222 upgrades

[Jimmyfiretruck]

Picked up a 222 fisherman a week ago

Grady’s have a few common problems - one is the breaker in the aft. That’s a main breaker and the electrical system is powered via that - problems with the breaker are a common thing.swapped that breaker for a real breaker. Added a separate breaker and ground to power a fuse box dedicated to electronics. Added another breaker and ground to power and ground the autopilot on order.hydraulic autopilot pumps need a clean source of power / ground as well as electronics - the very reason to do what I did.
A “sense” relay was added to allow both batteries to charge,while the motor is running, keeping the batteries electrically isolated.a smart move !

A 36v system was added to power a 36v 112lbs i pilot .power and ground is 6g cable, in a weave loom protected coating - this prevents chafing.the power /ground cables run down the rigging tube to the Stbd aft battery compartment - these are junctioned off to an additional set of cables, running up the starbd side, to the bow.
All the battery cabling was replaced as well - battery cabling was 6g, no good ! Replaced with 4g covered in a weave loom.the old battery cables were automotive copper, as well as the terminal ends - no good !

Another problem Grady has is the scupper hoses will deteriorate, people often overlook these,resulting in serious problems. I’m changing those,along with the rest of the hosing on the boat - another smart move !

Look into these things ….

 

[Jimmyfiretruck]

Added a 36v system - lithium battery wasn’t available at this time , used wet cells , seriesed.
The cabling covers are not on - autopilot has been ordered and I’ll need to remove the batteries to install it.
I’m running a 36v I pilot - cut the bow rail to allow it to clear

make your cables the way I did - note the red and black heat shrink ? Note the weave loom as a protector ?

 

[Jimmyfiretruck]

Additional fuse box - fed power and ground via its own cabling and breaker
Grady does a poor job of supplying power and ground - you need to run your own.
There’s also an additional breaker, with both power and ground running to the console for autopilot power and ground.
The cheap fuse box along with the wiring to the fuse box in the electronics box has been replaced as well. The quick connect style terminals often fail.

another situation you’re gonna run into is securing wiring - cut a bunch of small blocks of pvc board , use either quick plexus or 3m5200 to hold these in place - screw a clamp to it, done

 

[Jimmyfiretruck]

The 36v system - it runs from the console to the Stbd battery area - junction blocks connect the forward run to that run. The wiring is ran forward, under gunnel held in place via addle clamps.
I’m not a fan of trolling motor plugs - I use junction blocks.
Use merc corrosion guard to protect all the junction blocks - it does leaving a wax, any moisture will roll off.

 

[Jimmyfiretruck]

Added a deep drop plug under the starboard gunnel - simple plastic outlet box with a trolling motor plug added to it

use a resettable breaker for this - this avoids the plug being hot,when the battery switch is turned on.

 

[Jimmyfiretruck]

Boat had a Suzuki c10 guage - notorious for having problems - swapped it out for the better SMG4 unit.
Moved electronics around as well

 

[Jimmyfiretruck]

Gave it a good detail - wool bonnet on a real buffer with 3 m heavy cut compound followed by colonite 925 fleet wax
Little wipe down of acetone on the rub rail, followed by some armor all takes care of the rub rail.

 

[Jimmyfiretruck]

Changed prop out to a solas Lexor L20 - 15 1/4 x 20 pitch 4 blade. Big difference !

 

[Jimmyfiretruck]

Boat is incredibly fuel efficient !
Motor tops out at 6150, giving 43.5mph - full load of fuel and ready to fish
Suzuki 200

 

[Jimmyfiretruck]

Ran 90+ nm last week , never shut the motor down all day
Burned a little under 30g fuel

 

[Jimmyfiretruck]

Next project - get the bottom paint off

quick blast - followed by sanding and squirting some gel coat on it …

 

[Seafarer228G]

This is great! Thanks for sharing! What year is your engine? I have a 2019 Suzuki 250AP. I wonder if the SMG4 would work for this engine?

 

[Jimmyfiretruck]

Yes, an SMG4 guage works with your motor
It’s a much better set up than the c10

 

[Seafarer228G]

Thanks for the info!

 

[rsacco]

Changed prop out to a solas Lexor L20 - 15 1/4 x 20 pitch 4 blade. Big difference !

What prop was on there before? And do you have trouble keeping the bow down and hole shot with the 4 blade solas prop? I have a 2003 222 fisherman and recently repowered with a Suzuki df250ap and can’t get the boat propped right.