My Thrust Vector Wake Install experience

[drewkaree]

The pic shows why I have time to write this

I watched the entire install video, and loaded it on my phone as well, to watch as I go. I got the anode relocation done while watching as I go, and all other prep steps are currently completed as well.

I wanted to verify one last time how the upstop bracket was supposed to go on, since I would be epoxying them in place, and I don't want to have to remove them to redo them. The bracket seemed to be cocked from front to back when seated against the nozzle, and it didn't seem right. If my interpretation of the install video is correct, this is how it should sit (~32 minute mark, Will states "back here on this corner the part sits almost flush with the pivot point for the reverse bucket"). If I'm wrong, then this willbe one of the more frustrating things to deal with, since I'll have to break the epoxy bond, removethe part, clean up and redo it.

I'm not unfamiliar with wrenching on things, so this idea of purposefully having something installed cocked/canted isn't unheard of, but every time I've seen it, it's spelled out explicitly that it should be done, and oftentimes the degree that the part should be from the rest of an assembly.

I went ahead confident that I understood. Thunder rumbled in the distance, but I thought it was far enough away to finish the epoxy on the starboard side. I got the right starboard side bracket done, and had just started on the left starboard side bracket, when it started to sprinkle, sliding down the cover periodically to drench me. I had nowhere near enough epoxy left to finish, after applying it around the boss. I ran into the house, mixed up the second packet of epoxy, and finished the epoxy part of the installation on the starboard side, lying on my back, getting soaked front and back.

Will, I'm not done yet, but I DO have a recommendation for you: you state that the epoxy is one of the most important things, so include FOUR packets of the stuff, or have packets that are larger. For the cost of the TVW's, I don't think it's asking much to have enough product to complete one of the most important steps without feeling like you're having to scrape the last bit to finish, or be stingy with the whole process to have enough to finish. I'm going to be using the tubes of JB Weld Marine epoxy to finish the port side, but I wouldn't have been able to finish my install if I hadn't read from another member here to pick up the JB Weld beforehand, and honestly, I wasn't expecting to have to use it, and I'm a bit disappointed that indeed, I will need it. A few bucks of additional epoxy for an $800 add-on kinda leaves a bad taste in your mouth, y'know?

All in all, I'm still not done, but I expect to be able to finish next weekend. I'm not going any further until the epoxy has cured on both sides, and I'm going to sand any excess off the reverse bucket bosses - I don't know how anyone could avoid getting epoxy on them, and I'd be nervous that the bucket would get stuck in place. Thus far, I'm still looking forward to getting these on, and enjoying the benefits of the TVW'S

It's done raining, I'm off to finish the epoxy for the port side (this feels like Hello Mudda, hello Fadda lol)

 

[Laconic]

I installed mine this weekend as well. I totally agree on the epoxy. More should be included. I missed the try to keep it in the middle of the card hint and did not have much to use. I had a wet shop towel and wiped the bucket faces clean.

 

[mrtrav]

My packet was busted open during shipping, so I ended up picking up a full tube of marine epoxy from the local hardware store.

 

[drewkaree]

Well, I didn't do a dry fit to test clearances, and I'm a bit pissed at myself, I know better than that. Maybe concern about the impending rain creeping in... whatever, my damage is done and I will have to address this next weekend.

It's a bitch having the boat an hour away, and my place an additional half hour past that. Working on it requires more time, patience and planning than if I had it at home with my arsenal of tools at my disposal. I'm lucky to have a neighbor with a good tool supply, but sometimes your own tools are what you want to deal with problems.

I gotta take up a grinder capable of removing the extra material Will talks about in the video. If you have one of the early production kits, test your clearances, and grind away BEFORE the epoxy step, or you'll end up like me.

Starboard side AFTER epoxy, which I now have to grind to get the steering clevis bolt to fit:




Port side, AFTER I ground that angle and removed enough material for (hopefully) good clearance:

 

[drewkaree]

I ALSO need two more of the small bolts. The kit includes two sets of 9 bolts. You guys look at the number of holes and tell me how many are needed for two of these deflectors (4 already used to mount the black plate to the deflector)





Did I miss something else, and there's a different bolt that fits in one of those holes? By my count, there's 10 holes per deflector, and only 9 screws included. Yeah, I could simply not install a screw in the bottom middle of the black logo plate, but then, why tap it for a screw in the first place? Skip that hole and use the savings to be able to include more epoxy

Anyway, tomorrow I'll stop by the local screw emporium and hopefully find two more identical screws to complete my kit.

Any suggestions as to what might be easiest for grinding off that excess material? I think I can get my hands on a die grinder or a Dremel, I really don't want to have to beat that upstop off the nozzle - seems like asking for more trouble and potentially damaging the nozzle.

 

[InmyElement]

The added claws utilize the 2 holes on the plate. Thats why it appears your missing 2 screws easy mistake...Good luck!

 

[drewkaree]

OK, back up north, and I'm now on vacation, so I have time to slowly finish this. I started watching the install video again, and noticed around the 22-23 minute mark, you can see exactly what I'm referring to on the appearance of the cocked installation of the up stops.

The Un-notched side of the up stop will be close to flush with the reverse bucket boss, and angles inward (for lack of a better term) when installed as Will shows. I believe I've done this part successfully, and will post pics of this later, along with the work I need to do, so anyone with a 2019 AR210 will be able to see what I did to make clearance for the steering clevis and bolt

 

[Laconic]

I received the updated jet deflector and they made the steering way easier. Quick 20 minute switch and we were on our way. The wake was noticeably drier when tubing.

 

[drewkaree]

I most likely was sent the updated version, but I have no choice but to use the original one because I had to stop mail delivery due to being on vacation and away from home.

I ALSO noticed that there was an update on the install video 3 days ago, so all of the time indicators I'm referencing are for the older video that I had downloaded. I have spotty internet, which is why I downloaded it rather than rely on being able to get it from YouTube.

Adjustments required, possibly tomorrow. Cocktails, fireworks and good neighbors got in the way today

 

[drewkaree]

My adjustments are finally done. I have not put it in the water yet, but I expect there will be issues. anodizing on both left fins (port AND starboard) HAD to be scratched in order to do the adjustments without disassembling the entire fin assembly to replace the adjustment bolt on the left side upstop bracket. At this point, if I have to remove this for any reason other than to replace it with an updated and fully operational version they will NOT be going back on my boat, and I will be expecting a full and complete refund for my part in the R&D of this product.

There is NO ability for a test fit to catch the rubbing of the adjustment bolt, because you don't know if you NEED to adjust it until you are at the point of no return. From the now-updated install video, I can see that the same bolts are being used. It's my belief that something like a cap head socket screw should have been used. No sharp edges to gouge your anodizing, and a flatter bearing surface for the secondary upstop. I MAY be able to swap out the current bolt by taking the secondary upstop out, but I'll have to throw a vice grip on it, potentially marring the surface, and I'm still not sure if there's enough clearance to get a proper bolt in there.

At this point, I'm DONE with dicking around with this. I know there's been a secondary fix sent out, but I have seen the items on video, and nothing is different than what I have already done (hence me including myself in the R&D, given that some of my points in this very thread are addressed in the new video). My recommendation, if you are also an owner of a 2019 AR210, is to purchase any other product at this time, unless/until someone can verify that the issues I've had are solved. I'd go so far as to say make sure MULTIPLE 2019 AR210 owners don't have problems, because it seems quality control by Yamaha and/or @JetBoatPilot cannot account for the variances that seem to be evident in installing this product across the range of years of these boats.

I'm on vacation, so before I give you guys a run down of the rest of my experience, I need a drink and some time to process everything, and to finally (hopefully) put my boat in the emmer effing water and enjoy my damned vacation! Lol

 

[drewkaree]

*edit* still too slow for much

Before I sign off, while I'm on the wifi and can post these, here's some pictures for everyone to ponder, and wonder about ?

 

[CAM212SS]

For me... the problem is solved

 

[Lake_Spray]

... At this point, if I have to remove this for any reason other than to replace it with an updated and fully operational version they will NOT be going back on my boat, and I will be expecting a full and complete refund for my part in the R&D of this product...

At this point, I'm DONE with dicking around with this. I know there's been a secondary fix sent out, but I have seen the items on video, and nothing is different than what I have already done (hence me including myself in the R&D, given that some of my points in this very thread are addressed in the new video). My recommendation, if you are also an owner of a 2019 AR210, is to purchase any other product at this time, unless/until someone can verify that the issues I've had are solved. I'd go so far as to say make sure MULTIPLE 2019 AR210 owners don't have problems, because it seems quality control by Yamaha and/or @JetBoatPilot cannot account for the variances that seem to be evident in installing this product across the range of years of these boats.

Not to pile on, but okay, I will because I'm still POed: nearly the same experience buying the Lateral Thruster when it first came out. Install video was incomplete/inaccurate, parts didn't fit properly, Will was aware because he even posted here asking for feedback regarding "possible fit problems", they eventually redesigned the product, and yet he never reached out to customers who may have been affected. I briefly mentioned my issues here, related to something else, and was offered a refund via PM, minus restocking fee. (The restocking fee was because so much time had elapsed since receiving my order, never mind that when you finally ship a pre-order to us WI guys in January it's going to sit on a shelf for 5-6 months before we can even think about installing it...) I ate my loss and won't buy from the guy anymore. Good luck.

 

[drewkaree]

For me... the problem is solved

What year and model is your boat? I'm not looking to argue, because I'm several cocktails into a nice boat tour, just wanting more information. If you have the same boat as me, that would be useful information for others, but if you have a different model, as Will himself has pointed out, you will most likely have a different experience because, unbeknownst to anyone, the qc is not the best, apparently, and it's like comparing apples and hand grenades.

 

[drewkaree]

Ps, steering is "hard", but not dangerous or something I can't deal with, but it's noticeable. Looking forward to the deflector update, but it is acceptable to me. Others have had concerns, which is why posting your make and model is helpful to compare or to help you make a decision.

 

[CAM212SS]

What year and model is your boat? I'm not looking to argue, because I'm several cocktails into a nice boat tour, just wanting more information. If you have the same boat as me, that would be useful information for others, but if you have a different model, as Will himself has pointed out, you will most likely have a different experience because, unbeknownst to anyone, the qc is not the best, apparently, and it's like comparing apples and hand grenades.

Different boat than you... twin engine 1.8L 2013 212SS
Steering is, as Will has noted, a little tighter than without TVW, but no an issue at all for me. Definatly much much better than version 1 on the deflector. I would not return. I would have returned the first run though. I am very please with the new outcome.

 

[drewkaree]

Sitting IN the neighbor's house, easier to upload pics, then explain later

 

[drewkaree]

Having a place somewhat removed from civilization teaches you a few things. I don't have ready access to tools unless my neighbor has them, running water and indoor plumbing is something I no longer take for granted, and fast Speedy internet access is something I am well aware of when at home LOL internet speeds are so slow those pictures above took me approximately 10 minutes to post, while IN EYESIGHT of the neighbors internet router! More pics to come... eventually lol

 

[drewkaree]

Cured blob, what I used to cut it, finished cut, and cleaned up/finished

 

[drewkaree]

My deflector tip, installed deflectors,