Surfriding "Surf Armor" bilge switch test subjects needed...

Waternut

Customizing addict
Location
Macon, GA
I have zome zinc plated tow hooks that I take with me when I ride surf once or twice a year. Those things were stained after the first day. I tried to simulate that staining by leaving the bolt in salt water at home for a month and got nothing. So I put it in the solution, took it out, put it back in, etc. Still got nothing. Yet anything that was zinc plated in my engine bay got rusty after my trip to Daytona this last year. My point is...it's tough to simulate the conditions.

One thing you could do to proove that your switch is watertight is to tie it to a brick in a lake or pool. By taking it down to 10-20 ft, you are simulating that you seals are capable of withstanding increased pressure. 14.7psi is standard and if you sink it 10 feet, you are effectively raising the pressure to 19.1psi. 4.4psi doesn't seem like much but it's pretty uncomfortable on your head if you go that deep. If you bought a section of 10' PVC pipe, filled it with salt water, stood it upright, and sunk the switch, this would simulate your condition. You could then run some leads out the top and check resistance occasionally. The pressure will put added stress on the seals and the salt water will quickly let you know if the seals fail when the resistance screws up.
 

OCD Solutions

Original, Clean and Dependable Solutions
Location
Rentz, GA
Lots of chatter on how I can test my switches but nobody stepping up to get a free switch for themselves. :dunno:

So far Will Castner is at the top of the list with several failed switches but he is the only one to even put up a story. I sent him out a care package this morning to get back on the water while this little experiment plays out.

You guys twisting your wires together stand a pretty good chance...
 
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shawn_NJ

Chasing waves.
Location
Daytona Beach
I would have, but I already have (2) of your switches being tested 100% salt, ridden 3-4 times a week. I have only ridden fresh water once in my life...lol. I gave up on bilge switches years ago and just ran a line strait to the battery. I would disconnect my positive wire everytime I rode. No more with the surf armor, so far so good on mine.
 

Matt_E

steals hub caps from cars
Site Supporter
Location
at peace
I'd say send me one, but I ride 90% fresh water, my last switch lasted over five years, and now I have one of your switches to replace it with. Not the ideal test subject.
 

OCD Solutions

Original, Clean and Dependable Solutions
Location
Rentz, GA
Maybe not you Matt but Idok may be. I hear he hasn't washed a ski in years. :pokey:

Plus he's already running my tidy harnesses in 2 skis... :sneaky:
 

Waternut

Customizing addict
Location
Macon, GA
I leave my ski out in the weather about 9 months out of the year. If you want to send me one, I'll be happy to test it out and provide feedback to others :biggthumpup:. My last "waterproof" switch lasted about 2 months and I'm currently using a switch from advance auto that seems like it's tanking after about 2 weeks.


BTW - Are you supposed to wash a ski? I haven't kept a paint job on any of my ski's for a complete year....lol
 
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OCD Solutions

Original, Clean and Dependable Solutions
Location
Rentz, GA
It looks like I have one test subject nailed down but the second switch is still up for grabs. If it helps sweeten the pot, I will throw in a complete harness kit as well.

Selection ends this friday night so don't hesitate to post your story and put your name in the hat.
 

OCD Solutions

Original, Clean and Dependable Solutions
Location
Rentz, GA
In case anyone cares, two test subjects have been selected and they are EWOK and RIZK.

Ewok rides a Blaster "The Offender", and is famous with the Florida boys for riding the most ghetto rigged ski and yet still go big in the surf. I have to build a custom harness for his blaster and send him a switch so he can stop twisting the wires together before each ride.

Rizk emailed me last week frustrated after failing yet another switch and wanted to order a couple of mine. He says he goes thru a couple switches a season and has bought more than 10 in the last couple years. If he is trully that hard on switches then he is the prime candidate to test out one of my switches so I custom built him a switch with an extended lead to reach up into the hood on his X2 and sent him a harness as well.

I hope to get some install pics soon and then to start the clock.
 

OCD Solutions

Original, Clean and Dependable Solutions
Location
Rentz, GA
ewok is ready......he shocked himself this weekend lol.. although I may not be able to get him to post B4 pix lol.....

Then get me some dimensions so I can build it this weekend!!!

There's a ghetto repair thread going on right now if he needs some inspiration. :biggrin:
 

OCD Solutions

Original, Clean and Dependable Solutions
Location
Rentz, GA
well I wouldnt be surprised if his blaster got decommissioned by daytona...He'll be on the fx by then...woudl you rather do that and PREVENT a ghetto installation? ahahaha

If the FX is the same as the Superjet then I can ship a harness tomorrow. On the other hand, I would like to build a harness for the Blaster as it's one of the last skis I don't have one for.

Can you get me measurements from;
ebox to switch position
ebox to first bilge pump
ebox to second bilge pump
 
In case anyone cares, two test subjects have been selected and they are EWOK and RIZK.

Ewok rides a Blaster "The Offender", and is famous with the Florida boys for riding the most ghetto rigged ski and yet still go big in the surf. I have to build a custom harness for his blaster and send him a switch so he can stop twisting the wires together before each ride.

Rizk emailed me last week frustrated after failing yet another switch and wanted to order a couple of mine. He says he goes thru a couple switches a season and has bought more than 10 in the last couple years. If he is trully that hard on switches then he is the prime candidate to test out one of my switches so I custom built him a switch with an extended lead to reach up into the hood on his X2 and sent him a harness as well.

I hope to get some install pics soon and then to start the clock.

just killed the epic / x2 this afternoon so i guess i have some work ahead of me. gives me a chance to take out that electric box and get my harness hooked up. should be rockin and rolling after the weekend. i'll get you pics
 
just killed the epic / x2 this afternoon so i guess i have some work ahead of me. gives me a chance to take out that electric box and get my harness hooked up. should be rockin and rolling after the weekend. i'll get you pics


dump those epicly bad POS's........I have seen nothing good come of them....I have not owned one myself but have seen 2 other guys with open eboxes at the beach because of them


im in love with the concept of the epic/flame....but have yet to see one work consistently and reliably 100%
 
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OCD Solutions

Original, Clean and Dependable Solutions
Location
Rentz, GA
dump those epicly bad POS's........I have seen nothing good come of them....I have not owned one myself but have seen 2 other guys with open eboxes at the beach because of them


im in love with the concept of the epic/flame....but have yet to see one work consistently and reliably 100%

I think he meant he killed his Trinity Epic X2. :(
 
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