So Far...

[BriEOD]

Well between carpool, feeding and diapers and other chores here is where I'm at. I installed the head unit, wired the amps, installed a perko switch to run a back up battery, cut out and mounted the speakers, got the engine box Rhino lined, etc, etc. But, I still have a mess!!

[BriEOD]

Head unit...

[BriEOD]

Speaker, I had to cut out for it...

[BriEOD]

Rear speaker and the Rhino liner...

[bradamerry]

Rear speaker and the Rhino liner...
looking good.

[MCPS205]

Looks good but arent you worried about your amps getting SOAKED?

[BriEOD]

No, I have a plexi-glass cover to go over them.

[Jim@BAWS]

Brian,
Looks AWESOME ! Is the package a MARINE package? If the amps are covers with plexi how will you keep it cool. I suggest mounting on the side wall under the front. I don't remember if a 87 has that. Interesting to see no PRE CUT holes for speakers. In 88 they most have started that. Combing pads had precut holes for them. Are the GRAB RAILS the original ones? I know that they where black.

Looks good Hurry up it will be warm soon. USE (2) 750-1000 CA Batteries make sure you alternator can handle all that needed power.

Jim@BAWS

[6ballsisall]

Thats the fizzle sha snizzle Brian!! Looks great!

[AirJunky]

Yea, seems like any water taken over the bow would potentially get the amps soaked from the bottom. I know we did in our '88! In fact, the "marine rated" deck I installed the first time around didn't last more than 1 or 2 years.

[DanC]

Sweet!
Pretty scary cutting through the upholstry isn't it?

[Professor]

Brian, looks good!

[MarkP]

SHWEET,:headbang: !!

[BriEOD]

Thanks for all the positive comments. I put the deck in one of the spalsh proof housings and I used a lot of silicone around the edges to seal it up. No, none of it is "marine" rated. However, the speakers are Polk DB 650's and are butyl rubber and a polysynthetic. You could get them wet without any problems. As for a good spot for the amps etc, the best spot is under the observers seat. I don't know how you would put the rack anywhere else? You can't go on the sides under the bow because you would screw right through the side of the boat. I don't know where else to put it. I had a smaller amp in the same spot last season and had no problem and it wasn't covered. I have never (knock on wood) had water come over my bow. I only have one side of the speakers hooked and man is it LOUD and Clear. Leaps and bounds better than the Clarion head unit and speaker package I got out of Overtons!!

Jim,

Those are the handrails that were on it when I picked it up. The pylon is also not black and it seems most 87's are. Their were rear pre-cut outs for the 2 rear speakers. But for the front ones I had to do that myself. I wasn't exactly thrilled about cutting into the upholsetry but I took my time and it worked out fine.

[BriEOD]

Sweet!
Pretty scary cutting through the upholstry isn't it?

Dan it took me a long time! I measured and marked 3 times. Than I used a utility knife to cut through the foam and upholestry. Next, I drilled a starting hole and used a jigsaw to make the hole. Finally, I pre-drilled the screw holes and mounted. It went pretty smoothly, but I had a pucker factor of about 9.5.

[Farmer Ted]

Looks awesome!

You going to do a sub? I'm thinking about getting a box for under the dash

[BriEOD]

Yeah I already have two 10's in a box. Just haven't put them in yet.

[Farmer Ted]

Yeah I already have two 10's in a box. Just haven't put them in yet.


I bet it really kicks when you play Milli-Vanilli :banana:

[BriEOD]

Or Rick's favorite Muscrat Love by Capt and Tenille.

[Farmer Ted]

Or Rick's favorite Muscrat Love by Capt and Tenille.

Don't forget Vanilla Ice.....

Ice Ice Baby

[Thrall]

Brian,
Looking good, man. You're really doin' it up right. I have aspirations of doing something similar to my boat. Pipe dream right now though. Be sure to post pics when the install is complete.
Thrall

[bcampbe7]

Awesome set-up BriEOD. Looks great so far.

[east tx skier]

I'm a little late, but it looks great, Brian. Stay dry!

[BriEOD]

Here are some more shots. I still have to put the engine box on but I'm pretty much done with running wires and cutting holes. It is EXTREMELY loud and very clear.

[BriEOD]

Next... :smile:

[BriEOD]

Another view... :steering:

[BriEOD]

The next one...

[BriEOD]

And the engine box...

[MarkP]

Looking like a boat again Brian. What are you going to use all that for any way. Play a little Fitty cent.:toast:

[André]

Nice job on everything Brian!
Good work!

[east tx skier]

Brian, I certainly hope all that stuff was purchased from a MC dealer. ;)

[Lance]

BriEOD, Not to take the thread in another direction but are the handrails along the side original? My '87 has black rails that are bent from people either falling or stepping on them. I would probably like to replace mine when I reskin. The chrome looks good.

Lance

[Lance]

Also... is that an alternator mounted on the port side of the engine peeking out in the picture on post #24 of this thread? I know mine is on the starboard side. Do you have two alternators?

[Lance]

obtw... very nice install. Would love to hear the results.!!

[BriEOD]

Thanks for all the comments fellas. I've got one big thing left to do and I'm waiting on the tax return. I'm going to get a colors matching bimini top from Johnson. But, I've done a ton of stuff this off season: fiberglass repair (professionally), new pinstripes and decals, trailer paint touch up, rhino lined the engine box, stereo upgrade. I'll be back on the water by the end of the month no matter what the temperature is. I got a dry suit for Christmas and haven't even gotten it wet yet. Carla asked me today what I thought I could get for the boat if I sold it, I'm afraid I wouldn't get out everything I put in. I'm not looking for anything new yet at least 3 more years.

[André]

Man,you scared the **** out of me!
I taught she wanted you to sell the boat...

[BriEOD]

BriEOD, Not to take the thread in another direction but are the handrails along the side original? My '87 has black rails that are bent from people either falling or stepping on them. I would probably like to replace mine when I reskin. The chrome looks good.



Hey Lance,

Yes the alternator is on the port side and no I am not running 2 of them. The rails and the pylon are the chrome. I'm not sure the full story on this boat. What I was told was a guy in Atlanta bought it new used it like one season pulled the engine to put in something else and stuck the boat in climatized storage for like 7-8 years. The guy I bought it from along with another guy found it and turned it. Since I've had it I had to put a new long block 351 in it. I'm not sure what the deal with the motor was that was in it and that is history. It has a tilt wheel, different breaker and switches than other 87's I've scene. I've been replacing and upgrading little by little each year on it. I pretty much gutted the electrical and started over. I put electronic ignition on and put a boat buddy on the trailer (best thing I've done!). Once we got through the intital engine stuff it has run like a champ.

[BriEOD]

Man,you scared the **** out of me!
I taught she wanted you to sell the boat...

Oh, HELL NO!! Not unless she is going to buy me a new one. I've got to start saving. I like to "own" my toys!!

[Sledneck]

Looks great.!

Can you post a pic of the 4th speaker.. the front drivers side..

tks..

[SteveO]

Brian,

When do you sleep? You certainly get the most improved player in the off season. An awesome detail followed by a serious stereo upgrade. Looks great. Get out and use the dry suit.

[Holtrodj]

Speaker, I had to cut out for it...

Was the speaker bigger than origional, or just new location? Looks like the regualr 6.5" size...

[BriEOD]

Looks great.!

Can you post a pic of the 4th speaker.. the front drivers side..

tks..

Ask and you shall receive.

[BriEOD]

Close up...

[BriEOD]

Brian,

When do you sleep? You certainly get the most improved player in the off season. An awesome detail followed by a serious stereo upgrade. Looks great. Get out and use the dry suit.

Thanks and I will!

[BriEOD]

Was the speaker bigger than origional, or just new location? Looks like the regualr 6.5" size...

The 2 rear speakers had pre-cuts out already present. However, the 2 front speakers required some work. I had to cut a hole through the upholestry/plywood and mount the speakers. Then I had to cut a hole in the fiberglass behind where the speakers mount to create clearance for the magnets.

[MarkP]

The 2 rear speakers had pre-cuts out already present. However, the 2 front speakers required some work. I had to cut a hole through the upholestry/plywood and mount the speakers.Thats the same as my boat. I had no holes for the front

[jimmer2880]

Very Very nice. You do good work! No doubt who did the most on their boat this off season.


Keep the pic's coming.

[BriEOD]

Thank you gentleman. I try and take my time and do things right. Specifically, no cutting corners when it comes to electricity. I like the splash guard for the head unit and my remote control functions fine with it closed. I also got some velcro with the sticky side on the back and put some on the remote and some right in front of the throttle so I have a place to keep the remote control. I bought good wire and connectors for everything and sprayed everything down with the silicon spray to help prevent rust. I wish I could let you all here it, very loud. I'm happy with the extra battery as well. We go out for the day and are usually 4-5 miles from the ramp most of the day so having the extra battery is extra insurace. Thanks to Bill for facilitating the discussion and for the ideas.

[aprgriggs]

Wow, you did a great job...enjoy

[Mag_Red]

:worthy: Very Impressive!

[BriEOD]

Looking like a boat again Brian. What are you going to use all that for any way. Play a little Fitty cent.:toast:



Go, go, go shorty...MarkP it's your birthday... :banana: <----MarkP

[MarkP]

Good morning Brian :wavey:

[BriEOD]

Top of the morning to you to my friend. :)

[east tx skier]

I'll throw in a good morning to you gents as well. Brian, again, great job. Who needs a driver's seat, right? Just stand up and keep your mouth closed unless you like the taste of the bugs.

[BriEOD]

Alright smart guy!! It's kind of tight to work in with that seat in there. I had more tools in that boat at one point than on my work bench I think: jig saw, shop vac, 3 drills, extensions cord, drop light, wires, zip ties, hand tools, sockets!!

[MarkP]

Alright smart guy!! It's kind of tight to work in with that seat in there. I had more tools in that boat at one point than on my work bench I think: jig saw, shop vac, 3 drills, extensions cord, drop light, wires, zip ties, hand tools, sockets!!Lookin good now though

[east tx skier]

Oh, don't I know it. Just messin' with ya a bit.

Have you ever tried to tighten the screw on the outside of the windshield where it meets the gunnel? You practically have to dislocate your shoulder to get up there without taking the side panels off to hold the nut while you tighten the screw. Still, that was easier than trying to get the engine box screws off (that is until I picked the floor board up and set it on the risers (thanks, George).

[BriEOD]

I know Doug.

Yeah, it is real fun trying to get that vent off the back of the engine box by yourself. Taking the starter on and off is fun and also I took the exhaust manifolds and risers off once and had to use a jack to hold them in place so I could get them back on!

Hey Mark when's the 205 coming out of the Bat Cave? We are getting all these projects done and yours is collecting coal dust!

[MarkP]

Oh, don't I know it. Still, that was easier than trying to get the engine box screws off (that is until I picked the floor board up and set it on the risers (thanks, George).
Doug that’s the second time that I have heard you make reference to that. What’s that trick??

[MarkP]

I know Doug.

Yeah, it is real fun trying to get that vent off the back of the engine box by yourself. Taking the starter on and off is fun and also I took the exhaust manifolds and risers off once and had to use a jack to hold them in place so I could get them back on!

Hey Mark when's the 205 coming out of the Bat Cave? We are getting all these projects done and yours is collecting coal dust!
Limestone dust, !! I don’t know? Normal high for today is 49. Todays Expected high 35. Its been like that all month, .

[east tx skier]

One of my screws was bent and all of them had locking nuts on them. With that panel being honeycomb alluminum, overtightening the screws coupled with pushing the engine box back hard causes the screws to tear through the aluminum giving the box a lot of wobble, not to mention making it a pain to get the screws off. To make it easier, George suggested I take the panel out and slide it with engine box intack up onto the exhaust risers to make the screws more accessible. This was the ticket. Before I put it back on , I put a little .25" piece of plywood across that part of the underside of the floor place to spread the load from the locknuts. Sure, it might rot over the next several years, but it's better than before. Here's a picture of how the floor board was resting. Imagine the motor box on it with a broom holding it up. It's not a bad way to get to your steering cable either.

[MarkP]

Thanks Doug,

Every little trick helps and I may be under my motor box this spring to install a depth finder.

[Mag_Red]

Nice looking valve covers!

[BriEOD]

Thanks Doug,

Every little trick helps and I may be under my motor box this spring to install a depth finder.



Boy is that fun! Trying to find a good spot for that puck is a pain in the arse.

[OhioProstar]

Brian,
Looking good. Of course all that Bomb Tech training probably didn't hurt when I comes to routing wires. One thing I would suggest is not include the battery compartment under the plexiglass. It might be an area that would trap moisture and corroide your connections. Also, how will you account for the moiture in the carpets that will wick forward?

[BriEOD]

Bill,

Thanks. Yeah, I also spent a few summers in highschool as an electricians assistant and that never hurts either.

As for the carpet getting wet, I have a 3/4" piece of plywood covered in outdoor carpet for an amp rack. I don't think much water will get into it. I'm not sure I'm going to use the plexi-glass yet. If I do I'm going to get 2 small 12 v fans on each side to move air in and out. But, I'm not convinced I need them. A "little" water won't do any harm, now if they get soaked that's a different story. I'll let you know what I decide. But, thanks for the help with the battery. I was a bit of a pain to get it wedged into that spot but will work. I got a 750 CA batt at West Marine for $54 as my back up. I got the cables and box at Wal-Mart for about $20. I have a 1000 CA Batt as my primary.

[OhioProstar]

You know one thing you could do is use two "paddle or light mounts" and bolt them to the floor as close as you can get them to the hull and the place the plywood into them leaning back against the hull. The weight should keep everything in place.

[BriEOD]

That's an idea. If I change it around I might do that.

[jsonova99]

One of my screws was bent and all of them had locking nuts on them. With that panel being honeycomb alluminum, overtightening the screws coupled with pushing the engine box back hard causes the screws to tear through the aluminum giving the box a lot of wobble, not to mention making it a pain to get the screws off. To make it easier, George suggested I take the panel out and slide it with engine box intack up onto the exhaust risers to make the screws more accessible. This was the ticket. Before I put it back on , I put a little .25" piece of plywood across that part of the underside of the floor place to spread the load from the locknuts. Sure, it might rot over the next several years, but it's better than before. Here's a picture of how the floor board was resting. Imagine the motor box on it with a broom holding it up. It's not a bad way to get to your steering cable either.

I'm kind of confused, but can't you just leave the motor box in place and tilt the floor up on the hinges? I haven't tried, but that was my prelimnary idea. I was lokingot get down there to install a transducer and take a look at my exhaust fittings to prevent any leaks. Just a thought, we may be talking about different things though.

[east tx skier]

If you're asking if you can lift the floor up with the motorbox intact, the answer is yes. When I snapped that picture, my motorbox was off having new insulation installed.

[BriEOD]

I take the 4 screws out of the floor and leave the hinges attached to the floor and motorbox. Then I pull the motorbox all the way back and rest it on the back of the boat sitting on the top of the motorbox.

[OhioProstar]

I pull the whole thing out in one piece....four screws

[east tx skier]

Nice looking valve covers!


Thanks so much. Haven't done a thing to them. They're stock and 12 years old (maybe 13 (aren't the motors a year older?)).

[jsonova99]

If you're asking if you can lift the floor up with the motorbox intact, the answer is yes. When I snapped that picture, my motorbox was off having new insulation installed.

Got it, I figured I missed something in the exchange.

[jimmer2880]

.... If I do I'm going to get 2 small 12 v fans on each side to move air in and out. But, I'm not convinced I need them. A "little" water won't do any harm, now if they get soaked that's a different story. I'll let you know what I decide. ...

I have about 12 computer type 12v fans if you want any, they're yours. They would probably be exactly what you want to use since they're brushless.

[BriEOD]

I bought a Johnson Bimini Top. It is very, very nice. The material is very thick and they installed zippers to accomodate my Skylon. I also installed stanchions after talking to MarkP about trailering. I really like it. I also picked up a BareFoot Boom and put it on today. We are going out Saturday come he!! or high water!!

[BriEOD]

Here is another one.

[BriEOD]

The third one.

[BriEOD]

Last one. :D

[MarkP]

Looking better every day:headbang:

[sfitzgerald351]

Just remember to take the boom off before you pull out of the driveway. :eek:

[BriEOD]

Will-do Scott.

I also forgot to mention that Johnson gave me a military discount on the top. I was really impressed with that!! In this day and age not to many companies offer that.

[jimmer2880]

Just remember to take the boom off before you pull out of the driveway. :eek:

A buddy of mine who I used to ski with (one of the real old-schoolers, tough as nails, etc) forgot to take his boom off one day as he was entering his covered u-dock. He was the kind of person who would come off of plane about 10 feet before entering the dock, then nail reverse. We stopped REAL quick that day! Luckily nobody got hurt & the only thing visably damaged was the down-spout for his gutter.

[sfitzgerald351]

Wow... and I thought I was being funny. Glad it was only a gutter.

[6ballsisall]

That thing is looking sweet Brieod! I can tell you have some Heart and soul in that thing!

[east tx skier]

Looks great, Brian. I like your spare tire cover, too. Took me a while to notice it. I wonder why? ;)

[jimmer2880]

Wow... and I thought I was being funny. Glad it was only a gutter.

that's not the 1/2 of it... This was an old Southwind 18 boat. He bought the boat new many many many moons ago. Built the dock to fit the boat. Came in hot the first time docking. When the boat settled down in the water, he noticed that the rub-rails on the dock were actually holding the boat up! :eek3:

Apparently, the boat sat lower in the water than he had planned. Had to widen the dock! Unfortunately, there were a couple drunks on the bank watching when he did it, so there was no hiding it from the rest of the club!

But - for all that stuff - he took a couple of us out every week on Tue & Thurs during the summer (he was a school teacher). Never accepted a dime for gas, only required that we help him clean up the boat. I sure miss that man!

[bcampbe7]

Looks great Brian!
But your pictures have me a bit worried. I too have a boom but I connect it to an eye hook in the bow. Should I be using the D-hook? Crap!!! :eek:


EDIT:
Scratch that... :o
I took a closer view of your pictures. My boom is hooked to the same spot that your Skylon is hooked to.

[BriEOD]

Well I'm mad! :mad: I hooked everything up in the engine and put the intake on the garden hose and fired her up for the first time this season. No problem, started first time (SWEET). However, all the sudden I see water dripping. My friggin starboard exaust manifold is leaking pretty good. Probably one slalom pass and she would be half full. So now I've got to order new manifolds. I looked on DIM $179.95!! I called the wife and told her, needless to say she wasn't happy. What can ya do I guess??? I guess it could be way worse. The engine ran like a champ!!

[east tx skier]

Man, that sucks! Where on the manifold is it leaking? Did it just rust out?

[NeilM]

Brian,
Wow, great job -- boat looks great. Sorry to hear about the manifold.. bummer.

Look at it this way: You'll still have the new manifolds on and doing sets behind your boat BEFORE the ice melts up here...:(

[jsonova99]

Well I'm mad! :mad: I hooked everything up in the engine and put the intake on the garden hose and fired her up for the first time this season. No problem, started first time (SWEET). However, all the sudden I see water dripping. My friggin starboard exaust manifold is leaking pretty good. Probably one slalom pass and she would be half full. So now I've got to order new manifolds. I looked on DIM $179.95!! I called the wife and told her, needless to say she wasn't happy. What can ya do I guess??? I guess it could be way worse. The engine ran like a champ!!

Atleast you found it on land and not in the middle of a lake

[BriEOD]

Atleast you found it on land and not in the middle of a lake

I guess it's pretty minor but a pain in the neck to change out. I ordered it and it will be here tomorrow. It's nice to be near DIM. $200 though for the part and shipping. I only need one thankfully. Yes Doug, the bottom is just rusting out. It drips while in idle but if you give it some throttle water sprays everywhere. So, I'll put it on and still go out Friday. Just aggravating though.

[tex]

A buddy of mine who I used to ski with (one of the real old-schoolers, tough as nails, etc) forgot to take his boom off one day as he was entering his covered u-dock. He was the kind of person who would come off of plane about 10 feet before entering the dock, then nail reverse. We stopped REAL quick that day! Luckily nobody got hurt & the only thing visably damaged was the down-spout for his gutter.

Brother-in-law backed his Supra into the garage with his extended pylon still extended. Yes, it did do the damage you imagine!

[east tx skier]

Did you get some gaskets, too? Mine are rusty as well, but I'm hoping it'll be a while before I need to replace them.

[AirJunky]

Hehe, nice..... my brother & I performed in a ski show in False Creek in downtown Vancouver, BC. This is the old Worlds Fair grounds from the 80s & they had a large amphitheater with a small aluminum walking bridge out to a man made island where the acts would perform. We were staging all our gear on the island & the boat driver would swing by to pick up the next one. Luckily the driver was the ski shop owner.... the boss! At one point he motored under the bridge while the extended pylon was still up. We're all standing there & wondering what the he!! he was doing, then CLANG!!! The bridge had a huge dent in it, the pylon bow cables were broken, the pylon itself banged up & the boat pylon base tore out of the boat floor! The bow went forward & up, while the stern scooped about a 100 gallons of water in the back (a M Response)!! Man, it was painfull to watch...... and funny as he!! to talk about later!

Needless to say, the ski show was over at that point. :uglyhamme

[BriEOD]

Did you get some gaskets, too? Mine are rusty as well, but I'm hoping it'll be a while before I need to replace them.

Yeah, I did. I spoke with Vince and he got me all fixed up. They really do give great service in their and are very polite.

[jimmer2880]

Tex & Junky - That hurts BIG TIME! Sounds like something I'd do. Guess I'd better not get a tower, etc.

[AirJunky]

Hate to even tell you more horror stories..... but I will. ;)

A friend down on the Sac Delta has a 21' Maristar, late 90s with the pylon in the middle of the playpen. They have 2 guys riding...... good foil riders. Both guys are bustin out big tricks, front flips, huge back rolls, etc. Both are tied low on the standard pylon. At some point both guys bust out a big trick & land sort of sketchy virtually at the same time. They both try to ride out the landing & literally ripped the pylon OUT of the boat! Tore it right off the stringers! No one was sitting in the back of the boat so luckily no one was hurt. He ended up just installing a tower in the boat & plugging the hole in the floor.

[BriEOD]

Got it changed out today. Wonder why it was leaking? hmmmmm... :confused:

[east tx skier]

/raises hand

"Oh oh oh pick me!"

[BriEOD]

Anyone need a paper weight? Or maybe, I should send it to MarkP because it's about the closest thing to a boat he has seen in months! 8p

[André]

Bouy anchor???
Good work on everything Brian!
Have a fun and safe day on water!!!

[east tx skier]

Speaking of paper weights ... I still have a stock intake manifold if anyone wants it for the shipping. When I get the boat back and am sure the throttle issue is licked, it's going in the trash or to the automotive version of good will.

[BriEOD]

I promised BrianM I would post a shot of my waterline cover from Skiboatcovers.com. Here she is:

[BriEOD]

I also picked up some used MC rims off a 2000 205V and got them on today. I like em' and I got them cheap. They look a lot better than the black wagon wheels!!

Before:

[BriEOD]

And After:

[bradamerry]

Looking good dude.... :banana:

[jayocheskey]

Those rims are very nice.

[bcampbe7]

Looks like Cody hasn't moved since falling asleep in the boat!

Rims look sweet!

[BriEOD]

Yeah he sits in the boat and plays while dad works on it. He's my little helper!! :love:

[EFiles]

I also picked up some used MC rims off a 2000 205V and got them on today. I like em' and I got them cheap. They look a lot better than the black wagon wheels!!

Before:


Mine has the black wagon wheels as well and they look awful. Where did you find your rims? Is there anything I should know when looking for replacements? I know they are 14" but I'm not sure about offset and bolt pattern. Great looking boat, by the way. Nice to see a pristine example of my year model.

[wakesport]

Mine has the black wagon wheels as well and they look awful. Where did you find your rims? Is there anything I should know when looking for replacements? I know they are 14" but I'm not sure about offset and bolt pattern. Great looking boat, by the way. Nice to see a pristine example of my year model.

I picked up a spare at a local wheel place here in town. Not sure if there was a special bolt pattern.

By the way what is the significance of the name EFiles?

[BriEOD]

Mine has the black wagon wheels as well and they look awful. Where did you find your rims? Is there anything I should know when looking for replacements? I know they are 14" but I'm not sure about offset and bolt pattern. Great looking boat, by the way. Nice to see a pristine example of my year model.

They were on eBay. I emailed the guy and told him I'd give him a set price and shipping if he sold them to me immediately and end the auction.

To be honest I'm not sure about bolt patterns etc. I compared a photo of mine to the new ones and new they were both 14". It looked the same, and is the same.

Thanks, I try and take nice care of it.

[EFiles]

I picked up a spare at a local wheel place here in town. Not sure if there was a special bolt pattern.

By the way what is the significance of the name EFiles?


Just a combination of my first and last name (E. Files). Not very creative, huh. I read in your profile your last name is "Iles"? Thought for a minute I'd found a relative on the board! Files isn't a name I run into much.

[latch]

I've had water come over the bow a few times also. Especially if we add phat sacs while wake boarding. The problem that I had with anything under the observer seat was when someone sat down right after coming out of the water. They dripped right into whatever was under the seat. Looks like the amp will get wet.

[BriEOD]

Knock on wood in 4 seasons with this boat I've never had water over the bow. There is a metal cover over both amps that protects the internal components. Barring the boat from flood, some water isn't going to hurt anything. Being military and working with lots of different electronic, electrical components in various climates, terrains, etc. I feel confident these will hold up just fine. What's the worst that will happen I'll blow a 30 amp inline system fuse, the individual amp fuse or burn up the amp?? I got both amps for free so if they burn up and I have to replace em' so be it. But, my money is that they will be fine. They have been bone dry so far and we've been out a few times this season.