[JustSpeed7]

Got my set of side protectors in and on other forums I read that people have problems with them holding up they just fall off and loose them in the water. They hold on with a really small amount of 3m tape and these small push in pins so what I was thinking is why not just rivet them on instead of using the supplied push pins, do you think it will work? Also do you think it would cause any harm to the hull?

 

[GizmoK]

Riveting would sure hold it in place just Im not sure if the rivet will cause a crack...

 

[seaking]

Riveting would sure hold it in place just Im not sure if the rivet will cuase a crack...

that's actually a good question and i have a feeling that might be the case, maybe not right away but in due time.

 

[Sparkmats]

Probably best to use Contact cement , do not trust the tape to hold these on !!

 

[GizmoK]

Yeah that could work to without having to drill or anything. Good call.

 

[JustSpeed7]

So just put the contact cement on top of the 3m tape and stick it on the hull?

 

[Bug Stomper]

Probably best to use Contact cement , do not trust the tape to hold these on !!

I think contact cement on the Spark plastic defeats the purpose of a protector.

Do you even need them. I've been docking for a while now and my hull edges don't look any worse for wear

 

[Sparkmats]

If he bought them to use, then they should be a permanent attachment to the Spark. The tape will allow them to fall off eventually, and he could lose a piece while riding.

 

[Off-road]

I lost the short piece on left rear first time out. The tape is not the best in my opinion. I wish I would have used contact cement now.
That said, we have not lost any other pieces since and have been out three or four times now.

 

[JeffinWesternWA]

I lost the short piece on left rear first time out. The tape is not the best in my opinion. I wish I would have used contact cement now.
That said, we have not lost any other pieces since and have been out three or four times now.

The short piece n right REAR for me, LoL, those pieces that appear to have "bends" seem to be the worst, still, I imagine getting a roll of the proper tape and haveing the plastic rivet and tab tucked properly will be an annual fix

 

[Off-road]

So just put the contact cement on top of the 3m tape and stick it on the hull?

That is how I would do it.
Also, with contact cement you put on both pieces so you would put on the ski as well.

 

[Off-road]

The short piece n right REAR for me, LoL, those pieces that appear to have "bends" seem to be the worst, still, I imagine getting a roll of the proper tape and haveing the plastic rivet and tab tucked properly will be an annual fix

I pulled the right side off so it isn't too obvious that the left is missing. Did you do the same?

 

[JeffinWesternWA]

I pulled the right side off so it isn't too obvious that the left is missing. Did you do the same?

nope, all others are sticking nicely, dealer owes me a LH access panel next time I'm in neighborhood, told me he'd give me a roll of the 3m (?) tape too- to reapply it. Having extra will be nice. The scrapers take the brunt of the abuse next to the docks well. The orange bumpers are really super protection with waves and other boats trafficing in/out, glad I got both, the unit has 7~ hours, no scratches! Nice shine too from the wax and dry I applied after purchase over a month ago. I rinse the machine/trailer thoroughly and chamois it off each trip and flush the exhaust as well. Performance is good, mileage seems right on ad advertised - around 2gph, maybe less...:nerd:

 

[Off-road]

What wax did you use? Did you wax the hull also ?

I have the orange fenders ordered. Glad to know they work well.

 

[GizmoK]

I lost the short piece on left rear first time out. The tape is not the best in my opinion. I wish I would have used contact cement now.
That said, we have not lost any other pieces since and have been out three or four times now.

Just for a piece of mind you can take the pieces off and apply them back on with contact cement.

 

[JeffinWesternWA]

got some Auto body tape,couple of long double sided strips, also a few select drops of super glue and carefully realigned the tab and plastic rivet properly, we'll see, ...theh "any brand wax as you dry" spray on wipe off (even wet) stuff has been awesome on my vehicles and the Spark, I'm surprised at how long it lasts and doesn't wash off! I plan on doing it to the Spark at beginning and end of season, I also rinse and dry off the Spark/Trailer at each use too and flush the exhaust as well. (Only fresh water use).Oover 8 hrs so far, seems about 2~ GPH or maybe less, all's well, tight and most of all FUN! The 60 HP has been FINE for my GF and I and the miserly gas use is a BIG plus!

 

[Orca]

It's a shame others are having problems with these side protectors. For what it's worth, mine have all stayed on so far. I went and checked them after reading some of these problems and they still seem to be adhered okay. Perhaps another option when first installing them is is applying a bit of the 3M adhesive in a spray can, to give it a bit extra? When I installed them I also thought there didn't appear to be a lot of 3M adhesive on the bumpers compared to, say, the mat kits, which had a good amount.

 

[GizmoK]

Thats not a bad idea i'd clean the crap out of the plastic before doing anything.

 

[QuikHD]

I cleaned everything with acetone really good, I even used a scotchbright pad with acetone then wiped with a towel to remove any loose debris. One ski is fine, the other keeps losing one piece, the middle one. I'm kind of upset that Seadoo didn't take into account a more permanent bumper system for these skis. Call it cost savings.....fine. Many of us would have gladly paid a little more base price for something that didn't require maintenance or attention every ride!

 

[Cantarini]

Side protectors

The dealer wants $100 to install. How long and how hard are these to install?