this fell out from under the dash....what is it?

Looks like my check book and my wallet ill send you my address...
On a more serious note.....I have no clue

You must have a rotary steering box.
That appears to me the tube that the steering cable feeds into as it exits the helm.

Without it, your knees will likely get greasy next ride out.

thanks guys, I think I see where it slips over the greasy thing. What is supposed to hold it in place?

That's Donald's Bong Tube !! For his Bear Funnel

was one heck of a rough day. In seriously rough water we were forced to slow down (a kid, not mine, wouldn't stay seated) in unbelievable chop and took 2 waves over the windshield. kept going as we had no other option. that tube thing fell out from under the dash, the horn stopped working (I'm guessing b/c of water intrusion at the bow vent), and the antenna cable somehow unplugged itself from the back of the radio.

I must be spoiled as this was my only trouble (knock on wood).

Thanks for the replies fellas. Hope you all are enjoying your summer

DrCC wrote: If you have the metal or plastic nut.   You might have to melt a flare on the tube to keep it in place.

it's a plastic nut

melt a flare? i don't follow

Ernest's suggestion involving duct tape seems reasonable although I'm sure not "original" can you explain the flare melting thing? I don't want to overcomplicate this, but if flare melting is relatively easy and a better fix, I'm all ears.

Steve, Al is wanting you to "flare" the end of the tube that's under the nut. Basically expanding just the end of the tube so that it wont slide out of the nut. Take the nut off the helm and slide it over the tube as you wont be able to do so after you flare the end. Heat up the tube with a hot hair dryer or boiling water then try expanding the end of the tube with a socket just slightly larger than the tube itself. Once you force the socket in the tube wiggle it back and forth "expanding" the end of the tube. Once the plastic cools off remove socket then slide the plastic nut back down to see if you "flared" the end of the tube enough so it won't slide out of the nut.

OR:

Use some teflon thread tape and wrap the end of the tube several times so the nut wont slip off the end. Give me call if you need some help

Morfoot wrote: Steve, Al is wanting you to "flare" the end of the tube that's under the nut. Basically expanding just the end of the tube so that it wont slide out of the nut. Take the nut off the helm and slide it over the tube as you wont be able to do so after you flare the end. Heat up the tube with a hot hair dryer or boiling water then try expanding the end of the tube with a socket just slightly larger than the tube itself. Once you force the socket in the tube wiggle it back and forth "expanding" the end of the tube. Once the plastic cools off remove socket then slide the plastic nut back down to see if you "flared" the end of the tube enough so it won't slide out of the nut. OR: Use some teflon thread tape and wrap the end of the tube several times so the nut wont slip off the end. Give me call if you need some help

I see...that makes perfect sense. thanks for the help guys.

Good idea with the flare. I am always trying to get mine to stay on there. Good post Steve. We had a pretty rough ride back to the ramp a few weeks ago when a big thunderstorm blew in. Not so much fun!

Hope you guys are having a fun summer. Its flying by!