the information contained above is located below in simple format.
Reduce Exhaust Noise up to 75%
Reduce Carbon Monoxide up to 90%
Does not interfere with boat handling or performance.
Does not change the shape of the wake.
Carbon Monoxide
Performance
Videos
Prices
Installation
More Information
Reports
Testimonials
Purchase
Also:
Independent testing has shown that Fresh Air Exhaust reduces boat engine exhaust noise by as much as 75%. That is equivalent to the noise between a coffee grinder and normal conversation.
An independent study by the Centers for Disease Control, conducted for the U.S. Coast Guard, reported that Fresh Air Exhaust reduced boat carbon monoxide up to 90%
Frequently, after a day on the lake, we feel irritable, nauseous, or have a headache. We typically blame the sun, the wind, the beer, a hard fall, or simply exhaustion. We may be experiencing the subtle toxic effects of Carbon Monoxide. Engine exhaust which contains Carbon Monoxide can enter a boat due to the station wagon effect; the exhaust is pulled from the back of the boat to inside.
The station wagon effect in boats is aggravated by:
- Traveling slowly (No Wake Zone)
- A tailwind (a strong breeze from behind)
- More weight in the rear of the boat (V-Drive boats, Wakeboarding, and Wake Surfing)
The effects of Carbon Monoxide are cumulative; the longer your exposure, the greater the health risk. Inboard boats are inherently safe, yet they all produce dangerous levels of Carbon Monoxide; even boats with Ultra Low Emission engines.
Children, the elderly, and anyone with asthma or other lung condition are especially vulnerable.
Pregnant women need to be extra cautious because the developing fetus is particularly susceptible to Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
The following graph shows average Carbon Monoxide levels at 10 mph. The red lines show the levels of Carbon Monoxide with a standard exhaust. The level at the swim platform was measured at 320 ppm average. The small green lines show the levels of Carbon Monoxide with Fresh Air Exhaust installed; these levels were 1 ppm average.
The very high Carbon Monoxide levels measured at the swim platform are of concern because this concentrated exhaust can be drawn into the boat due to the station wagon effect.
The Carbon Monoxide reduction with Fresh Air Exhaust is ASTONISHING.
On many boats, Fresh Air Exhaust improves the boat engine's low speed torque for improved acceleration and power.
There is a slight reduction of top speed with the typical boat losing one-half to one and one-half mph at top speed.
Fuel consumption is unchanged.
Boat handling is unchanged.
The boat's wake is unchanged for slalom, wakeboarding and wake surfing.
To view a video of Fresh Air Exhaust injecting exhaust into the propwash, click here.
To view an underwater video of Fresh Air Exhaust, click here.
Installation
Click here to see Installation Instructions
Click here if you need to provide us with measurements of your boat.
Does FAE interfere with boat handling?
No.
Does FAE interfere with my slalom, wakeboard or surf wake?
No. Our customers report no change in their wake at all speeds (see Testimonials).
Do I have to remove FAE to wakeboard?
No. Once you install it, you can forget it. You will want to check occasionally to confirm that all mountings are tight, but other than that, you can ignore it.
Can I still trailer my boat with FAE installed?
Yes.
Do I have to modify my existing exhaust system to mount FAE?
There is no modification of your exhaust system required. Simply remove the flapper and replace it with the FAE components. The original flapper is easily replaced if FAE is later removed.
Do I have to drill holes in my boat to mount FAE?
For most boats, 4 small holes are drilled on the underside of the swim platform. Some Nautiques require holes drilled through the transom.
Does FAE interfere with engine performance?
Based upon our studies and reports from our customers, you may experience up to 2 mph loss at top speed. We have also seen improved low end torque for faster acceleration. Our testing also shows that fuel consumption remains unchanged.
With FAE, the boat goes from 2 exhaust outlets down to 1 outlet that is underwater. Why doesn't that reduce engine performance?
Boat exhaust systems are typically larger than necessary. Compare the diameter of a boat's exhaust pipes to a car with a comparable V8 engine. The car's tail pipe is typically about 2.5 to 2.75 inches in diameter, and there is just one of them. Most boat tail pipes are 3 inches in diameter and there are two of them. In addition, exhaust gasses flow more efficiently if they are swirling as opposed to going straight. We surmise that FAE causes the exhaust gasses to swirl when they go through the first 90-degree bend and again when the gasses meet at the tee. As the exhaust exits the pipe into the water, the water may also be sucking the exhaust out of the system as well. We continue to research FAE so that we fully understand why it works so well; but that is what's important - that it works so well.
What does FAE do to exhaust backpressure?
On the boats we have tested, FAE increased backpressure slightly or decreased backpressure slightly at all normal operating speeds. At wide-open throttle (WOT), backpressure increases approximately 1 psi bringing the total backpressure to just less than 3 psi. Again, this only occurs at WOT. If you back off the throttle by 100-200 rpm, the backpressure drops below 2 psi.
Can I still do roundabouts?
Probably. A roundabout is an extremely rapid turn that inboard boats are capable of; most people never do them. FAE are designed to slip loose if you should strike an obstruction but stay in place in all other normal operating conditions. We design the mounting brackets to allow FAE to swing away if something is struck; consequently, due to the "violent" nature of a roundabout, FAE may come loose.
If the FAE becomes loose, is it difficult to re-attach?
No. If the boat is on a trailer, you can re-position and tighten FAE with a screwdriver in a couple of minutes.
My boat has an "Ultra Low Emissions" engine. Is there still a risk of CO poisoning?
The Ultra Low Emissions standards do NOT cover Carbon Monoxide. So far, we have only conducted a brief test of CO concentrations behind an Ultra Low Emissions rated boat and the CO concentrations appeared to be as high as any other inboard boat that we've tested. If you have an Ultra Low Emissions boat, do not be lulled into a false sense of security; your engine still produces lethal levels of CO.
What is covered under the FAE warranty?
The warranty covers the materials and workmanship from defects. The warranty excludes any rubber grommets or sleeves and the finish (paint). Impact damage would also void the warranty. FAE are constructed from 16-gauge type 304 stainless steel; they are tough. If you were to strike a log floating on the water, there will probably be no damage to the FAE. A rock strike may damage the FAE.
Will FAE interfere with my boat warranty?
No boat manufacturer has stated a warranty issue with FAE. Calabria, the first boat manufacturer to receive certification from Mercruiser, has shipped FAE installed on their boat. If concerned, have your boat dealer perform the installation.
How do I obtain measurements for installation?
We continually add to our list of boats for which we already have dimensions. If your boat is not yet on our list, we will have you obtain the measurements for us. Please click here to see the instructions on how to measure your boat for Fresh Air Exhaust. Print the Measurements page, write the data, and call or email us with that data.
Is installation easy; how do I install FAE?
Installation is not difficult as long as you have the following tools and the knowledge of how to use them:
Slot screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
Wrench set or adjustable wrench
Hacksaw
We suggest you allow at least 2 hours for the install.
For detailed installation instructions, click here.
I recently installed the FAE system on my 2004 Malibu Sunsetter Lxi. I needed to reduce the noise level on my boat as the neighbors on my small lake were upset about our early morning weekend slalom course skiing. The installation was easy, the support was great and the noise level of the boat is down considerably. No more complaints. The slalom wake is not affected, nor is the handling or acceleration.
DG
Since installing Fresh Air Exhaust my boat is 75% quieter and the handling has been transparent. I don't even know that it's there. I am also greatly relieved that the issue of CO has been virtually solved. The passengers in the rear of my boat are safer than ever before.
Michael McDonald-Low
Publisher, Adventure Publications
... The wakeboard wake is unchanged and exhaust noise is much less noticeable. Wake surfing is a new pleasure now. The exhaust fumes are eliminated and we are no longer sucking on 'em. Exhaust noise is greatly reduced and is very easy to talk to the person surfing, and the stereo is much easier to hear. I am extremely pleased with the pipes performance, construction and finish. Thanks for your professional customer service. I would not be the least bit hesitant in recommending a Fresh Air Exhaust. Great product!
Michael Gilbert
Georgetown, TX
Been surfing a lot lately; what a blast. I tell people that want to start wakesurfing to get one of your exhaust systems. It works so well I almost forget it's even there. When I purchased my newest boat I had a Fresh Air Exhaust put on it also.
George
San Antonio, Texas
I installed the Fresh Air Exhaust and boy what a difference....it really works! Also, included pictures of the Surf Skate.....it's a blast!! I'm thinking about selling my boat and upgrading....so I'll need another Fresh Air Exhaust!!
Thanks for all you do!!
Mike Counce
Cordova, TN
CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING TO VIEW THE REPORT
CARBON MONOXIDE
Carbon Monoxide Exposure Associated With Towed Watersports
Carbon Monoxide Emissions and Exposures on Recreational Boats - Lake Norman
NOISE HEALTH RISK
Noise burden and the risk of myocardial infarction
Acute effects of noise on blood pressure and heart rate
Chronic effects of workplace noise on blood pressure and heart rate