Skater 368, from the beginning.

[Tank]

yes. All work done by Octane was billed direct to Skater.
Since gremlins are still occurring, Skater and Merc Racing sent bodies to PHX to resolve vs boat going back to Skater and 700 back to Merc Racing.

Ah gotcha. Hopefully gremlins get worked out soon. Sucks to have your new "baby" and fight little issues that keep you off the water. Very frustrating.

 

[Duramax]

Ah gotcha. Hopefully gremlins get worked out soon. Sucks to have your new "baby" and fight little issues that keep you off the water. Very frustrating.

They are Merc certified I believe, but a couple things had come up over and over, and somebody then put Steve's operation of the boat in question. Steve runs the boat EXACTLY how it should be run, so to hear that more than once would not make anyone happy. I'm glad I was in it.

 

[Tank]

They are Merc certified I believe, but a couple things had come up over and over, and somebody then put Steve's operation of the boat in question. Steve runs the boat EXACTLY how it should be run, so to hear that more than once would not make anyone happy. I'm glad I was in it.

Copy. I just wondered, why Merc would send a service tech out when there's a certified merc mechanic there. Same tools, same training. But if theyre sending parts off the motor back that makes some sense.

So, not to go down this rabbit hole too far but could the issues not be duplicated when the boat was taken out and run with the tech / mechanic? That's a nightmare scenario if so. Been there as many boat and car owners for that matter have been.

 

[v6toy4x]

Never met Steve, but from the attire he was wearing when he picked it up he is my kind a guy, and lets be honest, us non-ballers do a bit of stalking on the guys with the really nice toys

Good Luck Steve!

 

[Duramax]

Copy. I just wondered, why Merc would send a service tech out when there's a certified merc mechanic there. Same tools, same training. But if their sending parts off the motor back that makes some sense.

So, not to go down this rabbit hole too far but could the issues not be duplicated when the boat was taken out and run with the tech / mechanic? That's a nightmare scenario if so. Been there as many boat and car owners for that matter have been.

They where duplicated every time, part of the reason they sent there own tech. Now the problem is getting parts, as everything is back ordered. In the car business we have what is called, "car down", when parts are labeled as such, the OEM pulls from the line, anywhere.

 

[Tank]

They where duplicated every time, part of the reason they sent there own tech. Now the problem is getting parts, as everything is back ordered. In the car business we have what is called, "car down", when parts are labeled as such, the OEM pulls from the line, anywhere.

I've been hearing Merc is having problems getting parts right now.

 

[Instigator]

They where duplicated every time, part of the reason they sent there own tech. Now the problem is getting parts, as everything is back ordered. In the car business we have what is called, "car down", when parts are labeled as such, the OEM pulls from the line, anywhere.

To the best of my knowledge, Octane has never been on the water with the boat or even sent anyone out to see the issues for themselves but rather make unfounded statements about what they think the problem is. Pretty stupid if you ask me.
My bet is that the shit and the fan are very close to meeting and rightfully so.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Hey Gang,

Wanted to update this. Don't want speculation to run wild.

First off, Octane got me in on my way home from DS. They didn't have room, but got me in none the less.

They very professionally, made corrections on all the fluid loss issues from tilting. They did a first class job on it.

After that, I took the boat out with the Wife and the codes started showing up. I went and tested 3-4 more times, once with Duramax. Codes were pretty consistent and new ones would show up. there was lots of communication with Skater, nearly daily, so no problem there.

As my frustration level went up, so did everyone else's. Plans were made for Bobby, Skaters rigging shop manager to come out and help diagnose. Bobby was out at DS and we were in the boat together when all this stuff started. He knew the boat and the issues.

We thought there was a contaminated port fuel tank, it was drained, cleaned and dried. Yesterday, we fueled it back up and hit Lake Pleasant. Bobby hooked up the Mercury software and did diagnostic work while I made run, after run after run. We found the port fuel pressure dropping to 40 PSI at 4500 RPM, its suppose to be ~65.

We figured it was the Aeromotive high pressure pump. Well, this morning, Bobby found the seawater pump was full of oil, and the cam that drives the mechanical fuel lifting pump, on the inlet side of the water separator is covered in metal shavings. It seems the low pressure lift pump was destroyed (and I'm not certain of the order here) by a faulty seawater pump. Could be the other way around.

Octane has graciously allowed Bobby to use the shop and all its resources. I think we are almost there. The seawater pump may be an issue with back-orders.

The boat is amazing. It runs super good, smooth and effortless. I have NOT even run it full throttle due to the codes but it wants to go. Duramax was trimming for me last week and we were just skimming along at ~100 at 4400 RPM, just under the problems and got rewarded with a Guardian mode fault.

It will be perfect and we can all laugh about this goat rope while having a cold one.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

To add...

The feeling of this boat dancing along, effortlessly is very very rewarding. just one good run makes all of this worthwhile and Duramax will agree, because we talked about that very thing. Made him miss his Skater a bit I think. Very much looking forward to the extra RPM availability.

Good people Duramax is.

 

[lake p.a.l.]

Nganga, thank u VERY much for sharing. Sure hope this awesome machine gets dialed in soon. We have room for ya anytime at our lil house Sunrise Beach, MizzourA

 

[v6toy4x]

Hey Gang,
Wanted to update this. Don't want speculation to run wild.

Good call!

 

[Instigator]

Thanks for coming back clearing up the speculative mud Steve.
Clearly you should be able to see that many other peeps here would like to see more posts from you in the future.
Hope you get it sorted out soon.

 

[DRTMVR]

Just got on here and have been reading for a few days..Loving it Steve!!
Thanks for doing this so interesting

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Welcome back Steve.... missed ya.... now where are the damn pics & vids... some of us are suffering withdrawals!

 

[DRTMVR]

Just got on here and have been reading for a few days..Loving it Steve!!
Thanks for doing this so interesting

T

Hey Gang,

Wanted to update this. Don't want speculation to run wild.

First off, Octane got me in on my way home from DS. They didn't have room, but got me in none the less.

They very professionally, made corrections on all the fluid loss issues from tilting. They did a first class job on it.

After that, I took the boat out with the Wife and the codes started showing up. I went and tested 3-4 more times, once with Duramax. Codes were pretty consistent and new ones would show up. there was lots of communication with Skater, nearly daily, so no problem there.

As my frustration level went up, so did everyone else's. Plans were made for Bobby, Skaters rigging shop manager to come out and help diagnose. Bobby was out at DS and we were in the boat together when all this stuff started. He knew the boat and the issues.

We thought there was a contaminated port fuel tank, it was drained, cleaned and dried. Yesterday, we fueled it back up and hit Lake Pleasant. Bobby hooked up the Mercury software and did diagnostic work while I made run, after run after run. We found the port fuel pressure dropping to 40 PSI at 4500 RPM, its suppose to be ~65.

We figured it was the Aeromotive high pressure pump. Well, this morning, Bobby found the seawater pump was full of oil, and the cam that drives the mechanical fuel lifting pump, on the inlet side of the water separator is covered in metal shavings. It seems the low pressure lift pump was destroyed (and I'm not certain of the order here) by a faulty seawater pump. Could be the other way around.

Octane has graciously allowed Bobby to use the shop and all its resources. I think we are almost there. The seawater pump may be an issue with back-orders.

The boat is amazing. It runs super good, smooth and effortless. I have NOT even run it full throttle due to the codes but it wants to go. Duramax was trimming for me last week and we were just skimming along at ~100 at 4400 RPM, just under the problems and got rewarded with a Guardian mode fault.

It will be perfect and we can all laugh about this goat rope while having a cold one.

Thanks for that Steve, Charlie is a great guy known him for years

Donnie

 

[JFMFG]

Hey Gang,

Wanted to update this. Don't want speculation to run wild.

First off, Octane got me in on my way home from DS. They didn't have room, but got me in none the less.

They very professionally, made corrections on all the fluid loss issues from tilting. They did a first class job on it.

After that, I took the boat out with the Wife and the codes started showing up. I went and tested 3-4 more times, once with Duramax. Codes were pretty consistent and new ones would show up. there was lots of communication with Skater, nearly daily, so no problem there.

As my frustration level went up, so did everyone else's. Plans were made for Bobby, Skaters rigging shop manager to come out and help diagnose. Bobby was out at DS and we were in the boat together when all this stuff started. He knew the boat and the issues.

We thought there was a contaminated port fuel tank, it was drained, cleaned and dried. Yesterday, we fueled it back up and hit Lake Pleasant. Bobby hooked up the Mercury software and did diagnostic work while I made run, after run after run. We found the port fuel pressure dropping to 40 PSI at 4500 RPM, its suppose to be ~65.

We figured it was the Aeromotive high pressure pump. Well, this morning, Bobby found the seawater pump was full of oil, and the cam that drives the mechanical fuel lifting pump, on the inlet side of the water separator is covered in metal shavings. It seems the low pressure lift pump was destroyed (and I'm not certain of the order here) by a faulty seawater pump. Could be the other way around.

Octane has graciously allowed Bobby to use the shop and all its resources. I think we are almost there. The seawater pump may be an issue with back-orders.

The boat is amazing. It runs super good, smooth and effortless. I have NOT even run it full throttle due to the codes but it wants to go. Duramax was trimming for me last week and we were just skimming along at ~100 at 4400 RPM, just under the problems and got rewarded with a Guardian mode fault.

It will be perfect and we can all laugh about this goat rope while having a cold one.

To add...

The feeling of this boat dancing along, effortlessly is very very rewarding. just one good run makes all of this worthwhile and Duramax will agree, because we talked about that very thing. Made him miss his Skater a bit I think. Very much looking forward to the extra RPM availability.

Good people Duramax is.

Thanks for clearing this up. Hope to see you and your son enjoying it together soon.

 

[HNL2LHC]

To add...

The feeling of this boat dancing along, effortlessly is very very rewarding. just one good run makes all of this worthwhile and Duramax will agree, because we talked about that very thing. Made him miss his Skater a bit I think. Very much looking forward to the extra RPM availability.

Good people Duramax is.

Thanks for the update and best of luck to you getting your RPMs up to where they should be. Hope to see more of your boat and you moving forward.

 

[McKay]

I always tell people I am easy, I just want it perfect, so if you need to keep xyz longer to make it perfect, then keep it. The owner also follows this way of thinking, and as much as Steve would have liked it for DS, it was no way a deal breaker if it didn't make it. Actually, with how hectic DS is, maybe it would almost be better to get it after so there is not 500 boats around you as you try and get the feel of your new toy as they are a different beast. He was absolutely ok with it not making DS.

This is absolutely correct. We took delivery of ours the Monday after desert storm. Most all were gone and the manufacture had tons of time to spend with you and run through all the details, try different props etc. Would highly recommend this approach to others.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

This is absolutely correct. We took delivery of ours the Monday after desert storm. Most all were gone and the manufacture had tons of time to spend with you and run through all the details, try different props etc. Would highly recommend this approach to others.

10000%

I don't think I pushed Skater. Yes, I was anxious but told them "if it isn't ready, It isn't ready" Beside that, the issues we're having aren't from not being patient. They are Mercury Racing part failures.

Bobby and I think that maybe these parts were left-over inventory from the last batch of 700's before they stopped building them. PS pump, fuel pump, seawater pump.

We're going back to LP to test again today. Fingers crossed.

 

[FROGMAN524]

10000%

I don't think I pushed Skater. Yes, I was anxious but told them "if it isn't ready, It isn't ready" Beside that, the issues we're having aren't from not being patient. They are Mercury Racing part failures.

Bobby and I think that maybe these parts were left-over inventory from the last batch of 700's before they stopped building them. PS pump, fuel pump, seawater pump.

We're going back to LP to test again today. Fingers crossed.

What time? I’d love to stop by and see it in person on my way out of town for the 4th.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

What time? I’d love to stop by and see it in person on my way out of town for the 4th.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm picking Bobby up at ~3:00 at Octane. Probably be on the ramp by 3:45-4:00ish?

But, that could obviously change so, you'd be taking a chance. But for now, that's the plan.

 

[McKay]

10000%

I don't think I pushed Skater. Yes, I was anxious but told them "if it isn't ready, It isn't ready" Beside that, the issues we're having aren't from not being patient. They are Mercury Racing part failures.

Bobby and I think that maybe these parts were left-over inventory from the last batch of 700's before they stopped building them. PS pump, fuel pump, seawater pump.

We're going back to LP to test again today. Fingers crossed.

Good Luck Steve, Hope you get it sorted out shortly. And hope to get on the water with you sometime this fall!

Might hit Havasu then and other than that we will be at Powell the rest of the summer all but for 10 days to hit discovery bay in august.

 

[havasuhusker]

@nganga, I've thoroughly enjoyed this thread. You're boat is beautiful. It sucks that you've had issues, but once they're ironed out, you'll be making positive memories with you and your family. I hope someday to see this boat on the water so that I can appreciate it in person.

 

[RichL]

10000%

I don't think I pushed Skater. Yes, I was anxious but told them "if it isn't ready, It isn't ready" Beside that, the issues we're having aren't from not being patient. They are Mercury Racing part failures.

Bobby and I think that maybe these parts were left-over inventory from the last batch of 700's before they stopped building them. PS pump, fuel pump, seawater pump.

We're going back to LP to test again today. Fingers crossed.

Best of luck.

 

[FROGMAN524]

I'm picking Bobby up at ~3:00 at Octane. Probably be on the ramp by 3:45-4:00ish?

But, that could obviously change so, you'd be taking a chance. But for now, that's the plan.

Ah that sucks I’ll be on the road out of town by then. Good luck testing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[hallett21]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Marios Metalworks]

Albeit you atroubleshooting codes, the immense amount data logging makes me jealous.

I hope you were able to bring the rpms up for a good run yesterday!

Does Bobby run diagnostics from a laptop hardwired to the boat?

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Boat is fixed. Ran great, no issues.

been a long road, but rewarding

 

[n2otoofast4u]

Boat is fixed. Ran great, no issues.

been a long road, but rewarding

Great to read this Steve!

Can’t wait to read feedback from the thoughts of your wife and son!

 

[OC Mike]

View attachment 1021260

Looks even better in the water, picture wise anyways. Nice you got it sorted!!!

 

[Instigator]

Congrats Steve.
Now go enjoy it and post some pics and video at speed.

 

[RichL]

View attachment 1021260

Beyond NICE!

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Albeit you atroubleshooting codes, the immense amount data logging makes me jealous.

I hope you were able to bring the rpms up for a good run yesterday!

Does Bobby run diagnostics from a laptop hardwired to the boat?

To your question. Yes, Bobby plugs in his laptop, just like you would in a car. He sits and gathers data while I drive. That's how he diagnosed the low fuel pressure at higher RPM.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

View attachment 1021260

Ah there she is! Still think those white tips are just right!

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Ah there she is! Still think those white tips are just right!

Thanks Bill. Its gonna be a while before I get used to the attention the boat garners, everywhere it goes. During Thursdays test, a woman walked up to us as we readied the boat. She followed us into the park all the way from I-17. She actually paid to get in. She wanted pictures.

I'm a pretty reserved and private person. I make every effort to be very patient, cordial and answer all the questions wherever I am.

And for Skater Boats: Yes, this was a bad situation. Being 4000 miles away made it a difficult decision to just send it back to Skater for repairs. Bobby figured out the issue in about a day and a half. Getting parts proved to be the problem. Also, having Bobby in the boat and giving me some hard earned Hi-Performance driving tips was worth its weight in gold. I'll still take the Tres class but his tips were all solid. You simply cannot believe how hard you can turn a Skater,(with his experience)

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Thanks Bill. Its gonna be a while before I get used to the attention the boat garners, everywhere it goes. During Thursdays test, a woman walked up to us as we readied the boat. She followed us into the park all the way from I-17. She actually paid to get in. She wanted pictures.

I'm a pretty reserved and private person. I make every effort to be very patient, cordial and answer all the questions wherever I am.

And for Skater Boats: Yes, this was a bad situation. Being 4000 miles away made it a difficult decision to just send it back to Skater for repairs. Bobby figured out the issue in about a day and a half. Getting parts proved to be the problem. Also, having Bobby in the boat and giving me some hard earned Hi-Performance driving tips was worth its weight in gold. I'll still take the Tres class but his tips were all solid. You simply cannot believe how hard you can turn a Skater,(with his experience)

Followed you in huh.... paid entrance and all ..... well shoot maybe it wasn't just the boat. You might have stumbled into another level; Boat Groupies! I've seen it before .... when Dennis Rodman used to pull his "Sexual Chocolate" triple engined Fountain in for a launch. You couldn't miss that boat either, and well Dennis is a bit different looking than most of us uptight Newport boaters, lol.... I always enjoyed watching his groupies gather to watch. Even lended a hand with his lines on occasion. Enjoy the new attention or become accustomed to launching at off hours. Welcome back buddy... happy for ya.

 

[BHC Vic]

Followed you in huh.... paid entrance and all ..... well shoot maybe it wasn't just the boat. You might have stumbled into another level; Boat Groupies! I've seen it before .... when Dennis Rodman used to pull his "Sexual Chocolate" triple engined Fountain in for a launch. You couldn't miss that boat either, and well Dennis is a bit different looking than most of us uptight Newport boaters, lol.... I always enjoyed watching his groupies gather to watch. Even lended a hand with his lines on occasion. Enjoy the new attention or become accustomed to launching at off hours. Welcome back buddy... happy for ya.

I see him at islands, a cigar lounge in brea every now and then. Didn’t picture him the boating type

 

[n2otoofast4u]

Followed you in huh.... paid entrance and all ..... well shoot maybe it wasn't just the boat. You might have stumbled into another level; Boat Groupies! I've seen it before .... when Dennis Rodman used to pull his "Sexual Chocolate" triple engined Fountain in for a launch. You couldn't miss that boat either, and well Dennis is a bit different looking than most of us uptight Newport boaters, lol.... I always enjoyed watching his groupies gather to watch. Even lended a hand with his lines on occasion. Enjoy the new attention or become accustomed to launching at off hours. Welcome back buddy... happy for ya.

I tried 3 times to buy that boat on EBay and the sell flaked every time.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Oh our Dennis has quite the speedboat history..... but these days he's just trying to make more $. He's a Texas kid and has a long history of speed boats. His old Fountain has been passed around in SoCal a while ... heard it got re wrapped by some guy not too long ago. 47' Fountain as I recall.

Ride in a Lamborghini Speedboat With Dennis Rodman (dupontregistry.com)

 

[FROGMAN524]

Thanks Bill. Its gonna be a while before I get used to the attention the boat garners, everywhere it goes. During Thursdays test, a woman walked up to us as we readied the boat. She followed us into the park all the way from I-17. She actually paid to get in. She wanted pictures.

I'm a pretty reserved and private person. I make every effort to be very patient, cordial and answer all the questions wherever I am.

And for Skater Boats: Yes, this was a bad situation. Being 4000 miles away made it a difficult decision to just send it back to Skater for repairs. Bobby figured out the issue in about a day and a half. Getting parts proved to be the problem. Also, having Bobby in the boat and giving me some hard earned Hi-Performance driving tips was worth its weight in gold. I'll still take the Tres class but his tips were all solid. You simply cannot believe how hard you can turn a Skater,(with his experience)

Glad you got it fixed. All of the issues boiled down to bad mechanical pumps/sea water pumps?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Glad you got it fixed. All of the issues boiled down to bad mechanical pumps/sea water pumps?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

yea, can you believe it?

low pressure pump caused all of it. The failed pumps metal shavings failed the hi-pres. pump

 

[FROGMAN524]

yea, can you believe it?

low pressure pump caused all of it. The failed pumps metal shavings failed the hi-pres. pump

Wow man that’s nuts. I’ve got the same setup as you with the 600s so I just picked up some new mechanical pumps but will install them end of season. I’d like to avoid your situation obviously.


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[Gelcoater]

View attachment 1021260

It’s been a long road.
But Wow! That looks good.
Can’t wait to see the future fun to come!

At this point I think you can cross an item off the bucket list of life goals. Now it’s time to enjoy.

 

[steamin rice]

Hopefully the issues are behind you and you and your family can enjoy that beautiful boat.

 

[Marios Metalworks]

To your question. Yes, Bobby plugs in his laptop, just like you would in a car. He sits and gathers data while I drive. That's how he diagnosed the low fuel pressure at higher RPM.

That’s great. Good to hear you’re up and running without issues.

Hope to see y’all out on the water sooner than later!

 

[lake p.a.l.]

SPECTACULAR news its all figured out. Thank you very much for coming back on here & sharing your entire journey with us.
I wish you many smiles & miles in this incredible machine. Please try to remember every time you are fueling its about the smiles per gallon.
I would like to personally thank YOU for changing my vocabulary. I no longer use the R word. Sadly it wasn't something I had thought of prior to this thread.
Happy 4th to you & your family. Please let me know if you need dock space or truck & trailer parking when you are here for Shootout.

 

[attitude]

What a journey! I’m glad you finally got everything figured out right before the best boating days begin, that’s got to be a huge relief. I’m sure your son can’t wait to go for a boat ride!

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

SPECTACULAR news its all figured out. Thank you very much for coming back on here & sharing your entire journey with us.
I wish you many smiles & miles in this incredible machine. Please try to remember every time you are fueling its about the smiles per gallon.
I would like to personally thank YOU for changing my vocabulary. I no longer use the R word. Sadly it wasn't something I had thought of prior to this thread.
Happy 4th to you & your family. Please let me know if you need dock space or truck & trailer parking when you are here for Shootout.

Good on you

 

[lake p.a.l.]

Good on you

Definitely not about me. Thrilled this incredible machine is dialed in