DIY Wake shaper

[2500HD]

Just thought i would start a thread for do it your self wake shaping devices like the surfgate.

[2500HD]

These are the ram mounts
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a494/2500hd1/IMAG0306_zps4f70567a.jpg
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a494/2500hd1/IMAG0309_zpsb373abb8.jpg
all the pieces installed
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a494/2500hd1/IMAG0313_zpsa0e23620.jpg
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a494/2500hd1/IMAG0310_zps4669a964.jpg

[2500HD]

http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a494/2500hd1/IMAG0312_zpsc9a4d6fa.jpg
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a494/2500hd1/IMAG0311_zps80d02280.jpg
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a494/2500hd1/IMAG0314_zps76a3def6.jpg

[wotan2525]

That is bad ass! Are those cutting boards? Is this manually actuated or is there an actuator under there??

[2500HD]

That is bad ass! Are those cutting boards? Is this manually actuated or is there an actuator under there??
It's manual, and yes that is an old cutting board. just 2 thumb screws and move it to the other side of the boat. I may have screwed up when i ordered the plastic ball mounts. Guess i'll find out this weekend.

[trayson]

Yeah, I see a Ram Mount failure in your future...

But Hey, it's not like you've got a TON invested. I've been reading all the threads and watching the developments. But as I have a fiberglass swim platform it'll probably be best for me to wait it out and see what develops before I press on...

(although if I did go the ram mount option, I could always use a mount that clamped on the railing of my swim platform...)

[2500HD]

the other option you have is to use an aluminum spacer that is drilled and tapped to attach to the swim platform brackets. this is what i will probably do for my buddies moomba assuming mine works:)

[villain]

looks good. what did you use for the board?

[2500HD]

looks good. what did you use for the board?
It's an old cutting board.

[wotan2525]

2500HD -- Are you getting these ideas from another board or did you engineer this one yourself? I'd like to build a similar setup (I'd just build 2 and put one on either side) but I'd like to read more about it and see some other photos if there is development happening anywhere.

[wotan2525]

Damn! Those Ram Mounts are EXPENSIVE!!

http://www.e-mount.com/page_results.php?type=normalform&field=ram.category=&string=04005001

[trayson]

2500HD -- Are you getting these ideas from another board or did you engineer this one yourself? I'd like to build a similar setup (I'd just build 2 and put one on either side) but I'd like to read more about it and see some other photos if there is development happening anywhere.

The most comprehensive thread is on the Malibu forum. do a search for "DIY Surf Gate" or go here: http://www.themalibucrew.com/forums/index.php?/topic/39941-poormans-gate/

Basically the concept is that you're putting in a 'gate' like Malibu does on their new surf gate on the OPPOSITE side that you're surfing on to delay the convergence of the two wakes coming off your boat. this not only elongates the surf pocket but also tends to clean up the surf wake because it delays where the darkside wake flows over the surf wake until later behind the longer pocket... It really doesn't make the surf wake bigger, but it does tend to allow people to weight the boat more evenly and minimize or eliminate the need to list the boat hard.

[trayson]

Damn! Those Ram Mounts are EXPENSIVE!!

http://www.e-mount.com/page_results.php?type=normalform&field=ram.category=&string=04005001

The site you're looking at seems way high. Try here:
http://www.gpscity.com/mounts

Many people are just using 2x4's and what not and attaching to teak platforms... Lots of options here. All the way up to using trim tab actuators...

[2500HD]

the ram mounts i came up with after deciding to use them on my bimini. but the rest is from the malibu forum and a guy from the centurion forum. I'm pretty sure i have read every post on the surfgate.lol
Like trayson said, i don't want to have to switch bags back and forth to surf different sides plus it really, really cleaned up the darkside wake. I'm pretty sure that the little bit of countersteer you have to do with the rudder helps to push a lot of wash in the other direction from where you are surfing there by cleaning up the wave.

[2500HD]

ram mounts don't hold enough so i'm gonna use my prototype except i'll hinge it so i can stow it away easily.

[2500HD]

I'm gonna try raising my old swimdeck with a 2x4. It's sitting about 6 inches under water when weighted. Out of curiosity have you try'd one with a taper with the bottom edge tapering towards the top? Just wondering if it would help eliminate the spray and still give the boat enough crab?

[2500HD]

Thought you might be interested in my latest design. Not sure if enough of it will be in the water at speed though. Guess i'll find out this weekend!
It's pretty much a free floating rudder that can be pinned to the side. I'm hoping enough of it is in the water underspeed to delay the wave convergence.
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a494/2500hd1/IMAG0352_zps002d1acf.jpg
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a494/2500hd1/IMAG0351_zps450ce7ca.jpg
yes, that is a scrench acting as a temporary pin
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a494/2500hd1/IMAG0349_zps607e0e64.jpg
a shot from under hull
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a494/2500hd1/IMAG0350_zps465a1bbb.jpg

[CornRickey]

I don't think you will have any problem with it staying in the water at speed. I think your issue will be having enough diversion of the water coming off the side of the boat to make a difference. I think stearing might be a issue since what it is is a rudder. Let me know how it does.

[2500HD]

I've been using the term rudder for any type of surfgate, that's what brought me to this idea. It also was because of your post of the non surfside gate disrupting the wake that brought me to the idea of a free floating gate. That is until it is pinned in place. If this one doesn't work I will try bolting it to to the pivot point at an angle to increase the surface area in the water.

[CornRickey]

I like it. I didnt get any video of it but what I was experiencing was the gate was making its own wake in the surf wake and screwing it up. unless you can figure out a way to have it completely out of the water it will always do it. if you look at the diy video were they have both gates installed they do it. the Malibu system does it also.

[CornRickey]

I've been using the term rudder for any type of surfgate, that's what brought me to this idea. It also was because of your post of the non surfside gate disrupting the wake that brought me to the idea of a free floating gate. That is until it is pinned in place. If this one doesn't work I will try bolting it to to the pivot point at an angle to increase the surface area in the water.

Well, how did it go?

[2500HD]

It does clean up the wave and make it longer but the wave loses all push, so i took it off and had a dirtier shorter wave but a lot more push. I think i'm just going to stick with slamming one side of the boat. It was fun to tinker with though, just couldn't get enough push.

[CornRickey]

I had the same problem. I decreased the angle to about 20 degrees and dumped my front weight and it made all the difference. decreasing the angle allows the non side wake to back up the surf side a little giving it some peak. Like figuring out your ballast, you have to figure out your ballast, gate angle and speed. The result is dramatic with significant less weight needed, no dangerous lean and quit switch to the other side. I'm using my 750 bags in the rear lockers only compared to one of them in the locker, one on the surf side floor and my 1100 lb bag in the front.

[2500HD]

I hear ya about less angle, Makes sense. One thing you should know about my "rudder" design is that it does not make it's own wake on the surf side. It's only 1/2 inch thick and free floats when not locked into position.
I may have to try it again with less angle. I don't think it takes much to delay the 2 waves.

[2500HD]

Thanks to a little persuasion from CornRickey i tried my "rudder" again. This time I drilled 3 holes behind the original pin setting so i could try different angles. The results were surprising to say the least. It turns out that you need very little side force on a saltare to clean up the wake. The more side force you apply the longer and shorter the wave gets. So i used the last pin setting which is maybe at 7 degrees and cleaned the wake but left all the push. I did a little video of both sides using the last pin and only 1000# for ballast, the boat had 1/2 tank of gas and 3 people in the boat. I'll post video as soon as it's done loading on youtube.

[2500HD]

one small disclaimer, it was really choppy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPEmjC4nR2Q

[CornRickey]

looking pretty good.

[2500HD]

One thing this design should allow me to do is really adjust the wave. I.E lots of weight in the back adjust to a steeper setting and lengthen the wave. not much weight just use a shallow angle and clean the wave but don't lengthen.

[trayson]

Well, it makes sense to try a rudder approach. I mean, that's what Centurian is doing for their newest boat.


NEW! Centurion Articulating Tracking System (CATS)
In 1990, Ski Centurion introduced the patented Centurion Articulating Tracking System (CATS) to enhance a ski boat’s steering and tracking ability. In 2014, Centurion has done it again, this time introducing a CATS fin with a focus on adjusting for the perfect wake. Through a steering column lever or Touch Vision System, the new CATS fin articulates under the boat on command. While the boat is underway, the CATS fin will deflect the bow of the boat so each rider can manipulate the shape of the wave giving total control of the face, vertical aspect, length and position. While wake surfing with a CATS fin equipped boat and its instant wave adjustments, riders can take their surfing to the next level. Not limited to wake surfing, the new CATS also helps adjust wakeboard wakes without changing onboard ballast or moving people about the boat. Simply adjust the CATS fin port or starboard – based on your boat’s weight with crew and gear – instantly perfecting the wake.




The CAT System gives the driver of the boat the ability to change the angle of the tracking fin underneath the boat. By manipulating the angle of the tracking fin the boat planes on a different axis changing the steepness of the wave and length of the pocket. Not only is this great for surfing but a way to get the wake even on both sides for wakeboarding, wakeskating or even waterskiing. I drive my boat a lot and there is nothing worse than having to ask people, especially women, to sit on the otherside of the boat in order to even out the wake. Thanks Centurion for getting rid of that headache!



http://theskimonster.com/files/theskimonster/ckfinder/images/Centurion-CATS-Tracking-Fin.jpg

So, who is going to be the first to drill a hole in the bilge and install another rudder in the middle of thier boat??? Now, to figure out where to put the 2nd steering wheel! LOL. Maybe just a Port/Starboard rocker switch?

Maybe you should also tweak your wake plate to be asymetrical like Centurion is doing as well?


The reason boats have a great surf wake on one side and a not so great one on the other is because of the direction the prop spins. The Assymetrical Wing Plate makes for a great surf wave on both port and starboard sides. In addition the wing plate also keeps the exhaust from hitting the water making for a much cleaner wake. Oh and of course just like other trim tabs you have the ability to adjust the plate to change steepness and length of the wave.



http://theskimonster.com/files/theskimonster/ckfinder/images/Centurion-Assymetrical-Wing-Plate.jpg

[2500HD]

damn, and i thought i had come up with something new. love the wave on the enzo though.

[2500HD]

on the wake plate i may try some sheetmetal and rivets. and maybe a rudder in the center drain plug would work?

[Jetlink]

on the wake plate i may try some sheetmetal and rivets. and maybe a rudder in the center drain plug would work?

If you look under your boat where the center drain plug goes thru the hull, at least on my boat that is smack dab in between two tracking fins.

[2500HD]

Yep, that's where mine is also. And i'm not drilling any holes in my hull! My system works great and it takes about 3 seconds to adjust.

[wotan2525]

Well, it makes sense to try a rudder approach. I mean, that's what Centurian is doing for their newest boat.





http://theskimonster.com/files/theskimonster/ckfinder/images/Centurion-CATS-Tracking-Fin.jpg

So, who is going to be the first to drill a hole in the bilge and install another rudder in the middle of thier boat??? Now, to figure out where to put the 2nd steering wheel! LOL. Maybe just a Port/Starboard rocker switch?

Maybe you should also tweak your wake plate to be asymetrical like Centurion is doing as well?



http://theskimonster.com/files/theskimonster/ckfinder/images/Centurion-Assymetrical-Wing-Plate.jpg

I don't think it would be the drilling the hole, installing a rudder port, finding a mini rudder and wiring a servo to drive it -- that all seems easy compared to the math of figuring out in what position it should be doing what and then tying that into our boats that have mechanical throttles and steering. What a nightmare!

[trayson]

I don't think it would be the drilling the hole, installing a rudder port, finding a mini rudder and wiring a servo to drive it -- that all seems easy compared to the math of figuring out in what position it should be doing what and then tying that into our boats that have mechanical throttles and steering. What a nightmare!

I was thinking that you'd install the mini-rudder with a servo to move it left/right. Then it would simply be trial and error to dial it in. Like changing the trim on an I/O. Certainly wouldn't have it be automated. The hardest part would probably be to find "center" after you're done.

[2500HD]

got both my "rudder's" put on the boat. Now i can switch sides in about 3 seconds.
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a494/2500hd1/IMAG0360_zps20efc798.jpg

[2500HD]

Got to do a few sessions today and i'm very pleased! With the boat evenly weighted i don't have to use the gate on the port side but when i do it makes a super mellow almost buttery wave that is great for beginners. I may try to put in one more setting at an even mellower angle.
Pull the pin and move it to the darkside and i have a super long wave with plenty of push. Takes more time to find my lifejacket than it does to switch sides. I think i will try one more setting on this side as well just to steepin the wave. I realized after we were done that i had forgot to move the wake plate up, so the wave could be even a little better.

[NorCalPR]

Interesting. Any better pics at the angle you're at now?

I may give my "surfgate" another try. I may have too much angle and too large of a tab. I had zero push from the wave but the pocket was long!12517

[2500HD]

I'll go get some and post them up.

[2500HD]

this was the best way i had to show the angles since it is hidden under the swimdeck
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a494/2500hd1/IMAG0361_zps606afd55.jpg
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a494/2500hd1/IMAG0363_zps69310203.jpg

[NorCalPR]

Very interesting. Drawn up on autocad, looks like you're at around 6 degrees on the second pic, and 11 on the first

And it only hangs down about 1.25" underneath the boat when not pinned?

Maybe I can try something like the NSS. It looks like it doesn't take much at all

[NorCalPR]

Doing some more googling, there's a guy on the PN forum that had issues setting up his poormans surf gate. His boat has a stepped hull and with the Surf gate, he couldn't get a decent surf wave.

He tried doing the NSS system in hiw boat.

http://www.themalibucrew.com/forums/index.php?/topic/42305-the-diy-surf-gate-thread/page-4
http://www.planetnautique.com/vb3/showthread.php?26193-My-little-NSS-project-99-SN

My boat has a similar hull. Mine is flat on the bottom, then steps up slightly, then has a rounded chine in the corner of the hull.

I'm going to try fabbing a NSS style plate next time I go to the lake, and C-Clamp it to my platform. If I can get the wave dialed in, I'll make a full setup that bolts to the transom, with a coupl of levers that deploy the tab. It just seems like a much better system that is completely out of the way, and doesn't affect wakeboarding at all.

[2500HD]

i have seen High Altitudes posts. The thing i don't like about the nss system is attachment.
For the record neither rudder screws up any wake whether it is surfing, wakeboarding or skiing. when unpinned they just follow the water and trail along. and being only 1/2 inch thick they don't displace much water

[NorCalPR]

Hm, another idea:

Have a flap that comes off of the wakeplate to divert the water. When not in use flip it back over itself to the top of the wakeplate.

Although I don't know how well it would work since the wake plate is near the middle of the boat.

[villain]

NorCal, something like the convex vx that tige has??

[NorCalPR]

Not quite. A flat piece that just flips down off of the wakeplate at an angle on one side, that delays the convergence on that side of the boat. Same principle as the NSS and the surfgate, a just much sleeker and less invasive design.

[2500HD]

might only work if you have automatic trim. I think my turnbuckels would get in the way on my salt.

[NorCalPR]

Ah, true.

Even if it's something that clamps into place, it would still be worth it since it would be much easier to store.

[2500HD]

the other thing i would think about is the strength of some thin sheet metal v.s water force.

[NorCalPR]

Strong enough if Nautique is using 1/8" SS for their setup

[2500HD]

yep, probably is strong enough.

[jet]

Wotan hear we go again. lol. Progress?? I want in on this one.

[2500HD]

Wotan hear we go again. lol. Progress?? I want in on this one.
It works great i'm playing about 15ft off the back and can still catch the boat from about 20ft back. Seems to work best for goofy foot which i am so it's great. weighting the boat 60/40 seems to work best with just a little list accomplished with people. the bags i distribute evenly in the back. no front weight.
I also just ordered a new acme 913......we'll see what that does to it.

[2500HD]

Just had to say......God i love this wave!!!!

[trayson]

Just had to say......God i love this wave!!!!
How much weight are you running now?

[2500HD]

Roughly 1500# without fuel
But i did have a buddy surf today with just the ski locker bag filled up.

[2500HD]

I haven't been able to be on the boat since late august mainly due to elk archery hunting season and all around crappy weather, but if i get a chance i still plan to get a video of the wake shaper in action. In my opinion it is by far the simplest and most effective one out there! Keep my fingers crossed for a good day on the weekend

[Jesse]

Think you will post anymore pics of your setup? I

[Jesse]

From what I can tell your rudders, when locked in, do not extend beyond the outside of the boat

[2500HD]

Sorry for the late response, i was at lake powell. If you read all the posts you will find that this was already discussed. And they do stick out from the side of the boat.

[2500HD]

So i sold the saltare and got a santera.......now for the surfgate.
This is my first attempt with a fiberglass swim platform but i think it will work just fine. I'm just posting a couple of picks of what i have done and hope to test it tomorrow night(weather permitting). I'll post picks of the wave as soon as i'm off the water, but the max weight will be 750 in each rear locker for a total of 1500#. I hope it will take a lot less weight to get a great wave but we will see.
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a494/2500hd1/IMAG0525_zpscdea7672.jpg
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a494/2500hd1/IMAG0526_zpsac6b3f29.jpg

[CornRickey]

I'm using about 900 in the rear with my gates. I sold my prototypes and just finished my new set. They turned out real nice.

[trayson]

One thing I've found with the OEM fiberglass platforms is that the 2" lip of fiberglass that's under the platform cuts into your surf wave and robs you of lots of your push. We had to ditch our fiberglass platform and made a prototype out of wood that cut off the corners so it wasn't dragging in the wave.

[2500HD]

Yep i,ve experienced that squashing effect on my old saltare. This Santera doesn't do that as bad. My wife really likes the fiberglass swimdeck so i figured i would keep it for now. Unfortunately the weather has still been shitty with either rain, wind or just to cold so i haven't been in the water to try the wave yet. I only have one more weekend to try before i go to powell so hopefully summer will show up and i'll get to try it out.

[devovino]

Yep i,ve experienced that squashing effect on my old saltare. This Santera doesn't do that as bad. My wife really likes the fiberglass swimdeck so i figured i would keep it for now. Unfortunately the weather has still been shitty with either rain, wind or just to cold so i haven't been in the water to try the wave yet. I only have one more weekend to try before i go to powell so hopefully summer will show up and i'll get to try it out.

So I have been following these "build you own wake gate" threads, you seem to have it pretty dialed in, as well as Corn Rickey. I have an 87 Saltare which I am going to get unwinterized in a few days and want to get on the water this weekend. In reference to the swim step, I recall it did dig into the wave as well, dont remember if i had a huge impact on the wave but I remember it gouging it pretty good. I wonder how easy it would be to trim the swim steps edges up and fill in some of the gap underneath to prevent it from impacting the wake so much. Also, it took me just over 2000 Lbs last year to actually go ropeless, so the swim step was 2-3 inches underwater just at idle, would be nice to use less weight and have a cleaner wake, I am going to look into making one of these wake shapers as well, i will keep you posted, thanks Devon

[2500HD]

If my platform squashes the wake i will first raise it 1 to 1 1/2 inches and if that doesn't do it i will just build another wood one(my wife will just have to learn to love it). Hopefully i will find out this weekend!

[bunji169]

Hey 2500HD, Just curious how everything turned out? Any updated pics of Installed rudders and waves?? Thanks for all the great posts!!!

[Cusefan78]

I have been thinking of replacing my deck. I have thought about making one out of teak and copying the contour of my current platform. Is the problem with the stock platform the round edge underneath? So a solid wood deck should help especially if I trim the corners like trayson did. Thoughts. Sorry for the highjack.

[2500HD]

I have been thinking of replacing my deck. I have thought about making one out of teak and copying the contour of my current platform. Is the problem with the stock platform the round edge underneath? So a solid wood deck should help especially if I trim the corners like trayson did. Thoughts. Sorry for the highjack.
Yep, the main problem i was having with the stock platform was the lip hanging down. It was in essence hanging down in the wave and having a squashing effect. The other problem was that the back corners needed trimmed to clear the wave as well. Now there is no interference even when the rub rail is touching the water.
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a494/2500hd1/IMAG0542_zps3447fa98.jpg
Sorry but no new pictures of the rudders or wave. If i get a chance to go out this weekend i'll try using it and get a picture.

[trayson]

Yep, the main problem i was having with the stock platform was the lip hanging down. It was in essence hanging down in the wave and having a squashing effect. The other problem was that the back corners needed trimmed to clear the wave as well. Now there is no interference even when the rub rail is touching the water.

What he said.

Here is my custom platform for my XLV...

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jyaqz453dIA/VDhuxypv3zI/AAAAAAAAUhk/HhKz7bySuew/s800/20141010_155343.jpg

[bunji169]

My custom platform. I did the rattle can truck bed liner. Came out pretty good. Less than $100. 2 layers of 3/4" dense plywood.

I used dimensions from the newer stock platform but I made mine 24" deep instead of 30. All angles were same as newer stock platforms. It looks like this is exactly what you did 2500HD...

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/10/17/20757bb9fb99806965dfb0212b85c784.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/10/17/f2553dbbe6062229c8488b20b0893b68.jpg


Surfin USA

[trayson]

what is the width of that at the narrow end (furthest back). I made my most recent version and I did 52" wide at the hull and 42" wide at the rear. and I don't like how pointy my rear angles are.

Also, did you round the long edge of this that goes up against the hull?

Do the sides come straight out from the hull at 90 degrees, or is there a bit of taper there too?

[2500HD]

Yep, almost identical but i tapered mine in from the transom just to pull the edge in from the wave a little bit more.

[2500HD]

My demensions ar 69inches at the transom tapering of to 52 1/2 inches and then to 31 inches this is based on a 2 foot platform
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a494/2500hd1/1017141709_zpsojyzsbte.jpg

[trayson]

My demensions ar 69inches at the transom tapering of to 52 1/2 inches and then to 31 inches this is based on a 2 foot platform
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a494/2500hd1/1017141709_zpsojyzsbte.jpg

Are you using rudders for wake shaping with the new platform?

[2500HD]

I was using it on the port side just because it was being such a pain getting a decent wave on that side, but after tweaking the tracking fin i have just been slamming a side. I'm going to try the rudders again next year mainly because of the prop cavitation the boat gets when choppy. But this time of year in the morning there is no wind and no one on the lake so slamming it works just fine.

[bunji169]

Mine is 62" at hull. Curved to fit transom. Also, sides do come in at an angles. In pics it looks like they are 90degrees from transom but they do taper in.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/10/17/f0ff160b9659a3dcdb2a33c3133b92d7.jpg

My new Surfgate. Haven't tried it yet. Adjustable with turnbuckle.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/10/17/57b7bff0109e542ba5af6b67b8bf7790.jpg


Surfin USA

[2500HD]

Looks great, and keep us posted on how the surfgate works. It was my experience that it didn't take much angle for the wave to form.

[bunji169]

Will do. Not sure when well have a chance to go out again. But I'll be sure to let you know how it does.


Surfin USA

[jtryon]

figured i would throw it out there for anyone building one of these themselves---i did some testing this weekend and 22 degrees seems to be the optimal angle for surf gates. i checked out some other threads and found the same results from others, and proved it myself this weekend on my boat. i had been running mine at about 35 degrees when i first built it, and dropping it down to 22 was a big difference in the amount of push i felt while surfing. i could ride WAY back and with just 1-2 pumps of the board i would be up at the platform almost.

for reference, i was running 650 in the bow, 800 port, 600 starboard, 5 people in the boat (~900lbs), surfing port side. "gate" dimensions are roughly 20" long, 15" high (wal-mart cutting board). do yourselves a favor and build one over the winter!

[2500HD]

I agree that a lot of boats like 22 degrees, but each hull is different. My saltare only needed around 10 degree's. so my suggestion is to make your setup adjustable so you can decide for yourself and your boat what you like.

[CornRickey]

The further the gate is in on the Stern (not on the corner like above) the greater the angle. A issue that can be experienced is when the gate is orientated in and the angle is great, they're can be a turbulent situation that forces water back up to the sStern and shoots it up into the air. Additionally, the longer the gate, the less angle needed

[2500HD]

So i switched it up.
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a494/2500hd1/0627151838_zpsp7myfpef.jpg
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a494/2500hd1/0627151837_zpsd7ylouak.jpg
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a494/2500hd1/0627151836_zps7ermd3u9.jpg
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a494/2500hd1/0627151143_zpsjgzkgnud.jpg

[wotan2525]

How do the tabs work?

It's interesting to watch this sport progressing. 2 years ago and everyone needed/wanted the gates and everyone was weighting their boat evenly. Now the people at wakeworld are going back to listing it/slamming it in one corner and it seems like a lot of people are "over" the gates and are moving towards tabs.

[jet]

How is that platform holding up? Wood and bedliner?? Past tries havent staid the time. 1-loose screw or gash and the water makes it in. Curious?

[2500HD]

How do the tabs work?

It's interesting to watch this sport progressing. 2 years ago and everyone needed/wanted the gates and everyone was weighting their boat evenly. Now the people at wakeworld are going back to listing it/slamming it in one corner and it seems like a lot of people are "over" the gates and are moving towards tabs.

So i got out today but it was just me and my buddy, but the system worked flawless. I don't think i'm going to tweak anything. I even made my buddy switch sides mid surf lol. All i need now is more weight aka. people, but my boat has always needed more weight.

[2500HD]

How is that platform holding up? Wood and bedliner?? Past tries havent staid the time. 1-loose screw or gash and the water makes it in. Curious?

The deck is holding up perfectly. I think a lot of people cheap out and just use regular ply instead of ac ply. Plus making sure you use a ton of elmers 3 which is waterproof. I guess it also doesn't hurt that i build custom homes for a living so i have a lot of experience to fall back on.
I hade to cut into the platform to make room for the actuators and everything was dry as a bone. I suppose it also helps that my boat stays in my steel building year round.

[devovino]

So i got out today but it was just me and my buddy, but the system worked flawless. I don't think i'm going to tweak anything. I even made my buddy switch sides mid surf lol. All i need now is more weight aka. people, but my boat has always needed more weight.

Thats nice work man, I would like to see the wave in action. I also like how you mounted them to the transom, through the swim step, where did you mount the switch? How does is do when the tabs are not actuated, any difference you notice there?

[2500HD]

Thats nice work man, I would like to see the wave in action. I also like how you mounted them to the transom, through the swim step, where did you mount the switch? How does is do when the tabs are not actuated, any difference you notice there?

I mounted the switch next to my ballast switches. Right above the throttle assembly. The tabs are actually mounted about 5/8 above the bottom of boat, you can just barely make out the step in the transom in the picture. It doesn't seem to make any difference to the boat when fully retracted.
I'll try to get video next time i'm out but i seem to always get busy driving and surfing and forget. but i'll try.

[pridekit]

Which actuator did you use? What is the throw length?

[2500HD]

Which actuator did you use? What is the throw length?

It's a stadard 101 with 2 1/4 throw. The trim plate is 9x12

[pridekit]

Are you able to go completely flat like the surf swell? I was looking at there site, I'm wondering if you could get away with the 101 XD or XDS. Same throw, but a shorter actuator so you don't have to cut into the swim deck.

I haven't done any measurements myself, just thinking out loud. I might go by the Lenco office and see if they have anything that would work under the deck (with out the mounting style of the surf swell).

[2500HD]

Are you able to go completely flat like the surf swell? I was looking at there site, I'm wondering if you could get away with the 101 XD or XDS. Same throw, but a shorter actuator so you don't have to cut into the swim deck.

I haven't done any measurements myself, just thinking out loud. I might go by the Lenco office and see if they have anything that would work under the deck (with out the mounting style of the surf swell).

No it doesn't go vertical like the swell system, it is more like the mastercraft. I was looking at the bennett bolt actuator but it got a wicked good deal on the lenco's

[2500HD]

As requested a short video of the waves. I'm very very happy with the results. The position of the camera doesn't do the wave justice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mibqX3xp6Kc

https://youtu.be/KgHFeDiVaVM

[2500HD]

being able to surf 15 to 20 ft back is awesome. This is just a video of the wave switch from side to side. I took a little while to get her up to speed and i think i will reprop her before to long. I'm able to run a lot more weight now and the wave is freakin awesome!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8yfkC56Qjg

[2500HD]

I just ordered an acme 1615, after I install it I will see what it does to the wake. If nothing else my engine will be happier!

[pridekit]

Looks great! :)

[Wulphie]

I am curious if you use the trim tabs when you are under way or if you strictly use them for surfing.

I have my manual wake plate set pretty low for slalom skiing but I feel like it slows my cruising speed when I am under way. Thinking of going to power wake plate and possible trim tabs while I am at it if seems worthwhile.

[2500HD]

I've only used them for surfing, i think the directional tabs on the bottom of the trim tab might impede it. If i was you i would definatly get rid of the manual tab and go with either a lenco (my first choice) or a bennet.

[NorCalPR]

That's awesome! Might have to try something like this after my surf gate failed miserably on my comp. What's the angle they come down at and are there any deflectors on the tab to delay the wake (like the gsa tabs)

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[jtryon]

2500HD, i noticed you made your own FAE out of PVC/ABS--how has it held up? i'm going to be doing the same soon, any tips or suggestions about things that worked or didn't work when making it?

[2500HD]

2500HD, i noticed you made your own FAE out of PVC/ABS--how has it held up? i'm going to be doing the same soon, any tips or suggestions about things that worked or didn't work when making it?

So far no problems at all. Just make sure to dry fit before glueing.

[plav77]

2500HD, that looks amazing! I really want to get that installed!
Guessing you did the install your self?
How does this differ from wakemakers wave control? https://www.wakemakers.com/wavecontrol
To me it looks very similar. Wavecontrol is $4000! This is $400!
Thanks. Paul

[2500HD]

All of the systems are similar in design in that there is an actuator and a tab mounted just like any trim tab would be. This year i will probably play around with the size and shape of the tab a little. I think mine is somewhere in between a mastercraft tab and the go surf assist system. The main difference is my tabs have no automation except when i turn off the boat they automatically retract.

[plav77]

Do you have the regular or LED switch? Just wondering if you put the tabs down all the way or not. I could see the LED useful if you only put them part of the way down.

[2500HD]

Just the regular switch, i put the tab all the way down but with bigger tabs that may change. I have also found that turning slightly away from the surf side increases the size of the wave. it's contrary to normal surfing but it works for my hull.

[plav77]

I emailed both Lenco and Bennett asking what they recommend for surf tabs for my boat and got the follow responses back.

Lenco
All of the surf tab systems we sell are custom designs by various OEMs. They are therefore proprietary blades & controls. We are not permitted to sell most of these blades through aftermarket distribution due to this fact. If customers are creating their own surf tab set up, they are doing it without recommendations from us, as it violates the agreements we have with our OEMs. Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with!

Bennett
Well, we offer Wakeplate systems, but we don’t specifically manufacture Surf tab systems. Of course, they are basically a trim tab system installed outboard as far as possible either in a normal trim tab installation (trim tabs positioned to deploy down into the hull surface’s water flow or tilted outboard to deploy outboard into the side wake. The later choice is normally reserved for the ski/wake boat manufacturing companies, since that can design the hull around this type of application so the vessel will run correct & true from the factory (not recommended as an aftermarket installation). One of the main issues with Surf tab systems has to do with the vertical height requirement to install the actuators so far outboard on a ski/wake boat, since these vessels normally have VERY LIMITED height to work with under the swim platforms. We combat this issue by being able to manufacture shorter overall length Classic Hydraulic Actuators, which CAN STILL have our standard 2-1/2” overall stroke length that is normal for a standard TRIM TAB SYSTEM. Also, the overall shorter length actuators allow us to install the actuators at the standard attachment point (8-5/8” back from the transom) on the trim tabs to obtain 20 to 25 degrees of trim tab deployment when installed. And one more capability we have with our Classic Hydraulic Actuators is that we can modify the overall stroke length of the actuators too. We can increase (up to 3-1/4”) or decrease (less than an 1”) per the OEM’s request, so we have quite a bit of customization capabilities to meet our clients needs.Do you have a photo of YOUR transom you can email to us, so we can see what type of mounting limitiations you are working around?

[2500HD]

All surf tab systems are just glorified trim tabs.

[dbatech99]

Man my head is spinning. I've been reading about surf gates, ghetto gates, suck gates, etc for days. I have a 2011 242 Sunsport. Just in the process of ordering ballast upgrades. (1280lb WakeMakers in each rear locker). I will probably get another 1000lb bag to go under in the front walk thru area in the bow under the bridge cushion. I just want something that keeps me from listing the boat and won't be crazy expensive while giving huge clean wave. Too much to ask? i'm ehausted lol.

[markthered]

I'm in a similar boat, but I have a 2011 Launch 22V, so a bit smaller. I'm going to do a suck gate - not a fan of the velcro going directly on the boat for the Ronix-type of gate, and I'm trying to stay fairly "clean", portable, easy to switch sides, etc. But, for now, I load up the port-side rear locker with my 1,100 lb bag, throw my fat friend in the port-side corner (sort of hanging on the deck) - my fat friend is my original 450 lb bag that I use a portable pump to fill, and then maybe put a bit of weight up front, but not too much. The wave may not be as long, but man, it's big. But, looking to add a suck gate so I can retire my fat friend and easily switch from regular to goofy.

[NorCalPR]

Man my head is spinning. I've been reading about surf gates, ghetto gates, suck gates, etc for days. I have a 2011 242 Sunsport. Just in the process of ordering ballast upgrades. (1280lb WakeMakers in each rear locker). I will probably get another 1000lb bag to go under in the front walk thru area in the bow under the bridge cushion. I just want something that keeps me from listing the boat and won't be crazy expensive while giving huge clean wave. Too much to ask? i'm ehausted lol.
Just experiment. Anything that delays the convergence works. You just have to come up with something to hold it temporarily without damaging the hull

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[2500HD]

With the size of your boat and the amount of weight you can add i would just build a suck gate. we just built one for my buddies 05 xlv moomba and with both rear 1100 bags half full and his center locker half full the wave was spectacular. I used the mission delta on my boat with both rear 750's full and the wave was great but it worked the engine to hard for my taste.
All of my systems were before the suck gate and i love the tab system that i eventually settled on. It does require a bit more weight but it is easier on the engine. I also think that if i had to do it all over again i would probably do a suck gate and not fill my bags quite as much.
My recomendation is buy some suction cups and a cuting board and start building a gate.

[2500HD]

I forgot to add that 5x9 was the most you needed to get the gate to work. One other tip is to tie it to your tower with the tab side facing forward and use a clay bar to remove wax or lake slime from where it sits. This will help to eliminate the gate from sliding off the boat.