R8 Helm Seat Squeak

[fsts2k]

I have a new R8, the helm seat squeaks and rocks back and forth. Some investigation indicates this is a Springfield Marine Seat post. Any idea how to adjust and tighten it? There is a large Phillips screw in the middle which spins freely and will not tighten.

The manual knob tightens the seat to the top post but the noise and movement comes from the top post mating to the bottom post.

In addition there is a nut in the middle of the seat on a nylon bushing which seems to stop the seat from sliding rearward anymore. Does anyone have a picture from a R6 or R8 that where I could compare? Wondering if the nut is in the correct place/height and that is designed to be a physical seat stop or something incorrect.

Thanks!

[fsts2k]

I reached out to Springfield Marine and they mentioned there was a known issue. I am currently working with my dealer to figure out how to get a new post put into place.

[NautiWeasel]

If the boat's new, it should be a warranty item, and Cobalt should take care of it, not Springfield Marine. I'm glad you found the culprit, and an answer from Springfield though. That's a big step there, and may be the best thing to have on record with them in the long run, if it happens again.

[fsts2k]

Agree, Cobalt is fixing it under warranty.

Overall they have been good to work with to fix things under warranty (which they should). That said, I had asked for it to be fixed prior and it wasn’t. I decided to do my own research and reach out to Springfield as I was unhappy with the first repair. Having the parts manufacture state that it was a known issue and that they requested a process be added to the boat manufacturing process helped me prove it needed to be fixed.

I am confident I am on the path to repair now.

[MinnetonkaCS23]

Did Springfield share a part name or number that needed to be replaced? This has been driving me nuts on my boat.

[fsts2k]

They said there were two options:
"· Have the pedestal returned for rework to disassemble and add a weld

· Send a replacement if we have one of the correct height in stock"


Hope that helps

[llg3]

I had the same issue on my 2004 R6 outboard. The fix is a weld where the stem mounts to the baseplate on the underside.

[BRDad]

I'm having the same problem on my '22 R4. I have asked dealer to fix but still an issue and will bring it up again when it is back after the season.

You will also see my post in R forum where my swivel was not working and realized it was NOT the swivel but a rivet. The strange thing is that we're you have that Phillips screw, I have a rivet...that broke. Hmmmmm

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