Maintenance Question - Loose Bolt

[Pyrate]

I made an idiot-type mistake today while changing the battery on my Seadoo. While reinstalling the battery bracket I dropped the lock-bolt down into the briny depths of the jet ski's body. I tried to retrieve it with a magnet/mirror, an extension claw, my hand, etc. I cannot even find the bolt to retrieve it it is so far down. I tilted the ski nose first to see if it would roll down to a more accessible area. I tried to pour a little water in to see if it would wash the bolt to a more accessible area (I then drained the water out). I've tried everything to the point of exhaustion.

Question - If i give up, is there any harm in having the bolt run wildly through the body of the ski while riding the waves?

I don't want to cause more damage if there are more alternatives that i could try?

 

[rxtxfreak88]

No. It is common to drop a little nut or something underneith. I have done it plenty of times at some point you may be able to take some water wash from the nose and out the back and see if it comes out.

 

[kustomkarl]

The bolts not gonna hurt anything. Chances are after riding it, it should find it's way to the rear of the seadoo where the water naturally flows out the drains. Just keep an open eye for it.

Karl

 

[Pyrate]

Thanks guys. Sea you on the water.

 

[kustomkarl]

Go have fun...If you have other concerns give us a shout.

Karl

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

Bildge Gods

We commonly refer to them as the Bildge Gods. Sometimes they are nice and you get your part back, sometimes they demand a sacrifice.... My '98GTX has a flat blade screw driver in the hull somewhere now for 2 years... still can't find it...

 

[Pyrate]

Well then the Bildge Gods have been kind. In my subsequent search i have found two other bolts (not the one i dropped). So the mechanics at the shop must have made similar offers during my servicing runs.

 

[JPX]

As long as you didn't drop a set of Ginsu knives or a box of drywall screws in there, you will be fine. Someday, you might even see that loose bolt again?!