WilliBoaz

Hi mate Yes, I'm very happy with mine. Sadly don't get out as much as I'd like to. I pretty much bought my boat to use in the Sandy Strait - I have a property at Poona. Boat sits high n dry at low tide, which is the only downside. That and the prevailing gale-force south-easter in summer...

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

Interesting. Did you have water coming out the telltale? Did it start immediately when you started the engine?

Thanks, I'll check it out

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!

Thanks. Is the strap something you made or did you buy it somewhere?

Awesome, thanks for the info, I will give that a go. Did he tell you how long to run for?

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

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.

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?

Thanks for posting your mod. I think Tim must have made some changes to the boat since you bought yours, as my esky fits nicely under the seat. The problem I have is that the whole esky tilts forward when you open the lid as the back of the lid pushes against the back of the compartment. Not the end of the world, I guess.

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?

Had a look at it last week, it's currently being upgraded so closed until July

Thanks mate, look forward to seeing those pics. I've used the FTP ramp before, but didn't really fancy loading the family into the boat through the mud, or having the boat grind on the ramp... Looks very different now, so might be worth a look. It's the closest ramp to my house.

Do you mean in the walkway between the 2 seats? Doesn't that block walkthrough access to the bow section?

Has anyone found a practical solution to accessing the Esky under the back bench? Even with the seat removed the lid doesn't stay open.

Yep, work in Redcliffe a few days a week so I know that one. Will give it a crack sometime.

I'm in Ashgrove, looking to head out somewhere today but cant decide where to go. Need a boat ramp with a pontoon, but it looks like all the ones on the river were destroyed by the flood

Hi guys. Just a quick update, took delivery of the SS64 today. Had a nice session with Tim on the water at runaway bay. I held out for the DTS V8 200, and very glad I listened to you folks. It's awesome. So, 15 months after paying my deposit, I'm finally an official member of the SS64 club!

Yes, I also thought it just sounded loose. He said he swivelled the chair to look back and something in his pocket bumped the throttle and changed his speed. Glad to hear it can be adjusted. Definitely don't want to get stuck in the upgrade spiral - I reckon you learned gentlemen are correct, I will wait for the V8. I've waited a year already, what's an extra few months?

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?

Hi folks. Not sure if you all remember me, but I paid a deposit Feb 2021 for a SS64 with V8 200 Merc. Long story short, I'm still waiting on a motor... There is a chance I can get a V6, but without DTS. Any thoughts on how much I'll be missing out on? I've only ever used cable. Cheers William

Again, thanks for all the info. It sounds like the 9 inch is the go. Now I just need to decide between HDS or elite. I suspect you're right that elite will be plenty for my needs

Yes, they were tiny! I'd say the summary is I should be able to get in at least a half-day of boating per day at Poona with the Stejcraft, by which time wife and kids will be pretty much done, especially in summer.

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...