16 replies to this topic

[thorvald]

Well traded in the SCIC for a brand new 180SE in Blue yesterday. We Took her out right from the dealer for a little spin and some sand-bar time.

Goddamn this thing is HUGE compared to all the Seadoo's we've owned and the 2005 SCIC sportster!

Here are some of the immediate things I've found:

- Latch that holds the swim ladder (rubber strap) is always in your way when using the ladder, just annoying.
- No clock on the digital dash
- No mode and set buttons on the digital dash (I was hoping for nice complete package like on my previous GTX 4TEC models but oh well. At least every gauge is visible, hence less of a need.
- No stand-up seat bolster for the driver. I didn't think this would be a big deal but the first thing you do is stand up while docking etc, now I understand why all the reviewers were commenting on this.
- Radio remote has no LCD, they installed the cheaper model. The dash hole is too small for the LCD one to swap it but I may work on this for future.
- Bimini top does not have support arms like the SCIC and other boats, the top lays flat on the rear deck but thankfully seems to stay out of the way. Might actually be a benefit as now you don't have to duck under it all the time like on the SCIC :-)
- Glove box is HUGE!
- Ski Locker is HUGE!
- No Fire Extinguisher holder/bracket. Big minus here... So used to having that nice black container to hold it. Hopefully I kept my bracket from my old extinguisher.
- Loud, loud, loud engine. People's comments here were right. Not much chatting going on at speed lol.
- Rear seat/sun pad is nice and large. Wife had no problem stretching out and taking that over ;-)
- Swim Ladder has two steps, very nice!

Man it was a tight fit in the garage though, too wife for the single door, had to use the double and it JUST clears the top of the door with the windshield. But once it's in, it only takes up the space of a large SUV/Pickup.

Now to look at modding, GPS, Table, LCD Remote, RF Remote, etc!

Cheers
Tim

[thorvald]

Another day on the new 180SE, so far so good. Having over-size fenders really helps there is alot of decal to wreck on this boat :-)

Also found a new annoyance... the designer put the light pole socket near the center of the boat, right where you walk through to get to the transom. Kids have a natural tendency to sit there...and young kids have a natural tendency to play with the socket cover... arggh. At least on the SCIC it was way over to one side out of the way (but then same said kids played with the speakers because some designer put them right beside your arms in the backrest... I never win..lol).

I don't recall my SCIC having the evil low-fuel beeper from hell but this one certainly has it! 2 bars to go and BEEEEEEPPPPPP. Thankfully it does not appear to be as bad as the GTX 4Tec was, it got to the point that it would beep once a minute and drive you and everyone for 3 km nuts. Ah well, suppose it's handy for people that don't pay attention.

Trying to mount the fire extinguisher now, I found my bracket that came with my Seadoo extinguisher from the SCIC. Looks like it's best to screw it down to the floor of the front seat cushion storage area as per the picture. Just not too keen on driving a pair of 1/4 self tappers into my storage floor.

Cheers
Tim

[eoc1212]

Congrats on the new boat! And thanks for the reports!

[thumper]

cool - theres nothing quite like picking up a new boat! - we can all find a few faults with these doos but lets be honest they are still miles better than the likes of searay, larson, bin liner and all the old fashioned boats with propelors!

if i changed mine it would be for another doo - without question

[Dale180se]

Well traded in the SCIC for a brand new 180SE in Blue yesterday. We Took her out right from the dealer for a little spin and some sand-bar time.

Goddamn this thing is HUGE compared to all the Seadoo's we've owned and the 2005 SCIC sportster!

Here are some of the immediate things I've found:

- Latch that holds the swim ladder (rubber strap) is always in your way when using the ladder, just annoying.
- No clock on the digital dash
- No mode and set buttons on the digital dash (I was hoping for nice complete package like on my previous GTX 4TEC models but oh well. At least every gauge is visible, hence less of a need.
- No stand-up seat bolster for the driver. I didn't think this would be a big deal but the first thing you do is stand up while docking etc, now I understand why all the reviewers were commenting on this.
- Radio remote has no LCD, they installed the cheaper model. The dash hole is too small for the LCD one to swap it but I may work on this for future.
- Bimini top does not have support arms like the SCIC and other boats, the top lays flat on the rear deck but thankfully seems to stay out of the way. Might actually be a benefit as now you don't have to duck under it all the time like on the SCIC :-)
- Glove box is HUGE!
- Ski Locker is HUGE!
- No Fire Extinguisher holder/bracket. Big minus here... So used to having that nice black container to hold it. Hopefully I kept my bracket from my old extinguisher.
- Loud, loud, loud engine. People's comments here were right. Not much chatting going on at speed lol.
- Rear seat/sun pad is nice and large. Wife had no problem stretching out and taking that over ;-)
- Swim Ladder has two steps, very nice!

Man it was a tight fit in the garage though, too wife for the single door, had to use the double and it JUST clears the top of the door with the windshield. But once it's in, it only takes up the space of a large SUV/Pickup.

Now to look at modding, GPS, Table, LCD Remote, RF Remote, etc!

Cheers
Tim

For those loud beeps, You could put a couple of peices of tape over the beeper. Really helps! The noisey engine you can take sound proof insulation and put it in gunwales and around storage bins , Im going to try this! Only been out twice and am very happy with the doo! Gas mileage is good!

[keviseeb]

For those loud beeps, You could put a couple of peices of tape over the beeper. Really helps! The noisey engine you can take sound proof insulation and put it in gunwales and around storage bins , Im going to try this! Only been out twice and am very happy with the doo! Gas mileage is good!

Ok, here is the standard disclaimer on sabotaging the alarm system.....don't do it. And the standard disclaimer on adding insulation......don't do it. Obviously a quiet alarm won't be alarming as it is designed to be and foam or insulation, even if it is fire rated may block airflow to the. Take care of all of those things and you should be fine to make improvements.

Kevin Seeber
Kingsland Marine

[Dale180se]

Ok, here is the standard disclaimer on sabotaging the alarm system.....don't do it. And the standard disclaimer on adding insulation......don't do it. Obviously a quiet alarm won't be alarming as it is designed to be and foam or insulation, even if it is fire rated may block airflow to the. Take care of all of those things and you should be fine to make improvements.

Kevin Seeber
Kingsland Marine

Holy christ you can still hear it beep!!!!.. And the sound proofing I will get back to you Kevin and let you know how it gos!

[eoc1212]

insulation is an interesting idea but I don't think i'd go with it either... but what about dynamat? anyone familiar with this? it is very common in stereo shops to eliminate rattling in cars that have loud systems with sub-woofers. the product greatly deadens sound and vibration. it is basically like a 1/16 (or thinner) inch rubber mat with tape on the back. you stick it to your door panels and various other parts of a car and it makes a huge difference. Anyone ever try this stuff? I don't think there would be any issues with airflow.... or anything other issue?

Their instructions say to use it on the entire panel... like doors... but I know it deadens sound greatly even when partially used on a panel....

Here is their main site: http://www.dynamat.com/

[thumper]

talking of foam - i had to remove (by cutting) the foam bklock under the rear platform in the engine bay as it worked loose - it was a large pice of what looke dlike injected polyurethane foam that was located between the rear platform and the hull above the pump, when i opened the egine bay it was very close to the throttle cable - had to cut it out as it woulndt reseal - having something loose in the engine bay is not good - i would suggest checking your own as it appered that mine was fixed with 2 or 3 dabs of what looked like pva glue!

[Dale180se]

insulation is an interesting idea but I don't think i'd go with it either... but what about dynamat? anyone familiar with this? it is very common in stereo shops to eliminate rattling in cars that have loud systems with sub-woofers. the product greatly deadens sound and vibration. it is basically like a 1/16 (or thinner) inch rubber mat with tape on the back. you stick it to your door panels and various other parts of a car and it makes a huge difference. Anyone ever try this stuff? I don't think there would be any issues with airflow.... or anything other issue?

Their instructions say to use it on the entire panel... like doors... but I know it deadens sound greatly even when partially used on a panel....

Here is their main site: http://www.dynamat.com/

I think the mating is a good idea.. But I dont think It will stick to fiberglass?? If you take the bins out. You will see alot of open voids..A couple carefully placed insulation bats so sound wont travel along gunwales.. And the bins are like riding around with two big drums!! Wrap bins with mating might be the way to go.. And air flow i dont think much air flows in gunwales.. Im not touching any engine part with materials. Thats my only beef with the Boat, The sound traveling the guwales of the Boat!

[keviseeb]

I think the mating is a good idea.. But I dont think It will stick to fiberglass?? If you take the bins out. You will see alot of open voids..A couple carefully placed insulation bats so sound wont travel along gunwales.. And the bins are like riding around with two big drums!! Wrap bins with mating might be the way to go.. And air flow i dont think much air flows in gunwales.. Im not touching any engine part with materials. Thats my only beef with the Boat, The sound traveling the guwales of the Boat!

Again, my only concern is to make sure whatever you do won't affect engine operation or be a fire hazzard. Most insulations have flame spread ratings, you definately want something that meets NMMA standards, i.e. 25 or less flame spread. Please let us know how it goes, the idea of getting rid of the boom box design in the back of the boat sounds great to us!

Kevin Seeber
Kingsland Marine

[no1stumper]

You would have to go with Dynamat EXTREME-Temperature Range (Optimal performance): 4°F to+140°F (-10°C to +60°C) ___Temperature Range (Resistance): -65°F to +300°F (-54°C to +149°C )

From past experience with using this, I would have a heat gun, and/or sprayadhesive to help with the "roll on" application. Plus, when this stuff gets hot, it smelllllls ...... Everytime you heat it up its going to always smell , so just be prepared

[Dale180se]

Again, my only concern is to make sure whatever you do won't affect engine operation or be a fire hazzard. Most insulations have flame spread ratings, you definately want something that meets NMMA standards, i.e. 25 or less flame spread. Please let us know how it goes, the idea of getting rid of the boom box design in the back of the boat sounds great to us!

Kevin Seeber
Kingsland Marine

Kevin I will get back to you with the result and engine compartment temps! If you like the sound, It must be great with 2 engines...Thanks for your concerns!

[gotmdx]

Congratulation! Boy! That's a very good review! Yeah, it is loud indeed but I'll leave mine as is. I might install an amplifier for the stereo to compensate with the screaming engine. But i tell you this- I don't miss the smoke coming out of my former 2-stroke engine! I'm also thinking of buying the wireless remote($79), and hull protector.

[Dale180se]

Congratulation! Boy! That's a very good review! Yeah, it is loud indeed but I'll leave mine as is. I might install an amplifier for the stereo to compensate with the screaming engine. But i tell you this- I don't miss the smoke coming out of my former 2-stroke engine! I'm also thinking of buying the wireless remote($79), and hull protector.

Wireless remote would be nice for swim platform!! Just wondering what a hull protector is?? Never heard of that...Where do you get them?? Thanks.

[Kevin Leclair]

Wireless remote would be nice for swim platform!! Just wondering what a hull protector is?? Never heard of that...Where do you get them?? Thanks.

Have a look under our quality care section here, http://seadoosportboats.com/links.html. These products are offered by KeelGuard or KeelShield.

[thorvald]

Had my first issue... at only 3 hr... oh well.

The remote for the radio stopped working. Pulled the dash apart at home and found the cable had come loose.

It turns out the extension cable to the radio is too short and the remote is a very stretched fit. I could not easily pull any slack through the hull so I simply re-connected it and wrapped the plug in electrical tape to see if it will hold.

My wireless remote should be arriving any day now as well!

Cheers
Tim