5 Most Common Problems with Power Pole

While Power Poles are incredibly convenient and helpful tools for boaters, they are not immune to problems. Here are some of the most common issues boaters face with their Power Poles and how to address them:

1. Power Pole Won’t Deploy or Retract:

• Causes:
  • Dead battery: The Power Pole requires a strong battery to operate.
  • Faulty solenoid: The solenoid controls the flow of electricity to the motor.
  • Damaged wiring: The wiring harness can become damaged due to chafing or corrosion.
  • Stuck spike: The spike can become stuck in the bottom if it hits a hard object or if it is not deployed at the correct angle.
  • Clogged pump: Debris can clog the pump and prevent it from operating properly.
• Solutions:
  • Check the battery voltage and connections.
  • Test the solenoid and replace it if necessary.
  • Inspect the wiring harness for damage and repair or replace it as needed.
  • If the spike is stuck, try using the manual override to retract it. If that doesn’t work, you may need to use a winch or other tool to pull it out.
  • Clean the pump and remove any debris.

2. Power Pole Makes Noise:

• Causes:
  • Worn gears: The gears in the Power Pole can become worn over time, causing them to grind and make noise.
  • Low hydraulic fluid: If the hydraulic fluid level is low, the pump can cavitate and make noise.
  • Air in the hydraulic system: Air in the hydraulic system can cause the pump to cavitate and make noise.
• Solutions:
  • Inspect the gears for wear and replace them if necessary.
  • Check the hydraulic fluid level and top it off if needed.
  • Bleed the air from the hydraulic system.

3. Power Pole Leaks Fluid:

• Causes:
  • Damaged seals: The seals on the pump or cylinder can become damaged, causing them to leak fluid.
  • Loose connections: The connections on the hoses or fittings can become loose, causing them to leak fluid.
• Solutions:
  • Inspect the seals for damage and replace them if necessary.
  • Tighten any loose connections.

4. Power Pole Won’t Stay Down:

• Causes:
  • Low hydraulic fluid: If the hydraulic fluid level is low, the Power Pole will not have enough pressure to stay down.
  • Air in the hydraulic system: Air in the hydraulic system can cause the Power Pole to lose pressure and rise up.
  • Damaged valve: The valve in the Power Pole can become damaged, allowing it to leak fluid and lose pressure.
• Solutions:
  • Check the hydraulic fluid level and top it off if needed.
  • Bleed the air from the hydraulic system.
  • Replace the damaged valve.

5. Power Pole Corrosion:

• Causes:
  • Exposure to saltwater: Saltwater can corrode the metal components of the Power Pole.
  • Lack of maintenance: If the Power Pole is not properly cleaned and maintained, it can become corroded.
• Solutions:
  • Rinse the Power Pole with fresh water after each use.
  • Apply a marine-grade corrosion inhibitor to the metal components of the Power Pole.
  • Regularly inspect the Power Pole for signs of corrosion and address any issues promptly.

Additional Tips:

• Regular maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as checking the fluid levels, cleaning the pump, and lubricating the moving parts, can help prevent many common problems.
• Use genuine Power Pole parts: Using genuine Power Pole parts when performing maintenance or repairs can help ensure your Power Pole performs optimally.
• Consult a qualified technician: If you’re not comfortable troubleshooting or fixing problems yourself, take your boat to a qualified technician for diagnosis and repair.

By following these tips and being aware of the most common problems with Power Poles, you can help prevent them from happening and ensure your Power Pole provides years of reliable service. Remember, a well-maintained Power Pole will not only save you time and effort on the water but also enhance your overall boating experience.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• Power Pole Owner’s Manual
• Power Pole Service Manual
• Power Pole Website

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