FAE for Christmas?

[Bamer]

2019 R23 Raptor 400

Looks like my wife is gonna get me a FAE for Christmas!!! There are two versions available; a through hull mount and an installation that mounts to the existing exhaust outlet.

Looks like the through hull mount is basically OEM install with no external brackets. It also appears to be a decent amount of effort to get the old exhaust outlet removed because of adhesives used, but mount should be rock solid I assume? This option seems like an all day install?

The second option is to mount directly to existing screw on existing exhaust outlet along with a bracket that mounts to existing screw in center taps plate. This option seems like a couple hour job at best.

Any advice on which option to choose. I like the appeal of an easier install, but will it tend to come lose over time? Is removing the current outlet a major pita?


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[bsreid]

I would just go with the taps mounted install. Doesn’t look as clean but it will hold better and as you said easier to install.
Mostly just saying this as mine came loose and was letting water in the hull with the factory version.
Also my buddy managed to hit something with his and the arm was the only thing holding the FAE on.

[lilkw]

I done an install with an early single outlet design. The wood screws came loose a couple of times. it broke the screws off once and the only holding it was the bracket. It bent the flange a bit and FAE repaired it for me. When it came back it had a bit of a flange that went into the factory outlet a couple inches. Which I feel was an improvement they made after mine was built originally. After I got it back from the repair I through bolted it, which involved sliding the rubber coupler from the exhaust outlet back so I could fit a socket in were it was needed. I noticed as I winterized last weekend it was loose again. I would like to know how they are installing it at the factory as to try and copy them.

Maybe larger diameter bolts, maybe larger head on the exterior, I ran without it on for a while while the pipe was being repaired and I can say that I would not want to be without it.

I am not sure what they recommend for fasteners on install, but the wood screws that were supplied with mine in 2016 I feel were inadequate.

[UNSTUCK]

Seems FAE has been getting a lot of grief lately with cracked welds and failures. More so on the units that don't have any bracing. I would only run one that has a brace from the exhaust tube to the taps mount. Also try not to use screws to mount it. Use bolts that have nuts on the inside of the transom.

[Bamer]

So I will need to remove the screws, drill out wholes to fit in through bolts with lock nuts on the inside? What should I use to seal the through bolt holes?


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[freeheel4life]

Pulling the old plastic exhaust off is not the funnest but theres some tricks. Ive never done an install that uses the TAPS brackets except on older dual port exhausts. Through bolting all the way to other side of the transom with 1/4-20 stainless is the only way to go IMO but requires two people.

The look of the pipe after removing factory is pretty clean. If you want to go this route can share a trick or two, though some might make you cringe ;D

[Bamer]

Here some pics FAE sent me of the brackets. Should I use a sealant in the bolt holes?



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[UNSTUCK]

Bamer, that's just like my last install except I made the bracket that screws to the taps plates. Worked great. Leave the plastic exhaust part in place but remove the flapper. Maybe we need to try for another group buy. I need one too.

[Bamer]

Sounds like I’ll be going with leaving the exhaust outlet. I will contact FAE about a group buy details...


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[Jetdriver]

Make sure you order it with a flapper. It’s your only protection from hydro locking the engine in certain scenarios, it happened to me.
I retrofitted mine with flappers and haven’t had an issue since.
Use 3m 5200 as sealant on any holes drilled whether you use bolts or screws. I’d recommend the thru hull bolting as the strongest install or getting the largest, strongest grade stainless screws you can make work and using those. Most of the hardware FAE sends is junk and will break.
Ive installed 4 so far and had one fail that was using the FAE supplied screws. Luckily the trim plate support held the pipe onto the boat so it wasn’t lost to the depths!
We replaced the hardware with beefier screws and it’s been solid since. I’ve installed both single and double exhausts, both with trim plate supports.
This is mine on my 2007 22VE
91884DDD-743A-40C7-AA0F-1AFC9C01BDBA.png6B0C872E-603D-461E-9C27-395C4AEEE296.png

[Bamer]

Thanks. Yes I am definitely going to get the flappers. I’ve read about someone get hydro lock in the past , was it you? Very cheap insurance IMO....


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[BrentP]

Baker let me know on the group buy

[Zackdogg]

I’m putting one on this winter, also. I haven’t done any research yet, though. I will definitely through bolt, as I never trust screws. Is the flapper part of the FAE, when you order it?


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[Bamer]

Thanks. Yes I am definitely going to get the flappers. I’ve read about someone get hydro lock in the past , was it you? Very cheap insurance IMO....


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[Bamer]

I’m putting one on this winter, also. I haven’t done any research yet, though. I will definitely through bolt, as I never trust screws. Is the flapper part of the FAE, when you order it?


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Yes flapper are an option. For my boat it’s about $40-50 more. Total is about $500 or so. You can get price and info for your boat by going to their website. I have the installation instructions for both options for the R23, I can email them to you if you want to PM me your email. Instructions might be different though on your RZX.


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