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
.
| 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
|
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 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 |