repair... Or perhaps a repair for an application that's not under max stress, or, only bolt removed rarely. Not an optimal repair on a Nautique IMO.

1. Weld new material back in their... Drill, tap and die new threads, repaint. <--- OEM level repair.

2. Use bigger bolts one size larger (if possible to fit thru the Z5 side of the bracket??? Drill those out slightly??) tap and die it as it is. No painting here cuz no welding.

funny, all heel broke loose this spring on my regular Bimini hand knob. Required an in impact wrench to remove and it destroyed the threaded portion completely. Replaced under warranty. Pics to follow.

[nyryan2001]

[NautiqueJeff]

I had almost the exact same issue as Ryan with the factory bimini on my '13 G23. Same fix, too. I think there were metal shavings on the inside of the bimini frame that got into the threads of the knob somehow and seized it up.

[TX-Foilhead]

I can't tell from the pics, but if you're putting a stainless bolt into threaded aluminum it needs some anti-seeze if you unless you plan on taking it apart often. it doesn't take long if the area gets wet every now and then.

[ffmedic74]

Sounds like they need to just do a replacement if you plan on keeping the boat long term under warranty.

[ronskal]

I would drill, tap it and Heli-coil it which properly done is a permanent repair.
Re-welding and re-tapping would work but is much more work and the end result would be you would be threading back into aluminum
anyways. This could result in the same problem again.
My boat does not mount the Z5 this way and I would not want to replace the Z5 with a bimini anyways.

[ddipert]

I'd have to agree with RONSKAL that a heli-coil is a permanent repair. My last racing outboard was all heli-coiled, head bolts to block halfs, I'd have no issue with this repair if done correctly. From the pictures it look like the bolt would be under shear stress which would have little effect on the threads.

How did the threads get pulled out?

[Josh L.]

Sounds like they need to just do a replacement if you plan on keeping the boat long term under warranty.

Nautique won't warranty it as they are claiming the installing dealer over tightened the bolt causing this happen. I called the dealer we bought it from the other day to see if they'd be willing to help, and they said this has been common for them to fix. The dealer we bought it from was brand new to Nautiques when we purchased the boat, which in hindsight was a mistake to buy from.

[scottb7]

I am confused.

One, how can nautique NOT cover under warranty and blame the dealer. How is that even an option? I think they have to cover it and take it up with their own dealer, don't they?

Two, what does being new to nautique have to do with it? I don't understand your point.

[bscott]

One, how can nautique NOT cover under warranty and blame the dealer. How is that even an option? I think they have to cover it and take it up with their own dealer, don't they?

I'm guessing Nautique blames the dealer because the Z5 is shipped unassembled in a box and installed by the dealer. Just my guess.

[ffmedic74]

Make the dealer replace it then... Regardless it wasn't your fault.

[4th ski-doo]

IMO the cost of the boat,z-5, and the tower are so high it should be covered.

What if the dealer did a poor prep on the boat, not covered?

Ford has been heli coiling rear spark plugs into v-10's for years now and it works.


I'd almost rather something comes loose for me to find rather than just snaps or bends and needs to be completely replaced.


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