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Fresh Air Exhaust (FAE)
The cleanest and quietest exhaust system for inboard boats.
With a Fresh Air Exhaust, exhaust fumes are pushed down into the propeller wash where they are safely moved away from the boat. It also greatly reduces the engine noise, allowing for easier communication and enhanced audio!
Protect your family and friends with the original surf pipe!
How does Fresh Air Exhaust work?
Fresh Air Exhaust (FAE) works by pushing the boat’s exhaust fumes including Carbon Monoxide into the propeller wash to move them away from the boat. Once the boat is travelling at about 8mph the exhaust fumes are pushed approximately 35 meters behind the boat and are greatly diluted. This is similar to outboard engines that have the exhaust exit through the boat’s propeller.
The Benefits
Reduces carbon monoxide by approx. 90%
Frequently, after a day on the water, we feel irritable, nauseous, or have a headache. We typically blame the sun, the wind, a hard fall, or simply exhaustion, but we may be experiencing the subtle toxic effects of Carbon Monoxide.
Engine exhaust fumes including Carbon Monoxide are pulled into the back of the boat due the Station Wagon Effect. Children, pregnant woman, elderly, and anyone with asthma or other lung conditions are especially vulnerable. The Station Wagon Effect is aggravated by traveling slowly and additional weight in the rear of the boat, both required for Wakesurfing.
Because carbon monoxide is colourless, tasteless, odourless and nonirritating, it can overcome the exposed person without warning. The effects of carbon monoxide are cumulative; the longer your exposure, the greater the health risk.
Reduces exhaust noise by approx. 50%
Boat exhaust noise with a Fresh Air Exhaust is typically reduced by 4 to 6 decibels; this is considered a 50% reduction in perceived noise levels.
Fresh Air Exhaust Designs
Fresh Air Exhaust are suitable for many dual and all single exhaust inboard boats. There are 4 designs, each performing the same.
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Original 3-Piece Design
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One-Piece T Design
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One-Piece Y Design
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Single Piece Design
All Fresh Air Exhausts are made to order due to variations between manufacturers, years, models and options you may have on your boat. We will be in contact to obtain measurements and your preferred mounting option prior to finalising you order.
Secondary Mounting Options
There are multiple ways to mount your FAE. The options available will depend on your boats manufacturer, year and model as there are several variables that determine which mounting method is best. Your details will be reviewed and we will let you know FAE's recommendations. You will have the final decision on which method to use.
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Trim Hinge Mount
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Drain Plug Mount
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Transom Mount
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Thru Hull Mount
Options
Platform Quick Release (PQR) + $69
On most boats that have two exhaust outlets FAE will also attach to the swim platform. If you remove your swim platform for storage or frequently remove it to polish your boat, the Platform Quick Release is a necessary option. The PQR has 2 quick release pins to quickly disconnect the swim platform from the FAE. Even if you only remove your swim platform once a year you may wish to include the PQR because the hardware used to mount the FAE to the swim platform can be difficult to remove once installed (stainless steel nuts and bolts have a tendency to seize once tightened).
Quick Release Lever Clamps + $129
In combination with the Platform Quick Release (PQR), the Quick Release Lever Clamps allow you to completely remove your FAE from your boat. This is only necessary if you require complete removal of the FAE for storage purposes.
Do you want to make installation easier?
With the side mount option (available for most boats) you mount your FAE to the swim platform brackets; this is accomplished by drilling a pair of holes into the brackets. If your swim platform has tube style brackets, the side mount clamps onto the tubes.
Without the side mount option, you have to remove the fibreglass swim platform from the brackets to drill the bolt holes; basically a pain in the rear and an hour or two longer.
More Information
All Fresh Air Exhausts purchased include blended welds, exhaust flapper/s and delivery within Australia.
Blended welds are polished to blend the weld for a smooth finish. This only applies to the outer, most visible edges of the elbows and do not hide the weld of the down pipe.
Exhaust flappers act as one-way valves, to let exhaust gases out of the engine/exhaust system into the water. They're vital because they also prevent water from back-flowing into the exhaust and ultimately the engine, where it can cause hydraulic lock and possible catastrophic failure.
Fresh Air Exhaust was invented in 2004 by Dr. Larry Mann. Larry originally began Fresh Air Exhaust to help save the sport of wakesurfing. At the time, the sport was under serious threat due to the concerns of carbon monoxide. "I went out to prove that boats and wakesurfing were safe. The first time I tested the carbon monoxide level at the back of the boat I measured carbon monoxide that was at lethal levels; I developed a new respect for carbon monoxide dangers present in boats." - Dr. Larry Mann.
The first Fresh Air Exhaust was made in a home garage (and looked like it); but it worked exceedingly well. Larry spent months refining the FAE and conducting carbon monoxide tests. FAE are now installed on thousands of boats world wide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will FAE work on my boat?
Fresh Air Exhaust fit many dual and all single exhaust inboard boats including Axis, Calabria, Centurion, Correct Craft, Malibu (all Wedges), Mastercraft, MB, Moomba, Nautique, Sanger, Ski Supreme, Supra, Tige and more. FAE can also be fitted to many Australian built boats including Matrix, Camero, Lewis, XFI, Skicraft, Spy and more.
Do I have to drill holes in my boat to install FAE?
For almost all boats no. Some installations require drilling screw holes into the teak swim platform, the fiberglass swim platform brackets, or the fixed trim tab. Pre-cut and drilled mounting hardware is included but due to inconsistency in boat manufacturing some installations do require you to drill holes into the mounting brackets provided.
What finishes do you offer?
Brushed stainless finish. You also have the option of upgrading to blended welds.
How do I care for the brushed stainless finish?
You will clean and wax it the same as you do the rest of your boat; it will look as good (or poor) as your boat. The brushed stainless FAE can also be cleaned with a Scotch-brite pad. When buffing with the Scotch-brite pad rub in the direction of the existing brushing.
How long does the installation take?
Installation time depends on your boat. Installation can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours.
Does FAE interfere with boat handling, performance or wake?
Generally no. Our customers report little change in their slalom, surf or wakeboard wakes. There may be a little more spray (and occasionally less) with FAE installed. Boat handling and performance are unaffected.
Do I have to remove my 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 exhaust system to install FAE?
No, if your boat has standard exhaust outlets. If your boat has a non-standard exhaust outlet it will need to be replaced.
Can my FAE hit the bottom of the lake?
FAE is positioned higher than the propeller and rudder. Your propeller and rudder would be hit before FAE.
My boat has an ‘ultra low emissions’ engine. Is it safe for carbon monoxide?
The Ultra-Low Emissions standards do NOT cover Carbon Monoxide. 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 Carbon Monoxide.
Will FAE interfere with my boat warranty?
There are thousands of FAE installed. We are not aware of anyone having a warranty issue with FAE. If your boat engine is under warranty you can have your boat dealer perform the FAE installation to eliminate any warranty questions.
Do I have to remove my Malibu Wedge to install FAE?
No. The FAE is installed with the wedge in place. FAE has models to fit all Wedges; Power, Manual and Floating.
My boat has a catalytic converter. Why would I install a FAE?
A catalytic converter significantly reduces Carbon Monoxide, but you are still breathing gasoline engine exhaust. With FAE installed, once your boat is in forward gear, all exhaust gasses are virtually eliminated from inside and the back of your boat. You will have the cleanest and quietest gasoline engine boat in the world.