Upgrade? FAE vs. Ballast

[jeremiah.hough]

He threw in the quick release brackets so I'm happy with that. Can't wait to get it.

[pdhj1990]

FAE FAE FAE

[Moki]

Nicely done on both! If I had to choose one over the other - FAE! Quiet, no headaches = more fun and better music!

[Duncan]

So, contrary to the widely held opinion of FAE ... I am not fond of the new FAE on our 09 RZ2.

First, our PCM 409 was quiet to begin with. While the FAE might make it a bit more quiet, the difference was not enough bang (or absence of bang) for the buck.

Second, we have the catalytic converter on the PCM 409, which already reduced CO concerns. So the FAE does not greatly add to safety (which I knew before it went on).

Third, the FAE causes a rooster tail at wakeboard speeds and changes the look of the wave for surfing. I do not think the FAE impacts the rideable portion of the surf wave.

Fourth, and most importantly, I can feel the FAE while driving. At low speeds, (5-10 mph), there is a thrumming vibration present that was not there before. At high speeds, there is a more subtle vibration but it is still there.

On a positive note, I do think the FAE reduced the occasional whiff of exhaust fumes to a surfer under certain conditions. We never noticed exhaust fumes in the boat before so there is no reduction now.

In summary, the FAE will stay on but, in hindsight, I probably would not have gotten it for our cat PCM 409.

[embo]

I don't understand, why would you keep FAE on if ther is nothing beneficial for you? I bet you could work something out with Larry about returning it if you don't have anything good to say about it and you could use that $$ for something that would give you something more beneficial.

[Duncan]

I don't understand, why would you keep FAE on if ther is nothing beneficial for you? I bet you could work something out with Larry about returning it if you don't have anything good to say about it and you could use that $$ for something that would give you something more beneficial.

There is some benefit -- reduction of "occasional" exhaust smell to surfer. My point is that benefit in hindsight would not support the cost of the part and the install.

Of course, for others, the CO safety issue alone trumps the few negatives I posted above. If I did not have a cat, I would not hesitate in putting on an FAE.

[duffymahoney]

So, contrary to the widely held opinion of FAE ... I am not fond of the new FAE on our 09 RZ2.

First, our PCM 409 was quiet to begin with. While the FAE might make it a bit more quiet, the difference was not enough bang (or absence of bang) for the buck.

Second, we have the catalytic converter on the PCM 409, which already reduced CO concerns. So the FAE does not greatly add to safety (which I knew before it went on).

Third, the FAE causes a rooster tail at wakeboard speeds and changes the look of the wave for surfing. I do not think the FAE impacts the rideable portion of the surf wave.

Fourth, and most importantly, I can feel the FAE while driving. At low speeds, (5-10 mph), there is a thrumming vibration present that was not there before. At high speeds, there is a more subtle vibration but it is still there.

On a positive note, I do think the FAE reduced the occasional whiff of exhaust fumes to a surfer under certain conditions. We never noticed exhaust fumes in the boat before so there is no reduction now.

In summary, the FAE will stay on but, in hindsight, I probably would not have gotten it for our cat PCM 409.

Reduced CO is not the same as an FAE. FAE makes CO nothing or near nothing. If you don't like the rooster tail or wash build a flap like I did. Took about 2 hours of work. Simple fix to the issue. Larry over at FAE might even start making them.

[Duncan]

Reduced CO is not the same as an FAE. FAE makes CO nothing or near nothing. If you don't like the rooster tail or wash build a flap like I did. Took about 2 hours of work. Simple fix to the issue. Larry over at FAE might even start making them.

My understanding is that a catalytic converter oxidizes virtually all carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. PCM literature for the Catanium CES says "greatly reduces" carbon monoxide. So maybe there is still an appreciable level of CO post-cat? But from information I have read, I do not believe that CO is a safety concern while surfing with a catalytic converter equipped engine.

I have read your "mud flap" posts with great interest and posted what a great idea I thought it was. I would definitely buy one when commercially available.

[duffymahoney]

Ragboy can you remember the post on wakeworld on it? Basically said don't be fooled into a false sense of security that a cat boat motor gives. Still lethal at surf lengths. Things like swim platform length can really help etc.. I could be wrong. Nobody has info on it?

[Duncan]

Ragboy can you remember the post on wakeworld on it? Basically said don't be fooled into a false sense of security that a cat boat motor gives. Still lethal at surf lengths. Things like swim platform length can really help etc.. I could be wrong. Nobody has info on it?

Well, if there is still sufficient CO from a cat'ed engine, that would be great info to know. It would also make me feel much better re my new FAE

[whitlock87]

I would go for the FAE, and just do manual pump and sacs for a bit longer. FAE is like getting fresh air, safety, and a new amplifier for your sound system. It will make your boat so much quieter, the music and conversation is just that much better. And while moving, nothing but fresh air, no more nausea at the back of the boat at slow speeds.

X2