Vortex Break In

[ILfamilyboater]

What was everyone's experience with the break in period. I am asking because I don't know if something is wrong with the boat or if I did something wrong with break in. We are at 11 hours now and the boat still will not go over 5200 rpm and the speed varies between 8 and 12 mph while at that rpm. I would say 6 hours or so was at low wake speed because our lake was high and the rest of the time was at various rpm ranges. Also there is still a large dead zone in the throttle. If the first detent is forward no wake then you have to go to like 1/2 or 3/4 down before any response from the engine. Also I tried cruise mode and ski mode and after I set a speed and mode is ready screen says advance throttle to engage I can put throttle all the way down and screen still says advance throttle to engage and no response from engine.

 

[2nazt]

I wonder if the battery has to be turned off? Are there any error codes? Or does it need time at certain limits? I'm just throwing stuff out there. @BobJohnson any advise?

 

[ILfamilyboater]

Called the dealer. They have never heard of my problems before. They have a call in to Chaparral to figure out how to diagnose or troubleshoot the problem. I think it's something to do with the throttle lever with that dead spot. It's like full throttle at the lever is only half at the engine.

 

[2nazt]

That's a bummer

 

[JetTech72]

Break-in period should be over after 6hrs, after that your engine should be turning close to 8000rpm.
Looks like you may have a throttle controller adjustment issue, the dealer should easily be able to see with their diagnostic tool if the controller goes to 100%.

 

[BobJohnson]

Stay on top of Munson. They do good work, but for me at least I get the feeling they need pushing. Your testing with ski mode sure makes it sound like a throddle issue. @ScarabMike please read the op. Any thoughts? #rotax.

 

[ILfamilyboater]

Munson seems to think it has something to do with the ist e-reverse option that is new for this year and I have on my boat. That is why they called Chaparral. I think they are off base and it's the throttle lever. Did some other testing like turning the e-reverse override off so that neutral was at factory position no change. Then tried different neutral positions and that was no change. From what I understand the e-reverse option let's me adjust the position of the bucket at neutral so I can get a true neutral bit has nothing to do with throttle once the boat is in forward. Might call them again today and try and convince them it's a throttle controller issue and not the e-reverse. Since its a two hour drive to marina I am hesitant to drive it in till they know what they are talking about. They also changed their tone about warranty work since I ordered it. When I ordered it was told they would send a tech to me for warranty repairs now being told I was mistaken and I have to bring boat to them. If I had know that I would not have ordered this boat as I have a marina on the lake that can work on mercruiser but closest brp tech is them 2 hours away.

 

[2nazt]

That's a headache I would raise heck to have them hold up their end of the agreement. I understand some stuff is easier to work on in a shop environment, but with all the electronics now a days they could benefit by being on the water with the laptop and seeing what happens. I wonder if you can unplug and re-plug throttle in or kill all power and re energize system? It's crazy how much a simple reset like that can fix issues. But that stinks if you have to go to dealer and back that is 8 hours of driving from dropping boat off and taking it back. I feel for you.

 

[Speedling]

Your system is drive by wire? On old school stuff i would say your cable bracket is loose.

 

[ILfamilyboater]

Yeah the system is drive by wire. Munson called earlier this morning to try and get a better idea on what is wrong. Supposedlythey are working with a Chaparral rep to find out if throttle can be recalibrate or if the throttle has to be replaced. Said they only have one tech who knows about these boats and he is still learning about the new options for this year. Sounds like if the throttle can be recalibrate then they might send the tech to me if not the boat has to go back. Waiting on a follow-up call with the decision on what to do.

 

[ILfamilyboater]

Had it at the marina today. Took them 4 hours to fix and test the problem. Tech said it was something with the ecu but was not too specific. Said I was only getting 20% at max throttle. Took it home and all is good! With 3 adults and 2 children we topped out at 38 mph. Going to finally be able to try pulling some tubes, water skiing and knee board this weekend. As long as the lake is not too busy.