Anyone installed Perfect Pass?

[LTrider]

I'm adding PP to my '99 Sport, and I'm considering doing the install myself. How involved is the install, and do you have to add a new pickup in the bottom of the boat. The local dealer charges $500 for install, so I can save quite a bit doing it myself. I just want to know how technical the installation is.

[Sinkoumn]

RE: Anyone installed Perfect Pass?

It's very easy to do, basically plug and play. The hardest part about the install is drilling a hole in the hull to mount the paddle wheel (but just double/triple check your measurements, and have a few adult beverages to calm the nerves :grin: ) But other than that, there's nothing to it.

[brodie]

It's not bad at all. The directions are pretty good. When you drill the hole (if using a hole saw), use masking tape over the area, and run the drill in reverse until you are through the gelcoat.

[Hlymons]

I am looking to do the same here is some information I came across
Cheapest price
http://www.schnitzskis.com/perfectpass.html

Instructions
http://www.wakesiderides.com/viewArticle.php?id=221

[east tx skier]

As far as price goes, give Mike at MC of Charlotte a call. He beat everyone's price when I bought both Digital Pro and the SG upgrade for my 98 SN (yeah, I know, plugging a dealer for the competition on PN, but his price, quick shipping, and customer service are all excellent). And he will be happy to get you a gauge with the Nautique logo on it.

As for the install, I found the hardest part to be routing the wiring through to the bilge. As for the paddle wheel, call and talk to Gary at PP before you drill any holes. I'm hearing rumors that with their newly acquired ZO GPS technology license, it may not be required for SG before too long. But call them and get it from the source as my info isn't concrete.

[NCH2oSki]

I installed it on my 99' sport, its about a 2-3 hour process if you take your time and read the directions several times. The trick to routing the wiring to the bilge is to disconect your throttle cable and use it as a fish tape. Its plenty long to do this with and makes getting the two sets of cables to the module very easy. Drilling the hole isnt hard either, just use a sharp hole saw some tape and commit to it when you do it. (i'm sure there is some info on here about prefered drilling methods.)

There is also a trick with a coat hanger to make sure you locate the hole in the correct place. There is plenty of experience on here so dont hesitate to start and ask a few questions if you get stuck.

[Batman]

When you drill that hole have a shop vac taped next to hole to draw fiberglass dust away cause it itches big time! It's not to hard really, just takes patience. Where ya located? May be somebody close by that has done it and could help. Measure three times and drill once!

[east tx skier]

I installed it on my 99' sport, its about a 2-3 hour process if you take your time and read the directions several times. The trick to routing the wiring to the bilge is to disconect your throttle cable and use it as a fish tape. Its plenty long to do this with and makes getting the two sets of cables to the module very easy. Drilling the hole isnt hard either, just use a sharp hole saw some tape and commit to it when you do it. (i'm sure there is some info on here about prefered drilling methods.)

There is also a trick with a coat hanger to make sure you locate the hole in the correct place. There is plenty of experience on here so dont hesitate to start and ask a few questions if you get stuck.

I definitely tried the throttle cable thing, but it was zip tied to everything else all the way up the line. Anyhow, however you get it up there, it's a tight squeeze between the stringer and the cooler.

[JUST-IN-TIME]

yes hardest part is running the wires right

make sure u lube the paddle wheel o-rings up really good
sue 4200 on it also not 5200

[DanielC]

If you have the GT-40 motor, removing the raw water pump will give you more access to the area by the cooler you are trying to run wires through. A fish tape is nice, or an old piece of house wire, maybe a heater hose. I have used all three items to get the wires through.

[LTrider]

Right on. I'm just extremely hesitant to drill a hole in the bottom of my boat. It's good to know that it's not rocket science. Has anybody used PP in this boat in conjunction with a power prop? I'm curious if it reduces the lag in the turns.

[NCH2oSki]

PP classic will be slower in the turns, I have heard that star gazer is better in the turns, but I dont have any experience with it. Zero Off on the other hand will power you thru the turns, but that isnt an option for non DBW boats.

[east tx skier]

Right on. I'm just extremely hesitant to drill a hole in the bottom of my boat. It's good to know that it's not rocket science. Has anybody used PP in this boat in conjunction with a power prop? I'm curious if it reduces the lag in the turns.

In about two weeks time, there will be a SG update that will no longer require the paddle wheel, but is otherwise the same as the most recent update. Spoke to Gary at PP today vial email to confirm this.

And in my experience with it, it holds speed in the turns (in GPS mode) better than 6.5ng did.

[LTrider]

I just checked with sales at perfect pass, and the new wakeboard pro stargazer does not require a paddle wheel, or any other drilling, just plug and play. It also eliminates the delay in the turns.