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"Weedless" Handle Under Steering Wheel?

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JustD00It

JustD00It

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What is the Weedless handle under the steering wheel used for? I saw it but don't know what it is. I just got my 1998 Sea-Doo Challenger 1800
 
Some boats have a movable grate over the water intake on the bottom of the boat. Think of it as a hand with the fingers spread apart. When you pull the handle the grate drops down and clears any weeds or other junk that may be blocking the intake. You are suppose to be stopped and just pull it. I actually use mine a few times a year. I think it works better to move at a slow speed and wiggle the boat back and forth. Works pretty good. They can be problematic though if the cable breaks, but so far mine works great.
 
Whew! I was getting afraid to ask my question..... Glad this went the right direction
 
Next time you have the boat out of the water on your trailer, get in it and pull the handle (according to the instruction sticker, you probably have to twist it).

Then get out of the boat and climb under it and have a look at the grate with a flashlight.
Even better, if you can get some one else to get in and close the handle while you are under it, then you will get a good look at exactly how it works.

Reach up into the opening, (before they close it) see how far you can reach towards the impeller. Memorize what it all looks like. Sooner or later you are gonna have to get under there and clear something out. I sucked up my tow rope and dove under the boat several times with no idea what I was doing. Better to know what it looks like before you need to do it by feel.
 
Hmm...not sure if I'd be sticking my hand in there while under water, seems like something you'd read about in the obituaries.. :)
 
I hope you're kidding.. :) Someone starting it you'd have a chance, someone bumping the handle trapping your arm in there you'll be fish food..
 
I've had to jump in and clear grass from inside.
I'm going to think twice next time though.
Pull key and/or put it in forward so no chance of accidental starting
 
John in Valley Forge said:
Next time you have the boat out of the water on your trailer, get in it and pull the handle (according to the instruction sticker, you probably have to twist it).

Then get out of the boat and climb under it and have a look at the grate with a flashlight.
Even better, if you can get some one else to get in and close the handle while you are under it, then you will get a good look at exactly how it works.

Reach up into the opening, (before they close it) see how far you can reach towards the impeller. Memorize what it all looks like. Sooner or later you are gonna have to get under there and clear something out. I sucked up my tow rope and dove under the boat several times with no idea what I was doing. Better to know what it looks like before you need to do it by feel.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I don't want to have that happen out on the water and not know what to do. Now I know :D
 
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I have bad luck with rope...twice i picked it up on the mississippi. only 2 times i ever have gotten to take the ol' speedster out. once in the harbor & 2nd time just cruising upstream. I thought of using a bungee cord to tie the weedless handle to the steering wheel if i ever had to go under the boat...also putting the key in with the fire extiguisher & turning the battery off just incase. luckily i was able to limp to shore. I also tried turning the handle to lock the weedless system like the sticker says while out of the water & it seems i'll break the handle off before that happens..turning it either way wont lock it... any ideas on that?
 
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seadoobie said:
I have bad luck with rope...twice i picked it up on the mississippi. only 2 times i ever have gotten to take the ol' speedster out. once in the harbor & 2nd time just cruising upstream. I thought of using a bungee cord to tie the weedless handle to the steering wheel if i ever had to go under the boat...also putting the key in with the fire extiguisher & turning the battery off just incase. luckily i was able to limp to shore. I also tried turning the handle to lock the weedless system like the sticker says while out of the water & it seems i'll break the handle off before that happens..turning it either way wont lock it... any ideas on that?
Click to expand...

As you noticed, that handle does not move, open or close, very easily. It is no easier in the water. And it is pretty much out of the way. If someone closes it, they are TRYING to close it. So make sure your wife isnt mad at you. :biggrinjester:
Seriously, you can reach into the opening without sticking your head undrwater, though I carry a set of swimming goggles and some carry snorkles, in case of a really fouled gate.


Search the forums for terms like "sucked up rope" "ate my tow rope" for interesting stories of clearing things stuck in the intake.
 
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