I was kidding about it being too rough. I would imagine they had too much to loose then gain by running the boat. It is a bigger heavier boat then the 28 skater and has 200 more hp, so in a little bit of cross wind and chop it would probably be faster then the skater. But anything other then a perfect condition for that boat I would put my money on the skater.

I didn't know - I heard it was supposed to get windy down there, and hadn't heard if it got bad or not. It doesn't matter what the conditions are, that M29 won't stay with my 28 Skater.

heard yesterday that is someone else out there has a 29 dcb with 400's on order. I love the look and rigging of thr dcb's...never been out in one so can't say anything about the ride and handling.

I looked at the 29 and got on it at the dock. Really nice Big boat.

Warning Skater Tank Fuel Pick Up Issue
 

Hey Guys,
Was having some issues with my motors under full load with larger props and found we were not getting full RPM. Upon inspection of many things we found that the factory installed Skater fuel pick ups with the flare fittings installed were restricting the fuel by over 40 percent on one side. With the flare screwed in the threads went in too far and blocked the 3/8" hole. Not to mention the hard right angle. If you pull out the pick up look down the tube with a light shining in and see if yours might have the same problem. Funny thing that for years with my Opti's the Stbd engine would burn more fuel from time to time. Must have been on days I was running hard. Not sure if all the pick ups are the same but from what I tried to buy the ones I found were.
I know LA and Taboma had motor failures. This could for sure cause a problem.

So for these fuel thristy 300x's I replaced the pick ups with custom built stainless steel ones and added fuel pumps with all new aeroquip sweaping 90 degree fittings and a full 3/8" fuel line and fittings to the motors.
Just thought I would share what found. It may be worth checking anyway as a precaution.

WOW, Ron! Thanks for the heads-up! Your "fix" is as usual impeccable! I'll look into mine. David

wow..thanks for the heads up! will pull mine asap.

Same place my old 28 clogged when the tanks failed.

Great info Ron. Thanks!!!

why the 90's at the bottom end of the pick ups anyway???? did not get into mine yesterday but this is really bothering me! lost the starboard with low hours so think I'm going to get to checking this weekend! def not going out until I see for myself what I've got!

Craig the 90 is at the top of the tank with the bushing that is screwed into the inspection plate.
If you pull it out look into the bottom of the pick up with light shining in through the top.

gotcha...looking at it the wrong way. not uncommon for me sometimes LOL

Hey Ron who did you have make new pickups ? Thanks for the good imfo,

I bought the parts at Hydraulic Supply locally and had Latham Marine weld the tube to the fitting. Measure and cut to length.
All you need is a 1/2" pipe to 1/4" pipe bushing SS and a 1/2" stainless steel tubing.
I am sure any good local welder can handle the welding.

http://speedonthewater.com/new-boats...iesel-outboard

who's going diesel???? LOL

What kind of pumps are those will they allow fuel to travel through them when not turned on? and how many lbs.? Will you be running them all the time or just at high RPMs. Do you have any concern about to much fuel pressure and stretching out the stock fuel pump diagrams? I'm about to start plumbing my 300x motors and have been considering adding additional pumps. We chatted on River Dave's before..

Hey Joe,
They a Walboro pumps. They are very light and will flow fuel when not running also. Amp draw is 2.5 and 43 gallons per hour. The have a max pressure between 4-7lbs. We used to run electric pumps on the Mobil 1 skaters all the time. I do not think it will present a problem. I will let you know guys know more after this weekend. I will be running the boat soon. I will do some testing regarding lower rpms. Glad to see you on OSO. You should start a thread on here. The guys are great and would love to see your boat!
Welcome aboard!

Ron, Once again, you are leading the way on un-turned ground. I just want to let you know that all your work, research is appreciated! Thanks, David

Agreed. You guys don't know half the story of how instrumental he has been on my build with advice and last minute gathering and shipping supply's!!

Thanks again Ron your a project saver!:ernaehrung004:

BTW I just checked my pickups and they where ok. When I have more time that 90* fitting is getting replaced!

Boat progress is good I'm in Grand Rapids burning mid night oil. It's not as easy as it used to be.

Thanks Guys, Just trying to help a brother out.

Skate, Sucks getting old huh? Projects take longer, body aches etc etc...... The price we pay for fun and it is not just $$$$$$!!!!

Good info Ron. Now I have to re-think my fuel system. The setup on my 28 for the 2.5's is tanks- Holley reds - water seperators/filters - catch tanks (1ea.pressure to this point unkown) - high pressure pumps - motors.

I had planned on removing all of this and going 3/8" direct from tanks to the 300X's. Looks like I may need to keep the low pressure side of the current setup and just regulate the Holley's to the catch tanks. I guess this would allow me to keep the extra security of the seperators/filters. Since the aluminum catch tanks are there, why not use them?

Thoughts?

28' guys, I'm considering a 28 or 30 for a second boat. I see the 28's have a small wind deflector and some 30's with a partial canopy windshield. How bad is the wind on the 28'? Really starting to dig the outboards for multiple reasons. Is there much storage for essentials like jackets, anchor, lines, adult pops, etc?

FP I believe the Holley reds are also low pressure around 4-7 psi. The high pressure pumps for the 280s will go. As far as the catch tanks if it were my boat I would remove them for more space.
JMO.

A windshield on a 28 is a must. To take full advantage of the cruising speeds the wind gets old. I installed a kit from Aeromarine that worked out well. Boat customs also has a more elaborate one like on the Freedom 28 also. As far as storage the boats have a ton! Here are a few pics from my set up.

How much is the aero marine kit?

3200.00, but not as nice as Rons, he fabricated some extra pieces.

ron your bilge is clean and tidy...the 308 has a ton of room, pretty sure I could put a bed in there LOL but no flat are to stand/work on, it's a real pain on my feet...and slick...I like what you did with the flat area. What's that matting you put in?

I couldn't find any pictures of another one. Could you elaborate on what he added?

Indy, Look up under Skater thread, My new 28 Skater. I have the same windshield that Ron has without his add-ons. David

Guys when you have a chance check out Fuel Systems 101 on the Diamond Marine website. A lot of good information. Marty from Diamond was a big help in us finding what was wrong!
If they would only build some bad A$$ 3.0liters!!!!!

You set the bar on detail!!!! Beautiful 28 Ron! We put a cooler were your mat is. Works good as a way to keep things cold and out of the way on a 28. We put the fenders on each side of the cooler. Guess the next step is painting or replacing the fuel pumps and detail the entire storage area and make it look like yours!! Once again beautiful detail Ron.

Great Thread!
 

Subscribed.... Not a Skater but looking forward to playing along! If the lower ever gets out of the shop or the new ones arrive. Either way I am ready to hit the lake - Tickfaw was forever ago.

was that your all white 32 DW at Boopalous during the tickfaw????

Yep. That's it.

did you loose a lower??? someone I know said you did...I have a spare set I told him to offer to ya.

Yes. I locked up a bearing on the left hand lower. Mine is currently in the shop - has been since Tickfaw. I did purchase a set from a guy out in Havasu - but I have yet to see them or hear that they have even shipped. What gear ratio are your spares? My original set is 1.75. The new to me set are supposed to be 1.62.
I would like to get some seat time before the Texas Outlaw Challenge!

New Flush Mount Snaps
 

Would like to thank Tyson Garvin from Apex for getting me the flush mount twist snaps for my boat! Finally got a chance to install them. IMO they are another must. Nice piece of hardware!
Sorry for oreintation on the pictures. Cannot seem to get them figured out!

We installed nine of them on mine. Great hardware!

mine are 1.62. double hooked me up with these ...TNT went through them...they are pretty much brand new.

Nice to have a spare set laying around. Zero blew one this weekend on the St. Johns,
Sounded like he snapped a drive shaft.