2014 SX190 Build Thread - Off Grid - [PIC HEAVY]

[JBehrens]

It’s been over a year since I picked up the 190, I had every intention of starting a build thread sooner but life had got in the way. After seeing the threads of @Hoyt , @fvcoachv and others it was finally time to start one for my 2014 SX190. (got a whole year and then some of mods to catch up on so please bear with me on the long post or two). This thread will likely be super picture heavy so here is your warning in advance, also going to be posting as many links as possible.

March 30, 2019. Day 1, and so it begins. After ~2 years of looking at boats, I finally pulled the trigger on @merlinjet 's 2014 Yacht Blue SX190 with only 51 hours. Took her for a celebratory cruise then it was time to get to work.



Mod 1: New Battery/Second Battery Install
First thing was the battery, I am slightly paranoid about having a dead battery on the water/really like redundancy when it comes to the essentials and needed to provide a solid platform to drive the stereo. Having read the debates about DVSR setup and house/start battery isolation, I decided to keep it simple and go with a two battery switch from BEP Marine. Opting to keep the existing, fairly new group 24 as the second battery while picking up a group 31 AGM from Sam’s Club.

DVSR Debate: https://jetboaters.net/threads/single-engine-two-batteries-will-it-stay-charged.21441/

BEP Switch: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NI3EXY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
2G AWG Battery Cables: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SFXV5GW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Group31 Battery Tray: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A3I2SL8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Duracell Group 31 DeepCycle AGM: Duracell AGM Deep Cycle Marine and RV Battery - Group Size 31 - Sam's Club



Mod 2: Aluminum Trailer
The painted trailer was a major downside and would have been toast after one trip in the saltwater. Did some research and talked with @AZ Native who recommended Kokopelli Trailers out of Phoenix, Arizona. After a few calls and quotes, they built a custom all aluminum trailer for the 190. This thing rocks, Uriah and his team really know how to build trailers and set out with a high level of craftsmanship that is backed by a lifetime warranty. I didn’t know how much of a difference the trailer would make but it really is a huge difference. Makes use in the saltwater/long river trips easy.

Kokopelli Trailers – Custom Boat Trailers

Did a single day turnaround trip to Phoenix to pickup the trailer. Made the transfer at Lake Perris a few weeks later.


Mod 3: JL Audio
I love music. High quality audio is really important to me so the stereo got some attention without breaking the bank. Yes I know JL is expensive but I wanted to install something that was going to last and provide fantastic sound so JL was the clear winner. Went with a pair of MX650’s for the bow, MX770’s for the cockpit (area around the fiberglass is easy to enlarge in the cockpit but MX770’s will not fit in the bow) a single MX10IB sub and a M600/6 to power everything. Decided to upgrade the head unit to the Kenwood KMR-M325BT, best bang for the buck head unit on the water IMO, all digital design with no measurable distortion at full volume means that anyone in the boat can turn it all the way up without hurting the system. Called Creative Audio and got good pricing on a package of JL equipment (thanks @Dean P and @B Frank for the recommendation).

Tips/Lessons learned: 1. It might be me but IB subs and the 190 just don’t play well, not a lot of room for installation and my location of the helm console flexes a ton during bass heavy songs and does not allow the sub to hit as low as it can. 2. Common grounds are key, had this horrible buzz until I moved the ground from the stereo HU to the amp (thanks @swatski for the fix). 3. Fiberglass sucks and it takes weeks to clean it all up.

Overall result: One good sounding boat.

JL Conversation: https://jetboaters.net/threads/are-jl-amps-worth-it-options-for-non-ib-subs.21434/
Sub Location: https://jetboaters.net/threads/where-to-put-the-subwoofer-on-a-sx190.21655/
Fixing the hiss: https://jetboaters.net/threads/houston-we-got-a-hiss.22791/

JL MX650: JL Audio MX650-CCX-SG-TB: 6.5-inch (165 mm) Cockpit Coaxial System Titanium Sport Grilles
JL MX770: JL Audio MX770-CCX-SG-TB: 7.7-inch (196 mm) Cockpit Coaxial System Titanium Sport Grilles
JL MX10IB: JL Audio MX10IB3-SG-TB: 10-inch (250 mm) Marine Subwoofer Driver Titanium Sport Grilles 4 Ω
JL M600/6: JL Audio M600/6: 6 Ch. Class D Full-Range Marine Amplifier 600 W
Kenwood KMR-M325BT: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P6DH4PP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Kenwood Remote: Amazon.com: Kenwood KCA-RC35MR Remote for KMR700U/550U/350U: Sports & Outdoors
Bluetooth Remote: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FBQ3PCF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Marine Power/Speaker wire: KnuKonceptz - Home and Mobile audio accessories, including amp installation kits and speaker wire
Blue Seas 150Amp breaker: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051OWRHE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
SMD DD1 Tuner (YES it is worth it): SMD Distortion Detector DD-1
Fiberglass, OH CRAP I’M ABOUT TO CUT HOLES IN MY BOAT, Cutting Encouragement: Mountain Cold Refreshment. Made to Chill │ Coors Light

Installed the 150A breaker and ran 4G OFC power wire into the batteries

Mounted the M600/6 to the wall behind the bow back rest using 1inch bolts and acorn nuts, (had to drill out the seat back to make room but it works).

Installed the remote at the helm

Made some holes...

Best advise for drilling from @Drift Away :


Mod 4: BBQ
It’s the first weekend lake trip of the season and I need a BBQ. As nice as the Magma Newport looks, I just can’t justify the price tag and need to add a single use mount to the boat. So $30 Colman camping stove it is! This thing works well and takes up almost no space in the boat, for a cheap way to grill you can’t go wrong.

Camp Stove: https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-2000020943NP-Classic-Propane-Stove/dp/B00005OU9D/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QFV13FVGA7X0&dchild=1&keywords=colman+camp+stove&qid=1591681398&sprefix=colamn+cam,aps,215&sr=8-1



Trip: Lake Mohave Guys Trip 2019
Lessons Learned: in a pinch, when a friends trailer has a broken break and ends up in the shop, you can fit 7 guys and all their stuff on the 190 without having a single bag or unnecessary item out on the deck. This boat really holds a ton of stuff.


Mod 5: Battery Charger
Did some research and picked up a ProMariner ProSport 12 duel battery charger/maintainer. Looked like the best way to go. I didn’t want it to take up a ton of space to have to be in the engine compartment so I crawled into the storage where the batteries are and installed it on the wall of the compartment. There truly is a ton of room to put stuff in this boat. Used 3/4” nylon spacers to keep it off the carpet.

PorSport Charger: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BSRLPW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Not the most accessible install location but it's out of the way.


Trip: Lake Mohave June Trip 2019
Lessons learned: When your buddies show up and say “hey we are going to run 8 miles up lake and have lunch” and that 8 miles is not accounted for in your fuel budget, you say no and stay to your beach to avoid running out of gas in sight of the fuel dock. E=Empty…

Mod 6: Flags
Had to add some flags to the boat, went with zip ties to the canopy. Two required flags on the water:

Old Glory (super durable): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CB2J2DL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
JB.net flag: Jet Boaters 12"x18" One Sided Flag

Sorry don't have a good picture of the flags flying


Trip: Lake Powell 2019
Boat was awesome out at Powell, lost a fair amount of top end and loaded down could not get on plane so a modified impeller may be in the works for next time.
For House Boat Towing: Got two clamps from HomeDepot and clamped off the water lines to the engine, set the throttle to full so the bucket would be open and not build back pressure. Had no issues after 8 hours behind the house boat.



End of 2019 Season
Took one last trip in October and with that the 2019 season came to a close and the boat was put into storage for the winter. It was a good season, now onto 2020!

 

[JBehrens]

2020 Mods!
With everything going on in the world, it took a little while to get the boat out of storage and start the season. Laughlin was a ghost town, crazy to see. Had to do a single turnaround trip to pickup the boat. Due to everything, most of the early season trips had to be canceled, leaving local boating and a lot of time for projects.


Mod 7: RideSteady GPS Speed Control
This has been on the list for a while so when the group buy happened in February was the perfect excuse. Install took an afternoon and was super easy took a few hours. Simply put this mod is awesome. Thanks @Ridesteady

Install Video:

Mod 8: RTV Drain Plugs/Water in Ski Locker
Last season, mainly while at Lake Powell, I noticed a lot of water gathering in the center ski locker. Since I have yet to find boards that fit in the locker, I opt to use it to store lines, tubes, anchors, ect. First ran a test by filling the bilge and tilting the trailer. Water flowed in from around the drain plug, it looks like water is also able to get in through the anchor locker as it drains directly into the ski locker. To stop the intrusion, I used RTV silicone to seal the drain plug and filled the anchor drain hole with RTV.

Permatex RTV: Amazon.com: Permatex 80050 Clear RTV Silicone Adhesive Sealant, 3 oz: Automotive



Mod 9: LED Light Install
We do a lot of night boating so the LED’s are a big addition. Rob’s install video got me hooked on OPT7. The goal of the install was to not have any visible holes and I think I got close to that by removing seat cushions to add wire holes. I bought a few kits from OPT7 (opted for the traditional remote controllers as opposed to the bluetooth ones). One controller would power accent lights under the side cushions of the seats and the other would power compartment lights and deck lights. I swapped the stock cockpit light switch for a NAV/Anchor switch from New Wire Marine so that I can easily control power to both controllers.

Rob's Install Video:

OPT7 Boat LED Kit (24inch): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZJV5BYK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
OPT7 Car LED Kit (12inch): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OU5LOT2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
OPT7 12inch Expansion Pack: Robot Check
OPT7 4inch Expansion Pack: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XBFN2JW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
NewWire Marine Switch: Nav Anc Rocker Switch | Carling Contura II | Illuminated | New Wire Marine
NewWire Marine 15A Circuit Breaker: Marine Circuit Breaker | Fuse Replacement | New Wire Marine

Mounted the controllers behind the glove box with 3M command strips

Mounted the 4" inside all of the compartments including engine

Along the sides

On the deck


By the throttle

End Result:


Mod 10: 100Hr Service
After a little debate, I decided to do the 100hr service myself. Boat was right at 100.9 hours. Amsoil was the winner for both oil and filters, I know there is a debate but it’s the way I went and it’s working out so far.

Lessons learned: Don’t ever trust the level app on your phone, you will come to find out that the engine was not actually level and you overfilled the engine by almost 1/2 a quart and now you have to pull some oil/are debating draining the oil to be safe.

50 to 100 hour oil report: https://jetboaters.net/threads/oil-analysis-report-100-hours-sx190.26949/

Lumax Vacuum Pump: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0059HK8JW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Permatex Anti-Seize: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FW7VGE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Plug Socket: Robot Check
Grease Gun: Robot Check
Lucas Oil Marine Grease: https://www.amazon.com/Lucas-Oil-10320-Marine-Cartridge/dp/B005973H5Y/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2A1XJV15L2G7A&dchild=1&keywords=lucas+marine+grease&qid=1591719728&sprefix=lucus+mari,aps,199&sr=8-1
NGK LFR6A Spark Plugs: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PGPVQFL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Amsoil 10W-40 (4q): AMSOIL 10W-40 Synthetic Marine Engine Oil WCFQT-EA - AMSOIL
Amsoil EAOM134 Oil Filter: AMSOIL EaOM Motorcycle Oil Filters EAOM134-EA - AMSOIL



Mod 11: Trim Tabs
This one was stressful, got the tabs during the group buy and was really looking forward to having them. The alignment and installation proved to be a project, with a fair amount of debate on where the tabs should be mounted @Dean P helped a ton with the confirmation of placement on the tabs. It’s a tight fit on the 190 and my install is far from perfect but they do work and are a huge help with getting the boat on plane. The trailer made placement to the side impossible so close center was the only way to go. Drilling the holes isn’t difficult but I think @Betik said it best:


Thanks to @gthh for setting up the group buy, tabs would have been out of the question if it was not for the pricing.

LectroTab 12x9 with short throw actuators and MLC-1: Electromechanical Trim Tab Systems | Lectrotab
#14 1-1/4” stainless self tapers: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Y744Q5K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1
3M 5200 Fast Cure: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000AY6CA/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
Liquid Encouragement: American Light - Hangar 24 Craft Brewing


PPE for drilling:

End Result:


Mod 12: Rejex/Season Detailing
Ok it’s not really a mod but dang the boat looks so good with two coats of Rejex. (Yes I did crawl under the boat to apply on every bit of exposed gelcoat). Cleaned the interior with magic erasers and Boat Bling’s Vinyl Sauce, this combo worked the best for bringing the white back. Only downside is the magic erasers tent to get shredded on the textured vinyl. Applied Aerospace 303 to protect. It’s really hard to tell how dirty the boat is until you go to clean it.

Wash Mitts: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011B25IXY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Wash Brush: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009IK9DG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Poor mans foam cannon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JMYPWP4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Rejex: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006V0LNY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Boat Bath: Boat Bath marine wash and shine soap
Aerospace 303: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XBCURW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
Blingsauce Vinyl: Vinyl Sauce
Blingsauce Hot Sauce: Hot Sauce
Microfiber Towels: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GARQKII/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A2GJO1HPL58EDF&psc=1
Magic Erasers: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08492Q875/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1



Well that should get me caught up so far, not sure if anyone will actually make it through this post as it is quite lengthy so my apologies for that.
Happy Boating!
-JB

 

[Epsmith19]

Great work

 

[merlinjet]

Mods look great! You've been busy this past year!

 

[fvcoachv]

Great posts! I am definitely going to get to work on a few of your mods, especially when it comes to the amp and battery.

Heading to Laughlin this Friday so hope it picks up. I think we use the same storage to in Needles too.

 

[JBehrens]

Great posts! I am definitely going to get to work on a few of your mods, especially when it comes to the amp and battery.

Heading to Laughlin this Friday so hope it picks up. I think we use the same storage to in Needles too.

Yep, Oasis out in Needles, the best. Let me know what it's like out there, I got a trip planned for next weekend.

If you need any help with stereo or battery let me know.

 

[fvcoachv]

Yep, Oasis out in Needles, the best. Let me know what it's like out there, I got a trip planned for next weekend.

If you need any help with stereo or battery let me know.

Will do!

Yeah trying to do my mods in my storage is rough. I’ll probably bring it home for a couple weeks since I’m going back to the Avi at the end of the month.

Still need to add my amp, wet sounds stealth sub, 2nd battery, rear table mount, and a good wax job that shines up like what you just did.

 

[merlinjet]

Yep, Oasis out in Needles, the best. Let me know what it's like out there, I got a trip planned for next weekend.

If you need any help with stereo or battery let me know.

Laughlin casinos and hotels are open and the tourists are starting to find their way back. Beaches from Davis Camp to Rotary Park are packed on the weekends in spite of "capacity restrictions". Lake Havasu looked totally totally back to normal last weekend. Restaurants and bars open but SD is limiting capacity so expect lines to get in.

 

[JBehrens]

Will do!

Yeah trying to do my mods in my storage is rough. I’ll probably bring it home for a couple weeks since I’m going back to the Avi at the end of the month.

Still need to add my amp, wet sounds stealth sub, 2nd battery, rear table mount, and a good wax job that shines up like what you just did.

Ya doing mods in storage can be difficult, especially if you have a group with you waiting to get on the water. Easier to do things at home just in case it turns into a two day project.

 

[JBehrens]

Laughlin casinos and hotels are open and the tourists are starting to find their way back. Beaches from Davis Camp to Rotary Park are packed on the weekends in spite of "capacity restrictions". Lake Havasu looked totally totally back to normal last weekend. Restaurants and bars open but SD is limiting capacity so expect lines to get in.

Good to know, have you been out at Mohave at all? Wonder what the lake is looking like on the weekends..

 

[Ridesteady]

@JBehrens thanks for the shoutout! Man, that boat is modded-out. Great work!!!

BTW, that's a great install video for anyone looking to install Ridesteady on an SX190!

 

[Hoyt]

Read every word my friend. Looking super good. I'm interested to know if those tabs can help add a wave shaper as well

 

[JBehrens]

Read every word my friend. Looking super good. I'm interested to know if those tabs can help add a wave shaper as well

Without ballast in the boat, the tabs do nothing for surfing. I am looking at ordering the transom bag from Fatsac + some more weight in the boat and the tabs might help a little but we shall see.

 

[Jwiley]

Good Write-Up!

 

[jgourlie]

Very detailed. Thanks for this!

 

[JBehrens]

Mod 13: L13 Pump Cone

Installed the L13 pump cone today, decided to go big and bore out the venturi from 85mm to ~87.5mm with 12mm of spacers on the cone (Swatski's recommendation for the 190). Used a disk sander on the drill, took a little time but was easy. Ended up breaking the bucket cable on reassembly so testing will have to wait. Need to go part hunting.

Yamaha 6S5-5111K-00-00 O Ring
L13 Cone: https://rivaracing.com/i-20765822-lucky-13-pump-cone-yamaha-sho-ho.html
EPNOC: https://rivaracing.com/i-24077621-yamalube-epnoc-jet-pump-grease.html
Permatex Thread Sealant: Amazon.com: Permatex 59214 High Temperature Thread Sealant, 6 ml Tube, Pack of 1: Automotive
Loctite 518 Flange Sealant: Amazon.com: 518 Gasket Sealant 50 mL Tube: Industrial & Scientific
Flap Wheel Sander: Amazon.com: DEWALT Flap Wheel, 3-Inch x 1-Inch x 1/4-Inch HP, 240-Grit (DAFE1H2410): Home Improvement
Cheap Calipers: Amazon.com: VINCA DCLA-0605 Quality Electronic Digital Vernier Caliper Inch/Metric/Fractions Conversion 0-6 Inch/150 mm Stainless Steel Body Red/Black Extra Large LCD Screen Auto Off Featured Measuring Tool: Home Improvement


Sanded to 87.5mm and installed the L13

Broke the bucket cable... ?

 

[jjmparsons]

Great info here. Any chance you have any relatives here in the Huntsville Al area? Guy I have had the pleasure to recently work with here locally has the same last name and its not a common one so I figured Id ask. =)

 

[JBehrens]

Great info here. Any chance you have any relatives here in the Huntsville Al area? Guy I have had the pleasure to recently work with here locally has the same last name and its not a common one so I figured Id ask. =)

Interesting, no family in AL that I know of, most of my family is California and Texas. The name is definitely not common though.

 

[YamaNoob]

Great post!! Have some questions regarding the Kenwood remotes.

1. What size wire did you use for them?
2. Did you run power and ground to the battery? What guage?
3. Did you run the helm one the same?

Thanks,

YamaN00B

 

[JBehrens]

Great post!! Have some questions regarding the Kenwood remotes.

1. What size wire did you use for them?
2. Did you run power and ground to the battery? What guage?
3. Did you run the helm one the same?

Thanks,

YamaN00B

Sorry for the delay, been out at Powell for a week.

To answer your questions,

1. I used 16AWG wire for the remote (reused an old pice of truck wiring harness that had 9x 16AWG conductors, ran it from helm to port stoarage for stereo remote and LED's)
2. Power was tapped off the power to the head unit, everything stereo on my boat has a direct line to the battery with one home run on a 150amp breaker. My setup goes 0AWG battery wire to main battery switch, then 2AWG 1ft jump to the 150amp stereo breaker then ~15ft of 4AWG 100% OFC cable to the JL Amp with the head unit sharing power from the amp (both power and ground need to be shared and have a direct line to the batter not the factory fuse box <- this prevents unwanted noise). Remote lines are all 16AWG for the ground, control, and power.
3. I only ran power to the amp then everything separate from there, if thats what you are asking? I don't have a power home run to the helm with a fuse box or anything like that.

Hope that helps