PSA on Fresh Air Exhaust (FAE) install on used Tige

[tspain42]

I recently bought a 2016 Z3, and decided to install a FAE. I chose the option that utilized the existing exhaust port, instead of a through hull pipe. I didn’t want to wrestle the factory exhaust port from the hull.

Let me fist say that the people over at FAE were amazing to work with, and the quality of their exhaust pipes is outstanding. They were also able to assist me in deducing what went wrong with my install, and even offered to send me a through hull replacement.

Following the manufacturer’s instructions, the installation went smoothly. After the initial water test, I discovered the factory installed exhaust port had come loose from the hull. When I contacted FAE, they said this was the first time something like this has ever happened. Upon further inspection, it seemed there was very little sealant on the exhaust port that goes through the hull. I can’t imagine this leaving the Tige factory like that. My guess is, the exhaust port had been removed, and then replaced incorrectly. There’s no way of knowing this when you purchase a used boat unless you ask the owner or dealer.

Needless to say I had to pull the exhaust port out and re-seal it with the proper amount of sealant. I included some pictures of the exhaust port, showing how little sealant was on there.

[Stumpy]

I ordered an FAE thru-hull for my 2016 Z3. One of the worst customer service experiences I've ever had in my life. Their stories constantly flip flopped. Nothing but passive aggressive BS from both Swell and FAE both....

After months of waiting I called to check on order status. Then they say "you need to send the dimensions". After that phone call I requested they email me a pdf with the list if dimensions and pictures they needed. Replied as requested with all the pictures and measurements the next day.

Month later I finally received the exhaust. Looked great and was excited for the install. Removed the old plastic exhaust and tried to rough in the exhaust first before doing the final sealing with the 3M 5200.

Immediately I discovered that the surf exhaust was cut too short and was rubbing the Tap2 plate. I called Swell. They said call FAE. Left a voicemail on the cellphone for FAE. They called back and said "Our algorithms have been causing some to come out short just grind down the Tap2 plate and you're good to go". Or that I could "use a washer/spacer if I didn't want to cut the Taps2 plate down.

Flabbergasted by their initial responses I took a moment to assess closer at the exhaust and ensure I wasn't overlooking something. That's when I discovered that the angle wasn't right either and would force the pipe down inside the boat causing the rubber boot/pipe inside to be mis shaped. I called back to FAE and now they tell me that they used the "exact dimensions from Tige" (nothing about their faulty algorithms this time) and just to "shove it in their and seal it up. We've got thousands like that no problems" they say...

Defeated by my responses from Swell&FAE I decided to go to my local Tige dealer/marina and leave it with them to assess. They informed me that they would mount it but that I would have to grind down the Tap2 plate afterwards because they wouldn't modify that on account of liability. I was leaving on vacation for a couple weeks and didn't think anything of it. Week into my vacation I get a call from the marina saying that they wouldn't mount it because of the angle and weren't comfortable putting their name on something that didn't line up right.

So... Months of frustration and fighting it's now July 26th and I have yet to take the boat out for the season yet... Do I have the marina put the factory exhaust back on?!? Do I press the issue and have FAE make another?!? Do I have them winterize it while they're at it because another month and the summer is coming to an end?!?

Any thoughts/advice/help?!? I just want to get out and surf. Got a lot of money wrapped up in a boat that isnt bringing me any joy this summer... What a disappointment...