It tows awesome, No bouncing like on a bumper hitch. It also makes it easier to turn in tight spots. I have a hard time hooking it up as I have a crew cab and cannot see the ball because of the angle having to look over the rear seat. but other than that it works great.

I got one engine, two more to go. This is a 2001 with only a few hours. I think I am going to get a scan tool to check the hours though. It fell off the rear mounting block while driving home. Now the pan is dented and I have to pull it out :(

Hey Ray...Try rpm/Rod here on the board, I know he has take out's around his shop somewhere.

Thanks, I have talked to him allready. I still need to space the $$$$$ out a few more months. He does have 2 nice re builds though.

Ray, I have a set of each. The Bravo's are 30's and the Hydro's are 29's. You need to run Hydro's an inch less than Bravo's. They both run the same top speed (mid 80's) but I think the Hydro's are a little better in the mid range. The Hydro's also make the boat feel a little looser.

I run my boat pretty heavy (lots of gear and beer) and am seeing 5100+ rpm at times. If you run lighter you may want to try the 32's and see how they work. You may get more MPH.

innthered

Thanks, I have a set of 30's (B1) I need to buy one more for the center drive. I also have a set of 32's but they are on my PQ. I was wondering how the hydros worked. I have heard that they dont get out of the hole very well on the Powerquests.

Ray

I've used Hydromotive's on all of the Fountains I've had. Never a problem with them. I did let a guy with a 36' Baja with extension boxes try them out. He could not get it up on plane very easy. In fact, it was just about impossible.

My experience with them is they like the notched transom. It gives them good bite to get going but they start to air out (rpms will jump) when the transom comes in to play. Once the boat is up on plane, the props hook up and hold very well. I'd give them a try if you have the chance. They look cooler than the Bravos, too.

Well it's taken longer than I expected to be able to purchase the engines but they are now on the way, I should get them at my shop next week sometime. I will post some picts. I will have 2 brand new 2003's and one 45 Hr 2001 (center) all with IMCO Extreme SC drives.

I am still trying to figure out the exhaust on what my best route would be IE straight pipes or transom tips. I hate the look of external mufflers. I really want to go with silent choice too.

I was wondering what happen to you Ray. I cant wait to see the boat after you are all done.

The engines are in and I think I figured out a way to mount the exhaust tips without gluing them in. I had 6 inside mounting rings made and made my own outer gasket. This will sandwich in between the transom and the muffler.

Muffler mount and gasket

Gasket and ring, The gasket is 3/16 thick and will withstand 500 degrees. it is Silicone Rubber 50 Durometer. Hope it works.

Ray- ST450's?
 

Ray, have you looked into Teague's ST450's? Check them out --I think they are the style you are looking for. I have them on my Fountain. Keep up the good work. I have followed your product since day one. ;)

I have been working on the plumbing and wires. I almost have the transom done. I spruced up the Fresh water flushes. I painted the brackets with Epoxy paint, the stuff you use on appliances. It looks much better. I also attached the pipe with a 1 3/8" x 2 1/2 x 5/16" U bolt instead of the hose clamp. I also ground down the valve body so it sits flat on the bracket. ( I like details)

Old picture:

In process Grinding the valve boss flat.

Paint

a couple more shots, Mufflers back on

Bilge area, It's taking much longer than expected but I only can work 1 or 2 hours a day. Next thing that goes in is the sea strainers.

New Bilge pumps and hose done too.

Exhaust mounting ring.

I have most the wiring and plumbing done, I still have to put in the big sea strainers and re work the battery area. The amount of wires and hose really makes it look messy bu I am not about to re invent the wheel.

I did add a connection to the freshwater flush system to the generator. I am still waiting on the valve to ship. Doesn't make sence that fountain would leave this out.

Another

Strainers are mounted, I need to plumb next. Boy that 3rd one took some figuring. no room in the front of the center engine.

Hey Ray,
When are you going to put those engines in? And get that bad boy in the water

You are doing an incredible job. That is a tremendous amount of wires & hoses!

Thanks, I'm off to Ft Lauderdale and Aruba for a week. So no work on the 47 for a while. When I get back I will finalize the bilge and be ready to drop the engines in.

Wow, thats lookin real nice.
:cool:

Real nice Ray. :)

Here are some progress pictures. I am having Rod (RPM) at Performance Marine in WI. Finish up the engine and drive installation as well as a few upgrades - Pre Lubers and water pressure relief valves. Pictures are from Rod:

2

3

4

5

6

Looks great. Hope you get that bad boy out this summer.

Are you using the Merc water pressure reliefs? I didn't think the 500 Efi's had water pressure issues. Are you adding them just for insurance against high pressure?

Dan

Insurance, Especially with the big low water pickups on the IMCO's

Ray, looks very nice. I am sure you will get a first class job with Rod :).

Pre lube pumps

Disconnects

Battery cables