'01 205V Swim Platform under water

[beatle78]

Me again.

As I go through my new MC :D with a fine tooth comb, I'm coming across things that don't seem right to me.

My swim platform, w/ no ballast and almost no water in the boat, sits a hair below the water line. If I step on it (I'm 180lbs), the platform goes under quite a bit.

Again, excuse my ignorance, but my DD didn't do this. Of course I didn't have the engine mounted in the back either?

Is this normal? :confused:

Thanks,
beatle78

[bigmac]

I've seen that before on V-drives of different make. On my 2004 V-drive, the swim platform will also go under water with, maybe, two people when the gas tank is full.

You also asked about tight steering - I can't tell if your description is consistent with a corroded cable or normal, or a tight-steering V-drive, but it may be that your steering cable is binding. Usually, when that happens no amount of grease is going to fix it and it needs to be replaced. OTOH, if it steers easily on the trailer and only binds at speed, it may be your rudder that is binding in the port. THAT might be due to lack of lubrication of the rudder port (there's a grease zerk), or it might be a WORN rudder port causing the binding when forward motion puts pressure on the shaft. I'd wiggle the rudder and look for ANY play, then I'd shoot the rudder port up with some marine grease.

I don't know what rudder you have, but my 230 VRS had tight steering too until I put the new 2006 rudder on it. Now it steers with one finger, almost as good as a Malibu, I'm sure...;)

[michael freeman]

Me again.

As I go through my new MC :D with a fine tooth comb, I'm coming across things that don't seem right to me.

My swim platform, w/ no ballast and almost no water in the boat, sits a hair below the water line. If I step on it (I'm 180lbs), the platform goes under quite a bit.

Again, excuse my ignorance, but my DD didn't do this. Of course I didn't have the engine mounted in the back either?

Is this normal? :confused:

Thanks,
beatle78

Mine is right at the waterline ('06 X-30) and when my dog is laying on it, the platform goes underwater an inch or so. (dog = 95 lb).

[mitch]

http://www.tmcowners.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=10429

[mitch]

There is a pic of the back of my 2000 205DD at the beginning of this thread, that show's the taller brackets I mentioned. This is will ballast empty. It's pretty high on mine, but works for my needs.


http://www.tmcowners.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=10448

[etakk7]

Same issue on my 2000 205V. When I load the boat with ballast, I'm at least 6 inches deep. Also, it is too far away to bend over comfortably to put a board on. Anything else fit besides a 2003 205V bracket? Would these be available at a dealer? I've considered adding a teak spacer but that would not look as good.

Thanks.

[michael freeman]

Same issue on my 2000 205V. When I load the boat with ballast, I'm at least 6 inches deep. Also, it is too far away to bend over comfortably to put a board on. Anything else fit besides a 2003 205V bracket? Would these be available at a dealer? I've considered adding a teak spacer but that would not look as good.

Thanks.

That is funny, now that you mention it, my platform is dry when I put my wakeboard on, but I remember my dog laying on the swim platform and getting wet??? Maybe it is wet when me and my dog are on it and everyone else is in the water (i.e., no one in the front of the boat to help keep the transom out of the water). Sorry if my comments in the previous response are misleading, I will take a picture next time I am on the water.

[Diesel]

We had that problem :D

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/9978/dsc01072r2sx.jpg

Here it is underwater, at rest, w/no ballast.

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/7539/dsc01183r1at.jpg

It's a design screw up by MC and new brakets should fix the problem.

[Archimedes]

Hmmm, the platform on my 06 X-1 sit's normally (at or just above the waterline) even with someone on the platform. We had multiple kids and adults on it at once a number of times last weekend and the worst I remember it did was go slightly under the water line. This was with no ballast though.

[etakk7]

Just called two MC dealers and they both told me the same thing - that the 205V has unique brackets to any other model and that the 2000 and 2003 models have the exact same part number - 530381. Mitch, if you have any detailed info about what you did, I would really appreciate it. Although yours looks funny sitting at the dock, what really matters is the functionality when in the water.

[mitch]

Hmmm, the platform on my 06 X-1 sit's normally (at or just above the waterline) even with someone on the platform. We had multiple kids and adults on it at once a number of times last weekend and the worst I remember it did was go slightly under the water line. This was with no ballast though.

Be careful, those brackets do break if you put too much weight on them. A day wrecker for sure

[Archimedes]

Be careful, those brackets do break if you put too much weight on them. A day wrecker for sure

I'll keep that in mind. These were really young kids. I think the most weight we ever had on it was about 350 lbs at one time, and on the water I have to believe that's not a problem. I did notice that I needed to retighted a number of screws on the platform after that weekend though, but I didn't connect that to the activities, as just about every fitting was loose on my boat when I got it. I just chalked it up to another thing that wasn't tightened down by the manufacturer and/or my dealer.

[mitch]

Just called two MC dealers and they both told me the same thing - that the 205V has unique brackets to any other model and that the 2000 and 2003 models have the exact same part number - 530381. Mitch, if you have any detailed info about what you did, I would really appreciate it. Although yours looks funny sitting at the dock, what really matters is the functionality when in the water.


Don't have anything info other than what I mentioned in the other thread. I'm gonna guess they're are only 2 sizes. When my ballast is full and there is a rider on the platform, it sits perfect right at the water line.
__________________________________________________ ________

I have a 2000 PS205 DD and after adding a custom ballast system my platform was always in the water. I added taller brackets from a (I think) 2003 205V and they're much taller. I just measured my old one and it's 5 3/4"

That measurement is from the bottom of the V part that slides into the bracket (that's mounted on the boat) to the top of that part, which would be the where the bottom of the platform rests. If your's is the same, you can get a taller one. If it's taller than that, I believe you have the tall one. Good luck and PM me if you need addt'l info.

[RickDV]

We had that problem :D

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/9978/dsc01072r2sx.jpg



This don't look right. Waterline is just below the rub rail. There's more to this picture than we're seeing.

[jraben8]

That picture bothered me when Diesel posted it last fall. That just can't be right.

[Diesel]

That picture bothered me when Diesel posted it last fall. That just can't be right.

You caught me.......................

Here is what was on the inside! :D


http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/3483/partylu4.png

[etakk7]

So I didn't give up and kept calling around til I got the right answer. Turns out the part number is the same and Mastercraft keeps superceding the part on the same part #. So, part #530381 now supposedly is the part for the X1, although he reassures me that the bracket will slide into the existing brackets on my 2000 205V. The measurement of the vertical part of the bracket is more like 10 inches (I had two different dealers go measure on the X1 in the showroom).

I know Mitch mentioned that the old bracket measurement was 5 3/4 in the forum that is referenced above on his 205DD. Beatle, can you take a measurement on your boat and let me know? Unfortunately, my boat is at the cabin and I won't be there for awhile.

By the way, the new brackets are $148 at the dealer. You have to get the kit that provides both the support brackets that the platform sits on as well as the slides that attach to the boat.

[beatle78]

etakk7

NICE WORK!!! I will measure mine tonight when I get home. I have to jump in the water to check (brrrrr) b/c my truck lost it's brakes so I can't back down the ramp to pull it out grrrrrrrrrrr

STAY TUNED...... I'll measure......

ya know? an extra 5 inches would REALLY make my platform stick out of the water........

Also, I looked in the 2001 Mastercraft catalog and there was the X-Star with smomeone standing on the bacl and it was ~1" aboce water level. I don't know if the boat was empty or not, but I'm not sure I want my platformsticking 5" above water either... :confused: Or maybe the nerw transom side brackets make the platofmr sit lower.

dunno just speculating here......

Does anyone have any older X-2s or X-1s? How does your platform sit with no ballast?
For $150? I wonder if it's time to invest in the fiberglass platform my wife wants.... hmmmmm

[Archimedes]

For $150? I wonder if it's time to invest in the fiberglass platform my wife wants.... hmmmmm

Well if you're talking about the brackets under the platform, if you buy the fiberglass platform, you still have to spring for the bracket kit as well. The platform doesn't come with it. You have to screw them onto the bottom.

[beatle78]

:( bummer...... thought I had a good reason to go buy a new platform :(

thanks for the info.....

[jraben8]

You caught me.......................

Here is what was on the inside! :D


http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/3483/partylu4.png

That's some of the best inanimate ballast that I have ever seen.

[Diesel]

That's some of the best inanimate ballast that I have ever seen.

Actually that is not my pic and unfortuantly none of it was in the boat when the aforementioned pic was snapped. I am envious though.....:)

I will tell you the three guys on rear deck weigh 700+ combined and there were a few more bodies on the back deck, plus the factory ballast. ;)

[etakk7]

Here is how my platform sits with absolutely nothing in the boat - about 1/2 tank of gas. Half of the platform is in the water, half out. So add any number of people let alone ballast and I'm underwater. If the numbers are correct, the addition would be 4 inches, which appears would not quite block the "World Record Tow Boats" decal, but would be right up under it.

I wouldn't expect to look anything like the pics Mitch posted, since my platform is already one inch in the water sitting still. I would expect no more than 3 inches of distance between the water and the bottom of the platform on the most calm day, and that's not accounting for what happens when I get in the boat and actually use it. I wonder if Mitch installed the new transom brackets higher up as well? I'm planning on keeping the existing transom brackets so I don't have holes to cover up and new holes to drill.




http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d17/ektakkunen/DSCN3204.jpg

[mitch]

I only bought the brackets that attach to the platform. The 'receivers' on the boat are original. I upgraded the platform to the larger one (which also added weight). Funny my platform does not seem as high as that pic shows. Lots of slalom skiers in my fam and nobody bit%hes about the height. My boat is 2 hours from me, but I'll bet you that platform is high and dry:)



Here is how my platform sits with absolutely nothing in the boat - about 1/2 tank of gas. Half of the platform is in the water, half out. So add any number of people let alone ballast and I'm underwater. If the numbers are correct, the addition would be 4 inches, which appears would not quite block the "World Record Tow Boats" decal, but would be right up under it.

I wouldn't expect to look anything like the pics Mitch posted, since my platform is already one inch in the water sitting still. I would expect no more than 3 inches of distance between the water and the bottom of the platform on the most calm day, and that's not accounting for what happens when I get in the boat and actually use it. I wonder if Mitch installed the new transom brackets higher up as well? I'm planning on keeping the existing transom brackets so I don't have holes to cover up and new holes to drill.




http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d17/ektakkunen/DSCN3204.jpg

[kskib046]

I had the same issue...

New brackets rasie the platform 4". Old 6", new 10".

I paid $250 w/shipping. FYI, the new brackets had the pin hole in a different spot so i had to put the new recievers on too.

[Leroy]

Here is my 230, I know it's different, but would not expect that much difference. With 4 on platform it is near the top.

I know I need letters.......

[etakk7]

I had the same issue...

New brackets rasie the platform 4". Old 6", new 10".

I paid $250 w/shipping. FYI, the new brackets had the pin hole in a different spot so i had to put the new recievers on too.



Were the new receivers easy to put on? Did you need to drill new holes?

[mitch]

I had to drill one of my brackets to get it to fit just right. Minor tweak and it's been good for 2 years.


I had the same issue...

New brackets rasie the platform 4". Old 6", new 10".

I paid $250 w/shipping. FYI, the new brackets had the pin hole in a different spot so i had to put the new recievers on too.

[beatle78]

sorry etakk, didn't get to measure last night. I got hung up trying to smooth out the steering.

I promise to take the measurements for you.

You want the measurements on just the bracket that's attached to the swim platform OR the measurement from the bootom of the transom bracket to the bottom of the swim platform?

I'll take both.

[etakk7]

Thanks beatle. Only the measurement of the bracket that slides into the holder and directly supports the platform. From top to bottom on the vertical side of that support bracket.

[beatle78]

ok, I had a friend measure the bracket under the water :) .... he said it was ~5-7/16"

[etakk7]

Great news! That's what I was hoping to hear.

[beatle78]

etakk7,

did you order the brackets yet? I haven't gotten around to it yet b/c the boat is still in the water :)

also, here is a link to the brackets

http://mymastercraft.com/product_details.cfm?ITEM_ID=14680&product=530381&product_type=GENERAL&company=MasterCraft&sub_product=Brackets

thanks,
beatle78

[etakk7]

I did order them but haven't had time to pick them up at the dealership. Ordered 2004-5 X2 brackets that were about $150. That link you had is questionable since to my understanding the 2000 and 2005 brackets are different, I'm pretty sure they started putting the longer ones on the 205V's later on. It would be worth checking into to save some money though. I would have if I hadn't ordered mine already.

My boat is winterized and stored for the year, so I will be able to make sure they fit, but won't be able to attest to the water level until next April.

[beatle78]

sounds good man... how were you able to specify the year of the bracket you ordered?

I thought there was just 1 p/n to order from?

I want to make sure I do it right also!

thanks,
beatle78

[etakk7]

My understanding is this:

2007 X1 brackets are the exact same thing except they put a new part # on them and marked them up to $195.

My dealer was able to look up the part for an 04-05 X2 and it was listed at $150. I'm guessing you can't buy the smaller brackets anymore, but I'm not sure. To be quite honest, the whole thing is pretty confusing and I'm not sure I really understand it. I'll post when I pick them up at the dealer, and I'll give you the exact part number, price, and length.

[beatle78]

thanks man. Ya know, for something so simple, they sure made it aweful complicated......

[etakk7]

Alright - here is the lowdown. I picked up the brackets last night. $150. They are from a 2003-2005 X2, see the part number on the box below. I can't say I understand MC's part #'s, but I can say that the brackets are exactly what I was looking for and are a perfect fit for the old bracket holders. I got a screaming deal on some X2 decals as well, but I'll save that for another thread.

[beatle78]

great, thanks etakk7!!!!
Now I have some pics to show the dealer when I order the new brackets....

[Archimedes]

Bit of a threadjack here, but I just finished grinding down the edges on two of four brackets (two platforms) to make them fit in the transom brackets. Long story of bad mfg. tolerances and dealer install.

My Q is this. The metal is now exposed in some areas. Should I worry about rust? Boat doesn't stay in the water.

[beatle78]

oh yah... def paint it.... bare metal = rust

etakk7, did you see if the pin holes are in the same location?

[Archimedes]

oh yah... def paint it.... bare metal = rust



Can't, if I paint, they won't fit again. That paint's thick. I'll just let em rust and then replace em in a few years. What a PITA.

[Diesel]

Is it not cast AL?? I don't think it will rust.

[Archimedes]

Is it not cast AL?? I don't think it will rust.

That's what I thought at first when I was grinding it.

[beatle78]

I thought you couldn't grind aluminum? The metal is too soft and gums up the grinder (H.S. autoclass)

[Archimedes]

I thought you couldn't grind aluminum? The metal is too soft and gums up the grinder (H.S. autoclass)

That explains why I went through three grinding bits doing it. :D

[etakk7]

I don't think they are alumimum - too heavy to be aluminum. Beatle, the brackets and pinhole locations are exactly the same, but is is just as somebody else stated, the manufacturing tolerances are slightly off so the brackets may have to be grinded very slightly in some places or just banged in and out of place with a hammer the first few times.

Personnally, my old 205V brackets come within about 1/2" of having the pin holes line up with the new support brackets (the ones that attach to the boat), and with a bang or two of a hammer they would line up and you could get the pin through. On that same note I expect the longer platform brackets to fit into the old support brackets (still on my boat) without much problem. Worst case scenario, a bang of the hammer or a quick grind.

Also, my old shorter brackets had the black paint rubbed off at the points on the bracket that were rubbing the most with the support bracket. There is no sign of rust whatsoever. You may be able to see this in the pictures. My boat sat in the water for almost four weeks straight at the end of the season this year and the brackets were underwater the entire time...

[beatle78]

ahhhh... gotcha.... hehehe, I work with a bunch of mechanical engineers and they love to blame wrong measurements on excessive tollerances...:rant:

[beatle78]

Update, for those of you who put the newer brackets on an older 205V hull. The new brackets fit perfectly into the exisiting holder BUT the holes did not line up. I just drilled new holes in the brackets and called it a day.

The hole were kinda close to the bottom of the bracket but there is still enough metal to hold the brackets into place.

[etakk7]

I did some grinding on the top part of the bracket to get the holes to line up.


Beatle - check your PM's

[swatguy]

Sorry to chime in a little late here I own a 00 X-Star. I have had the upgraded brackets for a while. With full ballast I run 800 rear factory center bag and 300 -400 in the nose and my platform top just touches the water line when full. It's like a skim across the top. b I have the 600lblb sacs in the back so when the top of my platform just hits the water I know I am at the right point on the bags to shut off the pumps. When I stand on the platform to put on my board and my wife and 2 daughters are in the boat the water just makes it to the top of my board barely.


My buddy who owns a 99 205V has the olderplatform style and his platform has water just over the top when he's at rewst with no ballast. Then we load his up the same way and it's ankle high. Again sorry for the late post.

Here's what I got from MC when I was looking around.

The platform back then was designed to have the top of the platform just get some water over it when the boats were at rest. That was ideal on naot making it too hard to get into the unloaded boats as wakeboarding back then was just getting rolling so to speak. So now adding all the weight you know what happens. Just took them a bit to find a solution that could be retrofitted and work on the new boats at same time.

[beatle78]

ahhh... thanks man. My problem is my platform was just under the water at rest w/ no ballast and since my boat lives in the water all summer that platform was slippery! I landed on my back once while putting the cover on it... GRRR

The new brackets I have are great!!!

[rstitson]

my platform on an x15 is above water with me standing on it 180. With moderate wave action you would get you feet wet. Gas tank full.

[milkmania]

just wanted to point out that grinding aluminum can be explosive:firejump:

http://www.hanford.gov/rl/?page=542&parent=506


google search results

http://www.google.com/search?q=aluminum+grinding+fire&btnG=Search&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&hs=Zf0