2005 Islandia Upgrades

[Jetboater02]

I'm so excited and I just can't hide it!!!!
This is 3 in 1 kind of project.
1. I am upgrading/repairing my upholstery, I had to go with www.copycatupholstery.com because no one else I came across could produce Islandia skins or returned my requests for quotes (but that is another thread topic) . So I'm in the process of removing the old skins to send off to copy cat.
2. I finally decided to order some Hydro Turf mats (THANKS PWCMuscle!) I don't know why I didn't to this before, maybe it was because I saw grey as the only available template but PWCMuscle had more to offer. Can't wait for that to arrive in the mail.
3. I'll be adding the Cobrajet Steering to my boat. This should help me take advantage of the currents in the rivers and canals here in Savannah, I hope anyways.

As I go through this I will post pictures and maybe even a video of how to remove all of the Islandia seat backs. Oh and I order my third boat cover, hopefully this one will last awhile.
atriot:

 

[Coastiejoe]

Sounds like the project is headed in a good direction,,,,

 

[LouDoo]

We want to see pictures, before and after, thanks.

Lou

 

[Seadoobuddy]

I agree with the others about pic and videos.

The best cover is the one from Poppy. poppycompany.com talk with terri for a SDF discount

 

[Dr Honda]

Just going down your list.....


1) I would love to hear about the place you found. I know Keith is a good guy... but he was just doing it as a side deal. So, it doesn't surprise me that he may not have gotten back to you. (I haven't seen him on the board in a while)

2) The hydroturf is a great product. I hope you used your discount code !! FYI... the picture of the blue turf on their site, is my boat. You should be able to get it in any color... you just can't get it cut anymore. (no ridges, or diamonds) It will come in 2 big boxes, and should take an hour or so to install it.

3) If you haven't paid for the cobra steering.... I would recommend NOT buying it. The Yamaha guys like it... but every review I've seen on the Merc engines say it's kind of a waste. Even a couple of the guys on this board have said that they can tell it's there... but not enough to merit the $$$.


Anyway.... post up pics when you get done.

 

[Jetboater02]

I agree with the others about pic and videos.

The best cover is the one from Poppy. poppycompany.com talk with terri for a SDF discount

I wish I had known that on Saturday when I ordered everything but it is all good. I got a sharkskin type cover from iboats.com and it wasn't a bad price at all.

 

[Jetboater02]

Just going down your list.....


1) I would love to hear about the place you found. I know Keith is a good guy... but he was just doing it as a side deal. So, it doesn't surprise me that he may not have gotten back to you. (I haven't seen him on the board in a while)

2) The hydroturf is a great product. I hope you used your discount code !! FYI... the picture of the blue turf on their site, is my boat. You should be able to get it in any color... you just can't get it cut anymore. (no ridges, or diamonds) It will come in 2 big boxes, and should take an hour or so to install it.

3) If you haven't paid for the cobra steering.... I would recommend NOT buying it. The Yamaha guys like it... but every review I've seen on the Merc engines say it's kind of a waste. Even a couple of the guys on this board have said that they can tell it's there... but not enough to merit the $$$.


Anyway.... post up pics when you get done.

1. Keith was actually very helpful he apologized for not having the ability to do the Islandia and gave me the microfiche for my boat. So now I know where are the seat back screws are but I still don't know how to get to them so that is one video I do want to make.

2. Yes I did use the discount code and my Snow-camo hydro turf is on the way!!!!

3. hmmm that is interesting, I guess I read the forum reviews wrong then because they were saying it did help some with docking in the wind and slow maneuvers which I thought was great. But what I wanted them for was to float down some of the waters way that are in the area and just steer with the current. The money is already spent so I guess we will see if I have actually put some money in to the proverbial hole everyone keeps talking about.

Pics will come soon!!!

 

[Jetboater02]

Just going down your list.....


1) I would love to hear about the place you found.

Almost forgot to answer this part. Sorry Doc. Here ya go.

http://youtu.be/nMehBNvN_PM

copycat is a DIYish upholstery company. you send them you skins and they will either copy them exactly or make a template of the skins for your customized look. Once the skins are made they will send them back and you put them on. So kind of like Keith but on a bigger scale. I found them by googling seadooupholstery actually so Keith inadvertently helped me with that one.

 

[Dr Honda]

Well... it will be nice to have a new review on the cobra steering. but as far as steering with the current... they are little rudders, so I'm not sure how much they will push the big islandia.

But, I can tell you that I can dock this boat better/easier that any IO I've driven. Let it at idle.... work the gate from forward to reverse... and it will pivot dead center of it's mass.

 

[Scott Martin]

Just wondering how difficult it was to remove the seats on the Islandia? Pictures and or guidance would be greatly appreciated for those of us looking to do the same. Thanks for suggesting CopyCat, I'll look into them.

 

[Jetboater02]

Sorry for not updating ya'll. It has been pretty difficult to get the seats out. I'm still not done but part of that is due to Army stuff. I'm putting together my pictures and should have them posted later this week.

 

[hfgreg]

I'm so excited and I just can't hide it!!!!
This is 3 in 1 kind of project.
1. I am upgrading/repairing my upholstery, I had to go with www.copycatupholstery.com because no one else I came across could produce Islandia skins or returned my requests for quotes (but that is another thread topic) . So I'm in the process of removing the old skins to send off to copy cat.

How did copycatupholstery.com do? Do you have pictures by chance?

 

[Jetboater02]

I'm not done taking out the boat seats yet, the way their process works I need to send them my old skins and they'll copy it and send me new one. I'm trying to get there but the army is in the way right now. I wish I were home with some free time.

 

[Jetboater02]

Some before pics...






:banghead:

 

[Jetboater02]

Finally an update! Sorry, I was Training....ARMY TRAINING SIR!!!

before seat removal:


In order to get the seats out on the starboard side (still working on the port side), I had to remove the headlight, speaker, cup holder and surprise surprise the front wall of the head!


Now this is interesting after I peeled the carpet back from the wall there were four nuts and washer which I thought held the bow seat back on but this is not true. You must remove the wall (three screws at the bottom) and then you will find 4 more nuts and washers which will allow you to remove the seat back. :facepalm:

:willy_nilly:

finally....

So the challenge on the port side is the convenience center, which according to the service manual (yes I had to buy it) must be removed in order to access both the bow and jump seat backs. WHO DESIGNED THIS?!?!?!?! :banghead: I've already removed all of the screws but it is still sealed and riveted in. :cuss:

 

[Jetboater02]

It's not all bad!

There is some good news with all of this, my new boat cover, cobra steering, and Hyrdo Turf mats came in!!!!!:thumbsup:

I went with snow camo, I'm still deciding on the upholstery colors I want from copycat.


I'm interested to see how this lil guy will do. Not so much for docking or trailering but more so for floating down river, got some strong current around here.....


ok that is all for tonight. I've got at least three more project updates to post (cpt seat removal, aft/sun pad seat removal - in progress, and the upholstery removal progress)

I might also use this opportunity to upgrade my speakers, I do believe I have some band new marine speakers laying around that I meant to install a looooooooooong time ago. Oh and as you can tell a good pressure washing is in order.

good Night
atriot:

 

[Scott Martin]

OK I was able to finally get the convenience center out after much effort. After removing all the screws holding the unit in place, there was quite a bit of caulking and marine glue holding the unit in place. Carefully cutting through it with a knife and using a gentle pry bar I was able to loosen it up. After getting the unit out a few inches you'll notice that the convenience center is attached to 2 bolts on each side of the boat enclosure, remove the bolts and the unit will slide out. You may also want to open the changing room in order to make room to slide it out. Tools used 11mm socket, pry bars, and a utility knife.

 

[Dr Honda]

There must have been a UV issue with the red. Every seadoo I saw with that burgundy, had cracks. The blue in my boat is still soft. AND... my boat came from a rental shop... so I'm sure it was outside all of it's life.

 

[Jetboater02]

Nice Scott! I'm working on mine now since the weather cleared up.
Dr. H that seems to be the consensus among the professionals I have talked too.

Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk

 

[Jetboater02]

I finished taking out all of the seats yesterday. Woot woot! I did a deep clean and put the cover on it. Spanish moss is rampant in these parts. I'll try to post some pics tomorrow. I'll attempt to install the hydro turf, speakers, and cobra steering this weekend since I have 4 days off. I'll continue to remove the vinyl after work this week and hopefully send it off to copycat next week.

Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk

 

[Dr Honda]

It's a big job cleaning out an Islandia. Looking forward to the pics.

 

[biffdotorg]

"I'm interested to see how this lil guy will do. Not so much for docking or trailering but more so for floating down river, got some strong current around here....."

Little tips on mounting the Merc CobraJet steering, use your best c-clamps to hold it in place while drilling. Its important to compress the U-shape to the jet nozzle as it spreads and changes to the shape of the nozzle.

There is very little room for error on your holes as the screws supplied are barely long enough to go through the nozzle and stainless piece.

I know you should see some improved steering moving against the current as water will be passing over the fins. I notice this when I drop ours in the Red River of the North around here. But they serve no purpose when floating with the current, as no water is actually passing over the fins. The boat is floating with the current. Some sort of propulsion is needed to move at a different pace than the water. Sort of like a canoe paddle has little effect as a rudder in a canoe unless you are moving at a different speed than the current.

Good luck, be sure to report back.

 

[Jetboater02]

A during cleaning shot


installing Hydro Turf


Hydro Turf Install complete




I'm happy with the new look and going for grey and white on the upholstery. Of course I will need to change out the bimini top and changing station canvas but I'll save that for later this year.

I'll post more on the seat removal later.

 

[Jetboater02]

Little tips on mounting the Merc CobraJet steering, use your best c-clamps to hold it in place while drilling. Its important to compress the U-shape to the jet nozzle as it spreads and changes to the shape of the nozzle.

There is very little room for error on your holes as the screws supplied are barely long enough to go through the nozzle and stainless piece.

Nice tip I'll be sure to follow it. Did you mark your holes and dry fit it before removing the nozzle for drilling?

 

[Jetboater02]

ok so I'll start this update off with I'm glad I have a couple magnetic pick up tool because I'm kinda clumsy sometimes.

Ok now for the update (this is from three week ago, I think)
I had a bit of a oops moment with the Captain Seat back removal. Looking at the service manual it said it was help in by darts and to gently pull it away the seat. Well I found out there were two screws at the bottom of the seat back which were clearly labeled in the microfiche. Shown below.

Good thing for me, the seat back material is similar to some of the model airplanes that I fly, so I was able to repair the damage with some CA glue.


should be fine, if not I'll figure something else out.