Finally got the FAE installed

[mikenehrkorn]

I finally got the FAE installed on the OBV and I can tell you that is everything that they claim and then some. I was really surprised how quiet it makes the engine.......I read someone that said they could hear the water hitting the hull and I chuckled thinking "no way", but its very true!! The kids even said they could now hear my two small XM7s when they were tubing at 65'!!

We never had much issue with the CO before and maybe its a bit of my imagination, but the air does seems "cleaner" around the back of the boat when surfing. And not only does it provide those key functions, it looks pretty cool too........check out the pics.

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[bergermaister]

Beautiful! I'm starting to look at it again for all the reasons you just mentioned... Just when I think I'm done, the list grows.

[mmandley]

I love hearing the water splash off the hull.

:cool:

[BGeorge01]

Looks good! Would love to hear some before and after videos.


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[saskyrider]

I have to do this mod!!! Anyone put it on a mondo yet??

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[chawk610]

After this last weekend of sitting on the sun deck coaching my kids I realize I may need one.

[mikenehrkorn]

Sorry, I didn't really document the effort because I had a host of eager folks waiting to hit the water and was under a bit of a time crunch. :)

But I will share one thought.....I fancy myself an above-average DIYer, but if you don't have access to a fairly well stocked shop with a drill press and/or a vice (which I have neither at my place on the lake), plan for several hrs to do the install and make sure you have at least one helper just to hold the pieces being cut or drilled. I happened to have a friend there with me or I can't imagine how I would have completed the job or what it might have looked like if I had to do it myself. :)

But the final product is the real deal and I would go through it all again!! One of the best mods that I have made for sure.

NOTE: Oh, and by way, a simple hack saw won't cut it (not a pun, take that literally!!!).........I used my Dremel and went through about 4-5 of those cutting blades (I don't think I have even used 2-3 the whole time I have had the tool up til now) cutting the stainless bar, bolts, etc. and I can't even imagine trying to do that by hand!!!!!

[mikenehrkorn]

I love hearing the water splash off the hull.

:cool:

I'm becoming a very big fan of that as well!!!

[mikenehrkorn]

I have to do this mod!!! Anyone put it on a mondo yet??

Other than the issue with the new platform brackets that Mike mentioned in one of his posts, I'm not sure that's there really much difference in the installs between the different boats.

And I must say, the instructions are very detailed with clear, color pictures that you can actually see!!

[Woody929]

I didn't think the hack was as bad as everybody made it out to be. But I do wish I would've had a drill press.

I really heard the water for the first time yesterday and had to do a double take.

[mmandley]

Other than the issue with the new platform brackets that Mike mentioned in one of his posts, I'm not sure that's there really much difference in the installs between the different boats.

And I must say, the instructions are very detailed with clear, color pictures that you can actually see!!

Having installed 3 of them now, it gets to a routine, I don't even use instructions now lol.

The difference between 13 brackets and 14 isn't that hard once its in front of you.

I will second the fact its a very hard install with a Hack Saw.

I have done mine by myself but I use a saw zaw with a metal blade. On the square tubeing and use table clamps to hold it in place.

The round shafts that you have to cut and drill, are the hardest. I have a table that can hold them in place while I cut them but its still pretty hard. To drill them I found starting with a small drill bit and stepping it up is the easiest.

SS is very hard on cutting tools though.

[parrothd]

I use a cutoff wheel to cut slots instead of trying to drill holes in the tubing... Each install gets easier..

[spader]

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Just finished ours today on a Mondo with the help of my father in law and grandpa in law. Haven't had it in the water today since the winds are high, it's been raining and the temps are around 60.


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[mikenehrkorn]

To drill them I found starting with a small drill bit and stepping it up is the easiest.

That's a great tip, wish I would have thought of that. I would also suggest a very sharp set of drill bits or just get the bit they offer on the FAE website.

[DaveM]

MY FAE worked loose on my 2013 LSV. I ended up drilling two screws through the outer hose and into each exhaust outlet to secure the hose to the hull. It's not worked loose since and we ski a lot at 32 mph. I called FAE and they said other LSV's have had similar issues of working loose, the plastic outlet is slick, hard to tighten down with regular clamps. BE CAREFULL or you will see your FAE at the bottom of the lake!!!! My boat is SOOOO quiet now.

[parrothd]

It's not going to sink, it just hangs there from the mounts..

[DaveM]

When mine worked loose from the exhaust outlet, it broke the right mount, so it CAN sink!