Supra - is it just mine???

Trainwreck · Soul Rider Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Posts: 375 City: Baytown

I dont know if I titled that right, but here's whats going on.

Every time I go out the boat seems to take on lots of water. We pull out and if no one is waiting at the ramp I pull the plug while on an incline. The boat will drain for a good five to ten minutes while we wipe down and unload. I'm not talking about a trickle, but as if the water hose is on.

I got home tonight after washing it up and going through my normal routine. I pull all the cushions and wipe them down and underneath then put them back standing up. Tonight I notice that all of the carpet under the front sack is soaked (up toward the top of the compartment). I get to looking and the back sacks are still mostly full of water. Resituate them and turn to empty and they dont empty. I finally pull one out and empty it manually and gave up on the other one. I did not put the front end under water, and I dont jump back in soaking wet. Everyone dries off on the swim platform.

I also noticed a wierd vibration while we were surfing. When I accelerate out of the hole the dash pops and vibrates. The boat doesnt seem to have all of the power it used to either. I had the previous motor problem already, I dont know if thats part of it. The prop is fine, no dings or bends. I noticed that I have to give it alot more throttle to get out of the hole when wakeboarding too. Something isnt right.

The battery also isnt charging, which I would attribute to the previous problems and the alternator being submerged. Possibly just the aftermath of the water intake hose coming off.

I want this boat to last a long time, and while I feel that I'm doing my part, I can't help but feel that the boat is just rotting in storage. I leave a big shop fan blowing in it and it is still damp and smelly when we go out again.

Is this all boats, or just mine? I dont know if its from the previous problem and the boat is cursed or what. I'm sick of wondering if its going to crash on me again.

midwesty · Posted: Aug 10, 2006 10:01 pm Post subject:

what about your packing gland/prop shaft gland? what about the bilge? is that working?

could also be a loose fitting on a sac, but the bilge should pump it out.

Kewlboarder27r · Soul Rider Joined: 16 Jun 2005 Posts: 497 City: Mound

make sure your bilge pupm is snapped into thelittle housing in the bilge. Otherwise the bilge will not auto function

glokk · Newbie Joined: 10 Jul 2005 Posts: 21

O the joys of boating.

Thug Hunter · Outlaw Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Posts: 134 City: Austin

I'm so discouraged from your recent posts trainwreck. You just got the boat and you're having such bad luck with it. It really makes me think twice about paying 40k plus for a new boat.

Everyone knocks jet boats for their poor wake, but the two I've owned have not once had any problems mechanically or in any manner for that matter. I'm thinking I should have just kept my 02 Sea Doo X-20 and dealt with the poor wake.

thong142 · Newbie Joined: 25 Feb 2006 Posts: 36 City: Acworth

Trainwreck,
I have your same boat (21v, 340hp, wake prop, etc, etc). I could not be happier, no problems, and if I did. Atlanta Marine would fix it asap, there a awesome dealer. Very family related. After a full day of boating. People in and out constantly. I pull the plug, and not a drop. Ive never had water come out a drop.
You speak of wet areas in the boat when back on shore, but on the lake have you lifted the up the motor box cover(is water in the motor box?), the cover for the V drive(is water in the Vdrive), front ballest bay, how much water in there?
My motor box is always dry, Vdrive box gets a little water from wet people comingn in the boat, and if I decide to purge the ballest system with the waterfilter.
Thats it. I agree you may have a leaking front ballest connection. I think you should take the boat on the water, opening all compartments, and monitor the water in these areas. Or, just take it to your dealer and have them take it to the lake. Good luck

C4Avalanchen · Outlaw Joined: 27 Aug 2005 Posts: 189 City: Reno

Wow, I feel for you Train. Sounds like a lemon dude. You should talk to your dealers mechanic, and have him/her go on a ride with you sometime. Like on a weekend. That way he/she can assess some of the problems, and let Supra know if they should get you into something else. Cause if i'm a mechanic, I don't want to see you or your boat every week!

siuski · Posted: Aug 11, 2006 5:09 am Post subject:

I've also noticed a lot of water in the bildge. However, I'll run the bildge manually at surf speeds to get most of it out. The main problem I see with the design is that the middle of the boat is lower than the stern when sitting in the water so the water will pool under the fuel cell or front sack (away from the bildge pump). On the trailer, you have to do exactly what Trainwreck says to get the water out when on the trailer, or jack the front end up a lot. I think most of my water is coming over the stern or into the blower exahaust when coming off plane. Seems to do that a lot when loaded down. However, you can mitigate that by slightly turning just before you come to rest. You'll never get all the water out of the rear sacks because of the placement of the drain pumps. You can help this also by running down the lake at speed to keep water pressure on the pumps.

With that said, I've got almost 120 hrs on my 06 and have not had any other problems except a few minor ones with the ballast system that were easily fixed.

Trainwreck, sorry to hear that you've had so many problems. Like you said the major problems are probably due to the water hose coming off. I read you previous thread about that and checked mine, all was good.

Diggs · Addict Joined: 27 Jan 2004 Posts: 627 City: Portland

Hey Trainwreck
I also have the same boat and no problems. I have not been following up on all the problems you are having, but they seem to be all easy stuff and just getting your dealer on it.
-Are you sure one of your ballast bags are not leaking or one of the hoses coming in
-or a simple packing seal around the shaft?
-take a look at your auto bilge as it should pump that out for you automatically and that is also a cheap easy part to replace if not

But no you should not have that much water in your bilge area. I don't pull my plug ever, but if I did I would not get anymore than a few drops.

If you want your bags drained totally dry start at the end of the bag and start rolling it up and then put some pressure on the bag and flip on the ballast. you will be able to get them bone dry if you want them bone dry.

If you have problems and your dealer is not correcting it send an email direct to Supra. They will be on it like a fly on sh%t. They are a stand up company and will take care of you.

Good luck to you!

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

Do like thong142 suggested. Take it out, and open every compartment. While someone else is driving go through the boat. You have something loose. That's all. Either a hose or the packing around the driveshaft. Either your ballast is leaking into the boat. Or your boats taking on water when running.
My old supra when I drove it at slow speeds would let in water around the driveshaft. But not much. As soon as I slowed down though the auto bilge would pump it out in about 15 seconds.

That's the other thing to check, your bilge pump. I can't believe these boats only have 1 bilge pump?! My 90 Supra came with two. And I keep them both in running order. One sits just to the left of the driver seat in the middle, and one in the stern. This Supra never takes on water. I takes forever if it does, and I think that's because of fat sacs and people getting in and out.

RickTinker · Posted: Aug 11, 2006 7:51 am Post subject:

Trainwreck,

Have you had an opportunity to let the dealer review where the leak is coming from? That is where I would start. Many different possibilities from shaft packing,etc. I read your previous hose/water problem and I am trully sorry to hear of that. We(Skier's Choice) do test each and every boat at the lake, so we (either us or the dealer) should have caught that. Hopefully it is something that we can get taken care of quickly and get you back on the water. Which Dealer are you working with and I will be glad to give him a heads up on your situation.

My Apologies,

Rick Tinker
Skier's Choice

Erik · Posted: Aug 11, 2006 8:03 am Post subject:

This is why I always say good things about Supra. Incase anyone does not know who Rick Tinker is, he is the owner of Skier's Choice, Supra's parent company. He reads this forum, and it is awesome that he posts on here. I think it is good for them as a company, and better PR than I can even begin to describe.

Trainwreck · Soul Rider Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Posts: 375 City: Baytown

I contacted my dealer which is Rinker's Boat World. I really like those guys, as they have always jumped and run to my side to help. We are going to take the boat out and go through it.

I did mention getting me a deal on an 07 though. Surprised

)

boardordie · Posted: Aug 14, 2006 12:04 pm Post subject:

Go with what Haugy was saying. Have someone drive while you look in every little cubby hole for the leak.

I just experienced kind of the same "mysterious" water problem with a friends boat. The bilge kept coming on when he had the boat running and he wanted me to look at it since it's his first boat and he's not real mechanical. The first thing I looked at was the motor box. Sure enough the "professionals" at the place he had winterize the boat forgot to tighten the drain plugs on either side of the block after they were done! Needless to say water was pumping in all over the place. I laughed and told him that at least he knew the water impellar was working.

I'm sure it's not as obvious with your boat but you'd be surprised how many time the obvious is just... well the obvious. Mr. Green

lowdrag · Outlaw Joined: 28 Aug 2003 Posts: 188

Rick T. since you're here I thought I'd see if I could get your attention for a minute. I've had numerous issues with my '06 21V as well. My dealer has been great, but I just think that it's gone beyond that. I haven't been doing a lot of posting about my issues as I'm hoping everything can be made right. I've already left a message for one of your guys that my dealer gave me the number for but haven't heard anything back. Feel free to send me a message if you need more details.

Thanks

Trainwreck, sorry for jacking your post.

Trainwreck · Soul Rider Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Posts: 375 City: Baytown

No worries bro. Good luck with getting help. PM him, he checks them regularly and has been a great help to me.

RickTinker · Posted: Aug 14, 2006 2:44 pm Post subject:

Lowdrag,

Sorry to hear that. My email is rtinker@skierschoice.com. Please let me know what is going on and I will check into it.

Thanks

Rick

Zack_Attack · Posted: Aug 16, 2006 10:48 am Post subject:

I didn't read much of the posts....but I have an 05 21V with 200+ hours on it, it does the same thing. I keep it in the water too, not on a lift. In fact I went out the other night because I knew I wouldn't be down this weekend. I opened the hatch and over half the motor was under. It never seems to hurt it though. I just drain it through the bilge. I didn't realize that you can snap something to turn on the auto-pump. Someone tell me how, I am going out today.

E.J. · Ladies Man Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 7597 City: Mogadishu

bjackson · Criminal Joined: 02 May 2005 Posts: 70 City: Connecticut

I ran into a problem with always having water in my boat. I've checked my intakes, rudder port, and shaft log... nothing. I did notice though as I would fill my center ballast that through the zipper it'd bubble (No apparent leaks). So I took the bag out, pulled the inner bladder out of the outter shell, and ran a garden hose through it. One whole seam was lined with little rips, if you were to look at it you wouldn't notice anything, it was just until water was pouring out of it. Take it step by step and look at each source of entry for water, it could be something real small and just from being out on it all day, it accumulates.

lowdrag · Outlaw Joined: 28 Aug 2003 Posts: 188

Zack,

If you're getting that much water in your boat, you've got a problem with the auto function of your bilge. When the bilge switch on the dash is turned off, the auto function should still be on and whenever the water gets high enough (much lower than what you're describing) it should turn on on its own and run until the water is low enough or the battery goes dead.

I think what someone was referring to before with the snapping part is how the pump attaches to the hull. The bottom part of the pump housing acts as a debris screen and pops off of the pump. This part is fastened down to the hull and then the pump snaps on to it. If the pump comes loose it can still pump water if you turn it on manually but the float mechanism that turns it on automatically will probably not work.

If you're boat has that much water in it while just sitting there and the battery isn't dead, I'd check it out ASAP. Get a big rain storm and you could likely come back to find the boat mostly submerged or worse

Bambamski · Posted: Aug 16, 2006 1:11 pm Post subject:

Trainwreck · Soul Rider Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Posts: 375 City: Baytown

I've gotten tons of help from my dealer. Its not the dealers fault. Its my fault for posting on here at midnight vs waiting until the next day to talk to the dealership. In an effort for a quick answer I made everything worse.

Maybe we should just delete this whole thread.

silvtongdvl · Outlaw Joined: 01 Oct 2003 Posts: 187 City: Crosby,TX

Bamski,
Most dealers don't read this forum. They don't have time. So unless the customer calls the dealership with a problem, or has someone like me that does read it and then calls the customer, how is the dealer to fix it.
Is the dealer at fault cause the customer chooses to post here before calling his salesman or dealer???

A good salesman doesn't stop helping the customer once the boat is sold - ~S~

Bambamski · Posted: Aug 16, 2006 1:40 pm Post subject:

silvtongdvl,

If someone posts on here about a problem before they talk to their dealer about fixing it then they're a freaken moron.

I'm saying most of these people have talked to their dealer and gotten no where with them. Then they post here and get a response trying to fix the problem so they don't make too much of a public stink about it.

E.J. · Ladies Man Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 7597 City: Mogadishu

Bambamski - I still think it is more than impressive that Rick Tinker gets on here, becomes party of the community, and deals with customers one on one. He gets stuff done and that is what counts. Even more so if a dealer is not responsive, he gets the issue resolved.

Every company has boat issues, every company has dealer issues. It is nice to see someone with so much juice dealing with it on a personal level. Obviously he wants the internet wakeboard community to know that the buck stops with him and he will get your issues resolved if it is a reasonable issue/problem. I like & respect that....and I'm not even a Supra/Moomba guy.

"A good salesman doesn't stop helping the customer once the boat is sold" - Silvtongdvl
Well said!

wtbamoomba · Addict Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 808 City: raleigh

trainwreck, i love your boat, i love skiiers choice, my 05 mobius lsv has been a dream come true, Rick, thanks for everything you do...

Zack_Attack · Posted: Aug 17, 2006 4:57 am Post subject:

WELL....I have a better one for you now. I hadn't been out in two weeks so I knew it would have more water than usual in it. Little did I know that when I got to the boat there would be about a foot of water going at a slope, starting from the captains chair. SO....first thing I do is hit the bilge button....nope nothing. Battery was dead. I am in a covered slip, there is NO WAY that this boat should be taking on that much water. i checked all my ballast hoses and everything was still snug. I am about to call the company and see what the dealio is on this. I just don't understand how a boat with 200 hours and only a year old takes on that much water in two weeks, with no weather getting to it. I mean this strictly lake water, nothing else. Luckily though, I got the battery charged and ran the pump, then I unhooked the empty hoses on my ballast and let them help suck some of it out.

lcap · Ladies Man Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Posts: 10973 City: Homeless

Bambamski

You are correct on the dealer (In Seattle Anyway) for Skiers Choice being the worst of the worst. It has represented almost every boat on the market with Supra/Moomba being the latest. It takes awhile but eventually the dealer has the line taken away.

Why don't Manufacturer's check out that kind of stuff?????? The dealer is often the deciding factor in boat purchases these days. It's as simple as getting a list of current owners and calling them to find out about their experiences with the dealer.

In addition see how many people are returning customers? Most people for this dealer are first and last time buyers from them--no matter what boat they rep.

Zack_Attack · Posted: Aug 17, 2006 10:09 am Post subject:

UPDATE! I just pulled mine out of the water, called the guy at Knoxville Supra. He said it is INDEED THE PACKING. He said it will cost around 90 bucks to fix. So oh well. However, mine has a few more problems than just that. I am trying to get rid of it as soon as I get it back to 100%. Anybody have an 05 or 06 X-Star they wanna sell me? Very Happy

NAW · Posted: Aug 17, 2006 10:15 am Post subject:

E.J. · Ladies Man Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 7597 City: Mogadishu

Shouldn't the packing be covered under warranty, thus not costing a dime?

Zack_Attack · Posted: Aug 17, 2006 12:00 pm Post subject:

Jon · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 1176

Packing is definitely not covered under warranty. Getting your packing nut tightened is a general maintenance thing that I recommend at least checking every time you get your oil changed. I always tell people, read your manuals and take care of your boat and your boat will take care of you. To keep from you or your dealer having to do this in the future, for 2007 all SC boats will come with dripless packing glands.

ridininmd · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 1231

My Supra is freaking awesome, I've put a little over 100 hours on it this year since I got it and the only issue I've had is a seized perfect pass servo motor. $100 fix and I was back in business. Thanks Jon!