twodogs

I have some additional details re this problem. Forgive my simplistic wording, but I am not so mechanically minded. Apparently in the early model Opti's, the relevant circut in the computer(ECU) that controlled the warning horn was fitted with a fuse that could not handle the electrical load that was created when the engine was cranked without the safety lanyard in place. My Opti was a 2007 model. Mercury had apparently realised this, and fitted a higher capacity fuse in subsequent model ECU's. @Huey, I guess this is why you could not replicate the problem on your test. Ray.

There should be an option in your GPS settings that allows you to select your coordinate method

Hi Huey, No wing nuts on my batteries. All nylocs....and yes, they are on tight and free of acid build up! The diagnosis was confirmed by two seperate Mercury service centers here in Sydney even before I mentioned the issue re the lanyard. Apparently the specific symptom I received of the smartcraft fault code #22 (warning horn not functioning), and the fact that the warning horn was continously sounding (contradictory in nature) was what lead to the mechanics suggesting that I had cranked without the lanyard. Note in addition that the entire ECU was not blown, only the circuit that controlled the warning horn. The engine fired up and seemed to operating normally, except for the continual warning horn once the lanyard was replaced. My faith in the Optimax product is dimishing. Myself and 3 other fishing club members had 200HP Opti's fitted to our boats in March 2008. Since then, all have gone in for warranty claims for blown coils, replacement computers ect. I would have hated to be paying the bill for these repairs. Thank you for your input anyway. Ray Buttigieg

Went to start my 2007 Mercury Optimax 200 hp this morning. Somehow the emergency stop lanyard switch had pulled free. As would be expected the engine would not start, but surprisingly it was trying to start. After replacing the lanyard switch the engine started but I received a system fault 22 re faulty warning buzzer accompanied by a constant high pitch warning noise. Disconnecting the power and waiting five minutes before restarting did not resolve the issue. Called two separate Mercury mechanics and both diagnosed a known defect. Cranking the engine with the lanyard switch disconnected blows a component in the engine computer. This component controls the warning buzzer. Thankfully my engine is still under warranty and the computer was replaced free of charge. Lesson learned ........ ALWAYS check that the emergency lanyard switch is in the RUN position before attempting to start your Optimax as a new computer is a VERY expensive fix

The great thing with the NARVA LED units is that they come pre-wired with enough cable so that no joins are required on the trailer itself, only at the connecter on the tow vehicle. Am extremely happy with mine which have provided trouble free operation for nearly two years now.

Managed to troll up a 75cm Dollie just shy of the 12 mile on Saturday while targeting stripies. Was unexpected as the water temp was only 21degrees and there was nothing floating on the water to attract it. Needless to say, it was a welcome catch as they too are one of my favourite table fish.

Not too crash hot on the table is the old stipey, even if you bleed it first. But salt up the fillets and they make excellent baits.

Just be careful when using the ramp if there is any hint of a westerly, especially if you have a larger boat and there are other boats tied up on the inside of the pontoons....not much room to manouver.

At the NSW Waterways website, http://www.waterways.nsw.gov.au/maps.html boating maps are available for download of most major waterways. These maps contain reference points for checking the accuracy of GPS units. The GPS co-ordinates of an easy to locate channel marker or other prominent structure are quoted on the map. Similar I suppose to a odometer check on the freeway. This should help out, TwoDogs