Thrust vectors are bending...

[Skysurfer2010]

The second to last time I had my boat out I noticed my thrust vectors looked funny after I pulled it out. The rear trailing edges of both blades on both sides were sticking out. It looks like the bar that connects the two blades together in the front had bent on both pairs. I didn't think much of it and just bent them back by hand. However, the next time I used my boat and then took it out of the water they were bent the same exact way.

What could have caused this? I have never beached by boat and I never operate in less that 3' of water. Ibe definitely never hit anything. My only guess is fatigue? Possibly from going in reverse and since the bracket that connects the blades is in the front and going in reverse above idle caused the rear of the blades to open up due to lack of support?

@JetBoatPilot any advice? Faulty bracket maybe? Or possibly not suitable to go in reverse above an idle due to lack of rear support?

 

[Skysurfer2010]

To clarify, the distance between the two blades on each set of TV's is wider in the back than in the front after the last two times I've been out. I know it's hard to visualize without pictures. I can take pics this weekend if it does it again.

 

[txav8r]

Call Will Owen at jetboatpilot! It it has happened, he will know about it, and what it takes to fix it. And probably provide not only expertise, but parts to do so!

 

[Bruce]

I feel certain that Will will provide replacement parts under warranty.

 

[spaz1868]

The new TV XL's have a lifetime warranty. I'm sure they will take care of you.

 

[Geiger41]

If it basically looks like it is "V'ing" with the wider part of the V in the rear and the smaller closer to the outside of the boat, then maybe another cross bar connecting the two pieces is necessary in order to prevent this.

 

[txav8r]

I seem to remember that the did add an update to the XL and previous line, I wonder if you have that extra brace?

 

[spaz1868]

I have the TV XL and it does have a straight support bracket on the back part of the U shaped bracket.

 

[Skysurfer2010]

I have the version before the XL.

 

[Lspeedss]

@Skysurfer2010 .. Interesting. I too have the pre XL shorties. I' all have to take a closer look. The looked good last time I had the boat on the trailer.

 

[Skysurfer2010]

They've been ok for the first 3 seasons! Just started to happen.

 

[biglar155]

Will will take care of you. Give him a shout.

 

[0627Devildog]

For reference, I don't have any issues with my Cobra's. . . . . Sorry, had too = )

 

[Glassman]

For reference, I don't have any issues with my Cobra's. . . . . Sorry, had too = )

I don't have any issues with his Cobras either.

 

[0627Devildog]

^^^^^^^ He's funny

 

[Speedling]

There was certainly an update with a rear bar to stabalize things. I noticed it on newer models and called will and got the parts.

 

[JetBoatPilot]

@Skysurfer2010 You have the early Thrust Vector product which was much shorter and did not come with the cross tie. We added the cross tie in late 2012 to help maintain a uniform distance between the longer XL fins and to prevent flaring. This seems to have solved the flaring issue. We no longer manufacture the early fins but I may still have some fins in stock if you need replacements. Call us and let me see what can be done to help. 850-960-3236