Surf tabs on a direct drive (ski boat)

[debon123]

Is there someone that already installed surf tabs on a direct drive boat (ski boat)? I have a Supra Launch LTS 2004 boat and I would like to add some home made automatic tabs to improve the wave. Currently, with 800 lbs in the front and 1200 lbs in the back, I am able to surf but I would like to improve my wave without buying a new V-drive boat.

Thanks
Eric

[MJHSupra]

Not many people looking to spend $3-4K on tabs for a boat when most d-drives can be worth 20k?

Not saying you have a 20k boat, but I do not think you will find many on those hulls.


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[MJHSupra]

Good for you if you can make home made ones and save the $$.


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[The_Robo_Fighter]

It is definitely do-able.

Here is a thread on a homemade system.

https://forum.moomba.com/showthread.php?31995-Homemade-surf-tabs&highlight=Surf+tabs


Wakemakers sells a kit.

https://www.wakemakers.com/go-surf-assist-aftermarket-surf-system.html?75=51801&843=51808&gclid=Cj0KCQiAp7DiBRDdARIsABIMfoDEffbJU-_IiMIV-9lliRRTjSguo4z1ld4ZAVm9bMWoXeFokrfp5zQaAhyCEALw_wc B

I’m pretty sure these could be modified, depending on how handy you are.

https://www.iboats.com/shop/lenco-12-x-12-edge-mount-trim-tab-kit-w-double-rocker-switch-kit.html?cm_mmc=&gclid=Cj0KCQiAp7DiBRDdARIsABIMfoBmiF45p_FIagdmXh38 GdKUSrPOd19Jq6njWne02Gz1VmHv2VFYoxUaAkVpEALw_wcB

[Shoebox]

It is definitely do-able.

Here is a thread on a homemade system.

https://forum.moomba.com/showthread.php?31995-Homemade-surf-tabs&highlight=Surf+tabs


Wakemakers sells a kit.

https://www.wakemakers.com/go-surf-assist-aftermarket-surf-system.html?75=51801&843=51808&gclid=Cj0KCQiAp7DiBRDdARIsABIMfoDEffbJU-_IiMIV-9lliRRTjSguo4z1ld4ZAVm9bMWoXeFokrfp5zQaAhyCEALw_wc B

I’m pretty sure these could be modified, depending on how handy you are.

https://www.iboats.com/shop/lenco-12-x-12-edge-mount-trim-tab-kit-w-double-rocker-switch-kit.html?cm_mmc=&gclid=Cj0KCQiAp7DiBRDdARIsABIMfoBmiF45p_FIagdmXh38 GdKUSrPOd19Jq6njWne02Gz1VmHv2VFYoxUaAkVpEALw_wcBTh ose homemade ones are mine. I have about $1k in the GSA-style tabs setup, or $750 with the silver, less-complicated tabs.

[debon123]

Thanks guys. I already read those thread (well done shoebox btw, it's awesome) but i couldn't find anything for direct drive boad.
;
I decided to go ahead and give it a try. Here is the design i will was thinking to install :

27992
27990
27988
27991

Undeployed it's -15 degrees and it will go up to 30 degrees fully deployed.

I will be using the lenco 101 XDS actuator (already ordered) and i will be controlling this with an Arduino MEGA so i can hook it up to a screen and a GPS module. This way I can program some automation (auto retraction after X mph, etc.).

Since i don't want to drill my hull, i will make an aluminium structure that will be attached to the swim plate brackets. My swimming plate is very low with all the extra weight i put in the back so i will use a 2'' Aluminium C beam to jack it up and i will also attach my surf tabs structure on it.

I am from Montreal so i have about 5 months to get this done before i can give it a try so that should give me plenty of time.

Any thoughts ?

[Shoebox]

You're going to have to drill into your hull to mount the tabs, so why not a couple more holes for the actuator? It would save a ton of time and effort.

It looks great, a lot like the Mastercraft tabs. That outward angle should probably make for a great wave, since you're getting a little tab effect, and a little gate effect.

As I mentioned in my write up, I'd recommend tapping the hinge holes and use machine screws, not sheetmetal screws, unless you have access that you can through-bolt.

[MJHSupra]

Does your swim platform interfere with your wake?


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[trayson]

I did a surf system like Nautique's NSS on my Direct Drive. It worked pretty well. It was actually cost effective and I could change sides in under 30 seconds manually.

https://forum.supraboats.com/showthread.php?16402-Trayson-s-DIY-quot-Supra-Surf-System-quot-(SSS)-modeled-after-the-NSS

[parrothd]

Save your money and time and use a suck gate or ghetto gate.

[debon123]

In fact i won't be drilling anything in the hull. The tab hinge will attach to the aluminium frame (blue in the image below) and the frame will be bolted to the swimming platform brackets.

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28005

I sent the drawing to the local sheet metal shop so they can make be the tabs. Now i am working on the arduino program and on the control box.

[debon123]

Does your swim platform interfere with your wake?


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Yes it does, that's why i am jacking it up by 2.5''. It should clean-up the wave.

[debon123]

I did a surf system like Nautique's NSS on my Direct Drive. It worked pretty well. It was actually cost effective and I could change sides in under 30 seconds manually.

https://forum.supraboats.com/showthread.php?16402-Trayson-s-DIY-quot-Supra-Surf-System-quot-(SSS)-modeled-after-the-NSS

I read your thread but did not realize it was a direct drive boat. The wave is really improved. I hope I will have a comparable result !

I thought of putting an NSS system but I do not want to drill my hull and I want an automatic system. Installing an NSS system attached on the brackets of the swim platform would not work, it would be too much in cantilevered i think.

[98outback]

My cousin sent me a picture of a Supra direct drive with surf tabs that was on his neighbors lift. I will see if I can find the pictures.

[debon123]

That would be awesome!

[98outback]

He’s gonna take some better pics next time he’s out. I deleted the ones he sent me but I have one you can barely make it out.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190130/cb8b6491378e3dada69acada5a585473.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190130/f3a628a102f650175f69e233f2662387.jpg

[MJHSupra]

Yes it does, that's why i am jacking it up by 2.5''. It should clean-up the wave.

Good deal.

When I put tabs on my 2007, I had to raise my swim platform about 1” to be able to mount the actuators.

I used a strips of HDPE on top of the swim platform mounts.

I also swapped out the old platform for a new surf platform and a nice pad on it.


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[MJHSupra]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190130/6106f157adcfa5653bb6d8357c28e9cd.jpg


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[MJHSupra]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190130/b2490d3017c55972710921d1af38b287.jpg


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[debon123]

28072

Gate received and controller programming almost completed. I just need to find some time to finish the frame and to assemble this.

[debon123]

My gates are finished and installed. I only need to install my controller this week and i should be able to give it a try this weekend.

Anybody know why i can’t add pictures anymore?