Just installed the fresh Air exhuast on my 2000 X-star. We water tested it yesterday afternoon. I have to say I was very impressed with the difference. At Idle, you can hardly tell the motor is running. Bubbling can be seen all around the back swim step. Exhaust seems somewhat minimized, but can still be smelled from the back swim step, doesn't seem to be nearly as much though. The FAE really shines once underpower. The exhaust gets swept back into the prop wash and out about 15 feet or so away from the rear exhaust pipes. All you hear is the purr of the engine, no exhaust noise whatsoever. The invisible cloud of fumes does not follow behind the boat at all like it normally does. The music from the tower speakers can be heard while wakeboarding much better with just the sound of the water splashing from the board. During wakesurfing is where the FAE works the best. I cannot smell any exhaust at all, and talking back and forth from the boat to the rider is like talking to someone in the boat (great for giving new riders direction). The only negative I can find in just the initial water test we did is an ever so slight vibration at intitial throttle up, but this disipates very quickly once underpower. Turning left or right is not effected at any speed. I did notice a little 3 foot Sprinkler like spray before the Watertail at wakeboarding speeds from the water going around the FAE, but does not effect the ride at all. If the thing stays on, and I installed it correctly, then I would say that the FAE is worth every penny I spent. Just for the noise reduction alone, I would recommend it. The minimal exhaust is the big bonus though, as it is reduced dramatically as well. Just wanted to give a report, hope this helps anyone thinking about installing this aftermarket product on their boat.
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