2001 GTX only steers reliably at low speed

[rslangham]

I anchored my seadoo near a boat ramp while I went and parked my truck. Came back and it was butting up some on the boat ramp concrete slope, seemed minor. Though, after taking it out it any left or right turns were very very slow at any higher speeds. Though at slow and semi idling speeds I can make turns. The back water exit hole turns left and right fine, no steering issues seen there. Is there something else that it uses to steer besides the thrust of the water from the exit hole?

When loading it back up, I found a small like 3" triangle looking rudder/fin on the boat ramp , kinda rubbery and appeared to have broke off something. I didn't see anything on my bottom that would match the broken edge, nor recall having something like this before.

 

[mikidymac]

Nope it’s just the nozzle turning side to side, no rudder.

 

[rslangham]

Nope it’s just the nozzle turning side to side, no rudder.

Interesting. Well, maybe there is an issue with the nozzle turning at higher speeds. I am basing that it is fine sitting in the parking lot and seeing it turn right to left with the steering wheel. May have to get behind it on a tube or sit as a passenger on the backend and watch. crazy.

 

[mikidymac]

Try holding the nozzle and turning the bars. The cable could be broken and only pushing, not pulling.

 

[rslangham]

I think I figured it out, see image. The shaft on the back end came loose from the hull, the threads broke from the inside. Seadoo guy said pretty easy fix, just use some pliers to remove the old threads and replace the cap. After that, I should had bought the part and tried it myself This would also explain why I was seeing some water inside the hull. Hope to get back soon and see if all is good.

 

[rslangham]

that was it, steers great now

 

[Jsnyder]

I have two 2001 GTX RFIs and both have the same issue. Thankful to read this before buying new cables. So glad you posted the picture..

 

[Mekanix]

I believe there is a metal version of that fitting.