DIY Surf Pad

[parrothd]

Spent some time playing with my new router. HDPE 1in plastic sheet and diamond cut hydroturf.. Total about $200..


http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/28/ejatazup.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/28/ysy6y4uh.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/28/y6egeqez.jpg

[Beejwest]

Two thumbs up! Where'd you buy the HDPE? Usually the surf decks cut towards the center of the boat more. Looks like yours comes straight out? Or is it just narrower?

[parrothd]

It's 54in x 24in x 1in which smaller and thinner than stock. Hard to see from that angle.

https://www.interstateplastics.com

They cut and ship, another forum member mentioned them.. :)

[parrothd]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/28/qe2eraja.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/28/y2a3y7av.jpg

[ninedriver]

Awesome job! How's it feel as far as strength and rigidity?

[parrothd]

It's pretty solid, it doesn't bend with me jumping on it..

[bergermaister]

Looking forward to some before / after pics or vids if available. I've noticed a few spider cracks in my platform. Would be tempted to follow your lead here sometime.

[parrothd]

After pics?

[ninedriver]

I'm thinking he means pics of the wake with old platform vs new platform. If that's not what he means, I'd like to see some pics and ur thoughts.

[bergermaister]

Yep - any affect on the wake. My platform digs and roosters some when surfing.

I've heard mixed reviews of better to not much difference so always curious.

[parrothd]

I didn't take any before pics, I can see the old platform cuts into the wave 4-6 inches when surfing. Probably acts like a giant trim tab too. Im going to try it Thurs and see if there's any difference..

[Jayrodau]

It's 54in x 24in x 1in which smaller and thinner than stock. Hard to see from that angle.

https://www.interstateplastics.com

They cut and ship, another forum member mentioned them.. :)


Which sheet exactly did you buy on the site?? Every sheet I bring up with those dimensions is close to $300. I might be interested if I can get the sheet + hydrotruf for around $200 total.

[trayson]

So, I've done a lot of research into using HDPE for a custom platform. As you might have seen, I did a custom surf platform for my Supra and my "prototype" is just some OSB plywood we had laying around. obviously, this won't last the long haul.

I've been told by every plastic shop I've talked to that virtually nothing will adhere to HDPE. So, I'm really curious if your hydroturf is actually going to stick to it for the long haul.

Because I'd been told that stuff won't stick to the HDPE, my plan was to get some Seaboard Grip-X which is the HDPE with texturing on it for grip. However, I'd MUCH rather have something soft like Hydroturf...

So, what's your insight on how well the Hydroturf is going to stick to the HDPE?

And for reference, here's my custom platform:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SsOk8gW93mY/U4ZrfrlK4vI/AAAAAAAAQYQ/_dS7W21I3y8/s640/IMG_20130925_205817_386_zps7f7e41dc.jpg

[parrothd]

I forgot about shipping...

The hydro seemed to adhere really well, I'll see what happens. While trimming it was really stuck on the HDPE, it didn't give the impression it was coming off easily. I cleaned it with acetone prior to appling. If it comes off I'll roughen the surface up and reapply. Also, I used the original contact cement, not that crappy epa stuff from home depot. I'll check it later tonight and see..


https://www.interstateplastics.com/Hdpe-Marine-Board-White-Sheet-HDPWEM_SH.php?sku=HDPWEM_SH&vid=201406161342-2p-C201407301254-11&dim2=24&dim3=54&thickness=1.000&qty=1&recalculate.x=110&recalculate.y=20

http://www.pwcmuscle.com/hydroturf-sheet-40-x-62.html hydro15 coupon code... :)

[Jayrodau]

I forgot about shipping...

The hydro seemed to adhere really well, I'll see what happens. While trimming it was really stuck on the HDPE, it didn't give the impression it was coming off easily. I cleaned it with acetone prior to appling. If it comes off I'll roughen the surface up and reapply. Also, I used the original contact cement, not that crappy epa stuff from home depot. I'll check it later tonight and see..


https://www.interstateplastics.com/Hdpe-Marine-Board-White-Sheet-HDPWEM_SH.php?sku=HDPWEM_SH&vid=201406161342-2p-C201407301254-11&dim2=24&dim3=54&thickness=1.000&qty=1&recalculate.x=110&recalculate.y=20

http://www.pwcmuscle.com/hydroturf-sheet-40-x-62.html hydro15 coupon code... :)

Why is the HDPE Black sheet double the cost?

[parrothd]

Not sure, the price seems to fluctuate, ib paid 130$ it's listing for 113$ now..

[Jayrodau]

Any updates on how the pad performed or pics?

[parrothd]

Sorry, been busy wakeboarding.

We surfed the other day, the new platform is no longer cutting into the wave. Also I noticed there's more room with the smaller pad near the boat. I can get much closer to the boat. Don't think it had a dramatic effect on the wave yet.
I think the new pad is lighter which changed my default setup a little. I need to move some ballast rear which means I can probably run more than 1100 in the rear..

The old pad acted like a huge trim tab..

[parrothd]

Just an update the hydro still hasn't come off. The boat has been in my slip since the install and we've put about 10+ hours boarding. The hydro seem to be holding up well, I was worried with everyone sliding off the platform it'd tear it up, but this hasn't been the case.

[xBabyJesus]

Hey Parrot, did you use anything special with your router to do the rounded edges? I haven't used a router since high school so I could use some advice :)

[parrothd]

Nope, just tested on a scrape piece to get the depth, and just a rounding bit. You can try putting the turf down, then use the router to round the edge and trim the turf. I played with that option, but thought it might tear the turf so I stuck down after and trimmed by hand..

[Leebo]

So, there’s a surveillance video at the local Moomba dealer of my daughter – sitting on a big piece of cardboard, on top of the new surf platform as I use a Sharpie to get the general outline.

Using this template, I cut a 1” piece of HDPE and used some of the scrap to make a 1” shim to raise it up a bit higher. From Hydro-Turf, I ordered a sheet of black 40”x60” with their special “plastic” adhesive (same charge). Given the size of the sheet, I needed to reduce the width of the platform by 2” so I took 1” off each side of the template. I used SS Carriage Bolts, recessed in the platform and bolted from underneath (there’s a risk that if I take this off, the carriage bolt spins but I preferred this to using new screws from the bottom.)

Given the time I spent measuring and cutting the HDPE, I wish I was more careful hand cutting the Hydro-Turf (my edges didn’t come out that great.)

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/13/4f45eed6199e97cea60b9391cffa1f74.jpg



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[Leebo]

So, there’s a surveillance video at the local Moomba dealer of my daughter – sitting on a big piece of cardboard, on top of the new surf platform as I use a Sharpie to get the general outline.

Using this template, I cut a 1” piece of HDPE and used some of the scrap to make a 1” shim to raise it up a bit higher. From Hydro-Turf, I ordered a sheet of black 40”x62” with their special “plastic” adhesive (same charge). Given the size of the sheet, I needed to reduce the width of the platform by 2” so I took 1” off each side of the template. I used SS Carriage Bolts, recessed in the platform and bolted from underneath (there’s a risk that if I take this off, the carriage bolt spins but I preferred this to using new screws from the bottom.)

Given the time I spent measuring and cutting the HDPE, I wish I was more careful hand cutting the Hydro-Turf (my edges didn’t come out that great.)

23176

[Jceclipse01]

Could you get me a picture of underneath the swim platform. I have made the same exact swim platform I haven't thought about using my scrap for a spacer I've been looking for half inch aluminum to use.


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[trayson]

Here's my 1/2" spacer made with HDPE.

the stock screws were longer than needed to accommodate a 3/4" sheet of HDPE that I used for my platform. so the spacer was kinda needed unless I was going to get new screws.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mZqxBNWms1Y/VNJzwGJ7C2I/AAAAAAAAXog/CBlngDQNz8k/s800-Ic42/20150203_134544.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w-gw0jaK46I/VNJzjw-3k4I/AAAAAAAAXoQ/-6VF42tO8BM/s800-Ic42/20150203_134534.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2jTCBMQ_o80/VNJzeINSjBI/AAAAAAAAXoI/97mkwVJLkZs/s800-Ic42/20150203_134551.jpg

It's not very breathtaking. just a piece cut about the length and width of the top of the platform bracket. Predrilled holes.

easy peasy.

[jmvotto]

not to put a damper on this, I thought someone did a test with platform on and digging in to surfing w/o and had not effect on the wave except the annoying spray?

I could be wrong.

[parrothd]

not to put a damper on this, I thought someone did a test with platform on and digging in to surfing w/o and had not effect on the wave except the annoying spray?

I could be wrong.


Makes a difference for my setup, I get a nice clean surf wake and there's more surf area with a smaller platform.. :)

[trayson]

not to put a damper on this, I thought someone did a test with platform on and digging in to surfing w/o and had not effect on the wave except the annoying spray?

I could be wrong.

I've had a fiberglass platform on both of my boats I've owned. Both have had a lip that would dig down into the surf wave. I've made custom platforms for both of them and it's had a noticeable effect on the cleanliness of the waves as well as the push the waves have.

And to further justify the concept, look at how Supra/Moomba and many other manufacturers have developed "surf platforms" that get the corners of the platforms out of the wave and eliminate the lips like older style platforms have.

If it wasn't effective, the manufacturers wouldn't be doing it. If it wasn't effective, I wouldn't waste my time or money.

[Leebo]

First, apologies for the double post...

My shim is the same concept as Trayson's, I just used carriage bolts from the top with a nylock nut on the bottom.

As far as moving from a regular to surf swim platform, my results were consistent with Trayson & Parrothd. They were the impetus for me to do this and i'm very glad I did - upgraded to a fancy surf style board and before the change, could no longer go ropeless. New platform and a little more ballast, no problem. Ghetto gate and things just get better. Very grateful to learn from these guys.