Another FAE thread.

[lohe]

We have started surfing more and more now.. I need to get me one of these this year.

[loudelectronics]

For those that do not smell fumes behind your boat, just an FYI, the dangerous and deadly gas that the FAE is designed to redirect away from the rider is Carbon Monoxide (Co) and is colorless, odorless and tasteless.

Yes very true! However much like natural gas it is tainted with other exhaust to give it a smell. If smelling exhaust, your smelling CO.

I am not saying it cant happen to us, just saying it has yet to be a problem with anyone suffering from any symptoms to justify the cost. Plus I love the sound of our boat, it is quiet and can carry a conversation.

[chpthril]

Yes very true! However much like natural gas it is tainted with other exhaust to give it a smell. If smelling exhaust, your smelling CO.

I am not saying it cant happen to us, just saying it has yet to be a problem with anyone suffering from any symptoms to justify the cost. Plus I love the sound of our boat, it is quiet and can carry a conversation.

On the other hand, not smelling exhaust does NOT mean, there is no Co.

[embo]

Just installed FAE on our 2005 22v. Here is what it sounded like before the install.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6S5LaSsJ0I

And here is what it sounded like after the install. Hope you can here the difference. Our friend rode on the boat before and after. They really noticed a difference.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqT0Src9RxI

I tried to get similar vids to make it easy to compare. I think the last part of the vids are the best way to compare the noise or lack there of. I know some like the low growl of the engine but everyone on your boat will really appreciate what you have muffled it down not to mention burying the exhaust fumes in the water and keeping your riders (in and out of the boat) safe.

I would really recommend putting this on your boat if you have been thinking about it. Larry Mann is very helpful in answering any questions you have before, during and after the install.

[sagmanaur]

I have the FAE on my 2004 20V for about 3 years now, and I also love it.
You can hear the difference on the videos above, but when you hear the before and after on the boat (I am the friend that witnessed the before and after), it is huge.

[IDBoating]

Just got off the phone with PCM (engine manufacturer)...

I talked with them about using FAE on their engines:

1) When I specifically asked, they stated there are no warranty issues associated with using FAE on their engines. Warranties are not affected by FAE installation or use.

2) They recommend neither for nor against FAE. I pressed several times in several ways but they were consistent. They do not take an official position on FAE as a product or a company.

3) They are aware of "some number" of FAE installations on their engines and have heard of no negative issues or events.

My take was that they are staunchly neutral on the claimed benefits of FAE, but will not use its presence as an excuse to void the warranty on one of their engines.

Thought I'd share....

[Coop]

Agree with all the benefits of FAE and would do it again on my boat without question.


Only negative appears to be a higher "fishtail," particularly at lower speeds (like 14-17 mph) unless you put the TAPS up at 5 or higher. Anyone else have that issue? Seems to come up most when we're pulling kids at lower speeds and want to take their pictures when they're right behind the boat -- the fishtail can get in the way.

Has anyone seen a FAE install on the new PCM engines with the single exahust port? In addition to the single port creating issues, it looks like that port is right above the TAPS, which I think would also cause problems. Anyone installed one on a 2010?

[embo]

Agree with all the benefits of FAE and would do it again on my boat without question.


Only negative appears to be a higher "fishtail," particularly at lower speeds (like 14-17 mph) unless you put the TAPS up at 5 or higher. Anyone else have that issue? Seems to come up most when we're pulling kids at lower speeds and want to take their pictures when they're right behind the boat -- the fishtail can get in the way.

Has anyone seen a FAE install on the new PCM engines with the single exahust port? In addition to the single port creating issues, it looks like that port is right above the TAPS, which I think would also cause problems. Anyone installed one on a 2010?

Fishtail...hmmm...don't exactly know what you mean but I will watch for this and see. On both my boat and our friends (both have FAE) the wake for wakesurfing is great. Very smooth. I will take a look at what you are talking about when I get a chance and see.

I felt the FAE was so important, we bought the boat, took it out on the river, did the vid and then put the FAE system on that night. Didn't want to have anyone surfing or sitting in the boat at those low speeds with the exhaust rolling around them.

What is more important, that low growl the engine gives off and fumigating your passengers or quieting the boat down a little and having your boating buddies around the next season.

Talking to Larry recently, he said they will be part of the standard package from one of the main boat manufactures soon. He couldn't say who but there is suppose to be an announcement sometime in the near future.

[Nobody]

We bought our boat with a FAE already installed, so we don't know any different. I assume all boats are quiet like ours.

[dougpaper]

best addition i put on the boat, music sounds better and you can talk while motoring. Might have lost about 4mph on the top end but worth it

[Coop]

Fishtail...hmmm...don't exactly know what you mean but I will watch for this and see.

Just a stream of white water that pops up behind the swim step and lands about where the wake splits. I'll try to find some photos.

It goes down as I go faster or as I put the TAPS up.

The downspout on my FAE is at slightly more of an outward angle than is ideal (the pipes coming off the exhast ports were just a little too short, so I had to angle the downspout outwards a little more that usual). That may be what is causing it.

[jwanck11]

Yeah, I get the splash. I suggest adjusting the angle of the downpipe. That helped a little in our case.

I didn't really notice a significant decrease in engine noise. The growl is still there no doubt. It might be a little quieter and a little easier to converse, but it still sounds like a potent V8 at the same time.

Maybe that has something to do with having an i.

[Guapo]

Only negative appears to be a higher "fishtail," particularly at lower speeds (like 14-17 mph) unless you put the TAPS up at 5 or higher. Anyone else have that issue? Seems to come up most when we're pulling kids at lower speeds and want to take their pictures when they're right behind the boat -- the fishtail can get in the way.

Has anyone seen a FAE install on the new PCM engines with the single exahust port? In addition to the single port creating issues, it looks like that port is right above the TAPS, which I think would also cause problems. Anyone installed one on a 2010?

I assume you mean a rooster tail. Mine does that too. It is more pronounced but not enough to ditch the FAE. The benefits outweigh the rooster tail.

I have the PCM with one exhaust port. They shipped a dummy port that is surface mounted on the transom to match the real port. Then the FAE is installed like a normal two port install. I've posted pics on here before. Glad to repost if warranted.

[embo]

Just a stream of white water that pops up behind the swim step and lands about where the wake splits. I'll try to find some photos.

It goes down as I go faster or as I put the TAPS up.

The downspout on my FAE is at slightly more of an outward angle than is ideal (the pipes coming off the exhast ports were just a little too short, so I had to angle the downspout outwards a little more that usual). That may be what is causing it.

I will look at my friends FAE and see what lengths and angles look like on his. He looked at mine and thought the pipes coming from the exhaust were a little longer than mine. Back when he put his on, there was no guidance on what the "z" measurement was or what angle to put the downpipe at. He just winged it and got it right the first time. So I will look at his, compare mine and let you know.

Wow, this is such a good forum due to all you guys out there helping each other out. Thanks to you all.

[Coop]

I assume you mean a rooster tail.

Yep -- rooster tail is what I meant. No wonder there was confusion. Got to stop posting after a couple of drinks. Thanks.

Agreed that the benefits outweigh the "tail".