Wakebooster Doesn't fit 22ft Models without modification

[kgower]

I’m running into the same issue and have been since I bought the boat (AR220) and Wakebooster last summer. The boat is currently with the Cycle Springs service department (dealer in Clearwater Fl) and I’m waiting on them to tell me how Yamaha intends to resolve this problem. I frequently have toddlers on the boat so I’m certainly not okay with simply plugging waterline level through hull bolt holes with silicone and assuming it’ll be okay. If they don’t come up with a good solution for the Wakebooster not working as advertised, I’ll be looking for a refund on the booster.

I think they should offer to buy back the boat as none of the managers or sales either don't disclose or just don't know that the wake booster doesn't work. With all the work I've done or had done on the boat I wouldn't likely take it even if offered. Engineering and design at it's finest.

 

[highway76]

Where did you get the installation and removal information? I don't remember seeing it in the boat's owner's manual.

The instructions came with the wake booster.

 

[kgower]

The instructions came with the wake booster.

I'll have to double check, I don't remember seeing any.

 

[kgower]

I’m running into the same issue and have been since I bought the boat (AR220) and Wakebooster last summer. The boat is currently with the Cycle Springs service department (dealer in Clearwater Fl) and I’m waiting on them to tell me how Yamaha intends to resolve this problem. I frequently have toddlers on the boat so I’m certainly not okay with simply plugging waterline level through hull bolt holes with silicone and assuming it’ll be okay. If they don’t come up with a good solution for the Wakebooster not working as advertised, I’ll be looking for a refund on the booster.

Any update?

 

[Burke18241]

Running into the same issue on my 2024 AR220. Huge bummer and honestly pretty deceptive.

@highway76 - Question for you. I have not made any modifications to the boat or wake booster yet including removing the swim-up brackets. In trying to fit the booster on there (and in the process, discovering it doesn't really fit), I was able to get it to the point that the large wedge does go through the hook. Booster is not flush, doesn't look right, etc, but I can get the pinhole in the wedge through the hook just enough to fit a small amount of the locking pin in. The problem is, the handle on the pin itself is too wide to have enough clearance from the support on the booster to pass through entirely....even with your modifications, the pinhole seems to be position similarly to how I saw it on mine. Are you actually able to get that locking pin in there with your modifications?

Trying to decide whether to modify the booster or remove the swim-up brackets. I don't have the swim up seats, but don't want to restrict myself from doing that one day, and also don't feel great about removing them and trying to re-seal myself.

Thanks

 

[kgower]

Running into the same issue on my 2024 AR220. Huge bummer and honestly pretty deceptive.

@highway76 - Question for you. I have not made any modifications to the boat or wake booster yet including removing the swim-up brackets. In trying to fit the booster on there (and in the process, discovering it doesn't really fit), I was able to get it to the point that the large wedge does go through the hook. Booster is not flush, doesn't look right, etc, but I can get the pinhole in the wedge through the hook just enough to fit a small amount of the locking pin in. The problem is, the handle on the pin itself is too wide to have enough clearance from the support on the booster to pass through entirely....even with your modifications, the pinhole seems to be position similarly to how I saw it on mine. Are you actually able to get that locking pin in there with your modifications?

Trying to decide whether to modify the booster or remove the swim-up brackets. I don't have the swim up seats, but don't want to restrict myself from doing that one day, and also don't feel great about removing them and trying to re-seal myself.

Thanks

I removed the starboard seat bracket (i surf goofy) but haven't surfed yet. I also swapped out the transom ballast bag to an 850 lb. sac.

My latest thought is thought is to have a machine shop notch out the bracket to fit around the rear outside bolt. This would also in tale flipping the brackets around in order to insert the locking pin through the 2nd whole. I think 3 bolts is enough to hold the seat and the weight of a person. Maybe install an additional bolt in the center on the side that cuts cut off.

 

[Jdz1]

They should make another version of the wake booster that installs into the seat bracket instead of using the tie down ring. Huge miss on yamaha's part having this interference. I love my yamaha boat but man disappointed with quite a few issues.

 

[highway76]

Running into the same issue on my 2024 AR220. Huge bummer and honestly pretty deceptive.

@highway76 - Question for you. I have not made any modifications to the boat or wake booster yet including removing the swim-up brackets. In trying to fit the booster on there (and in the process, discovering it doesn't really fit), I was able to get it to the point that the large wedge does go through the hook. Booster is not flush, doesn't look right, etc, but I can get the pinhole in the wedge through the hook just enough to fit a small amount of the locking pin in. The problem is, the handle on the pin itself is too wide to have enough clearance from the support on the booster to pass through entirely....even with your modifications, the pinhole seems to be position similarly to how I saw it on mine. Are you actually able to get that locking pin in there with your modifications?

Trying to decide whether to modify the booster or remove the swim-up brackets. I don't have the swim up seats, but don't want to restrict myself from doing that one day, and also don't feel great about removing them and trying to re-seal myself.

Thanks

The booster sits flush and the pin inserts completely. I used it all summer, no issues. I wouldnt try running it without seating the pin in all the way. When its installed correctly, it basically touches up against the backside of the booster. If you want to see how it is supposed to seat, just flip the booster around backwards and install it.

 

[Burke18241]

The booster sits flush and the pin inserts completely. I used it all summer, no issues. I wouldnt try running it without seating the pin in all the way. When its installed correctly, it basically touches up against the backside of the booster. If you want to see how it is supposed to seat, just flip the booster around backwards and install it.

Of course. And thanks for the info. I’m thinking the best thing for me would be to do the same as you have done here, but on both sides of the booster. I ride goofy but most of my friends ride regular.

What tool did you use to cut the metal?

 

[highway76]

Of course. And thanks for the info. I’m thinking the best thing for me would be to do the same as you have done here, but on both sides of the booster. I ride goofy but most of my friends ride regular.

What tool did you use to cut the metal?

I used a grinder with a cutoff wheel, cut very easily. Good luck!

 

[kgower]

I’m running into the same issue and have been since I bought the boat (AR220) and Wakebooster last summer. The boat is currently with the Cycle Springs service department (dealer in Clearwater Fl) and I’m waiting on them to tell me how Yamaha intends to resolve this problem. I frequently have toddlers on the boat so I’m certainly not okay with simply plugging waterline level through hull bolt holes with silicone and assuming it’ll be okay. If they don’t come up with a good solution for the Wakebooster not working as advertised, I’ll be looking for a refund on the booster.

I removed my starboard (I ride goofy) side bracket in late summer last year. applying silicon and reinserting the bolt seems to have worked as intended without issues.
What did you end up doing?

 

[kgower]

My current thought for the upcoming season is to turn the bracket backwards (180) and cut 1/3 to 1/2 of the front outside edge of the bracket off. I think 3 bolts would probably be enough or possibly add a 4th bolt at the midpoint of the outside of the bracket.

 

[Corsair21111]

Thanks for sharing this info. I have a 2023 AR220, which doesn’t come with the swim up seats, just the brackets, and have zero intention of dropping $760 for a set so this is a perfect reason to pickup the wake booster and get rid of those brackets.

I saw a few folks had concerns about water migration through the threaded bolt holes if they removed the brackets. A couple sets of stainless steel allen head set screws, so they are flush with the underside of the transom, brushed with coat of pipe dope will seal them just as good as they were from the factory.

 

[kgower]

Jelws Customs is in the process of testing a seat brackets or modification that will allow the use of accessories. I hope that it addresses the wake booster issue.
I will be a buyer for sure.