Stumped the Dealer!!

[sdaley]

Has anyone heard of this on a 2005 Super Air?

Intermittently, when taking off out of the hole, I get a loud machine gun rat-a-tat-tat banging noise comming from under the dash. No vibration, steering or throttle performance issues. Can't find anything loose.
I asked a couple of friends with various nautiques over the years and all the local 's Techs...no one has ever heard of this???

Any clues?

[$$$BIMP$$$]

is there a prize ???

[sdaley]

is there a prize ???

Prize...Hmmm....How about the gratification in knowing that, not only can you boast being a certified boat wrench, but actually demonstrate your superior knowledge to our fellow PlanetNautique members

ball's in your court

[eseybold]

static feedback coming from a speaker ?

could it be static coming from a speaker that is not properly grounded or on an AM station.......sometimes in cars that have cheaply made radios with poor noise damping you can hear the engine accelerate through the speakers if the radio is on an AM sttaion ? Just a thought....

[Craigk]

just throwing out a guess here...

loose tracking fin on the bottom of the boat? Could happen intermittently due to launching at certain angles or speeds and might not necessarily vibrate enough for you to feel anything.

[sdaley]

could it be static coming from a speaker that is not properly grounded or on an AM station.......sometimes in cars that have cheaply made radios with poor noise damping you can hear the engine accelerate through the speakers if the radio is on an AM sttaion ? Just a thought....

Eseybold

It's definitly more of a banging sound comming from under the dash. The speakers are tower mounted and it still does it with stereo off. Thanks for your effort.

[sdaley]

just throwing out a guess here...

loose tracking fin on the bottom of the boat? Could happen intermittently due to launching at certain angles or speeds and might not necessarily vibrate enough for you to feel anything.

CraigK

Excellent theory, but I just checked and they are all tight...thanks.

Anybody else?

[AbunDiga909]

belly tank loose?

also a guess, and i have no mechanic credentials

[core-rider]

Has anyone heard of this on a 2005 Super Air?

Intermittently, when taking off out of the hole, I get a loud machine gun rat-a-tat-tat banging noise comming from under the dash. No vibration, steering or throttle performance issues. Can't find anything loose.
I asked a couple of friends with various nautiques over the years and all the local 's Techs...no one has ever heard of this???

Any clues?

Every once in awhile I will get a similar sound to what you're describing. Mine is the steering wheel/steering rack. It seems happen when I hit the throttle from a stop while the rudder is not straight. I tend to let the force of the water going past the rudder correct the steering by letting go of the wheel. Sometimes the wheel will shudder a bit making the noise you describe. Soon as I grab the wheel the noise will stop. I think it is just caused by the water hitting the rudder at a funny angle creating a vibration in the steering that is transfered to the wheel. Since there is a small bit of play there I get a rattle.

Test out my theory one day when you think of it and I bet that's it. I only accept cash.

[sdaley]

belly tank loose?

also a guess, and i have no mechanic credentials

AbunDiga909

Belly tank's tight, besides it's more of a machine gun banging noise, but thanks.

[sdaley]

Every once in awhile I will get a similar sound to what you're describing. Mine is the steering wheel/steering rack. It seems happen when I hit the throttle from a stop while the rudder is not straight. I tend to let the force of the water going past the rudder correct the steering by letting go of the wheel. Sometimes the wheel will shudder a bit making the noise you describe. Soon as I grab the wheel the noise will stop. I think it is just caused by the water hitting the rudder at a funny angle creating a vibration in the steering that is transfered to the wheel. Since there is a small bit of play there I get a rattle.

Test out my theory one day when you think of it and I bet that's it. I only accept cash.

Jason

I think you're on to it. My first thought was a stripped gear in the steering rack, but it steers just fine. I do suppose that there could be just enough play for the steering rack to be the culprit. I'll have to stick my head under there on Wed. when we go back out. But I think you're right.
Assuming it is it, why hasn't anyone else but you and I had this problem? Is it correctable or worth worring about? Just wondering...

[NautiqueJeff]

Jason

I think you're on to it. My first thought was a stripped gear in the steering rack, but it steers just fine. I do suppose that there could be just enough play for the steering rack to be the culprit. I'll have to stick my head under there on Wed. when we go back out. But I think you're right.
Assuming it is it, why hasn't anyone else but you and I had this problem? Is it correctable or worth worring about? Just wondering...

Now that you mention it, I had that same noise in my 2003 if the rudder was in a certain position. I could feel mine in the steering wheel a little bit.

[core-rider]

I have never thought of it as bad or damaging, just a kind of annoying noise. I know what it takes to make the noise happen on my boat and can make it stop just as quickly. I wouldn't worry about it. If you do notice excessive play in the steering then maybe get it looked at, but if everything seems okay, then just keep enjoying your boat.

There is the slightest bit of play in my steering, but if you added the little bit of clearance in the rack gearing, cable ends, and rudder linkage there is always going to be a bit of play. It's nothing excessive on my boat and I've not noticed it getting worse since the day I brought it home.

[Quinner]

Sounds like it's from the steering rack, I get a noise like that if there are a lot of weeds stuck on the prop.

[sdaley]

Jason

You nailed it, that's what it is!
Guess I'll just live with it as long as it doesn't get worse or the steering starts to suffer.
Thanks to everyone for your input.