FAE Install Problems..

[wakeboarder247]

So I ordered the FAE for my '07 22Ve through the group buy we had on here a while back. When I got around to installing it I realized that the square tube support that they sent (that hooks up to the swim platform) was the wrong size. It was about 2 feet short; I'm pretty sure they accidentally sent me one for a teak platform instead of one for a fiberglass.

Anyways I spoke w/ Larry and he was very good about sending me out the correct support. It came a few days ago and it is way too long. When I did the measurements I came out to something like 59-3/4" (if I remember correctly) from inside to inside of the support brackets on the fiberglass platform. The support he sent to me the second time is 64" long. It's a good two inches too long on each side. Not that big of a deal as my dad can take it to work and have it cut down.

But I'm a little confused because there are only two holes cut in the square tube in the middle and none on the end. The diagram they initially sent me was for teak so I'm not sure how it's supposed to work for fiberglass but I'm pretty sure it's missing some holes. Can someone post some pics of the FAE installed with the FIBERGLASS swim platform and how it attaches to the platform? I tried the sticky thread on the FAE install and it seems like whoever hosted the pictures has deleted them b/c all I'm getting is the text but no pics. Who can help me here?

[talltigeguy]

My square tube was just a little too long as well. I just cut it short once I knew how it was going to fit. The holes in the ends need to be drilled by you once you see how it will line up. I think that is going to be different on every single install, and that is why Dr. Mann did not do it for you.

I have 2 pearls of wisdom for you:

I installed everything after removing the swim platform from the brackets and then went to put the swim platform back on the brackets and found that there is enough side to side play in the brackets that I could not get the swim step back on. So my suggestion is that when you drill the holes for the square tube, you drill them with the platform on from the bottom, and either make a mark or pilot hole in the bracket so that everything lines up perfect once you install the square tube with the swimstep off. I had to drill a second hole on the same side after adjusting for the playin the swimstep brackets.

I think the instructions say it does not matter how to orient the two long threaded rods that attach to the FAE. The threaded rod comes with a bolt welded on one end and you screw one on the other side. Put the welded side on the bottom! If you ever want to remove the FAE, you cannot do it without removing the swimstep if you have the welded bolt head on the side above the square tube. I have some pics that illustrate this point, but none that directly answer your question.

[talltigeguy]

Notice how I have the welded bolt end between the swim platform and the square tube.

Notice also how the rubber piece that is in there is going all skeewampus and the FAE is trying to twist.

I called Dr. Mann and he immediately sent me two metal hollow tubes to use instead of the rubber supports in my picture and they work way better. I think he said that he is using that for all of them now. If you have the funky rubber supports, ask for the metal tubes. The whole thing is more sturdy. When I went to install the hollow tube that goes between the square tube and the FAE, I could not get them in there unless I either removed the whole FAE from the boat, or removed the swimstep. Now that I put the removable bolt above the square tube, I can remove the FAE or just the threaded rods without removing the swimstep from its brackets.

I hope that makes sense.

[talltigeguy]

I would also add that I cut down the end of the square tube, and now that end is sharp as he!!. Fortunately, it is in a location that virtually never has any contact with people, but nonetheless, wierd things happen when kids are climbing around in the water. I wish that I had just left it long. It wouldn't stick out or be an issue.

[TeamAllen]

Tall,
What if you filed down the sharp edges? Or, I found these square plastic pieces, from the metal shop that plug up the ends. I am still working on my install.

[talltigeguy]

Filing the edges down would be pretty easy, but just another step that I have not done. I would bet that any square plastic that you put in there would fall out in the water after a few trips to the lake.

Filing them down is a fine idea, but I still haven't done it because no one has cut themselves on it...yet.

[TeamAllen]

Oh, I see. Reactive not Proactive.

[talltigeguy]

Oh, I see. Reactive not Proactive.

Yes, that is kind of it. The end of the tube is probably where no one could ever touch it, so it definitley has sunk to the bottom of the priority list.

[wakeboarder247]

Hey Tall thanks for all the great info! I'm gonna get my install going probably tonight or tomorrow night.. (depends on the wind tonight b/c I might go surfing after work!) Did you get a diagram w/ your install that was separate from the instructions sheet? I got one w/ the original package but it was for a teak install and I was wondering if anyone had one for the fiberglass so I could see the "whole picture".

[talltigeguy]

No, I don't think I had any pic.