2008 SeaDoo 230 Wake Intake Grate

[nesnfred]

I needed to remove the intake grate to remove a small stick that was stuck in the impeller but the two bolts towards the bow side of the grate sheered off. Upon further inspection, these two bolts are through bolts, passing into the bilge. From a parts diagram two nylon lock nuts appear to be in there but they are covered with a thick rubber-like water-proof sealant. And it looks like one would have to remove the super-charger just to access them. The only way you can see them is to basically hand upside down in the bilge.

This is a TERRIBLE design! Has anyone else had success removing their intake grate? One of the bolts sheered off far in so I am thinking about using some marine grade sealant and fix a wall anchor in there so I can get at least on screw to stabilize the bow end of the grate. The other bolt is sticking out slightly so it will keeping that side from moving around. The stern side bolts seem to be the ones that really secure it. Any thoughts?

 

[Lumps]

I am having a similar issue but on the mercury engine. Salt water and bolts! Any way I can't help but just wanted to give some moral support. Be patient and you will eventually get it sorted

 

[go_panthers]

They shouldn't put a supercharger in there because it interferes with a through-hull bolt? Not sure what you are saying is a terrible design.

I sympathize with you on getting wood in your impeller, though. We had to limp home on one engine because something got stuck in the pump. Got home to find out it was pressure-treated lumber.

3 pieces, each about the size of a quarter, were wedged in the edges of the impeller. Got them out with a long pry bar. Didn't have to remove the intake grate. Been running seadoos (skis and boats) for two decades. Second time I've had an issue with sucking something into the pump.

 

[delonnelj]

Had the same issue. I said no way. I waited a couple days and they dried up. Powered the engine and they dropped out. Sorry you're having the problem. The SC are not hard to deal with. Yes it's and extra step in the process. In the future purchase long plastic sticks. You can ram almost anything out with them. I only catch BS under 15 mph. So now I don't piddle around.

 

[gb387]

I have a couple very long needle nose pliers, they have worked for me in removing objects.

 

[nesnfred]

Appreciate all the replies! I will definitely be boating with sticks and coat hangers in the future! Because one of the bolts sheared off far enough in, I was able to buy a matching bolt at West Marine, used Marine Tex to epoxy it into the hole. I used a dremel to cut off the bolt head to create a threaded post. With a nylon locking washer, I can reattach. I'll use 3M marine grade medium bond sealant on the other side side to help secure it but not permanently. The stern side boltsc are also super secure...I wish they had engineered it this way instead of using through hull bolts. Just give me two posts on the bow side of the grate for easier removal!

 

[nesnfred]

Wow, that will do it! The newer boats have the hinged grates, so nice. My comment about the super charger was in reference to how on my boat, the bow side screws of the grate are through bolts. Those through bolts have nylon locking nuts that are covered in a water proof semi-hardened gel. And they are located underneath the SC's inside the bilge. It would be nearly impossible to access them without removing the SC. Is your boat different?

 

[briancayko]

Appreciate all the replies! I will definitely be boating with sticks and coat hangers in the future! Because one of the bolts sheared off far enough in, I was able to buy a matching bolt at West Marine, used Marine Tex to epoxy it into the hole. I used a dremel to cut off the bolt head to create a threaded post. With a nylon locking washer, I can reattach. I'll use 3M marine grade medium bond sealant on the other side side to help secure it but not permanently. The stern side boltsc are also super secure...I wish they had engineered it this way instead of using through hull bolts. Just give me two posts on the bow side of the grate for easier removal!

Could you take a picture of your finished product with the threaded post design you ended up using?

 

[wrench2ride]

The only time I pull an intake grate off is if I am replacing it because it was smashed. otherwise if you get something stuck in there like a stick or a rope just remove the jet pump. 15 mins and you have it off. most times if you got something in there you would need to replace the wear ring anyways.

 

[nesnfred]

Here are the pics...the key is mixing the Marine Tex precisely, don’t guess. Otherwise the threaded bolt will spin when tightening the locking nut. I only have one bolt on the bow side of the grate because the other bolt sheared off too shallow to insert a second post. But the 3M bond sealant holds nicely. We boated all last summer like this with no problems.