Musubi Build Thread

[musubi]

This is my thread to share info and help me keep track of my build.

I have a 2022 Yamaha FX HO WaveRunner, bought new and acquired last month.



This ski is being setup specifically for diving/spearfishing at the moment, with fishing in mind later. I've been thinking about picking up a ski for years and finally decided to pull the trigger. Finding a good used one seemed to come with a lot of issues, unknowns, or red flags and I had to move on.

I've been able to acquire the needed boat AND "Thrill Craft" certifications needed to ride a jet ski in Hawaii. I'm also signed up to be certified in Tow-In Surfing, even though I have no desire to do that. The class will have other safety and maneuvering info that I may find helpful.

Mods/Info

• Tow Board. Specifically the HSA Fish Board measuring 48" wide, 78" tall, and 5" thick. You can see it on the back of my ski in the picture above. I had to remove the rear panel, below the seat, to make this work. I relocated the engine flush to the inside of the hull. I don't drive with it attached like in the picture.
• Second battery to run equipment.
• Trailer: EZ Loader Galvanized. Aluminum was an option, but it was 2' shorter than than galvanized. I needed the additional length for the places I'm launching.
• Garmin EchoMap 44cv - Mounted transducer using a custom fabbed bracket that bolts to the swim step. No hull drilling. I also fabbed a mount for the unit itself in the cup holder using 3/16" aluminum plate. This is tied into my second battery.
• Trailer Guides (CE Smith) - For now, I need this, and it's been absolutely great, especially in areas where there's lateral swell. I launch at sketchy boat ramps.
• Custom Auxiliary Fuel Tank - 6 Gallon Scepter tank located in the bow.
  This picture shows fitment only, but my setup has since been completed. I will say that the cap vent is garbage and I no longer utilize that vent feature. I installed my own vent that ties into the stock Yamaha vent with check valve. This works amazing. A lot of work went into this, but it's complete and functional. I've since added padded material around this tank and strapped it down using existing hooks.
• Boat decking mat - It's the black mat you see along my gunwale and seat sides. Companies were selling their custom cut mats for MUCH higher prices than Amazon sheet prices. I cut my own, form fitted, and it works great. I had plenty of left over to pad other things (like my front storage hatch)
• Keel Roller - I added a CE Smith Keel Roller to the trailer, where the frame V's together in the front. More for peace of mind since the ramps here can be extra steep.
• Yamaha Cover - Great cover by the way. I use it when transporting my ski around the island. it's very form fitted and snug. Does not come off or flap at speed.
• Spare tire and mount - I don't want to be stranded in case something happens of course. Bought the mount from Amazon along with a tire lock. I off road a lot, so I also carry kits to repair a hole if need be.
• Ratchet Hose Pinch Off Pliers - I keep this to pinch off the line in case I need to be towed.
• SS Strapinno Ratchet Straps - Another great addition to the trailer
• Yamaha Bumpers
• Trailer Hitch Lock
• 5 lb Grappling Anchor - With 5/16" Blue Steel rope and spectra cored bungee

I'm planning to install:

• Rule LP900S Lo Pro Bilge Pump w/ switch panel - I have this already, tested it out on the side and I just need to install it. I hate the idea of drilling a hole into my ski, but I see how valuable this piece of equipment is.
• Keel Guard - I have this and waiting for install.

Safety Equipment
I'm not going to list it all, but I have what I need and more, including my Garmin InReach. I'll also always have fins and goggles with me.

Overall I don't see much owners on here that have similar setups to me even though I know there are a TON of owners out there that do. Especially in Hawaii, i.e. lifeguards, fishermen, tow-in surfers, and divers.

This ski is meant to fill the gap between my kayaks and boat.

[musubi]

Ordered the CANDooPro diagnostic reader for the event that I need it. I am inconveniently far away from any dealer.
EDIT: The diagnostic reader port is still located in the front hatch wiring. I accidentally tripped the check engine light and needed to use the CANDoo Pro to resolve it. I tripped the Slant Detection when I was messing with the wiring. All I can say is thank goodness I have this CANDoo Pro reader to clear the alarm. Without it, there's no reasonable option to deal with it.

[musubi]

I've been working on my new auxiliary gas tank lately. All aluminum, 13 gallons, made to fit in the front hatch with still sufficient storage for my other gear. Just reworking some of my welds, but otherwise ready to use. It'll tie back into my stock gas vent line. The shape of this tank is just crazy. All odd angles. It's made so I can easily put it in or take it out, but also sit comfortably next to the stock tank. I don't plan to fill it to the 13 gallons yet. I'll likely use it with 6 gallons on the norm as that's enough safety for me.

I also installed the GC Jet Ski Rod Holder for the seat. I chose the 6 pole holder since I no longer have the rear plastic storage (for the engine flush).

https://www.gcjetskifishing.com/collections/gc-jetski-fishing-accessories/products/rear-seat-rod-holders-deluxe-kit-fx-series-2019-2020?variant=41605747900568

I just finished up installing a Rule 900 GPH bilge setup. https://www.westmarine.com/rule-indu...-15038078.html
I installed this switch panel with it as well: https://www.amazon.com/Amp-Breaker-Auto-Bilge-Pump/dp/B004UOTQRU/ref=sr_1_6?crid=35L8EL62JRBC9&keywords=bilge+pump+ panel&qid=1677000918&sprefix=bilge+pump+pan%2Caps% 2C876&sr=8-6

Gotta say, it was hard having to cut a hole for the water exit. I don't normally like putting holes if I don't have to, but given the conditions I ride in, it's safer to have it.
I fabbed and welded a mount for this switch to sit on my other cup holder. I did this so I didn't need to drill or cut any holes in the ski.

I know this is "worthless without pics", but I'll update soon with them. It's just my work area is so messy.

[K447]

- auxiliary gas tank lately. All aluminum, 13 gallons - use it with 6 gallons on the norm as that's enough safety for me. -

How does the fuel transfer from the aux tank to the OEM primary fuel tank?

[musubi]

How does the fuel transfer from the aux tank to the OEM primary fuel tank?

It'll siphon gas through the stock air vent. It'll be the same setup I had with the 6 gallon aux tank where it used the aux tank up first, then the stock tank.

[K447]

It'll siphon gas through the stock air vent.

- same setup I had with the 6 gallon aux tank where it used the aux tank up first, then the stock tank.

Tip: Always fill up the main tank if you also want it to draw fuel from the auxiliary fuel tank.

If the main tank is only partially filled it will have a large air space above the fuel. That air volume will diminish the degree of suction developed as the main tank fuel level descends and can significantly reduce the amount of fuel drawn from the aux tank.

The smaller the air pocket in the main tank the more effective the aux tank fuel transfer will be.

Also do not open the gas cap for the main tank until the aux tank has completed transfer during your ride. The negative air pressure will be lost and the transfer will cease.

I expect you already know this, but worthwhile to include the info for others who may not know.

[K447]

… 2022 Yamaha FX HO WaveRunner, bought new …

Mods/Info
…
Custom Auxiliary Fuel Tank - 6 Gallon Scepter tank located in the bow.



This picture shows fitment only, but my setup has since been completed. ...

I installed my own vent that ties into the stock Yamaha vent with check valve. This works amazing. A lot of work went into this, but it's complete and functional.

I've since added padded material around this tank and strapped it down using existing hooks….

Would you be able to post photos of the finished project?

I am curious on the details for the tank padding and hold down method.

And how exactly the auxiliary tank venting ties in with the factory tank vent system

[musubi]

Would you be able to post photos of the finished project?

I am curious on the details for the tank padding and hold down method.

And how exactly the auxiliary tank venting ties in with the factory tank vent system

I've been meaning to respond with pictures since you wrote, but I'm in the middle of adjusting this aux tank system and things are changing a little.

First off, I had been trying to transition to a larger tank I custom built, but it's going to take a bit longer before that happens. Until then, I'm working with the 6 gallon aux. Scepter tank.

For the tank padding, I just used my left over Hydroturf material and covered the bottom and sides where I could. That material has worked out great so far providing extra grip mainly. To strap it down, I use a cam strap that wraps around one of the existing metal strap holders for the stock tank, goes over the tank, then wraps around a similar metal strap holder for the fire extinguisher. The single strap has been more than adequate as it really just needs to keep it from moving vertically.

For my new tank, it technically holds 13 gallons, but I was a little concerned with actually filling it up and putting all that weight up front. SO, my new plan is to keep about 6 to 8 gallons in my front aux tank, then pump over more gas from the back to replenish, keeping in mind to add gas before the aux tank gets depleted. For pumping the gas, I've installed the following:

https://flowjoe.com/products/gasguzzler

For the times that I know I'll be pumping from the rear, I'll bypass the check valve so it'll allow air to vent while I fill.

It pumps up to 1.2 gallons a minute, which is actually quite fast and doesn't eat up my "house" battery much. This pump is mounted in the hull and easily reaches and feeds front to back. It actually runs off a wireless remote too. That said, my plan is to remove the wireless system and install a manual switch as I don't want to deal with remote batteries or the wireless system malfunctioning or something.

I currently have 3 gallon Rotopax tanks that I'll strap to the back and fill on the water when I need to.

To connect my vent and the gas feed line, I use brass bulkhead fittings on the Scepter tank, being careful to keep any debris or shavings from my drilling out of the tank during installation. The fittings are meant to accept 1/4" NTP threading, and I just screw in an appropriate barbed fitting. I've been using 3M 5200 as sort of a sealer and gasket on the outside even though it's not the most appropriate.

Otherwise, I've since installed a fuse block and an auto charger for both my lithium batteries.

https://www.bluesea.com/products/5025/ST_Blade_Fuse_Block_-_6_Circuits_with_Negative_Bus_and_Cover

https://www.bluesea.com/products/7601/m-Series__Automatic_Charging_Relay_-_12_24V_DC_65A

https://no.co/nlp20

I must say, the ski starts a bit better with the lithium for some reason. Like, I can hear it turn over faster during startup.

I also need to adjust my transducer as it's sticking too far below the hull and causing my ski to list lazily over to the right, haha. And it's actually cut down my top speed 3 mph, not that I do much high speed runs.

[musubi]

Would you be able to post photos of the finished project?

I am curious on the details for the tank padding and hold down method.

And how exactly the auxiliary tank venting ties in with the factory tank vent system

I took some pictures this morning of the setup and things I've recently added.

The below picture is how my 6 gallon aux tank is rigged. For the time being, I purposely bypassed the stock check valve and connected my aux vent line to the water separator. I did this because I need the aux tank to vent out while I pump gas in.





This is my new fuel pump that I use to transfer fuel from my containers in the back to the front aux tank. The aluminum plate is attached to the same bolts I'm using for my seat straps, so no additional holes.

https://jettech.com/collections/board-accessories/products/jet-ski-seat-straps-handle

I'm running a house battery to power everything I'm adding. I don't want anything not-stock touching my main battery. All batteries were changed to lithium ion. This m-acr will charge both batteries and I've wired it to isolate the house battery upon cranking to avoid any power spikes. I've also wired an inline switch to turn the m-acr off when I'm not riding since there is a light power draw.



With all the crap I'm adding, I added this fuse block:


These are 3 gallon rotopax containers that fit very nicely along the back hand grips. I pump fuel from these to the aux tank.



This is just a picture of my mount for my bilge pump control. I leave it on Auto when I ride.



For those that know how the aux tank works, there's one humbug thing I need to remember. If I plan to refuel using my new fuel transfer pump, I need to fill the aux tank before it runs out. So I've been filling it at around 1 gallon left. This is the reason I'll be installing a new custom tank that's a little larger than the 6 gallon tank.

Just to give you an idea, using the aux tank and two rotopax containers (so 12 extra gallons), my gauge still read full after a 60 mile round trip in rough water, packing two people (including me), fishing gear, a cooler of ice, my 50 lb tow board, and all of my dive gear (weights, guns, fins, etc). I have yet to refill to find out exactly how much I used. I'm guessing around 15 gallons I used (based on what I visually see what's left in my tank). So I still had about 14 usable gallons left.

[musubi]

I've since replaced the bilge pump switch to a rocker type and installed push buttons for my night time running lights and fuel pump setup. So no wireless control.
I also finally finished my custom auxiliary fuel tank that fits nicely up front. Holds 11 gallons with air to spare. With the 3 x 3 gallon rotopax containers, I now have an additional 20 gallons of fuel that I can access and pump in open water. I haven't calced my range yet, but I can touch anywhere I want to now. I could technically even island hop.

For anyone wondering, I do also have a 22 ft boat than can also go anywhere, but with this ski, I can get to places very fast and much cheaper than a boat.