Do you really need Fresh Air Exhaust

[rwadlow]

I just started wakesurfing on my 02 Supra Launch SSV. Sometimes we don't fill the flynhigh sacs up just use people weight , great wave. Well I get real close to the swim platform sometimes I ride up on the swim platform when I really don't want to (learning phase) I never smell exhaust but I keep reading fresh air exhaust it is a must from wakesurfing. In a way it looks like a money making scheme, my dealer said don't worry about it you dont' need it. So I'm confused ......

What is your HONEST opinion on FAE ? All we do is wakesurf and wakeboard obviously always with a life jacket, I would never do Teak dragging ick so do we need the FAE ?

thanks for your advice ~ Rhea

[87SunSportMikeyD]

Well first off if you are hitting the platform too much add a little weight to the bow on the side you surf on. That will lengthen the rideable pocket. Or get a smaller board.

If you are just surfing there is no way the emissions will ever cause you serious injury. However, they can cause headaches and nausea in some people after surfing a long time. My girlfriend went in for lunch and combo of hunger, sun, workout, couple beers and exhaust made her pass out for a couple seconds.

New boats with a catalytic converter will have much less harmful emissions.

If you don't smell or see any exhaust you are probably fine. I can both smell and see exhaust on my boat.

I just got FAE last fall and just installed it and started riding and it does make an incredible difference. I can hardly hear the boat running at any speed. You can only hear the engine from inside the engine compartment. You can hear the pulleys turning on the motor. You can hear the spray of the water off the boat hull loudly! You can talk at almost a whisper with the passenger at full speed. It is easy to talk to the surfer while surfing. There is no exhaust at the rider whatsoever. I would say it is a great great addition for a noisy boat.

Have you been to their website?

[tg0824SSVGG]

I want one for the "quiet factor" (my son thinks the engine sound is AWWEESSOOOME)
but am having a hard time swallowing the cost.

I have the CAT engine, so am a little less concerned - but I am a CO poisoining survivor - most people don't survive - it's nothing to mess around with, and not fun if you get
poisoned, and survive.

[87SunSportMikeyD]

Yeah I think the boat is really way too loud from the factory. Many people love it. I want to be able to drive AND talk. Doesn't sound like too much to ask for.. The boat is seriously SO much quieter. When it is idling I have forgotten it's even running for a moment.

The sound isn't gone, though. When you turn to pick up a rider the water is churned up pretty good and it rumbled through.

[saltare inverts]

I can hear fine when mine is running but still has v8 rumble. I would miss that.I am sure no fumes when surfing is nice though.

[Fman]

Most CO poisioning will happen in a confined area. If you are in the open air your chances are slim to none, but it still possible to get poisioned. However, as mentioned by a few others the new CAT motors have about 73% less emissions than the older motors which makes a huge difference.

If you are smelling the motor when you are surfing then you are consuming CO. Some people can tolerate more doses than others. I have yet to smell any exhaust on my '08 with a CAT motor and no FAE. Personally, I would recommend a FAE if you are continuously smelling your exhaust. Not to mention, exhaust fumes can cause different types of cancer and lead to other long term health problems. The $450 investment would be well worth it. Even though I think they are ripping people off for a piece of plastic!

Good luck!

[87SunSportMikeyD]

I would say it is certainly rare to get MAJOR CO2 poisoning (pass out or death) but minor side effects are very common! Headache, nausea after day on boat.

There is no plastic, it's all stainless steel, all hand welded and powdercoated. They are currently $50 off so about $420.

From their website:
My boat has an "Ultra Low Emissions" engine. Is there still a risk of CO poisoning?
The Ultra Low Emissions standards do NOT cover Carbon Monoxide. So far, we have only conducted a brief test of CO concentrations behind an Ultra Low Emissions rated boat and the CO concentrations appeared to be as high as any other inboard boat that we've tested. If you have an Ultra Low Emissions boat, do not be lulled into a false sense of security; your engine still produces lethal levels of CO.


My downpipe is backwards in this pic.

[Fman]

I would say it is certainly rare to get MAJOR CO2 poisoning (pass out or death) but minor side effects are very common! Headache, nausea after day on boat.

There is no plastic, it's all stainless steel, all hand welded and powdercoated. They are currently $50 off so about $420.

From their website:
My boat has an "Ultra Low Emissions" engine. Is there still a risk of CO poisoning?
The Ultra Low Emissions standards do NOT cover Carbon Monoxide. So far, we have only conducted a brief test of CO concentrations behind an Ultra Low Emissions rated boat and the CO concentrations appeared to be as high as any other inboard boat that we've tested. If you have an Ultra Low Emissions boat, do not be lulled into a false sense of security; your engine still produces lethal levels of CO.


My downpipe is backwards in this pic.

If you were selling this product would you back up the low emissions motor? probably not, seeing as this would drastically decrease your sales. If you do research on the CAT motors, they do produce a significantly less amount of CO than a standard motor. A large majority of emissions is CO, and 73% less emissions from this engine is significantly less than a standard engine. Especially if you are running a carburated engine, rather than fuel injection or throttle body.

But hey, to each is own, do what makes you feel safe. You definitely can only do good by adding an FAE, If I did not have a newer boat, I would probably break down and spend the money for an FAE.

[87SunSportMikeyD]

Fman I totally agree. I was browsing their page real quick and I saw the comment and thought it was on topic so I posted it.

[Fman]

I was mistaken, I thought there entire system was plastic, but as you mentioned it is stainless. Thats a little more understandable for the $450 price tag. Its a great idea, and it appears they have a good product that performs well.