[steelheader]

Hi Everyone,

Figured I'd share the pictures of the new pump guard that was built by a local machinist.  Our first version was steel and added about 5 pounds to the boat.  This is our second version out of Aluminum, and at less than a pound, I'm pretty happy with it.  We modified the angles just a bit and added a larger cutout in the rear to be used as a handle. 

I will post a full review of my new 2.0 soon, as I'm still adapting it for my particular use.  I will say that unless you plan to only use the 2.0 for lakes with a first class boat launch, it is absolutely worthless without a guard like this.  According to Tom, the 2.0 pump sits much lower than the original ES-Kape.  Due to the lower pump and overall weight of the thing, it made it nearly impossible to launch, load, drag, or even go over shallow places where the craft is sure to rub rocks.  We even had trouble launching it at the local lake from my drift boat trailer as you couldn't lift the front end at all without the pump touching pavement.  At minimum, the 2.0 needs Tom's aluminum nozzle instead of the plastic one. 

My machinist friend has this design in the computer, and he can quickly build more if anyone wants (needs) one.   

With about 20 hard river miles on the 2.0, I'm starting to get it figured out, and take notes of all of the things I like and don't like in comparison to my mono-hull Subaru model.  We run in very shallow and swift water here in Western Washington, so our use may be a bit extreme compared to some.  I'll post some videos along with the upcoming review.  I always enjoy seeing how everyone is using their Mokais, so I'm happy to share a little bit of our use as well!

Hope everyone is finding some time on the water!

-Rich

[Painlesstom]

That looks great, very nice job and nice design. That will definitely be worth it's weight if you play in shallow waters or launch in any way other than floating off a trailer. 

[Craig5251]

That’s really cool! I would love to see some videos!

[Larry]

Wow..Great job

[Mokai Dreamin']

Hello Rich:

Nice to see some other people purchasing the 2.0. I'm curious if yours came with the new one piece hood? I'm also still curious as well to see speed results, and at what weight. Right at the end of last season I got my electric fuel pump installed, but the river had so many leaves in it I never had much of a chance to really test without picking up debris.

Bill Zeiler made up a stomp grate for mine to try to deal with that issue, and I'm working on a idler pulley set up so I can use the original clutch. I'm assuming Mokai is still sending the boat out without the clutch?. I'm not sure they will bring it back or not, but I happen to get one of the original ones, so trying to utilize it. I think it helps immensely with keeping the grate free, and just so nice to be able to go to neutral. 

I'm not doing much posting on the forum as were still at -20 below zero temperatures here in Fairbanks. It's been about 10 or 15 above lately, but lows are still pretty nasty. I look forward to breaking the boat out sometime in April for the spring. Boating season starts in May here.

One question about this pump guard. It seems like it would almost act like a shovel if you simply push it away from the shore. What has your experience been? I know when I push my boat on the sandy bottoms of the river here the nozzle fills up with sand/silt and even with water flowing through it it doesn't clear it out completely. I'm wondering if the turbulence of the water keeps that entire area clear? I figured some clever individual would come up with a design for a pump guard, and it looks nicely executed.

I hope you'll post some speed results, rpm drop off, etc. This guard looks like a great addition! Nice job! And thanks for sharing!

[SDonker]

That looks really good !

[OldmanRiver]

  That pump guard looks good. How much will it cost?

[steelheader]

My neighbor can build them for $200 plus shipping.  Just let me know and I can send you his contact information. 

So far I've been really happy with the guard!

[OldmanRiver]

Please send me the contact information for the machines that makes the pump guard as I wish to order one. Thanks for sharing the photos.

[steelguy]

Tom, do you expect to be making ES-Kape Pump Guard for the 2.0 in the near future (spring) 2021.  I am seriously thinking about purchasing the 2.0, but running shallow rivers in Alaska makes having such a guard a must.  Thanks, Rob

[Painlesstom]

I have a template of the transom of a 2.0, but I haven't seen how I could easily make something that would fit well and be removeable. I have aluminum steering nozzles to replace the stock plastic version, but if you want a pump guard by Spring you'd be best to contact Rich's machinist friend to make one of his. Also be advised the 2.0 isn't shallow water friendly, it drafts a lot more than the older models and without a clutch to stop the pump you will suck up everything you run over. Good boat for deeper open waterways, not fun trying to maneuver quickly in tight spaces in shallow areas. Very awkward and heavy.