Axis Wakeboard Boat Forum

Hi - my dealership is in the process of winterizing our boat and noted that it appears that a muskrat or other animal has chewed the cables for our SurfGate actuators (on each side). They still work, but the dealership recommends replacing both actuators (to the tune of $4500) and they said that they can't simply replace the cables. However, I do wonder if I could seal the cables with some marine-grade liquid electrical tape and then protect the wires with metal shielding (there are several products out there for this). Any advice? $4500 to replace seems like a very steep cost for what amounts to some exposed (but not torn) wires.

See pictures and thanks so much in advance for your help!

Hard to see how bad the damage is in the picture. Id be hard pressed to replace those with the little damage I can see from the pics.

Can you get a new shrink sleeve around that wire?

At 4,500 Id spend some time trying to figure out if you can replace that wire yourself or just wrap it up somehow.

A dealer would not spend the time to come up with a fix. Its easier for them to remove and replace and also make more margin.

WOW!! I had the same issue on my previous 2017 A24. NOT ONCE BUT TWICE on the same vacation! Took the boat in to the dealer, they were going to charge the same for replacing everything. I had the wiring repaired and then ordered various diameters of braided stainless sleeves. The dealer agreed to put them on and no more problems with the musk rats!! Little bastards!