September/October 2005 Volume 1, Issue 3

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©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 August, 2008 :
In service: July, 2001 (85 months)


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

Status: OK, But...
In a nutshell: The Evinrude E-TEC 90 was a plug-and-play replacement for our old Johnson 90. E-TEC hype about performance and mileage appear to be true. We've experienced three issues that we can definitely attribute to the manufacturer: a corroded coil ground, fuel filter recall, and a faulty low oil sensor.
Other products tried: None. Suzuki 115 was an alternative (see the article "New Wheels for Toy Boat 2" in issue 2)
What's happened:

After some teething problems that WE caused by having a large amount of salt water in the tank (which were graciously repaired by Bombardier under warranty anyway), the motor has pretty much as advertised, other than three problems: a corroded coil ground, a fuel filter recall, and a false low oil sensor alarm. The false low oil alarm , which has plagued us almost since we got the motor, was finally resolved by replacing the oil tank / pump assembly. It took going to a different dealer who was willing to take a chance on replacing the tank in order to get it resolved. The original dealer we were working with claimed the false alarm was due to an electrical problem in the boat, and refused to work on it. We owe Boat Depot in San Diego a big “THANKS” for fixing the problem.

To read about the past happenings with the water in the tank, or to review the history of the last motor, click HERE...

What's planned: Enjoy the motor!
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. See the results of the switch in our article on "Are Stainless Steel Props Worth It?"
What's planned: Nothing
Secondary motor mount
Garelick 71074


Buy it now at:
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or
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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






Buy it now at:
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or
logo- shop online (88x31)
 
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 in the first place.
Other products tried: None
What's happened:

A small plastic spacer on top of the motor tilt release switch has disappeared. Without this spacer, the motor can not be released to tilt without using a screwdriver or pliers to push the release switch down. We had to purchase a complete replacement kit for the tilt release - couldn't buy just the button. But at least the kit was under $10.00.

The sticker on the handle that indicates the direction to turn it for forward and reverse was peeling off, now is gone. Should have glued it back on when we had a chance.

Minor rust stains around a seam on the lower unit.

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: Once we correctly positoned the FF41 transducer relative to the fuel tank, it has operated flawlessly, accurate to within 3%. More >>>
What's planned: Nothing
Water Separator Filter:
Mercury Marine

Status: OK
In a nutshell: Works as advertised!
Other products tried: Sierra products
What's happened: Due to concerns about water in the fuel (see above comments on the Evinrude E-TEC), we moved the filter out of the bilge to the transom
What's planned: See above
Dash Instruments
OMC Tach/Engine Status, Fuel, Trim Tilt, Water Pressure, Voltmeter
Status: OK, but...
In a nutshell: Volt meter failed at about 5 - 5.5 years.
Other products tried: None
What's happened: The volt meter failed. We replaced it with the corresponding BRP part. We also thought the Trim-and-Tilt meter had failed, but it turned out that the tilt position sensor switch was just sticky, due to accumulated salt. A shot of WD-40 returned things to normal. 
What's planned: Nothing
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