NSS failure

[vision]

Our 2013 G23 is experiencing more frequent surf tab issues. It will often surf correctly (normal wave forms) on the first attempt, either side. But changing sides will now often result in a poor wave with a huge rooster tail. I suspect both surf tabs are partially out when this occurs based on the strange wave. The center (NCRS) appears to still work correctly when this occurs as changing the NCRS causes the expected change in boat attitude. I have inspected the surf tabs for mechanical obstructed and lubricated them, but it still occurs. I suspect this is more of a software issue, although I can rule out intermittent problems with the tab screw mechanism. Rebooting the computer does not always but some times fixes the issue. But it is not always a problem which makes troubleshooting more of a challenge.

Questions:

- Anyone else having this issue?
- Anyone know if the recent ECM/Linc update they released at the beginning of the year addresses surf settings?
- Anyone know how to test the surf tabs for mechanical function? The tabs only deploy after a certain speed so it is impossible to test their function on the lift. I am guessing there is a why to bypass the speed requirement to test their function.

Thanks.

[Tallredrider]

Is there a back up paddle wheel? You could always put it on the trailer and have someone push the paddle wheel with a blow dryer or drive the boat on the trailer at 10 MPH to see what is really happening back there. If there is no paddle wheel, could you put it in River mode with an 11 MPH current? Then when the boat is stationary, the GPS thinks it is moving 11 MPH. Just thinking out loud about how to better trouble shoot exactly what is happening.

Assuming that you have a trailer at your disposal.

Also, I wonder about just one of the actuators failing, and it fails to retract properly. Does this problem happen equally on right to left and left to right switching?

[vision]

Thanks Tall. Good suggestions on river mode. Not sure how fast a current it accepts but worth a try. Happens on both sides relatively equally, but actuator sticking or software problem are my two rule outs.

[JoeA]

Vision, just curious how many hours are on the boat. Sorry, but I do not have any suggestions on how to hep troubleshoot.

[vision]

390 hours.

[Ziplock]

I have experienced this issue before in my 13 230. Would only happen when trying transfers, After a failed attempt both taps would deploy on take off. I just have driver switch back and forth between starboard and port until the wave finally formed. That's what worked for me, Assuming its a software glitch.

[vision]

Thanks Ziplock, it helps to know others have experienced the issue and also believe it is software in origin.

[DaveSA]

Did you ever get the issue fixed? I am having same type of problems.

[jshack01]

You can test the actuators by unplugging them and applying a 12V battery source to the leads going to the actuator itself. Just reverse the polarity to reverse the actuator direction.

[all2matt]

Mine did it when I tried to switch while in neutral. Shut off the boat to reset and it should be good to go. I just make sure to switch sides while in motion.

[DaveSA]

Thanks for the response! jsHack, any suggestion for a jumper wire to test the actuator?

[Tallredrider]

IF you are really a close buddy with your dealer/mechanic, you could ask them for the dealer code to do be able to put the NSS and NCRS in 'test mode' and see if everything works properly while on the trailer. That might save a trip to the dealership. But you can also mess things up with that information, so be careful.

That information is closely guarded and I would guess it would require several 6 packs of your mechanic's favorite beverage, boxes of ammo, or whatever would be a nice surprise to the person putting themselves at risk for giving it to you. I may or may not have firsthand knowledge of such things...

[jshack01]

Thanks for the response! jsHack, any suggestion for a jumper wire to test the actuator?

I recommend removing the wires from the connector. If I recall you pull out the center orange plastic piece and the two wires will pull out the back. You can then just use a couple of alligator clips with some old speaker wire. Just make sure you put the connector back together the way you took it apart. If you accidentally reverse the polarity it will go in when you want it to go out and vice versa. I marked the connector and one of the wires with a felt tip pen and tape before I took it apart. I think I have the wiring diagram somewhere as well if you get really stuck. Just not sure where I put it... As for where the actuators are plugged in, I'm not sure. Mine was a retrofit so the connectors were were I wanted them to be.. I suspect Nautique would have put them somewhere up under the sides. Just trace the cable that comes in from the actuator and follow it for about 8 feet or so. I'll bet you'll find it around that length (just a guess).

While I am thinking about this, if you know how to use a volt meter, you could also measure the output connector from the control panel as well to ensure your getting the proper voltage output. The super complex part of this is from the computer to those relay panels. That I can't help you with. But from the control panel to the actuators is pretty basic stuff. I'm sure the computer just uses a timer to control the applied power and polarity. You would be fortunate to find out the actuator is just bad. They appear to be ones you can order from a variety of sources (at least from what I remember). I played around with the ones on my 2012 SANTE a few years ago. I haven't touched the ones on my 2017 G23 so things may have changed.

Just remove the cover and get the part number off the actuator. You can look it up online and download the spec sheet (at least that's what I did).

[vacooley]

I have experienced this issue before in my 13 230. Would only happen when trying transfers, After a failed attempt both taps would deploy on take off. I just have driver switch back and forth between starboard and port until the wave finally formed. That's what worked for me, Assuming its a software glitch.

We have had the same problem on a '17 230.


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[swankster]

You are not along. My 13 started acting up a couple of weeks ago. 310 hours.