Gallery: Travelling 440-Miles on the Cumberland River in One Day (Video)

[Rustymuscle]

I’ve been intrigued with the idea of going as far as possible on a personal watercraft with the least amount of stops – be it for fuel, food or otherwise – for a good while now. This pet notion had me considering quite a few different routes on which to take. Candidates usually included some variety of water conditions, scenery and other topographical challenges – but clicking off as many miles in a single day was always the core goal.

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[pro1200]

Kevin-I LOVE doing tours like this! We used to cruise the Minnesota river after it flooded and were able to drive through the forests. How do the ergonomics of the STX 160 compare to the STX 15F? I'm thinking of trading my '15 15F for a 160 to improve the seating position.

[K447]

What capacity is the main external fuel tank?

[DrivingZiggy]

What capacity is the main external fuel tank?

20.6 gallons/77.97948 liters. It's in the video at ~1:15.

[Rustymuscle]

What capacity is the main external fuel tank?

The external fuel tank (not the factory fuel cell) is commercially sold as a 12-gallon tank, but can EASILY hold 13.25-gallons. It's also USCG-approved marine-grade certified.

[Rustymuscle]

How do the ergonomics of the STX 160 compare to the STX 15F? I'm thinking of trading my '15 15F for a 160 to improve the seating position.

The redesigned deck of the 160LX is a couple inches higher than the 15F, elevating the ski's center of gravity. This alters the craft's natural lean-in in cornering, and gives it a side-to-side roll at mid-to-higher speeds.

Seating is improved. The saddle is pinched - not nearly as wide as the 15F - with tall "ape hanger" handlebars, which are appreciated being 6'2". Unfortunately, they directly interfere with the manual reverse lever in tight reversing.

The glove box door and waterproof door are equally flimsy and clunky – definitely requiring some modification. The cup holders are tapered, so a drink that will fit at the top might not fit all the way down (it's weird).

It's both an improvement and step back from the 15F. It depends on what appeals to you more.

[K447]

The external ... 12-gallon tank, but can EASILY hold 13.25-gallons.

It's also USCG-approved marine-grade certified.

Sounds similar to the external fuel tank I have.

Moeller 630013LP ‘portable’ 12 US gallon, 45 litres
630013LP Low Profile, Low Permeability
24.5” wide x 17.74 x 10.82” including filler cap

I chose the Low Profile model so the rear tow hoop remains usable for towing, should another ski become disabled.

How is the factory fuel tank vent connection being switched between ‘factory/normal’ and external fuel tank configuration? Just loosen hose clamps and swap the vent hoses each time, or some sort of quick connect inline hose fittings right above the fuel tank?

[Rustymuscle]

Considering that my tank kit will be on the market in a few weeks, I'm not terribly interested in sharing the details of how the system I developed works.

[DrivingZiggy]

The external fuel tank (not the factory fuel cell) is commercially sold as a 12-gallon tank, but can EASILY hold 13.25-gallons. It's also USCG-approved marine-grade certified.

D'oh! I blew that one.