Intro and help!?!?

[DMYankee15]

Picked up a 2001 Seafarer 226 last year. Boat is very clean for its age and the prices for new boats are just ridiculous these days. I have a list of repairs that seems to be growing exponentially. Fuel tank vent is likely clogged, in the process of replacing/re-wiring bilge float switch, replacing scupper hoses and had the local service center replace the bang cap. Transom passed a survey and the techs said the top of the transom under the old bang cap looked good. I was relieved to avoid the added expense and now can hopefully put some money towards a top/tower.

Unfortunately today I noticed a significant amount of play between the center steering tube and side clamps of the 200 HPDI.

I can easily move the motor by hand. I had a block installed (one of those transom saver type blocks that goes over the main tilt tube) and didn’t notice the play before I took the boat off the lot after the transom work. I need to reach out to the technician this week. Play is between the center bracket and the outboard clamps. whole engine rocks around when trimming up/down and when moved by hand. I did not notice anything wrong with steering. Was hoping to get some insight here as well.

 

[SkunkBoat]

Lookup the motor on SIM or Boats.net Probably a washer and plastic bushing between there on both sides

 

[DMYankee15]

Thanks, yup looks like a washer and bushing supposed to be there. I didn’t clean it up enough to get a good look. Will likely have to peak at another motor to see how big/visible they are. With the amount of play it seems most likely something was missed during re-install of the motor.

 

[SkunkBoat]

Thanks, yup looks like a washer and bushing supposed to be there. I didn’t clean it up enough to get a good look. Will likely have to peak at another motor to see how big/visible they are. With the amount of play it seems most likely something was missed during re-install of the motor.

Funny though... you would not normally ever take that apart to remove a motor. That part holds the motor to the bracket.
The steering would come off the ends..although that could be disconnected in otherways that doesn't even touch that part.

Maybe they di you a favor and pulled the clamp bracket rod to clean old grease and then forgot a part putting it back?

Or the plastic bushings fell apart.

 

[DMYankee15]

Funny though... you would not normally ever take that apart to remove a motor. That part holds the motor to the bracket.
The steering would come off the ends..although that could be disconnected in otherways that doesn't even touch that part.

Maybe they di you a favor and pulled the clamp bracket rod to clean old grease and then forgot a part putting it back?

Or the plastic bushings fell apart.

That's what I thought. The tech that quoted me the estimate said they could save time by hanging the motor without disconnecting the steering if the cables were long enough.

 

[DMYankee15]

I tried to attach a video but the file is too large. I'm going to guess it's at least an 1/8 inch of play. Really noticeable. Sadly the service center just wants to replace a bushing and are saying it was good before. So sad the state we're in these days. So hard to find quality work. I should have known when the techs just sat on the couch when I came in to pick up my boat. Sorry, hate to bitch but am a retired Marine helo mechanic. Really grinds me to see mechs/technicians who don't seem to take pride in their work. I'm going to dig in a little further and launch a complaint to GW and BBB if I find negligence. Hopefully GW expects more out of their reps.

 

[SkunkBoat]

Look at the 4 motor mounting bolts. If they weren't removed then they pulled that rod and hung the motor. if the parts are missing, they had to do it. They can't fall out...
If they disintegrated the pieces would still be in there.

 

[DMYankee15]

Look at the 4 motor mounting bolts. If they weren't removed then they pulled that rod and hung the motor. if the parts are missing, they had to do it. They can't fall out...
If they disintegrated the pieces would still be in there.

I'm pretty sure they moved pulled the mounting bolts but I'll give it another look. I know how these things can happen though. Someone says "here's the easy way to do it" and one thing leads to another and you end up wasting a bunch of time. I would hope they would have at least removed the clamps. Not sure of the seal on the cap install with the clamps still on.