Help...

[Seth K.]

I was trailering my Tracker PT 175 this weekend from Central New Jersey to the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania. It's about 120 miles each way.



I have made this trip at least 5 other times before, knock on wood never had a problem or incident.



I got to PA to find out that the center Steering Wheel cover (plastic) that covers the steering wheel bolt blew off while I was trailering! Keep in mind I never exceed 65MPH when trailering and the boat is only 2 years old.



Called my local dealer (the one I bought from went belly up last year) and he told me to call Tracker directly. I called Tracker and they told me to order it from the dealer!!!



What gives? My steering wheel is a real eye sore and I don't mind having to pay for the part, though I think Tracker did a cruddy job gluing it on...but no one will help me.



I know you BPS/Tracker guys are on the board...someone please help or give me a better plan to have this part replaced...I really appreciate it.



BTW, great fishing/camping trip even with sleeping outside in 30 degree weather!



Seth

 

[Greg Meyer]

Seth,



Send an e-mail with the description of the part to Craig Roberts ([email protected]) at the Auburn Hills Bass Pro Store. Craig is the Parts Manager (and a super helpful guy) He will need make model and hull number (hull number is on the starboard side of the transom, a little metal plate). He has helped me a couple of times.

 

[Mark Hofman]

Seth:



The same thing happened to me when I was towing my boat home from the dealer for the first time. I called BPS/Springfield (my dealer) and told them what had happened. A few weeks later I had the part. I've noticed that they've changed the steering wheel type since 2001, probably because this was happening alot. It isn't Tracker's fault. The steering wheel design is a third-source part (you can order the whole steering wheel through Cabela's from the manufacturer, but without the Tracker logo). They just installed this type on their boats for a few years. If its a poor design, I'd blame the guys who manufactur it.



Tracker Marine is correct on this one. If it is a warranty replacement, the dealer should order it and Tracker will reimburse the dealer. If your boat is out of warranty, your dealer should order the part but you'll bear the cost (probably around $15). Be sure to tell your local dealer that you are paying for the part. You'll have no problem from them!! Ha!



Or...the better solution if your boat is out of warranty is to do EXACTLY as Greg Meyer said: Call or email Craig Roberts at the Auburn Hills BPS with your Hull ID Number. He can order the part and have it shipped to you, no questions asked. Craig is an AWESOME parts manager!

 

[Mark Hofman]

Oh, and it wasn't designed to be glued on. It's a snap-together part. My replacement cover has yet to blow off.

 

[Mike L.]

Seth, I'm from over by Englishtown NJ, and I called have called Craig quite a few times for parts

for my PC 175.......So far he's never failed to deliver me the right part and very quickly! Do use him and you'll save his number like I did! Craig... 248-333-0997

Mike L.

 

[Bong Reyes]

Same thing happened to my NX 882....will call Craig tomorrow. Thanks for the number Mike L.

 

[Jack Long]

I have a 2001 929 and my center from my stearing wheel fell off too. I found it laying in the floor in front of the drivers seat.

 

[Craig Roberts]

Tryt your local dealer first. The part # for the center cover on Seth's boat is 29492. Should be 32942 FOR THE 882, if it's a 2001 or 2002. If it's older, e-mail me your hull # and I'll look it up for you.



Craig

 

[Mark Hofman]

Craig, just for kicks 'n grins, what does that part list for MSRP?

 

[Craig Roberts]

$7.25 + tax & shipping.



Craig

 

[Craig Roberts]

While this part isn't glued on, if you put a small drop of silicone on the posts it should never blow off again, but you can pull it off with a little effort if necessary to access the steering wheel center.

 

[Charlie Nethaway]

Mine is being replaced also