R5 Swim Step Knob Issue

[Krob1114]

We've drilled it into our heads not to turn the key until swim step is confirmed in up position.

[Snowman8]

We've drilled it into our heads not to turn the key until swim step is confirmed in up position.

I hear ya! I can see the corner of it from the drivers seat so I always look before move.

[Table Rockin]

I've taken off twice this year with the platform still down. One time I was cruising for almost a half hour before we discovered it. Its still there and I don't see any signs of stress.....yet....

[Kyboater]

We've drilled it into our heads not to turn the key until swim step is confirmed in up position.

I hear ya! I can see the corner of it from the drivers seat so I always look before move.

Yep, I always glance back to see the edge, plus I ask out load. It’s part of the process before I turn the key.

[Krob1114]

Not trying to revive this thread, but I hope everyone with the swim platform read this thread.
I had not seen or heard of this problem, then read this, then guess what happened last weekend?

Swim Step Knob.JPG

Futrell is replacing it under warranty. I don't have a trailer, so I want to pick it up myself and install.
T.J. at Futrell said to use some red locktite. Anyone already install it?

Also, he said they've had problems for years, and have upgraded it once. $230 range was quoted so I guess it hasn't changed much.

[dustinm]

Not trying to revive this thread, but I hope everyone with the swim platform read this thread.
I had not seen or heard of this problem, then read this, then guess what happened last weekend?

Swim Step Knob.JPG

Futrell is replacing it under warranty. I don't have a trailer, so I want to pick it up myself and install.
T.J. at Futrell said to use some red locktite. Anyone already install it?

Also, he said they've had problems for years, and have upgraded it once. $230 range was quoted so I guess it hasn't changed much.

How much do you want for the knob?

And yes I have installed one. I used the strongest Loctite I had because ours unscrewed (ours was welded at the factory and the weld broke). I also used two HD pliers; one with smooth jaw for the knob and the other a vise grip on the stem.

My kit had instructions with it.

[MarkCB220S]

Anybody who bought entire assembly happen to have extra pull knob? My pin/plunger is fine....the knob must have vibrated off at some point. Cobalt wants to sell me entire assembly for $229 when all I need is the pull knob. My boat is 2019 220s but assume all the same???

[Snowman8]

Save your $229 and just buy a spring lock pin. I have had a few replaced on our 2014 R5 and they just keep breaking. I think my boat has gone through at least 3 under warranty and I bought one, the last one.. its in the glove box now. IMO the pin is way to small! It can’t handle all of the forces put on the swim platform when locked down in the water and the boat is going up and down in waves. The platform moves a lot of water! I gave up on the Cobalt pin and spent $3 on 2 spring lock pins at my local hardware store. I use the pin while the step is stowed in the up position and just let the platform float and bob in the water when I flip it down. I bought 2 pins for when I accidentally drop one in the river...

[Candlewood]

That’s a great idea. I’m on plunger #5. Just bought it. This has been a pain in the @$$ since day one with my R5.

[Alaskabound]

Just wondering how the step would ride if it had no pin in it at all? I’ve had no problem with mine but was just thinking. I’ll probably get some pins like snowman did just in case.

Dub

[Snowman8]

Just wondering how the step would ride if it had no pin in it at all? I’ve had no problem with mine but was just thinking. I’ll probably get some pins like snowman did just in case.

Dub

I would think it would stay up and ride just fine without any kind of locking pin but for a couple bucks I didn’t want to be the test dummy... A couple bucks for a cheap pin or what could be a few thousand dollars of damage if it came in contact with the props. My swim step hits the rear prop when fully trimmed up so it’s highly unlikely something bad would happen but I usually end up on the expensive end of Murphy’s law.

[Alaskabound]

Hadn’t thought about when trimmed up. I’m going to take the $2,000 you just saved me and top off my gas tank lol!
Thanks

Dub

[dustinm]

I also think if they made the knob lighter, it wouldn't be as big of problem


Dub with our lighter boats we have more risk of it bouncing down underway than the big R's

[Krob1114]

I posted on this thread earlier. I have not installed the knob the dealer gave me as yet. We went out a few times last year after it broke with no problems. I had accident and haven’t been to lake much this summer. Wife has taken boat out 3 times.

My question, is it really needed? There’s been no drop off in anything but it bounces on waves, but not when sitting on it.

[Snowman8]

I posted on this thread earlier. I have not installed the knob the dealer gave me as yet. We went out a few times last year after it broke with no problems. I had accident and haven’t been to lake much this summer. Wife has taken boat out 3 times.

My question, is it really needed? There’s been no drop off in anything but it bounces on waves, but not when sitting on it.

I didn’t install my new knob either. It will just break again... I just let the step float when we flip it down and I put a cheap pin that I posted earlier to hold it up. I don’t think it would ever flip itself down but for a few bucks I didn’t want to take the chance.