Change My Mind. The Older Tech Boats Are Better...

MonacoMike

MonacoMike

Well-Known Member
Sep 15, 2009
14,721
Indiana lakes and Lake Michigan
Boat Info
2000 Cruisers 3870
8.2 Mercs
Engines
85 Sea Ray Monaco 197
260hp Alpha 1
While I think many of the whizbang features they’ve put on boats in the last 10 years or so are cool, look very chic, I just do not believe they are built to last.

All the ECM, EMI, ICBM, BMI, OCD, and all the rest sound cool, When a boat hits 10 or 20 years old they seem to be problematic. I have no need for electronic controls to flush my toilet and tell me when my toilet paper dispenser is empty. I like the resounding click of a Carling switch.

And when the stuff does fail, not only is it super expensive, even if it is available, the replacements rarely ever fit the footprint of the original. A bunch of fragile electronics with tiny wires trying to function in the harsh marine environment and the pounding boots take out on the water. I think a boat with quality wiring is much better in the long run.

No I’m not saying we should go back to points and carburetors but I do believe the sweet spot was found with the basic fuel injection and some engine electronics, coupled with quality analog gauges. LED navigation lighting fixtures feel much safer, and cabin lighting fixtures provide or even lighting without the heat.

There are some really useful technology’s out there but new boats have just gone too far in my estimations.

So change my mind! Tell me how they are truly that much better.
 
I have an 1989 and a 2001. I think the 89 is tech enough and the 01 is as high-tech as I am going. When my EIM’s go out, I will happily change to the Flouder Pounder/Carling system.

So...I completely agree with you.
 
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” (Leonardo da Vinci)
and me.
 
I think you are onboard with EFI, but what about DTS? That seems highly reliable and pretty standard on both gas and Diesel engines.
 
Don't need a computer to read a computer to figure out which computer isn't working. LOL. Stay old school/ pronounced Reliable, dependable, user friendly.
 
If "DTS" means "GDI", gas direct injection, avoid it at all costs as the backs of the intake valves accumulate carbon and must be cleaned with walnut shell blaster, if accessible.
 
i think it is:
Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS)
 
DTS is amazing and once you have it, you'll never want to go back to the old mechanical throttle and shift linkage.

No issues over 5 years on my last boat (with DTS). Current boat has a DTS system by Teleflex and so far it's been trouble free.
 
Moving from a new 2011 260 DA having it for 5 years to a 98 290 DA. I have to say the 98 is a better built boat. Could be the weight difference but over all the boat feels more solid.

On dash switches I'm glad both of the boats I've owned had individual switches vs. touch pads. The more and more I hear of pad problems I'm going to avoid those models from here on out unless they have been converted.
 
100% agree. Those panels never looked like a good idea to me. Sitting exposed to the sun, the flexible buttons are bound to deteriorate and complex electronics for the sake of aesthetics don't make sense on a boat. The new tech that does new things has merit like the new wifi and BT enabled displays. But not putting in a complex system of electronics with circuit boards, chips and relays to simply turn on a 12v device, It just creates multiple failure points for no good reason. Anyone with those early 2000s boats searching around for EIMs or paying thousands of dollars for the Flounder Pounder "return to simple" kits would agree.
 
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Give me carbs, simple electronic ignition and straight drives all day.

I firmly draw the line at points as something I will simply never fool with again.
 
I can turn on my HVAC or anchor lights and read the wind speed from 1000 miles away, so I'm prolly not the right person to ask. I like the modern conveniences. That said, it helps to install your own stuff. I think the sweet spot for me is to start with a relatively low tech platform, and then add the bells and whistles yourself. That way you gain more of an understanding of the systems, and can quickly troubleshoot any issues. My bottom line, was that it had to be fuel injected, have a generator and HVAC. Everything else was negotiable.
 
Every time I see someone with a electronic switch cluster that has burned up in their dash I'm glad I have s 2000 yr. model that is still common dash switches. Any of these system compile their function with some type of relay which is one more thing to malfunction . In the end it's about reducing manufacturing cost the fancy electronics do not require larger current caring wire like old style controls systems do. Less copper less cost plus they can charge a small fortune for for limited supple of electronic control.
 
We were having this discussion last weekend. It's all great when new, it will be interesting how these electronics hold up after 25 years. I love the ease, however, when something goes wrong it could be real $$ real fast.
 
It's a split decision for me, computer processor is great for key engine functions and diagnostics but completely stupid for courtesy features and 12V electronics.

I replaced my EIM/keypad this year with the FP kit. It drove me absolutely nuts to have critical boat systems running through this thing that was slowly failing.

On the flip side, I added a vessel view mobile and am adding digital sensors/smartcraft gauges to my "Smartcraft Ready" boat. The English translation when something starts beeping is just invaluable. Just last week, the gear oil low sensor went off while I was fetching the trailer. All the Admiral had to do was look at the phone.
 
I still like carbs, points no but carbs are fine, very simple and reliable and easy to repair or replace. My Edelbrocks start my 5.7s just like fuel injected engines. Only take 5 seconds to prime them.
 
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