Reverse Gate, should there be any 'play'?

[MHarness]

2015 195HO,
No video, but sitting on the trailer in my garage, I can 'wiggle' the reverse gate and there is a few inches of play in it. Should there be, or should it be more firm/solid with no play.

If it should be more firm with no wiggle, where should I start looking to fix/correct this?

Thanks!

 

[Luc Lafreniere]

Wiggle is normal. Once the pump puts pressure in it, it stays put. No idea why it's designed that way, but it's normal.

 

[MHarness]

Thank you, Luc. As I learn this 'new to me' boat, i'm sure i'll have many questions.

 

[Luc Lafreniere]

As a new owner before you cause damage.

1. If you suck something up, under NO circumstances should you attempt to remove the intake grate under the boat. The bolts look removable but they aren't and you will cause a leak.
2. When flushing your engine, running the engine out of water. You need to turn on the engine, THEN turn on the water pressure. Then turn OFF the water pressure followed by turning off the engine. In essence, no water pressure unless the engine is running. Otherwise, it's possible to get water inside the engine which is called hydrolocking. Also, never run the engine out of water for more than 2 min, ideally below 1. There is an important seal called a carbon seal where the drive shaft exits the hull which must be lubricated by water. The only practical way to do so is to have the boat sitting in water. The hose to the flush port won't do it.
3. If you break down and have to get towed, keep it very slow (under 5mph) unless you clamp the correct hose or hoses depending on your engine. I recommend identifying these ahead of time with flashy tape. Keep a hose clamp or two of the right size in the boat. Here's the diagram Tow Clamp Diagram.png
4. I highly recommend reading the BRP Operator's Guide. You'll learn tons! Go to https://www.operatorsguides.brp.com/ then select Rotax, JPS, two letter code where AA is 2014 and up, engine HP.
5. Scarab also has a manual for the boat Scarab specific components. Look at the bottom of their page to find the owner's manual section. Good read but not as important as the BRP one.

I really should pin this at the top of the Scarab section. Lol I may do that later.