Traction mat fitment issue

[dgfreeze]

Ok, so I got Blacktip Elite ttlraction mats, and I freaking love them! One problem though. The latch assembly on the starboard side rear hatch is a half inch too far forward. With the cutout for the handle lined up, the mat hangs over the front of the hatch. Yesterday, I emailed the company I purchased from, and haven’t heard from them yet. Hoping there’s a chance they can custom “one-off” a mat with the cut-out moved forward to fit. I’m not holding my breath about it though. I guess my primary question is, are there any easy ways to move the latch assembly a 1/2” forward, short of doing all the fiberglass and gelcoat work, and then repositioning the hole, etc etc... Also, to clarify, the Port side fits like a glove, and the starboard mat mirrors the port mat perfectly. The latch is simply 1/2” too far forward. Crazy that it makes this much difference, but it does...

 

[tdonoughue]

So Yamaha put the latch in a slightly different spot? Wow. That is a new one.

Unfortunately, I don't know of an easy fix for that one. Other than to pull it, repair the hole and redrill it. And even at that you have the hatch pattern in the gelcoat there, so duplicating that will be a bear, at least.

Only other option I could think of would be a thin plate of stainless. Cut a hole the size of the latch in it. Then drill a new hole over the bad hole, 1/2" farther up (that will be the hard part). Then set the latch in the plate and the whole assembly into the new hole. Install your mat over the whole thing. The mat adhesive will hold the plate down, the plate will hold the latch and cover the gap. Won't be the prettiest thing, but probably workable. You could also do it with some other thin metal. I would be afraid Starboard or something would be too thick.

 

[14SX190]

He had sea deck and was able to contact them to make him another one with right dimensions. May be BT would do the same?
The placement was off from factory

https://jetboaters.net/threads/seadek-problem-jetboatpilot-saves-the-day.3861/

 

[dgfreeze]

So Yamaha put the latch in a slightly different spot? Wow. That is a new one.

Unfortunately, I don't know of an easy fix for that one. Other than to pull it, repair the hole and redrill it. And even at that you have the hatch pattern in the gelcoat there, so duplicating that will be a bear, at least.

Only other option I could think of would be a thin plate of stainless. Cut a hole the size of the latch in it. Then drill a new hole over the bad hole, 1/2" farther up (that will be the hard part). Then set the latch in the plate and the whole assembly into the new hole. Install your mat over the whole thing. The mat adhesive will hold the plate down, the plate will hold the latch and cover the gap. Won't be the prettiest thing, but probably workable. You could also do it with some other thin metal. I would be afraid Starboard or something would be too thick.

I’m not at all worried about what the gelcoat looks like, as it’ll obviously be covered by the mat, but I’m afraid the stainless option would be visible due to the cutout not being a complete circle. Of the two, I’d gravitate toward the extra work of a full repair. I’m sure Starboard would be too thick, but.......maybe I could oblong the hole, scoot the latch forward, cut a half moon shaped piece of starboard to fill the void, Epoxy it in, and finish with a layer of gelcoat.... hmmm, seems risky, but it doesn’t have to be super strong...

 

[dgfreeze]

He had sea deck and was able to contact them to make him another one with right dimensions. May be BT would do the same?
The placement was off from factory

https://jetboaters.net/threads/seadek-problem-jetboatpilot-saves-the-day.3861/

This gives me hope, I think I’m gonna try to call the company tomorrow, and see what my options are instead of just waiting on a reply.

 

[WiskyDan]

Per our PM conversation I’m interested in these as well and would like to hear what the seller offers as a solution.

 

[dgfreeze]

Per our PM conversation I’m interested in these as well and would like to hear what the seller offers as a solution.

Absolutely, I’ll update this with what I end up doing.

 

[dgfreeze]

It certainly is beautiful, though.

 

[MrTonyTfast]

I actually had the exact same problem today. Installed premium black tip half inch off on starboard rear hatch.

 

[dgfreeze]

Lol, I guess we had the same guy installing that latch assembly! So the front of your mat, that stuck out over the front of the hatch... did you just fold it down over the front of the hatch? It's hard to tell how it lays from the angle in the pic...

 

[dgfreeze]

@MrTonyTfast
And I just noticed.... Welcome to the forum! Make sure to check out the FAQ section at the top, and also the "known issues" section in the model specific section.

 

[WiskyDan]

Wow, they both look great!!!

 

[dgfreeze]

@WiskyDan, just an update, I did speak with Watercraft Superstore today, and the lady I spoke to said they can custom do a mat for me. I sent them the pic showing how it's off, and a copy of the receipt so they know the colors, and they are supposed to get back to me.

 

[MrTonyTfast]

@WiskyDan, just an update, I did speak with Watercraft Superstore today, and the lady I spoke to said they can custom do a mat for me. I sent them the pic showing how it's off, and a copy of the receipt so they know the colors, and they are supposed to get back to me.

@MrTonyTfast
And I just noticed.... Welcome to the forum! Make sure to check out the FAQ section at the top, and also the "known issues" section in the model specific section.

thanks for the Welcome... first Jet Boat.. as of now its just hanging off a little long. Probably gonna cut it for now. I also need to reach out to manufacture and get a replacemen. I purchased mine off ebay from WWWatercraft.

 

[MrTonyTfast]

Wow, they both look great!!!

Thank you!!!!

 

[dgfreeze]

@MrTonyTfast just an offer... if yours is off by a 1/2” also, just like mine, they might do two (albeit a different color for yours) for less money (per mat) than one single mat. If you’re interested, and want me to, I can see about having them do one for you also. Just let me know. Like I said, just an offer...

 

[MrTonyTfast]

@MrTonyTfast just an offer... if yours is off by a 1/2” also, just like mine, they might do two (albeit a different color for yours) for less money (per mat) than one single mat. If you’re interested, and want me to, I can see about having them do one for you also. Just let me know. Like I said, just an offer...

Sounds like a great idea. I just wonder if all the sx230 were like this from the factory and their template is wrong.

 

[dgfreeze]

@MrTonyTfast PM sent. I doubt there are too many boats with the issue we are having, seems more like an isolated issue from my conversation with the lady. I'm just glad they are willing to do a custom mat to fit. Hopefully it doesn't take too long...

 

[WiskyDan]

Are you going to have to pay for the new mat or are they sending it free of charge?

 

[pcriley]

I had 2 mats (blacktip elites) on my swim deck that didn't fit. They were replaced under warranty although it has taken a few tries.