you're on the right track. i get a great wave after having installed a malibu-style surf gate last year. do the platform and gate installs together and integrate them, that's what i'm going to do this spring as well. as far as weight goes, i run a 650lb diamond sack under the front seats, fits perfectly. with that and 800's on either side of the motor, you can make a great surf wave. you should upgrade your prop to handle the extra weight though. i went with an Acme 913, 10.5-pitch and it works great.