May/June 2005 Volume 1, Issue 1
©2005 Tsunami Fishing Systems
 

Toy Boat 2 Scorecard

This is a log which chronicles the long-term performance of the various products installed on Toy Boat 2. Real life problems, real life solutions (mostly), plus alternatives tried...

These pages will updated as new things are installed or replaced, or as stuff happens to the boat. New or changed items from the previous month will be identified with BLUE TEXT in the first column.

As of May, 2005:
In service: July 2001 (46 months)

Hull/Storage/Anchoring | Propulsion/Steering | Electronics/Safety | Fishing/Boating Gear | Trailer

Equipment Topic Comments
Motor
1991 Johnson 90 HP carbureted two-stroke

Status: OK
In a nutshell: The Johnson 90 has been a reliable workhorse for over 12 years, although a bit thirsty compared to modern DFI 2-strokes and 4-stroke motors
Other products tried: None
What's happened: 14-MAR-2003: After 10 years, a blown head gasket, repaired at dealer; 01-JUL-2001: Power trim solenoids replaced.
What's planned: Possible repower with Evinrude E-Tec in 2005
Propeller
Piranha Composite

Status: OK
In a nutshell: The Piranha has performed almost exactly like OMC aluminum props of the same diameter and pitch, with the advantage of interchangable blades.
Other products tried: OMC Aluminum, ComProp, Michigan Wheel Vortex
What's happened: Nothing
What's planned: Stainless steel prop comparison. Prop is performing OK, just interested in seeing how an SS prop will do.
Secondary motor mount
Garelick 71074

Status: OK
In a nutshell: Works fine, no complaints
Other products tried: None
What's happened: Nothing
What's planned: Nothing
Electric motor
Motorguide GWT80 Transom mount

Status: OK, but...
In a nutshell: A good motor, once the problems noted were corrected. However, we should never have had to deal with these problems int he first place.
Other products tried: None
What's happened: Motor vibrates noticeably at full power... More >>>
What's planned: Replace the aluminum Machete prop with the nylon version; for much later - considering a Minn-Kota Riptide bow mount Autopilot/Co-pilot
Steering Wheel Knob
Edson Powerknob

Status: OK
In a nutshell: A useful gadget. Small skiffs can be wet, making holding on to a stainless wheel with wet hands problematic. The Powerknob takes care of the issue.
Other products tried: None
What's happened: The internal retaining bolt nut was the wrong size, and could not be tightened enough to keep the knob in place (replaced under warranty)
What's planned: Nothing
Fuel flow meter
Standard Horizon FF41 (Navman F41)

Status: OK
In a nutshell: A useful tool for evaluating performance, and for helping to spot problems early. However, setup and firmware revisions are critical.
Other products tried: None
What's happened: The FF41 had been erratic from the start...
More >>>
What's planned: Nothing


<<Previous Page
Next Page >>