2017 AR240 Ridesteady Install

[Kolban]

Ridesteady was easy to install, it took me about 4 hours. Being 6'5 and 250lbs, the hardest part for me was doing the work behind the console. Everything else was extremely easy. I just followed the instruction manual and looked at the install pics online from other users. I have not been able to test it (Other than it powers on and shows no errors) because everything is still frozen outside. I am looking forward to using this system our first time out. Hopefully I can get a good ride finally! I am glad I went with Ridesteady instead of the other option out there.

 

[adrianp89]

What does this do that the cruise on the boat doesn't do?

 

[Kolban]

I haven't used the new system yet, so I can't speak from experience, but this will keep the boat at a precise speed. It is GPS based unlike the stock cruise that is RPM based. The stock cruise in my experience is very hard to keep at a steady speed especially while towing. I was usually able to get a fairly consistent speed with constant adjustment with the stock cruise, but every time I wanted to go out wakeboarding the driver didn't have the experience to keep a steady speed using the cruise. I was always being towed way to fast or slow, so it was a frustrating experience. This will make it so regardless who is driving the boat will keep a consistent speed resulting in a great ride. Also, from what I have read in other posts, this will sync the dual engines so they run at the same RPM.

 

[Scottintexas]

thanks for all the pictures, added to the FAQ under Ridesteady

 

[J-RAD]

What does this do that the cruise on the boat doesn't do?

For a non E-series boat that is compatible with Ridesteady it does as @Kolban said above. The primary function of the system is a GPS based speed control/marriage saver. It is also equip with a RPM mode.

Rather than controlling the throttle mechanically it more or less hacks the accelerator position sensor (APS) and controls the throttles digitally from a controller on the dash. You dial the speed you want, put the throttle down and it controls and maintains the speed set. Your throttle is then used as an override. Because it is controlling the throttles digitally (for those with twin engines), it also has the ability to synchronize the RPMs perfectly.

Using the GPS mode, my wife, a novice driver, can tow me perfectly every time no matter what water sports I'm attempting. I use the RPM mode all of the time too, just for cruising around with the engines in sync.

I rate it as one of my top mods to my AR240... it is awesome!

 

[adrianp89]

Ah, that makes a lot of sense now!

 

[haknslash]

Nice, I'm sure you'l love it!

BTW I see you removed your tower washers to get your boat in your garage. Looks like you rest it on the steering wheel. If you don't know already, you can create a little extension mod so that your tower can still "stop" at a desired height but lower than stock while also not requiring you to use your steering wheel or other supports to hold up the tower. Here's how https://jetboaters.net/threads/how-to-get-your-2016-ar192-or-ar195-in-a-garage-less-than-7.10369/

 

[Kolban]

I did remove them, it fit in my garage like a glove. I had it resting on the passenger seat back. I have since fixed that, as I saw that other thread earlier, it didn't work quite as well because my port side tower cable was longer than the starboard, but I did get it to work, which I was very happy about. Also, I wish I would have known how easy it is to reach those cables through the Speaker hole. The first time I fit my big self in the under seat storage compartments and almost had to stay the winter in there

 

[haknslash]

Hey now, if I can fit in my 19' storage then it should have felt like a mansion in your 24' storage compartment

Glad you got it worked out!

 

[FloJet]

Love my Ridesteady. Can't wait to use it more this upcoming season. Congrats on the setup and she is looking good.

 

[cozilla]

@Kolban Great install. I feel your pain on the helm compartment. I am 6'8 and its a pain every time I have to get in there

 

[Txjetter17]

I’m looking at getting this for our 2017 ar210. It is Tough for the wife to drive while towing me.

 

[Mainah]

I’m looking at getting this for our 2017 ar210. It is Tough for the wife to drive while towing me.

Ridesteady would be a great couples Valentines gift Your wife will love it and so will you. Just don't forget to get her flowers, wine, or best for Ridesteady approval ....... BLING.

 

[J-RAD]

I’m looking at getting this for our 2017 ar210. It is Tough for the wife to drive while towing me.

It's solves that problem 100% off the time for me. My wife being a novice driver wasn't the most attentive with managing the speed. She'd set the cruise, but as most know, depending on the activity, our boats tend to either creep up or down on plain and the speed goes along with it. Wakeboarding was probably the worst... I was either going to slow or to fast... never consistent enough to really focus on the fun. Now, it's just pick the program and go! There's no more anxiety about it, we just have fun. It's a perfect run every time no matter the sport. Ridesteady saves marriages!