July/August 2005 Volume 1, Issue 2
©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 bold text .

As of July, 2005:
In service: July 2001 (48 months)

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

Equipment Topic Comments
Motor
2005 Evinrude E-TEC® 90 HP

Status: OK
In a nutshell: The Evinrude E-TEC 90 was a plug-and-play replacement for our old Johnson 90. Early test results support the Evinrude E-TEC hype.
Other products tried: None. Suzuki 115 was an alternative (see the article "New Wheels for Toy Boat 2" in this issue)
What's happened: Nothing. To view history with the last motor, click HERE
What's planned: Nothing
Propeller
Evinrude SST Stainless

Status: OK
In a nutshell: Noticeable improvement in performance. Not startling, but noticeable.
Other products tried: OMC Aluminum, ComProp, Michigan Wheel Vortex, Piranha Composite
What's happened: Our Piranaha Composite propeller was replaced by an Evinrude SST stainless steel propeller, same pitch. There was nothing wrong with the Piranha - it had performed almost exactly like OMC aluminum props of the same diameter and pitch, with the advantage of interchangable blades. The replacement was research for an upcoming article.
What's planned: Nothing
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


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