Killer graphix, kinda looks like the writing was done by the Flintstones, bold, old school. Merc needs a new logo, the capital M hidden behind a waterslide??? Should be some dude with fast wings on and lightning bolts firing out of his a$$.

Nice job!!!

Motor Start Up
 

After a lot of hard work and money spent finally got to the point of being able to start them up and check out all the sensor on the computer, check for leaks etc. All was perfect. The last hurdle is I still have an issue getting the smartcraft to work on my instruments. Should have that worked out in the coming weeks after the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. If anyone is down for the show stop by and say hello. We are in the Electronics Tent at Bahia Mar.
Here is two short video clips!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNRB0V4CjoY

Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ML5eIVIlXcI

.


wow, idles sooo smoothly!

This is exciting Ron. Did you get a dyno readout on these?

I wish I had one!!!! Built them myself. I will let the boat be the dyno. That is tbe only one that matters. The rest is a just a number LOL

Well done! Let us know how your new power compares to the old

I couldn't look at these works of arts sidewayz so I fixed it and reposted. I think I want these on my boat :)

http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/...leRigged01.jpg
http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/...leRigged02.jpg

Great job on the x motors Ron ! There a real power house
I am sure you will love them

Your results will be VERY interesting Ron! Post up your comparison #s as soon as you get some accurate data back from running with the Xs.......

I hope you are right Tom! Will do final testing on the smartcraft this week. If all goes well finally ready for swap over. Just installed new Mike Nass skirts to replace the plastic junk Mercury had.
Hope to have it running by Christmas. Work is crazy from the Boat Show and just bought a warehouse condo so we have to relocate by Jan.
Going to be quite the man cave.

Did you do a compression and a leak down test before the rebuilds. Also did you mount and run the engines before the tare down. Would be cool to see how much real speed you got after the quality rebuild you did. After rereading this post and a Lagavulin or two, I take it your comparing a 300x with 300xs, correct? How much was the rebuild, parts only. I only ask as I purchased a 300x, with 10 hrs but wasn't properly stored away. Sounds totally different when fired up beside my other engine with 140 hrs. One a 2003(low hrs), other 2004. Compression almost the same, 148 +- 2 in all 6, and 142+-2 in 140 hr engine. Injectors cleaned and flowed on both engines same date. Is there anything flaw wise on these engines I should look for?

Andy, Unfortunately because I could not plug n play the x motors with the newer harness etc and not knowing the status of motors I did not run the first. I did do a compression test and all cylinders were 148-150psi. It was my plan all along to go through the motors top to bottom. The motors according to the computers had less than 300hrs on them and not a lot of high rpm usage. Some of things we found were a piston or two that did not look heathly, burnt multiple reeds on the reed cages, Injectors test good but were cleaned. Also found some wear on one of the cranks so replaced that as well. Took apart and replaced all bushings, seals etc in the mid sections.
Rebuilt both fuel pumps and replaced all hoses on motors for oil and bleed lines. All new pistons, bearings, and a few rods. I would have to say I have spent about 10k in parts, painting, decals etc. Not including any labor.
With that said I believe these motors to be better than a factory new one from mercury!
I would pull the heads off the motor and look at cylinders on the one that was not stored and see if you can see anything on the walls.

Thanx for the input/advice. Will do next month. Andy...

Good luck Andy, I am not an expert by any means but would be happy to help with any questions or concerns you may have. I had one of the best outboard mechanics on the planet help with the internals of the motor that has been at TNT and building/repairing and racing outboards for over 40 years.

Motor swap begins
 

Started derigging the Optis today. Removed rig tube and remote oil fill. Installed new rig tubes. Note my custom plexi adapters to cover the larger holes. What do you all think? Will install new motors tomorrow.

Good to see such attention to detail.

Adapters look great, wish I was there to help swap power��

Ron, Looking great! Keep us informed on the "project".

Finally got motors on the transom. Got steering back on. One motor completely wired and rigged ready to run. One more to go. Have to mount mech indicators to center sections and replace indicator cables since one broke.
Should be ready to go the water end of next weekend and be ready for the keys in Feb.

Looks great DR! Reminds me I have some work to do also. I had planned on boating but it has rained here for almost 2 weeks non stop. I look forward to you getting your powerheads broken-in. The shop looks killer also.

Fixed it for you. :D

[ATTACH=CONFIG]535219[/ATTACH]

I cannot find how to fix pictures!!! How did you do it and Thank You!

Ron, your build is looking great! What is the blue protective film that you are using? Did you cut the second hole in the well for the second "X" tube? Could the two rigging tubes from an "X" be combined into the single XS well hole with a fabricated "Y" fitting. Just thinking out loud about how to spend more money! Your boat should be great!

The blue material we get is called Coverguard. Nice thick rubber material with diamond plate pattern to put on a work surface for protection. Impervious to oil, solvents etc and thick too. We use it on all the boats we work on for electronics. Not cheap but IMO well worth it.
Regarding the rig tubes I used existing holes that were larger for the remote oil fill and rig tube. That is why I made the plexi rings to fit the proper hose on the 300x. The smaller anodized rig tube adaptors would have fallen through the existing holes. If you ever wanted to switch back you can remove the plexi rings and reinstall the 300xs tube and oil fill. Used same bolt pattern also.
Sounds like some x motors might be in the works!!!!! See you in Feb in the Keys. We can compare notes!!!! Come on down!

Looking good Ron!!!

Are you going to sell the xs power heads?

Yes I will be looking to sell them if things work out the way I hope. They are in pristine condition. Should be able to test boat in a few weeks. Have one more weekend of work to do before it goes to the water.
Send me a pm with your number and I will give you a call.

Very nice work , cant wait till testing !!
I would have had my Skater running maybe last season if it wasn't for the fact the STR ( Shaun Torrente ) 3.2 EFI strokers he built starting eating them self apart on test stand @ George fuller marine . 12 k flushed down the toilet since he ruined my blocks .

We are sorry about that, but life is great, build some new ones, or run warrantied stock power. Put it together and move forward. You only live once. You have a beautiful Skater. Get it running and enjoy.

Thanks Kirk !

Larry

[QUOTE=Zero Patience;4246057]We are sorry about that, but life is great, build some new ones, or run warrantied stock power. Put it together and move forward. You only live once. You have a beautiful Skater. Get it running and enjoy. I don't understand the reply? Who is we, we who, Skater Bro's? Life is great, yeah but he just got boned for 20K? You only live once?. Tough to pull 20 large out of your a$$! Last one, dude has a killer Skater, yup...that one I understand.

[QUOTE=Andy;4247544]Your right, it's much better to whine and feel sorry for yourself, than to suck it up and move on. (I) watched larrys progress with the boat, he is very talented. He will overcome.

Sorry guys for the thread hijack. Looking forward to Rons testing report.

Finally got it to the water today. Had some self inflicted wounds with a head temp sensor. Tight is tight but too tight is broke. Had a broken temp probe putting motor into guardian mode. Found out Mercury air temp sensor for Smartcraft is the same as the head temp probe. Made the switch worked great. Also fixed minor wiring issue with neutral switch. Got about 45 minutes run time after issues. So far I really like the lack of compressor noise!
More to come. Hopefully have time to go to Key Largo and put some time on them.

Congrats on getting her wet. She will be a screamer I'm sure Ron. We need to start a pool on what your top speed will be.

Looking good, Ron, Glad to hear that you are on the water! Keep us informed on the progress. Do they smoke more than the XS's? No compressor noise - are they quieter overall?

looks real nice Ron ,,,Ill come down and break them in for you LOL

"Lookin Good" [ATTACH=CONFIG]535687[/ATTACH]