Merc X-haust noise reducer
 

Anyone try it yet?

Ran one set on a 700sci, very quiet, very nice for cruising, I just wish it had a switch because every once in awhile you want the sound of the exhuast. But otherwise, it seems to work very well.

Dustin

Does anyone know if they can be purchased for any engine?

How much additional price are we talking?

I have been working through a diverter system design that would still allow thru transom exhaust (with reversion protection)

I was told there is a cutaway diagram of this new unit, somewhere. One was in a magazine, and the other was at a Merc site.. anyone know of such a pic or diagram??

Would love to be stealthy at 100mph.. :) :)

I would just like to do 100 even if it sounded like a funny car.

Well that is my first goal.. tripple digits, then stealth..:) :)

I would think you could reto-fit them to any engine but I'm sure it would be a pricey proposition. Custom 2 into 1 (Y) tailpipes, plus the cost of the boxes. I do like the concept though! Steve

It's just a box that fits over the tailpipe, I am sure it could be fit to anything.

I agree that it could be fit to anything... but....

For me, the problem is dry tailpipe length above the water... I wouldn't even be comfortable putting the merc system on my boat without knowing the reversion potential. The 700sci is supercharged, meaning it probably has a milder cam than my 700hp NA motors. (I threw my corsa silent choice out when I switched engines). So that's where the work comes in - some water jacketed stainless with some well placed valves I'm thinking - introducing the water at the right place in a controlled amount is what I'm after.

Dick - If you click the "view larger" button on the following site - they have a pretty good picture:

http://www.mercuryracing.com/accesso...isereducer.php

The other thing, if I ever get the first system welded up... I am definitely going to have a water jacketed diverter and keep my through transom exhaust (regardless of the law in this state)... then at least I'll know what kind of power loss we're talking. If done right, I would think it shouldn't be much, but I'd rather know.

I was hoping to find out what the inside of the box looks like..

I am very surprised Merc designed it so the exhaust has to be routed so oddly low. It would have been nice to have it installed on the stock Bravo exhaust cutout spot (so to speak) Then it could have been added on easily to existing apps or removed easily if you didn't like it. The way it is now you need to re-route the exhaust to an unusual place and hope you're happy. It also adds two unwanted bends. If you want to remove it, you need to re-route again and fill big holes under the waterline. Silly.

That is a good point! I agree...

I believe the box on the outside of the boat has exhaust/water entering from the bottom, then up into any of 3 holes/tubes plumbed into the second section (There's a baffle in the center). The second section then exits at the bottom of the box.

The 3 tubes are tuned (possibly to a specific engine offering - 700sci, in this case) to somewhat cancel out the noise when running on plane. When the boat is idling, the box is mostly under water, so noise suppression is easy there.

In this case, I suppose it would be possible to have another direction turn in the box, or just start from the normal bravo position. Defintiely nice having a common location for exhaust exit. The problem with 3 turns in the box is you would need to have water drain from each baffle of the box (eventually). Also the box just got bigger.

Maybe they are not after the aftermarket, just new, very expensive installs....

Of course they're not after the aftermarket, they want to sell new motors!! They've finally realized that they the engine manufacturer are the ones responsible for meeting the decibel limits, not the boat builder. And if they want to continue selling motors they'll have to conform. Steve

Ron,
Make a 90* turn in the first chamber using 4.5" tubing and extend it almost to the bottom. Then then have tubes above it, or along each side of the down tube crossing over to the second chamber. A small hole in the first chamber to drain the water??

And what was the name of that magazine??
Thanks
Dick

Dick,

I believe the magazine was performance boat magazine. I'll double check later. They don't have a working website. The article did not explain very well what exactly happens, and because they painted the boxes black, it's almost impossible to see what's happening from the pictures... figures, huh?

I agree with your idea of entering from the top to avoid having lower holes cut into the transom... I was also thinking for a trial run, I'd use a valve to drain water first, and control cooling.

For me it's a little tougher having exhaust exiting above the swim platform - so I may be trying this without the platform or with a second set of holes like mercury.

By the way, we ran the boat for the first time this year on Macatawa last Thursday... the imco lowers are definitely helping my prop slip numbers. A little harder to get on plane, but not a big deal with tabs. Handling is perfect, no porpoising or chine walking - haven't punched it yet, but I hit mid 80's on the last pass with more left and some trimming to do. I also am still running stock props. It was getting pretty late, so I didn't go for more... that and I'd rather not go that fast inland :)

Thanks!
Jeff

I just checked, the magazine is Performance Boats - it was their premier issue:

www.performanceboats.com

Not too bad compared to powerboat and hotboat... but it was their pilot issue, so who knows how it has been since.

Their article had interviewed Fred Kiekhaefer, but it's pretty short and the pictures aren't too great.

Thanks Jeff! I will take a peak!