Reverse bucket bouncing in the jet wash and I can't figure out why - video

[captainhook]

I can't figure out why this is happening, when it started, or if I caused it by changing things but I noticed it this year. You can't hear it while at the helm but I noticed that the jet wash on the starboard side looked like it was pulsating a bit compared to port. I changed the control cables last year and added a used set of Thrust Vectors and thought that was causing it and some spray from the starboard side, so I bought a nicer used set of Thrust Vectors and had the same exact problem with the spray. Thinking that the Thrust Vectors being spring loaded was the problem, I bought a brand new set of Cobra Jet Ultimates this year and set them to the "always down position" and there is no longer any spray, but the jet wash still seemed to be pulsating. So I took my daughter's GoPro and selfie stick and decided to take a good look and my suspicions were confirmed; the bucket is bouncing in the jet wash.

I took the entire binnacle/throttle assembly apart yesterday and found no obvious issues. There is no additional play up and down or left and right in the starboard bucket compared to port. When I put both throttles forward, both buckets appear to be in the exact same position, same with neutral and same with reverse. What the hell could I try next??

 

[Babin Farms]

When it's out of the water have you tried to see if there is any movement compared to the other side?

 

[Julian]

I would try raising the bucket slightly. I'd do it one turn at a time on the connection point. Its probably just hanging 1mm too low.

 

[captainhook]

When it's out of the water have you tried to see if there is any movement compared to the other side?

Yup, sure have multiple times. No additional play at all in any direction based on me shaking it with my hand. Obviously I didn't measure it or anything but seems exactly the same on both sides.

 

[captainhook]

I would try raising the bucket slightly. I'd do it one turn at a time on the connection point. Its probably just hanging 1mm too low.

I thought about that but I feel like it would have to be at a noticeable difference compared to the other to bounce like this. I also can't seem to find anyone else who has had this problem which is pretty rare for any issue I've encountered with my boat--usually I can find multiple people with the same problems and fixes (which is a huge reason why I bought this boat!).

 

[captainhook]

Good point though @Julian, I will try that.

 

[captainhook]

I just went out and took a somewhat crude measurement with my caliper and you were right @Julian the starboard bucket is about 5mm lower than the port even though visibly there is basically no difference. Good call! I'll adjust it and see how it goes. Interestingly there is more thread visible on the port cable than the starboard on the nozzle end. When I took the throttles/binnacles apart yesterday I did look at that end of the control cables to make sure I didn't forget to tighten one down or something but they looked pretty even to me. Guess it makes sense they would be different based on tolerances and difference in cable lengths.

I'll post an update after adjusting and next time I have it out to see the results.