F.A.E. Exhaust systems update info request

So I was looking at the site for FAE and it looks like an interesting idea. Seems a bit spendy though. Anyways, I have looked at some of the thread history on our discussion board from +1-2 years and was wondering if I could get an update from some of you that have installed this system since then. Some of the comments I read, suggested that there may be a problem in that the system disconnects from it mount, and some noticable top end performance loss. Wondering if actual users would comment on their experience with this or ? Is there a really noticable difference in engine noise. I do not think the FAE sound web site is working because if you push slow to fast with the system, there is always dead silence and I find that a bit hard to believe. Finally, on the web site there is a promotional code/coupon box for discounts to purchase and was wondering if anyone knew where those codes are available. Does FAE give Wakespace members a break on price?

I have had FAE for a couple of years and love it. For surfing it has made a huge difference as we are no longer getting smoked out in the back of the boat. I do believe it has made the boat a bit quieter at speed but haven't really notice the loss at the top end. I think the positives out way any negatives regardless. I haven't had the mount come off yet. The only issue I have had is I have sandblasted the snorkel from being in shallow water with the prop turning.
As for a break in price....this is wakeworld not wakespace so I have no idea

the FAE is great, my buddy installed on his '05 x-2, pictured in my profile. He and his brother spend 1 night, probably 2-4 hrs for install, had it working the next day. It really does awesome for the carbons, and the sound is noticably more quiet. I am not sure ab. the top end, as we are normally just cruising at our 20-25mph for riding, and of course slower speeds for surfing. I would give it two thumbs up from my experiences...not too sure ab. the discounts though.

I installed FAE last season. I'll try to address your questions.

There is some quick disconnect option, but I don't have it. Without the quick disconnect it takes a little more effort to remove your swim platform. I never remove mine - not an issue for me.

If you think loosing 1 to 2 mph of the top end is a problem then I guess that's a problem. I rarely go over 24 mph. Top end is not a problem for me.

Reduction in engine noise is dramatic. The first time I launched with FAE installed the driver revved the engine in reverse and I heard a high pitched whine. I thought something was broken. Nothing was; it turns out that the transition is now louder than the engine.

There was a promo offer maybe a month ago. I suspect the promo offer is over. You'd have to check with Larry Mann at FAE. Sometimes there are group buys. the Tige' users group has done several.

Larry Mann is great to work with. I do a lot of surfing so the system has been great for me. I'm trading in the Mighty Centurion for a Mighty Enzo with Side Swipe. I've been in a boat with side Swipe before. Side swipe also reduces exhaust exposure but if you’re sitting in the back corner it can be a little loud.

IF your going to surf I strongly recommend FAE. They’ve been working on some IR&D. They are coming out with more CC versions and I think they are working on a Wedge compatible system.

Within the next 2 weeks I have a comparison with and without sound level testing and installation going up on my site.

it doesn't seem like it would be that hard to make an FAE system has anyone successfully fabricated their own ?

Everybody, thanks for you comments thus far as I am really considering it. I just saw some of the comments made a year or two ago and was curious if you were all still happy campers with the system couple of years later. Did anyone notice a change to their wkbd/surf wake? I was more concerned about a comment I think I had read about the system disconnecting from normal use. That would be a considerable loss of $400 if that happened..

I priced out material and fabrication and you can't do it for less unless you can or know someone who can weld stainless. The cost is due to the stainless material.

Also the promo code was for february only. I had the promo running through my site. I will list another one if it comes around again

(Message edited by olSkoolTige on March 13, 2008)

If you hit something the system is designed to fail gracefully. But to be honest if you hit something that's going to rip off your FAE your probably also going to have to replace your prop, strut, drive shaft, and you might have gel coat repairs as well.

No effect that I can see on the wakeboard wake. You can see the exhaust in the wakesurf wake but it has no effect on surfing. At go fast speeds I have a little rooster tail.

The coat of the FAE is so low and the hard work has already been done, I don’t know why anyone would bother making their own.

I have had mine for 2 seasons now and would still buy one tomorrow. Never has it come loose during normal ops or any other time. No complaints here. The only issue I did have was water shooting up between the transom and swim platform..problem solved with a piece of plexiglas.

"At go fast speeds I have a little rooster tail."

Show
I use my boat for slalom skiing too! So that might be a concern for me if it adversly affects my No wake time... at zero to 32 off do you think I would notice?

I think the roster only went 5 to 8 feet back, could be more, I don’t recall. It was a fairly small stream. I've always been a Wally so I don't know what's important to the slalom course guys.

I've pulled at 24' off at 34mph and didn't get any negative comments on spray. It's like a light shower and not for back. Not any worse when I'm going 42.
Noise difference is huge. I didn't get a dB meter out before I put it on but with it on I can talk (loudly) with a surfer.
Mine has not come loose at all over 110 hours with it on.

Thanks folks, for the good info!

I have one on my BU 2004 sunsetter lxi. I bought it to decrease the sound level and it probably reduced the noise 75%. We slalom at 34 up to 35 off and there is no spray at those line lengths.

Ok so I was planning on ordering the FAE system but before I spend that much I wanna try adding some turndown exhaust tips do you guys think they would make much of a difference or am I waisting my time ?

anyone ?

The turn down tips can't make the same kind of difference. I suspect you'd be wasting the bucks buying the turn down tips but I have not run them so it's just an educated guess. It's not hard to do to install them or replace them with a FAE so that's not a concern.

There's no way the turn downs can mitigate CO. They are for show.

FAE puts exhaust in the turbulent prop flow. The CO get mixed with water and eventually bubbles up hundreds of feet later.

The CDC published a report on the CO reduction levels. Here I found the link.

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/surveyreports/pdfs/ECTB-171-35a.pdf

See if you can find a report like this turn downs.

hmmm wow I guess FAE is worth the money . . . Would turn downs make it a little quieter ?

I think we've gotta get a malibu guy to say what difference it made on his boat.