Saving original turf on my Square

[amemoryoncelost]

So I smooshed my SN at the end of this summer, throttle got stuck, long story, whatever. So I got a new hull which was missing it's turf. Well, my ski had perfect turf, so it was gonna be a waste to just throw it away. Here are some pics of me pulling the original turf off and how I did it. Sorry for the quality if it's an issue, taken with my iphone.

Tools I used: One xacto knife, bottle of goo gone spray(citrus smell) and gloves.

Basically I started at one end and worked my way to the other side. The rails are only glued on at the top and backside as you can see in the pics. Everything else should pull right up. As you pull up, keep spraying the goo gone at the seam and it should pull up. I worked pretty slow, the faster you pull, the more the turf wants to stay connected to the ski, which is where you're gonna have issues. If it did try to stay glued down, just run the xacto knife along the edge and you should be good. As long as you go slow, shouldn't have any issues. On the backside I was having some issues with the glue, but I don't think it's going to affect how the turf feels when it gets put back on.

I know most people here would rather have hydroturf, but I like the stock stuff and until I throw in footholds, might as well save myself some serious money. Hell, I may even try to use this stuff when I do put them in. Figured it would be a good post for someone who wanted to save it for some reason (painting, new hull, refoam) and needed a little inspiration.

Good luck!

PS yes, that's half a hull. The smooshed part got cut off since it was basically done for and I can pick this up and move it around.

 

[sflsurfrider]

my suggestion is to put holds in now, use the old rubber for padding, then buy a roll or 2 of turf and hand cut for your ski. use the old rubber as templates.

 

[Shonuff]

My suggestion is to drive to Daytona and try to convince SFL to turf your ski with new footholds for you . . . because he's MUCH better at it than normal people.

When I put footholds in my other SX-R, I need to just mail the bastard to him for turfing.

 

[RoyalFlush@PCB]

My suggestion is to drive to Daytona and try to convince SFL to turf your ski with new footholds for you . . . because he's MUCH better at it than normal people.

:haha:

I like that idea!

 

[sflsurfrider]

awe, shucks.....

i hate that idea.

:haha:

 

[Crab]

Its only about 3000 miles.........

 

[Kennay]

That stock turf is so slippery. At least buy a sheet of Hydro Turf B stock for 30 bucks and use that. You already have your templates, all you have to do is trace, cut, and glue.

 

[dbrutherford]

I removed some turf from an old X2 hull I threw away once. Just pulled on it easy and used a razor where it was sticking. I wanted them for a template but ended up giving them away with another X2 hull I sold. If you take your time the turf will come off in one piece and still be in good enough shape to reuse. Just make sure you sand the new hull and the back of the old turf good for propper adhesion.

 

[aranka]

any pics of the "smooshed" part?

 

[amemoryoncelost]

I will probably end up doing footholds now and just use those as a template. Plus, I ride with shoes, so being slippery hasn't been an issue for some reason.

As for the smooshed part, was hoping no one would bring that up, but here ya go anyways, hah

Basically, throttle got stuck and took off. Made a wide arc in the lake and smashed into a retaining wall. Came close to a boat or two as well. Scariest day on the lake ever. Big lesson! Just glad no one was hurt and most of the ski was alright AKA the motor was fine. It sunk in about a foot of water and we were able to get it running about an hour later. I was going to try and save the hull, but with there being cracks in the bottom, the side and just how bad it was up front, didn't want to waste my time. The third pic shows the motor mount and how far forward the motor went inside the hull. "Luckily" when the ski hit, it ripped the spark plug wires off and killed it.

 

[>Fuse<]

I vote someone here get to work on a new ski mod. What we need is to combine the "smart key" proximity key fobs they have on newer cars with key-less ignition and the kill switch on the skis. Just take the lanyard out of the equation.

Heck, I think it was my second time on a ski when my lanyard got caught and the ski took off without me. Damned if you wear one, damned if you dont. at:
(Another lesson learned there; Never listen to Wasteland. :tongue: )

Back on topic, that's pretty impressive. I think I used acetone or something in my turf removal (wasn't trying to save it), and as big a pain as that was I wouldn't have expected Goo Gone to do such a good job.

 

[suva]

And I thought I was a cheap@ss.

 

[amemoryoncelost]

Well, I'm somewhat unemployed right now(film industry in seattle can be dry, especially when you're not at the top of the totem pole). That was the reason for saving it. At this point, won't use it, but it will be nice to have sitting around in case someone ends up needing some or I do down the road. Footholds are looking better and better. Plus I live in washington and the days of riding are long gone unless you're fully suited for the ocean, so I have nothing but time on my hands.

 

[E rok Wilbs]

Wow, that must of been kind of funny to watch. Thank god no one got hurt. So how exactly did the throttle get stuck?? Once I had a square take off because a carb snapped in half and I had to catch up and wrestle it a little. Kind of interested to know what went wrong though.