New Malibu G3 Mirror Problems

[Wakesetter67]

Finally had a chance to take My Bu Out this last weekend, And towards the end of the weekend My New G3/ Samson/Malibu Mirror would not keep tight, it would swing from side to side and I could not tighten it up anymore. Then towing home even worse. any one else have this problem, I heard of people taking the mirror portion off for towing, But should we really have to do that...I Checked with Bakes and hopefully they will have an answer...Just wondering if mine has issues??

[nyryan2001]

Yep sounds like yours has an issue. I'd look to get that warrateed and replaced asap. Mine locks real tight at all the joints, no rattles, no shaking, no movement, rock solid. My only complaint would be that it's too short, needs to be 4-6 inches longer so you can get it closer to you without having to look straight up like 40 deg angle to see the mirror. Else it's so far away forward from you that the field of vision is narrow.

[Wakesetter67]

Yep sounds like yours has an issue. I'd look to get that warrateed and replaced asap. Mine locks real tight at all the joints, no rattles, no shaking, no movement, rock solid. My only complaint would be that it's too short, needs to be 4-6 inches longer so you can get it closer to you without having to look straight up like 40 deg angle to see the mirror. Else it's so far away forward from you that the field of vision is narrow.

Ya it seemed tight when I first put it on, I have driven it on the freeway a few times, and noticed it was off to the side,so I tighten it some more and again just kept moving, I wouldn't think you need to remove while towing, So kinda Miffed...

[bcoppess23]

Mine does the same thing. I just keep tightening it down. It is almost as if the treads have not been drilled completely....

[Fman]

I have the same mirror, have yet to have any problems with it. Do you have the lock washers inbetween the clamping points to avoid it from moving side to side? or does the bolt/handle combo just come loose?

If I were going to tow long distance I would definitely just remove it and set it in the boat. I figure why take the risk of having it damaged, definitely will be removing it when I head to shasta in July. I do like how simple it is to take off... I am sure they will warranty it for you, and for the price, it should outlast the boat!

Edited May 24, 2011 by Fman

[Fman]

Yep sounds like yours has an issue. I'd look to get that warrateed and replaced asap. Mine locks real tight at all the joints, no rattles, no shaking, no movement, rock solid. My only complaint would be that it's too short, needs to be 4-6 inches longer so you can get it closer to you without having to look straight up like 40 deg angle to see the mirror. Else it's so far away forward from you that the field of vision is narrow.

hmmm... ours seems to be at perfect height, I am 6'1" and its dead on..... have you tried adjusting the bar clamp and rotating the mirror lower? might help you out a little on the height of the mirror. This is my son driving on Sunday, he is about the same height as me....

Edited May 24, 2011 by Fman

[Wakesetter67]

I have the same mirror, have yet to have any problems with it. Do you have the lock washers inbetween the clamping points to avoid it from moving side to side? or does the bolt/handle combo just come loose?

If I were going to tow long distance I would definitely just remove it and set it in the boat. I figure why take the risk of having it damaged, definitely will be removing it when I head to shasta in July. I do like how simple it is to take off... I am sure they will warranty it for you, and for the price, it should outlast the boat!

I will take it apart tomorrow, The handle is tight, But the arm still swings. I think I will do the same on the long trips. What date are you going to Shasta?

[Tims]

My G3 mirror does the exact same thing. Any kind of chop on the water causes the mirror to swing to the left. Don't want to crank down any tighter on the bolt handle. Looking at the leverage point, it looks to be a design flaw.

[Wakesetter67]

My G3 mirror does the exact same thing. Any kind of chop on the water causes the mirror to swing to the left. Don't want to crank down any tighter on the bolt handle. Looking at the leverage point, it looks to be a design flaw.

Exactly, If I cranked on it any more, the handle would snap. I wonder if they make a Black Crinkle finish Duck tape....

[obski]

I had this problem on my last boat with the Samson Illusion tower mirror. I did end up putting a layer or two of duct tape in to get it tight and to keep from swinging out of position. That solution worked fine, although if I went over particularly large rollers, it would still shift and have to be pushed back. I don't have enough experience with the G3 tower mirror on my new one yet to know if I will have the same problem with it.

[Wakesetter67]

I had this problem on my last boat with the Samson Illusion tower mirror. I did end up putting a layer or two of duct tape in to get it tight and to keep from swinging out of position. That solution worked fine, although if I went over particularly large rollers, it would still shift and have to be pushed back. I don't have enough experience with the G3 tower mirror on my new one yet to know if I will have the same problem with it.

Well i have a call in to Bakes where i bought it, I will see what they say, If Not I will have to modify, For that price I shouldn't have to...

[Living the Dream]

Careful my handle did snap off got it replaced though

[Fman]

I will take it apart tomorrow, The handle is tight, But the arm still swings. I think I will do the same on the long trips. What date are you going to Shasta?

We will be at Shasta, July 31-Aug 8th.... launching out of Silverthorne.

[Fman]

My G3 mirror does the exact same thing. Any kind of chop on the water causes the mirror to swing to the left. Don't want to crank down any tighter on the bolt handle. Looking at the leverage point, it looks to be a design flaw.

Something is wrong, my mirror has been rock solid... it never moves at all, even when towing at freeway speeds... If you purchased through dealer might be worth giving them a call to get a new one ordered up... I am sure they will take care of it for you.

[Wakesetter67]

We will be at Shasta, July 31-Aug 8th.... launching out of Silverthorne.

Dang, July 13th -17th, Looks like I need to take it apart and make sure there is a certain Washer in between, That may be the Culprit!! Edited May 24, 2011 by Wakesetter67

[nyryan2001]

that could be it... I think there was a star washer in there between the plastic handle and the aluminum cutout for it or the handle bolt's nut, that digs in and clamps it tight if I remember correctly? When I say tight, I mean real tight. Zero wiggle, zero flex. 70-80mph winds would not budge it at all. absolutely no need for additional duct tape or anything like that.

If you still are having trouble I will take some pics of mine this weekend where the washer is in the bracket assy and what type.

Edited May 24, 2011 by nyryan2001

[Fman]

Dang, July 13th -17th, Looks like I need to take it apart and make sure there is a certain Washer in between, That may be the Culprit!!

Yes, there is a star washer inbetween the clamping points, it definitely holds the mirror tight. That would be a simple fix if your is missing it... I am at work for a couple days, if you need some pics I can send them over on Thursday.

[Wakesetter67]

Yes, there is a star washer inbetween the clamping points, it definitely holds the mirror tight. That would be a simple fix if your is missing it... I am at work for a couple days, if you need some pics I can send them over on Thursday.

That was it, I had one but the lower one was missing, I replaced them both....Simple fix for a change, 20 Cents, Wow that was the least amount I have spent on this boat..LOL

[Bill_AirJunky]

I can't believe you Oregon boys all have this problem in Samson's own back yard & no one has bothered to pick up their cell phone for a minute & make a local phone call to Scott about this.

I just read thru 2 pages of this for a missing washer??

Edited May 25, 2011 by Bill_AirJunky

[Wakesetter67]

I can't believe you Oregon boys all have this problem in Samson's own back yard & no one has bothered to pick up their cell phone for a minute & make a local phone call to Scott about this.

I just read thru 2 pages of this for a missing washer??

I had to go Thur the proper channels..So I called Bakes, who called Malibu , who called Samson, And bakes Called me... Its classic telephone, Did I leave anyone out???

[Tims]

That was it, I had one but the lower one was missing, I replaced them both....Simple fix for a change, 20 Cents, Wow that was the least amount I have spent on this boat..LOL

So where do these washers go? Took the handle off of mine and I do not have any.

Thanks

[Wakesetter67]

So where do these washers go? Took the handle off of mine and I do not have any.

Thanks

They go on each side of the arm, not the handle..heres a pic. Pull the arm off and look and see if you have any, they might still be on the tower mount side. Bugs not included....

Edited May 25, 2011 by Wakesetter67

[Tims]

They go on each side of the arm, not the handle..heres a pic. Pull the arm off and look and see if you have any, they might still be on the tower mount side. Bugs not included....

Thanks for the info.

[Fman]

That was it, I had one but the lower one was missing, I replaced them both....Simple fix for a change, 20 Cents, Wow that was the least amount I have spent on this boat..LOL

Thats great news, glad it was a simple fix.... does it seem to be holding solid?

[Wakesetter67]

Thats great news, glad it was a simple fix.... does it seem to be holding solid?

Yes, I'm still going to remove it when off the water, Less bugs to pick off..Thanks for all your help!