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  1. #1
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    RT188 Seat Pedestal

    I've noticed my front seat pedestal has a tendency to loosen when going across the lake. I have to retighten the pedestal quite bit. Anyone else experience this?

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    #2
    If your referring to where the post screws into the deck...try putting some bow string wax on the threads. It should help with it getting loose or backing out. I personally do not have this issue on my 198, but did this with several other things I ran into where screws were backing out and vibrating. Good luck and I hope this helps.
    2018 Ranger RT198P
    Mercury 150 4-Stroke

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    #3
    Thanks Tobin01

  4. Member tcesni's Avatar
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    #4
    Quote Originally Posted by papafrancisco View Post
    I've noticed my front seat pedestal has a tendency to loosen when going across the lake. I have to retighten the pedestal quite bit. Anyone else experience this?
    Mine does the same thing.
    2018 Ranger RT188 SC Black/115 hp Yamaha SHO 4-stroke; Garmin LVS34 - north
    2018 Ranger RT188 DC Black/115 hp Merc Pro XS 4-stroke; Garmin LVS34 - south
    14' Mirrorcraft tin boat (ancient) with a 9.9 Mercury 4-stroke, no electronics; catches fish anyway

  5. Member gatorglenn's Avatar
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    #5
    Look at your seat base on the bottom of the seat. Measure to readjust the center of the seat on the mount. Extra weight on one side puts a lean on the post. That with vibration it will cause the post to walk. If the pressure is all the way around. It will stay tight easier.

    Have an adventure everyday !
    2006 PT 175 TX 60 HP.

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    #6
    Quote Originally Posted by tcesni View Post
    Mine does the same thing.
    Same with me.

  7. Member tcesni's Avatar
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    #7
    I think my nut is loose.
    2018 Ranger RT188 SC Black/115 hp Yamaha SHO 4-stroke; Garmin LVS34 - north
    2018 Ranger RT188 DC Black/115 hp Merc Pro XS 4-stroke; Garmin LVS34 - south
    14' Mirrorcraft tin boat (ancient) with a 9.9 Mercury 4-stroke, no electronics; catches fish anyway

  8. Member gatorglenn's Avatar
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    #8
    Quote Originally Posted by tcesni View Post
    I think my nut is loose.
    The welded nut on the bottom of the base?

    Have an adventure everyday !
    2006 PT 175 TX 60 HP.

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    #9
    Quote Originally Posted by tcesni View Post
    I think my nut is loose.
    Come on man, that's an open goal.

    Must resist...

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    #10
    I don't like the Springfield screw units because you can't keep the pedestal tite. I had a base installed on the rod locker and run with my seat there. I can't see with the front seat up and it adds a lot of pressure. The nut broke recently and the whole unit had to be replaced.
    Last edited by GeauxTide; 09-06-2018 at 08:38 PM.
    2015 Ranger RT188 DC; BassCat Storage Box; Mercury Optimax 115ProXS;
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  11. Member Jeff Hahn's Avatar
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    #11
    How about cutting a washer from an old inner tube and putting that rubber washer between the pedestal and deck. Once you tighten down the seat, the rubber washer should keep it from backing off because of vibration.
    "The man of system is apt to be very wise in his own conceit; and is often so enamored with the supposed beauty of his own ideal plan of government that he cannot suffer the smallest deviation from any part of it…He seems to imagine that he can arrange the different members of a great society with as much ease as the hand arranges the different pieces upon a chessboard.” Adam Smith, The Theory of Moral Sentiments

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    #12
    I actually was able to buy rubber washers that were about 2 1/2" in diameter with a 3/4" hole. The washer helped but it did wear out after a while. I need to remember to pick up some more of them.

    I'm thinking about trying a stainless steel lock washer on it to see if that would help.

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    #13
    Why not try plumbers tape around the threads?

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    #14
    Quote Originally Posted by winnebasschamp View Post
    Why not try plumbers tape around the threads?
    That sounds like a pretty good idea. With tape on the threads it should stay tight yet be able to take the pedestal off if needed.
    I'll give it a shot and post back.

    A rubber washer seems like a good idea also.

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    #15
    I used a fiber washer and it has held tight for 5-6 trips.

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    #16
    JBrew where did you finda fiber washer that big?

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    #17
    Home Depot. It was in the section that has the drawers with all the misc nuts,bolts, springs, etc.

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    #18
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  19. Member fishinSteve's Avatar
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    #19
    Quote Originally Posted by tcesni View Post
    Mine does the same thing.
    Mine also

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    #20
    Thanks JBrew