_Sloth_

All - if you haven't changed wheel bearings since new don't wait 3 years...

Fortunately this bearing collapsed on the way to workshop for yearly service.

Another mod I made was to put a plate in the dash and then mount my sounder on a bracket so its sits out from the dash nearer the steering wheel. This would not suit a lot of people because it is uglier than flush mounted in the dash but I use the sounder a lot and like it to be at my fingertips while driving. I can also swivel it around a bit so I can see it better when fishing off the rear deck. It's also closer to my aging eyes.

I was wondering, does anyone else get a persistent fuel smell in the boat? It's not overpowering in mine and no evidence of fuel in the bilge but maybe a loose vent hose or something like that.

23 hours ago, Rusty_Nail said:

Hi folks,
My SS64 is also going great.
I did have to replace the spark plugs on the Pro XS last year as had some water in fuel but no other engine issues.
Did find some interesting threads on Pro XS Facebook forums where owners with a 200 V8 have replaced the Throttle Body/Intake (go from 61mm to 81mm or something like that) and get some improved performance and higher WOT RPM.
On the footwell side, I used some marine epoxy putty from Bunnings to provide a bit more purchase for the screws to bite into. Can share some pics if ppl interested.
I did the same for the hatch that sits over where the batteries are normally stored, as the screws there were getting loose periodically.
I'm also running GPS Speedo now which requires a connection from one of the Lowrance outputs to one of the Smartcraft gauge inputs. A small amount of mucking around under the helm but nothing too difficult.
My fuel tank did slip back occasionally as well so have put in some brackets to stop the movement.

I don't think I need more power from my engine. Can't wind it out as it is...

Some pics of the putty job would be good.I was thinking of coating the thread with sikaflex or similar just to create a bit of a bond to the fibre glass but the marine putty sounds like a better way to go. My speedo is not working. I just bring gps speed up on the sounder screen. Have thought about getting the vessel view system to connect sounder to engine via NMEA but haven't got round to it yet.

Hi All,

Just wondering how all the SS64s are going? I've had mine for 3 years now. No major issues.

My stereo has stopped working and screws coming loose all over the place - some of which have been re-tightened so many times I am going to have to drill out and use larger ones. This is a particular a problem on my drivers side console (the screws that hold the foot well insert in place). I have always had a bit of a problem in this area - something doesn't fight right and when all the screws are snugged up I get some crunching noises when taking sharp chop from the starboard forward quarter. Probably going to replace some of these screws with bolts and lock nuts.

The top hinge on my windscreen broke free last weekend. The rivets snapped. Need to find a better fixing to re-attach it.

I spend most of my time out in the bay pounding it out in the chop so that might explain the windscreen.

Other than that I am still happy with my choice. How are others fairing?

S

PS I spent a weekend in the great sandy straight between Fraser and the mainland. Did around 300 kms driving in two days (mostly at or above 50 kph). Could have run top speed but I was worried about hitting the wildlife - heaps of dolphins and dugongs etc. Such a great place for the SS64. 

30 minutes ago, WilliBoaz said:

I don't think you're supposed to run the motor when using the hose connector 

Oops. You are right. I just checked the manual. I asked a merc dealer about that feature and he said you run the motor. I thought it weird at the time since my pervious motor (a Yamaha) was strictly no run while flushing using the hose adapter. Oh well. No apparent harm done. Engine was nice and cool throughout. I am just going to use the hose fitting in future. The manual says turn tap on 1/2 way which suggests it flushes well without much pressure. 

19 hours ago, GregOug said:

Went out yesterday and flushed the motor when I got home. I watched the temperature gauge and it hovered around 56-57 and never went over 59, just using the standard muffs on it.

I was out Wednesday. First flushed using dual feed muffs and the high speed pickup blocker. Temp straight to 100! Triggered alarm. Never done that before. Had no problems with temp out on the water. Incidentally I got her up to 93 kph! Anyway. I tried using the hose connection on the motor. Worked beautifully. Temp at 62 throughout. Not sure why the muffs didn’t work but I’ll be using the hose connection on the motor in future. 

3 hours ago, GregOug said:

I just slide the muffs over the intakes just above the prop, like I have in all my boats over the years.

Hey Greg. You probably have better than average water pressure I think. It is pretty common for big engines to have issues flushing with typical Brisbane water pressure. These Mercury engines have a high speed water pickup on the nose of the skeg that most other outboards dont have which exacerbates the problem. When using muffs lots of the water goes straight out of that pickup. If your pressure is not high you definitely need to block it off to flush properly. Do you use a regular diameter hose? The pressure at my place is pretty bad which doesn’t help. 

5 hours ago, WilliBoaz said:

Cool, thanks mate. Don't understand why they wouldn't mention any of this in the manual???  Time from Stejcraft also seems to be a bit in the dark on this.

Anyway, at least I've got some ideas to try out now - I'll give this a crack. 

Whilst I've got everyone's attention, do any of you use a motor trim support when towing the boat?

Cheers!

I just use the plastic bit that fits around the hydraulic piston during transport. Lift the motor. Slot in the plastic stopper and drop the motor till it compresses it slightly. Not sure of the technical term for this. 

11 minutes ago, WilliBoaz said:

Do you block the high speed intakes? If I don't, I don't get water out the telltale which worries me.

Yeah. I do. But I use a strap with a rubber stopper on it. This slows water escape but doesn’t stop it fully. 

32 minutes ago, WilliBoaz said:

I used muffs yesterday, with tape over the high speed pickup. Got a temp warning even though water coming from telltale was cool. Obviously switched it off immediately.

Interestingly, when I took the tape off the high speed pickup, the water that drained from there was quite hot. There must be a sensor in the lower unit that detected that. 

Any thoughts? I've read the motor's manual and they recommend using the engine flush attachment. 

I'm confused now, as I've always thought earmuffs are best, but it's a bit stressful when you're getting temp warnings on a big new motor like that.

I suspect your water pressure is not high enough. Do you have dual feed muffs? If not you will need them  

the water from the tell tale will always be cold. I queried this myself with Mercury. The water that comes through the tell tale has not been through the block. The water that pours out the exhaust and other returns is very hot during flushing. From memory the thermostat opens at around 65 degrees and the temp oscillates from 60-65 or so if engine cooling is sufficient. If not it creeps up until the alarm goes off. I crapped myself the first time. Now if I am having trouble due to low pressure or high input water temp (in summer) I just flush until it hits around 75. Switch it off. Wash the boat while it cools and give another flush at the end. 
some other things I have been meaning to try are using smallest length of hose possible and also using 18mm hose instead of 12mm. That should significantly increase water flow. 
One other thing. Maybe taping the pickups is not good because no water can escape from there and it might continue to get hotter?

1 hour ago, WilliBoaz said:

On another note, I finally got some time to use the boat in good weather up the Sandy Strait over the weekend with a few mates.  It was sensational, and all the boys were duly impressed with the new toy.  I'm very pleased with the performance, and super happy I waited for the V8.

Last weekend I took the boat up the Pumicestone passage for a bit of a whirl.  Disappointingly, on the way back I hit a sandbank going pretty fast, so took some paint off the skeg.  Hopefully no serious damage to the motor itself; I spoke to Tim Catanese and he said it should be OK.  I've hit sandbanks before in other boats, but still sucks doing it in a brand new one.

Can I ask what you guys do for motor flush? Earmuffs or the hose connector? If earmuffs, do you block the high-speed pickups with some tape?

It’s a sweet engine that’s for sure. Especially with a full boat. Still hauls ass. Sooner or later you take the paint off the skeg. It’s a sign of a boat that gets used. I would have thought any damage would be immediately noticed. If she is still running smooth then I’d say nothing to worry about. I use the hose with double sided muffs (ie the water comes through both sides of the muff not just one side). I have a strap with a rubber stopper that sits over the high sped pick ups. Need pretty good water pressure. At my house everyone waits for the engine to be flushed before  having showers etc. I keep an eye on the temp. If the water pressure goes down the temp starts to climb. Usually one of the kids has jumped in the shower mid flush. 

5 hours ago, WilliBoaz said:

Couldn't get out today (would have been ideal), thinking about a run on the bay tomorrow but a bit worried about the wind. Interested to hear your thoughts?

I would not go to moreton tomorrow. Won’t be pleasant over there. Strong westerly. Will be a **** trip back too. If you are really keen I’d hang on this side of the bay. In close to redcliffe/Scarborough. Probably going to be pretty ordinary out there. 

9 hours ago, Rusty_Nail said:

Is anyone heading out this weekend given some nice weather on the cards. I'm heading out to Tangalooma for the day from Shorncliffe/Cabbage Tree Creek.

Nah. Got the dreaded lurgy going through my house at the moment. Should be good though. Post some pics when you get back. 

8 hours ago, GregOug said:

Filter?

Yeah. The water separating fuel filter. Usually located in some relatively easy to access location. 

49 minutes ago, GregOug said:

Yeah, I was wondering myself.

Yeah I guess but I just step over it or on it. I often have the barrier in anyway so I step on the esky to step over that…

14 minutes ago, Rusty_Nail said:

On a different topic, had to get some of my spark plugs on the 200 Pro XS replaced a few weeks ago, as we went out for a run on the river before the floods and had no power. Check-up with Hayden Wyld showed that two of the plugs were dodgy from water, so useful to keep an eye on the fuel/water filter. Good news was that the rest of the motor was in perfect condition after about 90 hours of use mostly in salt water.

I don’t even know where the filter is on mine …

I put the esky between the driver and passenger console. It fits nicely there. I use the space under the rear seat for fishing gear. Greg’s idea with the stoppers is good. I’m going to do the same.

Best boat ramp on the Northside is pelican park at clontarf. 4 lanes plus floating pontoon that holds 6+ boats. Good wind protection and no tidal flow. Can launch at any tide. If weather in the bay is **** you can run into the pine. Usually not too busy either. Could be worth the extra travel time for the first few launches. 

Nice looking boat mate. Very happy for you. Many hours of fun out the water ahead of you.  Every time you start that engine you’ll be glad you waited for it. Where are you located?

52 minutes ago, WilliBoaz said:

Thanks for the replies @GregOug and @_Sloth_.  Nice to get first hand comments.

 

I spoke to a guy today who took delivery of a V6 DTS over the weekend . He said in the choppy conditions he really struggled with the throttle and making fine adjustments was very difficult. Reckons it was basically either on or off. Also very easy to bump accidentally

Do you guys reckon that's just a case of him needing to get used to a new system? Have you had similar trouble initially? Can the "stiffness" of the throttle be adjusted?

 

Yep - What Greg said. The DTS throttle is very smooth (and definitley smoother than cable) and yes it can be adjusted. The issue is that the motor has a lot of torque - the six is a beefy engine. If he is used to the small displacement 200 hp engines like Suzuki and Yamaha then the extra torque will be very noticeable. It does take some getting used to but you won't ever want to go back. Most of us have big 4-blade props too. These increase the responsiveness because there is very little slip. A 3-blade prop with more slip is recommended if you drive in very choppy conditions - it makes for a smoother ride and it is easier to manage the throttle because the prop slip takes a bit of the edge off. There are some good articles out there if you want to read more about prop selection for different conditions. The 200 or 225 V8 is the way to go. DTS is the only option for these. But the DTS is is definitely a plus. You get used to the torque and will drive it comfortably in any conditions. Prop selection involves compromise - but most of us have opted for the 4-blade because it gives a very sporty responsiveness...

Hi Willi.

I think the V8 Mercury is probably the best thing I have ever bought. Every time I start it I am happy I bought it. The engine has so much grunt and it moves the boat around so effortlessly. I absolutely love it.  I am not a merc fanboy either - I have never owned one before. I use less fuel on a trip to Moreton and back than I was using in my old 5m tinnie with a 75HP (a new Yamaha engine at the time). The merc uses more fuel per hour but I get everywhere so much faster...But I wouldn't care if it used twice as much fuel  it's that good.  If it was me - I would wait for the V8. You won't be disappointed. What is the ETA for the v8? Any chance they will put a demo engine on it and swap it over when yours arrives?

With respect to DTS - this would probably not concern me much one way or the other. Cable is old tech now but many people still like the mechanical connection feeling it is less prone to malfunction. There are other issues with cable though especially as it gets older. Good maintenance is the key.

My 2c

S

Hi Greg,

Sorry for the very late reply...The Minn Kota is great. The cost was definitely worth it from my perspective - I use it all the time and it suits the type of fishing I do (lures/soft plastics). I had one on my last boat too and I struggled a bit with the Stej  until I had the minn kota. In hindsight - I would probably just go for the terrova (manual deploy) than the ulterra which would have save me a few hundred dollars - but overall very happy. It was quite an expensive exercise though and so I would only recommend it to someone that really wants to use it a lot.

Cheers,

S

59 minutes ago, GregOug said:

Hi @_Sloth_. Just make sure your 9” Lowrance will actually fit. When I chose the 9” Garmin, one of the reasons was it was slightly smaller than the Lowrance. Mine only just fitted. Be careful.

Will do.Tim said they are fitting HDS 9 inch units in the SS64. The Elite is about 5mm bigger so hopefully it will fit or it will have to go on the Ram mount...

14 hours ago, WilliBoaz said:

I've optioned the HDS-7 Live as well - what are your thoughts on this unit?  I have literally zero experience - all my previous boating has been in South Africa where such devices were regarded as witchcraft!

I still have time to specify something different, e.g larger screen, Garmin vs Lowrance, etc.  I know the brand choice is largely a personal thing, but interested to hear your and the forum's thoughts.  It's surprisingly difficult to find a proper review of this unit online - mostly just clickbaity articles that regurgitate the specs.

I'm thinking bigger screen is better, and retrofitting is harder and more expensive...

Garmin, Humminbird, Raymarine, Simrad and Lowrance make excellent gear. I don't really think Brand makes too much difference. I have had Lowrance gear for the last 10 years or so so tend to just stay with that (you get used to the software etc). Simrad is made by the same people. The Simrad NSS Evo is exactly the same hardware that Mercury use for their Digital Vesselview gauges so there are possibly some advantages to using that. I think you can plug and play directly to the engine although not sure about that. 

I have the HDS Live 7 in mine. It fits neatly in the dash but it is too small for my likeing. The seating position is such that you are a fair way from the screen. You can fit a 9 inch in the dash minus the shrouds around the gauges. This would be much better. I have bought a 9 inch Lowrance Elite that I intend to put in the dash and then mount the 7 inch on a ram mount so I have two screens in the cockpit. These two units can be networked and can operate independently off the same transducer (i.e. one showing downscan and maps and the other showing sidescan etc...). This is how I had my last boat set up and it works well. Anyway - one high end 9 inch screen would be good - whichever brand. 

The other thing to consider is the transducer. For Lowrance the common one is called "active scan". They all have one which gives similar image quality. There is another higher end one that can do live sonar (called Active Target for Lowrance) - if you haven't seen this it is worth a look (YouTube). It gives a live sonar image but it is very expensive and I think it is probably cheating if you are fishing....The other brands also have similar tech available. Garmin were first with this and might be a little ahead of the others...

So with all that - I think a good option is the Lowrance Elite FS 9 inch which is about the same price as the 7 inch HDS but does almost all the same things...you will appreciate the screen real estate.

14 hours ago, WilliBoaz said:

Thanks Sloth.  That's very helpful.  I was out at Poona last weekend, mate had a 4.6m aluminium boat with 50hp 4-stroke.  I'd say draft was +/-35cm, we managed to get 3 hours either side of a high tide in the middle of the day, so I'd say it'll be a fair bit less in the SS64. 

Hey Willi,

Tides at Poona were pretty small last weekend. It might be better on larger tides? Also 15 cm should only take 1/2 an hour or so. I'd say my estimate is pretty conservative too. The SS64 will probably float in less than 500mm (it's a wide boat with big revers chines) 450mm might be enough.

S