Apollo/Dacor SeaSprint Deep Trigger Modification

OK, so it ain't no Gavin. If you want a real scooter and can pony up the bucks for it, send an email to George Irvine and he will set you up. That said the Apollo/Dacor scooter is the best sccoter short of the Gavin for wrecking above 230'. The SeaSprint is rated to 160 ft but will run reliably down to 220-230 ft, even deeper with strengthening modifications (although I don't recommend it).

The SeaSprint does have one small problem which seems to start at about 150' or so. The battery casing starts to flex which causes the trigger to bind. This is not a big problem, you can pop the trigger back up with your thumb or it will pop up on it's own accord when you get a little shallower.

This is due to the tight tolerances SeaSprint has in the trigger housing. I have found that you can stop the binding by doing a simple modification. This involves removing the trigger handle and enlarging the pivot hole the trigger fits into on the housing. This is the prodcedure:

 

Step 1

First pry off the cosmetic screw caps. This can be accomplished by taking a miniature screwdriver and tapping it into the side of the cap and prying upwards. You may make a hole in the cap but this is no big deal. Some people elect to leave the caps off, there is no harm in this.

Step 2

Once the three caps are off you can remove the 3 external Phillips head screws.

Step 3

Under the cover you need to remove two internal screws plus the spring screw which attaches the trigger button to the magnet armature.

Step 4

It is important that you note the position of the spring so you can reinstall it correctly. If you don't put in back in the right way your trigger will not pop back up do to insufficient spring force. Beware of the tiny spring in the trigger lock assembly. This little sucker will pop out and you will never find it again.

Step 5

Once you remove the spring screw the actuator portion of the trigger will lift out. You can see the red plastic magnet armature behind the handle.

This is the position of the magnet armature with the trigger in the "OFF" postion.

Step 6

Lift out the magnet armature.

Step 7

Select a drill bit just slightly larger than the original pivot recess. Using your fingers, twist the drill bit into the soft plastic of the housing to enlarge the recess. I found that an 11/64" drill bit is perfect for the job.

Step 8

You don't have to drill it out all the way to the bottom. If you look closely you can see a slight shoulder where you stop. The magnet lever should easily wobble side to side when you check for fit.

Step 9

Reassemble your scooter making very sure that you don't over-torque the screws. The plastic of the housing is very soft and you are "screwed" if you strip the holes.

Enjoy!

 Home page