http://seadoosportboats.com/blogs/ Community Blog List Syndication Tue, 02 Dec 2014 05:08:35 +0000 info@seadoosportboats.com (SeaDooSportBoats.com) IP.Blog 60 http://seadoosportboats.com/blog/6/entry-12-when-should-you-add-a-second-battery/
However the necessity of having a second battery onboard is not the same for all boat owners. Therefore, I've created this entry to provide some assistance to those on the fence considering this addition.

First, I need to say that any information provided by me is solely just advice. Additionally, this writeup is not a guide on battery installation. There are a number of great articles on second battery installations within the forums and throughout the net.

The largest stress placed on the battery comes from cold starting. Therefore, keep in mind the main purpose for another battery onboard is to have a backup starting source when the primary source has been compromised or depleted. Any other puopose is ancillary.

Before going any farther, I strongly suggest anyone relying on battery power for starting purposes to pickup some type of voltage monitor. Knowing your battery voltage is crucial when out on the water, and is the best tool available when determining battery charge and what steps to take as the voltage changes.

Very affordable voltage monitors can be found on EBay. I prefer the 12V automotive style monitors solely for their ease of use, and the near ubiquity of 12V sockets found in all watercraft. A link to a decent low cost monitor is provided at the end of this entry.

Now with all of that out of the way, lets discuss some battery specific details. I've generated a check list of important factors that should be considered when determining if a second battery is really necessary.

Only one motor onboard?
Increased motor(s) compression?
Supercharged intercooled (4tec SCIC)?
More than two speakers onboard?
Auxillary stereo amplifier onboard?
Any additional lights onboard?

Anyone who answers yes to three or more of these questions should seriously consider an additional battery source. A yes to two of these questions may also benefit from an additional battery. I will discuss why each one of the questions are important factors.

1. Only one motor onboard?
Some people may be confused as to why having only one motor is even a factor. The answer is simple. Two motors provide twice the charging capacity on a battery, leaving additional charge on the battery when the motors are not running.

2. Increased motor(s) compression?
3. Supercharged intercooled (4tec SCIC)?
Both of these questions lead to the same point. High compression motors require more torque from the starter to fully turn over. Greater torque load on the starter results in more battery "juice" required during starting. A nominal battery charge capable of starting a stock motor may have trouble turning a modified engine. The more powerful SCIC 4tec motors run at a higher compression vs their internally intercooled cousins, and therefore will require more energy during starting.

4. More than two speakers onboard?
5. Auxillary stereo amplifier onboard?
6. Any additional lights onboard?
The last three questions pertain to battery loading while the motor(s) are off. Unpowered (engine off) battery loading cause more people to end up stranded out on the water without enough stored power to start the motor. This most often occurs when the battery voltage is allowed to fall below its safe starting threshold voltage. Yes, the newer boats have low voltage monitors. However, most owners will not be aware of potential low voltage conditions until it is too late.

There are real time battery recovery options available, but I don't suggest jump starting on the water. Of course it can be done when there is no other option available at times when its absolutely necessary. However, it is very important to know that jumpstart conditions may stress the electronics beyond their ratings. For example, many of the mobile jump start modules use voltages double the nominal battery voltage.

On another topic, damaging load dump conditions can be created when jump starting others from a single battery connected to a running motor, and is another reason why it is important to have an additional battery that can be isolated when starting others. Some load dump conditions can generate voltage surges as high as 100V. Additionally, to prevent self induced load dump, never move any battery switch to the off position while the motor(s) are powered. Unfortunately, many have damaged their MPEMS due to this.

There are a number of dual battery voltage monitor systems specialized for marine use, that will automatically switch between the two batteries. However, those systems are usually expensive and unnecessary especially when a simple dual battery switch and an informed user will provide the same functionality.

In order to better understand what the current battery voltage truly means, I've provided the following excerpt from an automotive battery site online. It is important to only read the voltage with the motor(s) off, when no other axillary functions are running (ie lights radio).

Voltage reading: description
12.8V and above: brand new or lightly used battery
12.67V - 12.8V: fully charged battery
12.45V - 12.67V: 75% charged
12.24V - 12.67V: 50% charged (may not be capable of starting a high compression engine at this point)
12.06V - 12.67V: 25% charged (may not start a unmodified standard compression engine)
11.89V - 12.06V: no charge
11.89V and below: (dead)

These numbers have to be adjusted -0.01V for every 10 degrees below 80F.

Feel free to provide questions, or corrections. I will respond/update as required.

EBay link

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hot-12V-24V-Car-Mounted-Digital-LCD-Automotive-Battery-Voltage-Meter-Tester-/331353040625?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0]]> Mon, 01 Dec 2014 08:19:22 +0000 http://seadoosportboats.com/blog/6/entry-12-when-should-you-add-a-second-battery/ http://seadoosportboats.com/blog/5/entry-11-maximize-engine-life/ I have a 2009 speedster 150 scic 255hp boat.
I accidentally came across an Australian company promoting what is described as below - they sold me the setup for $30.
Basically, after flushing (salt or fresh) moisture remains in the exhaust.
This moisture can migrate through open cylinder exhaust valves into the cylinder chamber and and on through the intake valve as well. This poses little problem with constant use, but storing for weeks or months will allow gradual corrosion of all those parts including piston and rings, thus shortening motor life.
The Australian company alerted me to the fact that on the plastic intake manifold, in front of each of the 3 cylinders, there is a nipple projecting out which is internally moulded over. By inserting a drill bit in this nipple and drilling through into the intake manifold, you create an vacuum port.
These 3 nipples are joined together with thin tubing to a 4 way barb fitting - the 4th tube is left loose and long enough to reach the bottom of the engine bay. It is plugged with a bung.
After use and flushing, the following is then done.
remove the bung
dip the 4th tube into a bottle of mineral based 2 stroke oil
start the engine and idle until smoke appears at the exhaust
One higher rev and instantly cut ignition.
remove the 4th tube and bung, remove the 2 stroke oil.

What this procedure (which only adds 5 mins to your maintenance after use) does is coats the intake manifold, valves, cylinders and exhaust manifolds with a fine film of 2 stroke oil, inhibiting moisture and therefore prolonging life.
Sure, when you start up, it blows smoke ... a quick 30 sec run before leaving home means no smokey embarrassment in front of all at the boat ramp!
the 3 nipples - access requires the removal of a few parts - easy and takes about 15 mins - the electronic module/bracket on top of the rear end of the intake manifold and the air cleaner are in the way - unscrew the bolts and move aside to access the nipples to drill.
I did this back in June 09 when I bought the boat. No side affects or problems seen or forseeable from doing this mod.
In fact its as though those nipples are there for that purpose - why don't seadoo recommend this ? Why don't dealers ? Maybe more money for them if engines fail sooner.
I hope others find this simple, cheap, but extremely effective mod worthwhile.]]> Thu, 03 Mar 2011 10:02:00 +0000 http://seadoosportboats.com/blog/5/entry-11-maximize-engine-life/ http://seadoosportboats.com/blog/1/entry-10-seadoosportboatscom-version-3-launched/
Homepage
The new homepage has been scaled back to make it more readable, it includes the following features:

• Lastest SDSB news
• Random gallery images
• Recent posts from the forums
• Vendors latest offerings

Forums
The new forums have been re-designed, some exciting new features to mention are:

• Improved forum structure to improve navigation
• Improved search functionality
• Multiple authentication provider support (facebook connect, openID, Windows Live, and Native)
• Improved member profiles
• Status Updates
• Hooks that can expand/collapse on forum main page

Manuals
The manuals section was also re-designed to include these new features:

• Friendly URLs
• Resume breakpoints toggle
• Download sessions
• Major changes to file storage
• Usability improvements

Gallery
The gallery was re-designed to include these new features:

• Friendly URLs
• Category/Album covers
• Sub albums
• Profile picture album
• New slideshow functionality

Blogs
The blogs were re-designed to include these new features:

• Efficiency and extensibility
• Categories return
• UserCP improvements
• List view returns
• Dynamic sidebar block
• RSS imports

This is just fraction of the changes that we are introducing in this new version. There really is just too many to list them all so please explore the new website and discover all the changes for yourself.

Please bare with us as this is a major release, we have plans to move to a new server soon so we will potentially have a bit of downtime during this transition too. Feel free to provide any feedback and/or report any bugs that you may find via the forums. Thanks, keep on doo'ing it!]]> Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:14:00 +0000 http://seadoosportboats.com/blog/1/entry-10-seadoosportboatscom-version-3-launched/ http://seadoosportboats.com/blog/1/entry-7-seadoosportboatscom-wiki/ As of March 30th, 2012 we have retired the Wiki.

Based on feeback from one of our members, Jesse Campbell, we have decided to implement a Wiki. We are using a Wiki that merges the features of IP.Board (our forum software) and MediaWiki (same Wiki software used by WikiPedia) called IpbWiki. The new Wiki is located here, http://seadoosportboats.com/wiki.

Some of the features of the Wiki include:

• Seamless integration of the login system of MediaWiki and Invision Power Board. Your website visitors get the convenience of a single sign-on into the forum and the wiki, leading to an increased community participation. IpbWiki provides 2 authentication methods:
  
  • Transparent User Authentication: if the user visited the forum and there exists a forum session, then user is automatically logged in into the wiki.
  • Non-transparent User Authentication: Clicking the Login button in the wiki authenticates against the forum database and logs the user in both the wiki and (optionally) the forum.
• Integrated Skins: Out of the box skin integration.
• Configure Wiki-Rights: grant wiki-rights (read, edit, minoredit, createpage, createtalk, move, delete, undelete, protect, block, createaccount, upload, reupload, reupload-shared, rollback, patrol, editinterface, siteadmin, bot, asksql, checkuser) based on the member's Forum User Group and member's number of posts.
• Supports BBCode & Emotions: IpbWiki Parses BBCode so your forum members continue to use the familiar forum BBCode, leading to an increased community participation. Emoticons are also supported.
• Automatically link keywords in your forum post to wiki-topics by using the Automatic wikification extension, or link to topics manually by using the wiki bbcode.
• Discussion Threads: possibility to configure IpbWiki to redirect the wiki discussion tabpage to a forum discussion thread, again leading to an increased community participation.
• Rating System: Allows your visitors to provide feedback how much they like your articles.
• Limited CMS capabilities: Add topiclists and forum posts inside your wiki pages.
• Online Users Integration: Show in 1 list who's active on your forum and wiki.
• Poweful & Convenient Control Panel: All options can be simply selected turned on/off in your Admin CP Panel.
• Link multiple wikis to 1 forum.
• Since IpbWiki is based on MediaWiki you can automatically enjoy all features of MediaWiki when you use IpbWiki.

Need more information? Click here, http://www.ipbwiki.c...pbWiki_Features, for Wiki features in detail.

Please take advantage of the new Wiki and contribute so we can compile a hand full of useful information and resources. This can be a great place to organize how-tos and other related items so it is easy to locate. Go here, http://www.mediawiki...ting_a_new_page, for instructions on starting a new page in the Wiki.

Please provide any feedback or bugs for the new Wiki here, http://seadoosportbo...back-t1857.html.

Kind regards,
Kevin Leclair
Owner/Manager
SeaDooSportBoats.com
http://seadoosportboats.com]]> Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:41:00 +0000 http://seadoosportboats.com/blog/1/entry-7-seadoosportboatscom-wiki/ http://seadoosportboats.com/blog/3/entry-6-your-budget-vs-marine-fabrics/ Your Budget vs. Marine Fabrics

Marine Fabrics

There are many types of marine fabrics on the market, finding the one that suits your budget and needs is definitely a task. I first want to explain the different types of fabrics on the market so when you go to purchase a cover, you will be a little more informed about the fabric being used.

Solution-Dyed Fabrics: Solution-Dyed means that the dye is added to the fiber when it is in the liquid state. It is then extruded and woven. A solution-dyed fibers color is throughout the whole fiber similar to a carrots color is throughout the whole carrot. It can't wash out and is fade resistant. (Brand names such as Sunbrella® and Dixon®, a solution-dyed acrylic and SurLast® a solution-dyed polyester)

Coated: – (white woven cloth, coated (painted on color) Coating is very water resistant, but not breathable, fabric must be vented! Fabric coated (Colored) side should not contact upholstery, it might rub off. Great for large pontoon covers or tarps. Its usually heavy. One more time, it must be vented or you will have mold growth in your boat!

Piece-Dyed: – white woven cloth dipped in dye. (color is like apple, it is only on the surface of the fiber) Lower end covers, it fades and degrades faster. Cost less, great for indoor dust covers.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me. I have years and years of experience with boat covers and Marine Fabrics. Terri at terri@poppycompany.com or check out http://www.poppycompany.com for high quality fitted covers for every model of Sea-Doo Sport Boat and Sea-Doo PWC.

Next blog:
Is the life expectancy of the cover/fabric realistic to you expectations?]]> Tue, 02 Sep 2008 01:31:00 +0000 http://seadoosportboats.com/blog/3/entry-6-your-budget-vs-marine-fabrics/ http://seadoosportboats.com/blog/4/entry-5-extended-warranty/ www.boatsva.com for details and availablity in all 50 states. We can take virtually any kind of payments as well!

Kevin Seeber
Kingsland Marine]]> Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:33:00 +0000 http://seadoosportboats.com/blog/4/entry-5-extended-warranty/ http://seadoosportboats.com/blog/3/entry-3-buying-the-right-boat-cover/ Buying the Right Boat Cover
A series of blogs by Terri, of PoppyCompany.Com

Boat covers come in as many shapes, sizes and designs as the boats they fit. How do you know which cover is right for you? You must first determine why you are covering your boat. What are you trying to protect your boat from? Where your boat will be stored while not is use, and will your boat be trailered, moored or stored with the cover on?

What are you trying to protect your boat from?

If your boat has to sit outside and needs to be protected from the elements (sun, rain, wind, etc…) a cover constructed of quality fabric is important. The fabric must be water resistant, fade resistant, mold and mildew resistant. It also should be constructed in a way to vent trapped in moisture and to be fit well enough to stay on in windy situations. A pooling pole system will keep water from accumulating on you cover and then leaking through the fabric and filling up your boat.

If you are keeping your boat in the garage and need to keep the dust out, an inexpensive cover or bed sheet will do. Will you want your neighbors to see it, probably not.

Will your boat be trailered with the cover on?

A trailered cover should be fitted to your model. A general fit cover will flap in the wind when you trailer it. Flapping will cause wear to your cover and boat. The cover will mar you gelcoat or wear itself out. A cover should also be made of quality fabric so it doesn't fade or the color doesn't rub off or transfer on to your boat. Trailerable vent systems are good and they are designed to pull the air out of the cover to eliminate billowing.

Will your boat be moored in the water or stored outside on a lift?

The way that you store your boat, either on a lift or tethered in the water will affect the way your cover needs to be designed. Again, your cover should be made of quality fade resistant, water resistant but breathable or vented fabric. Your boat will receive tons of sun and weather so your cover should be made to protect it. A fitted cover with a pooling pole system will resist pooling of water. A strapless design will insure it stays on without the hassle of getting wet while trying to secure a strap.

If you take these parameters in consideration when choosing a boat cover, you will be more likely to by happy with it and not buying another one next year.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me. I have years and years of experience with boat covers and Marine Fabrics. Terri at terri@poppycompany.com or check out site http://www.poppycompany.com for high quality fitted covers for every model of Sea-Doo Sport Boat and Sea-Doo Personal Watercraft. Enter the coupon code: SDSBBLOG at checkout and we will ship your SeaDooSportBoat cover free to the USA via UPS Ground (orders over $249.99).

My next blog on Buying the Right Boat Cover:

Your Budget vs. Marine Fabrics
Cover Features
Quality of Construction]]> Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:52:00 +0000 http://seadoosportboats.com/blog/3/entry-3-buying-the-right-boat-cover/ http://seadoosportboats.com/blog/1/entry-2-website-changes/ SDSB Owner's Club and a lot of other tweaks here and there.

In May we created a new Vendor Directory and have been focusing heavily on improving our relationships with current and new vendors in effort to bring more benefits to the members of the website. For example a percentage off orders or free shipping on orders, we have recently added quite a bit of new vendors and are working daily to add more.

Our next efforts are trying to find ways to encourage more member involvement and find ways to give back outside our community. We have tried something new called "TipJoy" that will allow supporters of the website to make a "tip" (donation), all "tips" we receive will be donated to an official charity. Another thing we will be trying in the upcoming months is contests or sweepstakes that hopefully will also encourage more member involvement, we will possibly be giving away subscriptions to our SDSB Owner's Club or some of our Gear.

Why all the changes you ask? We do have competitors out there such as SeaDooForum.com and JetBoating.net so we know our members have alternatives but as our mission says "The official website for the SeaDoo Sport Boat enthusiast."; we value every member so we hold to this very dearly and stand by our mission!

Kind regards,
Kevin Leclair
Owner/Manager
SeaDooSportBoats.com
http://seadoosportboats.com]]> Wed, 28 May 2008 14:29:00 +0000 http://seadoosportboats.com/blog/1/entry-2-website-changes/ http://seadoosportboats.com/blog/1/entry-4-seadoosportboatscom/ Who is SeaDooSportBoats.com?
SeaDooSportBoats.com is the official website of the SeaDoo Sport Boat enthusiasts. Hydro-Turf has been our official sponsor since 2004 and we are featured by SeaDoo on their website, http://www.sea-doo.c...aspx#enthusiast. These relationships have made us the largest and leading enthusiasts' website in the SeaDoo Sport Boat market. SeaDooSportBoats.com offers a place for potential buyers or current owners of SeaDoo Sport Boats to gather and engage in discussions about these great boats.

Forums
SeaDooSportBoats.com offers forums where members can post about good or bad experiences they may have had with their SeaDoo Sport Boat. The forums also provide an avenue for potential buyers to ask questions to long time owners, vendors and dealers about these boats before they make the commitment of a purchase. The forums offer a place for members to gather technical support about any issues they may run into that come along with boat ownership. The forums also offer how-to's and product reviews from the members of the website, these can be a great to those wanting to perform maintenance on their own or purchase a new product.

Gallery
SeaDooSportBoats.com offers a gallery where members can post pictures of their boat, water sports, technical pictures or anything in general pertaining to their SeaDoo Sport Boat. The gallery provides a fun place for members to share pictures about their outings in their boat or show-off new modifications/products they may have purchased.

Manuals
SeaDooSportBoats.com offers manuals; the manuals section allows members to download spec/shop/parts manuals, operator's guides, brochures, etc. These manuals allow members to become more familiar with their SeaDoo Sport Boat.

Blogs
SeaDooSportBoats.com offers blogs for members and vendors to write about their experiences or products. The blogs are a great place for members to be able to read up on others experiences with their boats or read up products that a vendor is offering and they are considering to purchase.

Vendor/Dealer Relationships
SeaDooSportBoats.com strives to build strong vendor relationships with those in the SeaDoo Sport Boat market. We have a Vendor Directory on our website where we feature the vendors that we currently have relationships with; these vendors provide support to members about their product(s) and/or service(s) and typically offer some type of incentive to the members. SeaDooSportBoats.com also works with Kingsland Marine which is one of the largest SeaDoo Sport Boats dealerships in the United States; Kevin Seeber from Kingsland Marine actively participates on the forums and provides support as needed.

Kind regards,
Kevin Leclair
Owner/Manager
SeaDooSportBoats.com
http://seadoosportboats.com]]> Tue, 27 May 2008 19:03:00 +0000 http://seadoosportboats.com/blog/1/entry-4-seadoosportboatscom/