I have purchased two new SEADOO jet skis. One in 2005 and one in 2007. Both have had the same problem. During winter time, if left unused, the steering mechanism cable seizes rendering the craft inoperable. The cable costs $300.00 plus approx $200.00 to fit. As the jet skis are out of warranty, I contacted the importer for Australia, BRP Australia in Sydney and had several conversations with the warranty/technical manager Mr Van Tran. He basically said it was MY fault and it wouldn't have happened if I had moved my steering column on the craft EVERY WEEK during winter. I travel extensively with my work and this is just not possible or practical. Who is going to or could do this every week? I don't recall when I was deciding on which brand of ski to buy, the salesperson "mentioning" that unless I move the steering column every week the steering would seize completely. I would never have purchased the 2nd ski except I was told that the cable problem had been addressed and it was a different type of cable.... Now, having spent some time contacting different ski outlets and mechanics, I am advised that this is probably the single most replaced item on Sea Doo jet skis. At nearly $500.00 per replacement this is obviously very lucrative for the dealers and suppliers/importers (BRP Australia) of the part.
The mechanic that replaced my cable has worked on jet skis for over 15 years and prior to installing the new cable, hung it in the air and allowed synthetic oil to enter and lubricate the cable and states I will not have the problem again. I look after my equipment meticulously and clean and lubricate everything I can. Unfortunately no matter what you do or where you take your Sea Doo jet ski for service, unless the cable is removed, it is unable to be lubricated. This is a design/material issue that needs to be rectified. I have today signed an order for a new Yamaha Jet Ski as I am reliably informed that the steering cables last more than eight years before they give any trouble. I even offered to pay for the labour to replace the cable if BRP would supply the cable, but again NO.
Good Bye SEADOO, hello Yamaha!
The mechanic that replaced my cable has worked on jet skis for over 15 years and prior to installing the new cable, hung it in the air and allowed synthetic oil to enter and lubricate the cable and states I will not have the problem again. I look after my equipment meticulously and clean and lubricate everything I can. Unfortunately no matter what you do or where you take your Sea Doo jet ski for service, unless the cable is removed, it is unable to be lubricated. This is a design/material issue that needs to be rectified. I have today signed an order for a new Yamaha Jet Ski as I am reliably informed that the steering cables last more than eight years before they give any trouble. I even offered to pay for the labour to replace the cable if BRP would supply the cable, but again NO.
Good Bye SEADOO, hello Yamaha!
, BUT 200 buks for a 20 minute install is rediculious.
