Broken or malfunctioning throttle unit

[jzois]

Factory team - second week owning 2013 21EC. Launched yesterday to try out dealer installed Garmin 740s. GPS works fine, but they did not install a transducer for sonar. Not my main reason for writing but while on line what transducer do you recommend and where is the best location to mount on the 21EC?

Now... When leaving the dock I noticed forward shifter / throttle felt very taunt. Got to main channel, pulled throttle back and it stuck. Couldn't move shifter forward or backwards. Tried pushing units side neutral button to no avail too. We were idling and boat was drifting. I kept struggling with the shifter literally for 20 minutes. Finally it broke loose and we managed to get back to the dock. We pulled the boat and drug it home for two hours, then tried to play with shifter on land. Every two to three times shifting, unit binds and locks up just like at the dock. I sent an email to my dealer (Reed) today to see if I can drop it off Monday morning.

I see the Garmin backbone was installed next to the cables of the shifter. Not sure if the installation of the GPS had anything to do with it, but all last week had zero issues with the shifter. Where should I start? I definitely can't use the boat nor do I trust that shifter. I'm hoping you can get a new unit to Reed overnight and they can install by Friday. We made marina reservations in northern Mi beginning next Fri night and need to cancel if this cant happen. Hopefully they have a mechanic that can install / adjust accordingly. I've been dealing with salesman Tim Manton. He's the salt of the earth and fantastic as is Paul Reed. So.. I'm merely giving you folks a heads up and will need you help once Tim checks his messages tomorrow.

Yesterday was alarming to say the least and could have been much worse depending on channel traffic or Lake Erie location. Never the less boats only two weeks old and this is certainly unexpected.

John

 

[SGIDAVE]

Hello John,

Sorry to hear of your shifting trouble. I can't help with that since I've had no shifting issues. I suspect a cable adjustment is needed.

On my 2013 R21-EC the factory installed Garmin sounder transducer was installed in the aft-most part of the compartment under the stb berth cushion. That would be immediately right of the head, just on the other side of the fiberglass partition. I wonder if the transducer cable has become disconnected?

If it WAS left off by the factory, I'm sure your dealer will correct it for you.

They are great boats and I'm sure you will have many good times ahead.

Fair winds,

/david

 

[jzois]

Thanks David for info. So basically in the compartment just in front of the wood footrest. And I assume you have an in hull transducer correct?

John

 

[SGIDAVE]

Thanks David for info. So basically in the compartment just in front of the wood footrest. And I assume you have an in hull transducer correct?

John

Yes, it is on the other side of the partition immediately Right of the toilet area. Probably under where my left foot rests while steering in sitting position. Mine was epoxied in place by the looks of it. It seems to 'transduce' fine; works good.

/david

 

[Kenny Marrs]

Hello John,

My guess would be the cable just needs to be adjusted. Once you got the boat home were you able to look at the cable on the engine? If the boat is still at your house I can go over a few items to check. If you need help just give me a call at the shop 253-839-5213.

Thanks,
-Kenny

 

[jzois]

All- I took boat in to the dealership on Monday. They took off the shifter and disconnected the cables. Once on the bench determined internals were damaged possibly bearings. Metal shavings fell out on table in front of them so at least they knew I wasn't crazy. As soon as I arrived they tested the shifter for themselves in the boat, and it was bound up and would not shift. They ordered another one and will install once it arrives. Since boat is only three weeks old with 12 hours on it I'm sure Ranger will be interested in getting this unit back for exploratory surgery. Disappointed a bit but better to find out now while breaking in motor and acclimating myself to the boat. Dealership is taking good care of me. Eventually Ill be moving up to a 25-27 and owe them the sale.

Thanks for responses guys...

John