Gen1 Electronics Box Inspection GuideUpdated an hour ago
Regularly inspecting your Gen1 electronics box can help identify worn or damaged components before they become a problem on the water.
Take a few minutes to carefully check the lid seal, sealing surface, hinges, latches and cable gland. If you find any damage or are unsure whether your box is sealing correctly, address the issue before using your Foil Drive.
For instructional video, see: Gen1 Inspection Guide
Inspect the Electronics Box
1. Check the Lid Seal
Start by inspecting the black sealing surface around the inside of the lid.
Run your finger around the entire seal and look for:
- Nicks, cuts or damage
- Sections that are missing or deteriorated
- Debris, sand or other contamination
- Any areas where the seal does not look correctly seated
Even a small nick or damaged section can potentially allow water into the electronics box.
The seal is built into the electronics box lid. If the seal is damaged or you are unsure of its condition, replacing the complete lid will provide a fresh seal.
2. Check the Box Sealing Surface
Inspect the raised sealing ridge around the top of the electronics box.
This is the surface that mates with the lid seal, so it must be:
- Clean and free from sand or debris
- Free from nicks, scratches or damage
- Complete, with no missing or damaged sections
Clean this area thoroughly before closing the lid.
3. Inspect the Hinges
Check both hinges on the electronics box for signs of damage or excessive movement.
Look for:
- Bent hinge components
- Broken hinge tabs
- Damage to the hinge pins/bars
- Excessive movement or "slop" in the hinges
Pay particular attention to the hinge near the electronics
This hinge is more susceptible to bending if the plugs or cables are positioned incorrectly when the lid is closed.
Never force the lid closed.
If plugs, cables or other components are sitting on top of the electronics or are caught underneath the lid, forcing the lid closed can bend the hinge.
The cable can also become caught behind the hinge and cause damage if the lid is forced down.
If a hinge is bent or damaged, the affected component should be replaced before using the system.
4. Inspect the Box Latches
The latches are critical to keeping the lid securely closed and maintaining pressure on the seal.
When inspecting your latches, check that they are:
- Straight and not bent
- Securely attached
- Firm when snapping into place
- Applying sufficient tension to hold the lid closed
- Free from visible stress marks or deformation
Check for bending
A new latch should be relatively straight. Compare the shape of your latch to a new latch if you are unsure.
A latch that has been bent from excessive force can open up the area that hooks over the bar on the electronics box. This reduces the tension holding the lid closed and can allow the latch to release under impact.
Even a small amount of bending can compromise the latch.
If a latch is visibly bent, damaged or no longer holds the lid securely, replace it before using the system.
5. Inspect the Cable Gland
The cable gland is an important part of the electronics box waterproofing system and should be checked regularly.
The cable gland should be:
- Tight and secure against the electronics box
- Free from visible damage
- Firmly gripping the cable
- Correctly positioned
For instructional video, see: Cable Gland Inspection, Replacement and Adjustment
Check the cable position
Gen1 systems have a reference line marked on the cable.
If you notice that the line has moved further out from its normal position, this may indicate that the cable has been pulled through the cable gland following a significant tug on the motor or electronics box.
The cable gland has some allowance for this movement, but the cable should be returned to the correct position.
Do not loosen the main body of the cable gland.
If the cable has moved, refer to our dedicated Cable Gland Inspection & Adjustment guide for the correct procedure.
As a general check, give the cable a firm pull by hand. The cable should not be able to move through the gland, and the main body of the cable gland should be firmly seated against the electronics box.
Perform a Freshwater Dunk Test
A visual inspection is an important first step, but it cannot always identify a sealing issue.
After completing your visual inspection, we recommend periodically performing a Freshwater Dunk Test to check that the electronics box is waterproof.
The Dunk Test should always be performed in fresh water, never salt water.
For instructional video, see: Fresh Water Dunk Test Guide
When Should Components Be Replaced?
Replace any component that is visibly damaged, excessively worn or no longer functioning as intended.
Replacement Gen1 components are available through Foil Drive and authorised dealers.
If you are unsure whether your electronics box is safe to use, contact Foil Drive Support before going on the water.
Gen1 Electronics Box Inspection Checklist
Before using your system, check:
- ☐ Lid seal is clean and free from damage
- ☐ Electronics box sealing ridge is clean and undamaged
- ☐ Hinges are straight and secure
- ☐ Hinges have no excessive movement
- ☐ Latches are straight and undamaged
- ☐ Latches provide firm tension when closed
- ☐ Cable gland is secure and correctly positioned
- ☐ Cable reference line is in the correct position
- ☐ Cable cannot be pulled through the gland by hand
- ☐ No signs of water or moisture are present inside the box
- ☐ Freshwater Dunk Test has been performed periodically
If anything looks damaged, loose or unusual, don't take the risk. Repair or replace the affected component before using your Foil Drive.