Ripfish

I went through two sets of Vector bindings where the heal rubber tears out. Each time i got a season out of each. Depending on time of year it was two years into the deal and of course out of warranty. So last year i went to the Profiles hoping to have a better experience. As i recall these cost me $400+. Here i am about a full season in and i see the heel rubber is all cracked and near blowing out. I bet i only have 30 sets on these bindings. They are stored in a full ski bag in the boat under a cover under a roof or in the garage. Never in direct sun or a hot container or anything. I saw a two year old thread on this same subject, and heard that maybe new binding construction was improved. These came from Radar in mid 2017. The thin rubber in the heel is the issue. I cannot keep throwing money at this. What is the solution? Another mfg, Radar improving the rubber quality? Am i buying old inventory? Very frustrated. Most likely these are just inside of the warranty period, but they may say they have not failed yet. I really dislike being a whiner, but there is no way these binding will make it to end of the season. Is this just the new world that we should only expect to get one season from what i consider very expensive gear. God forbid i have to go dig my animals out of a storage box from 2002. My D3 bindings from that era are still intact. I love how the radar bindings fit and perform on the water, i just dont like the longevity. This is a hobby that i am fully invested in, and bindings blowing out in July is far worse than the boat impeller failing. I can afford to have a spare one of those sitting around. Where to turn? Even if radar warranties, I expect next summer i'll be facing the same situation.

I own 02 nautique 196. Purchased new. Has 1200+ hrs. Other than impellers, oil changes i have not had to do anything else till now. It runs beautifully and interior is still in great shape. I wouldnt be scared of the hours, but here is a list of a few things that i have just completed to keep the boat in tip top shape. I performed these myself. New prop shaft packing. Easy job with a pick to get old packing out. New exhaust riser gaskets, new exhasut hoses and fiberglass elbows(my fault for crushing those with overtightened hose clamps). Clean and grease rudder. Steering cable still smooth and free, but i would plan on changing that if buying that era. New passenger seat cover from Christines. I would just plan on spending up to about $2k to take care of some deferred maintenance type things. Good luck!