2007 Ski Nautique 196 floor panel removal

[tjs1295]

Can anyone tell me what I need to do to remove the backseat so I can get the floor panel up, and access the shaft packing/bilge? It was so incredibly easy on our 1994. I see there are screws on either side of the seat by the cupholders on the floor. Is that all that needs to be removed, or are there more screws and brackets?

[Jody_Seal]

no need to remove rear seat/tank fixture you must have great strength.

remove motor box and set aside.

find a pry bar and wedge under floor board and lift center floor up. once up straddle grab with both hands on each side and pull and wiggle side to side until it comes free.

[BKistler]

What Jody said. I learned the hard way.

[tjs1295]

@Jody_Seal Thank you sir! I will give that a try.

[Jody_Seal]

I might add that if you have help take that prybar and lift the rear tank seat fixture a little to relieve the center board while it gets wiggled out.

[tjs1295]

Ok. It’s no rush, so I’ll wait for an assistant.

[chris_logan]

What Jody said… on mine I was able to actually slide the middle floor panel forward with a slight lifting tug after removing the motor box.

 

Another way to pop it loose with decent leverage is to leave the motor box attached at the hinges and lift the rear of the box when open before pulling the hinge pins.

[Jody_Seal]

@chris_logan

not recommend to put leverage on those hinges.

made if plastic and temp sensitive to time and element. another words they brake easy.

[rockdog]

I found this job a nightmare. I couldn’t get that floor panel out no matter how much I wriggled it around. I abandoned the job in the end.