www.iFourWinns.com

Hi All,

The previous owner of my '98 278 Vista told me that he originally had some issues with water getting into the generator engine. The theory was the water was backing up the exhaust thru-hull when launching the boat. It kind of makes sense since the thru-hull and generator are below the water line for the short time when the boat hasn't floated off the trailer yet. There is no siphon break installed. The remedy was to stuff a raquet ball into the thru-hull while launching, which he claims solved the problem.

Plugging the thru-hull, I haven't had any issues in the short time I've had the boat, but that is an easy thing to forget and I certainly don't want to find out the hard way when there's probably a better solution.

I was going to install the siphon break to be safe, but I'm not sure that would stop the exhaust hose water from backing up the exhaust. It seems in that case a check valve in the exhaust hose would be a better solution. Has anyone else heard of this problem or know of anyone installing a check valve?

Thanks!

_________________
USCG 50 Ton Master Inland/OUPV Endorsement+Towing

1998 278 Vista - Twin 4.3 GLs, Kohler 4KW Gen, AC/Heat.
1999 Yamaha Waverunner SUV
2003 Yamaha Waverunner SUV w/MR-1 HO conversion

I would call a couple of business that routinely install and service marine generators and ask their advice. I would like to think that the exhaust of a generator isn't that "fragile" to water from the outside of the boat for a brief moment.

_________________
Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

I thought I'd provide an update in case anyone else hears of this problem. I ordered the Kohler vented loop and installed it above the generator just below the deck so that it was always above the water line. It was a pretty easy install. I had to fab a bracket to mount it on. No problems and best of all - no more racquetball to plug the thru-hull...

Joe

_________________
USCG 50 Ton Master Inland/OUPV Endorsement+Towing

1998 278 Vista - Twin 4.3 GLs, Kohler 4KW Gen, AC/Heat.
1999 Yamaha Waverunner SUV
2003 Yamaha Waverunner SUV w/MR-1 HO conversion

Great!. Thanks for the update

_________________
Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"