Homemade surf tabs

Tab head-to-head test was yesterday.

I went out with some buddies (we all surf regular) to test both sets of tabs I made to see if one is better.

We filled all the bags (1100s rear, 400 center, 750 IBS, and a 400 on the floor in the pass through) and 150 lead in each locker, 50 under right rear seat, 150 on surf side rear floor, 170 under bow filler cushion. So just about 4k total. 3 guys at 210ish and 1 girl maybe 140.

The first set were the smaller of the 2. At 11.0 and wakeplate up, the wave was great, big with lots of push. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c638c376a6.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...a34217af5d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...62713b160b.jpg

Then we went back to the dock where I swapped out the starboard tab for the larger, black one. The pic shows the size difference between the two.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...6c6e92f824.jpg

We went back out and surfed the black tab, same weight and placement, just less gas. If I didn't tell you the tabs were different, you probably wouldn't know the difference. But the wave seemed a little bit larger, a little bit longer, and a little more push. It also seemed "harder" or firmer. It was kind of weird and took some getting used to.

The most surprising thing was how little downward angle the tabs had for the best wave. I measured the silver set just before swapping out, and it was only 5° down. I wasn't able to measure the black set, but the angle was similar.

Overall, I'm torn on which set I'm keeping. I like that the black set wave is a tiny bit better, but I also like how much smaller the silver set is. Decisions, decisions... https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...860130112a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...096dfa09a5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...077573c542.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e513d58a1f.jpg

Well, since you copied the GSA tab perfectly I think you have discovered why that system is quite remarkable. There is a TON of R+D behind those tabs, and they are for sure legit.

Granted, the improvement is marginal, because even your small tabs accomplish 95% of the key tenants of making a wave. But the GSA design puts a little frosting on top.

I admire those tabs a great deal. Those guys indeed made a great product. Enough to receive a patent despite aggressive Malibu patent protection. That’s saying something.

People often complain about the cost of GSA, but there is a difference. I had a set on my MB and was always impressed!


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No ones gonna go for the bigger, blacker joke? I’m kinda disappointed in y’all... lol
Dude, those tabs are awesome, nice work. With the black tab, did you have to run the same deployment or less? Did you notice more roll since it displaced more water?

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Originally Posted by dakota4ce

Well, since you copied the GSA tab perfectly I think you have discovered why that system is quite remarkable. There is a TON of R+D behind those tabs, and they are for sure legit.

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Honestly, they are not remarkable enough to justify the price tag. Like I said, if I didn't tell you there were different tabs there, I don't think you'd notice the difference.

If I were going to spend $4k on a system, I'd buy the Wakeland retrofit and have the dealer install it.

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Granted, the improvement is marginal, because even your small tabs accomplish 95% of the key tenants of making a wave. But the GSA design puts a little frosting on top.

I admire those tabs a great deal. Those guys indeed made a great product. Enough to receive a patent despite aggressive Malibu patent protection. That’s saying something.

People often complain about the cost of GSA, but there is a difference. I had a set on my MB and was always impressed!

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They are a quality product, just overpriced for me. Even if I bought the Wake Logic controller for the silver tabs, I'd be at maybe half the cost of the GSA kit.

I have $350 total in the black ones, and currently $60 in the silver ones.

Deciding which one I keep is going to be tough. Does the marginally better wave outweigh the benefits of the physically smaller tab? (less temptation for people to use it as a step, less leverage and force on the hinges and transom)

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Originally Posted by Broke Pilot

No ones gonna go for the bigger, blacker joke? I’m kinda disappointed in y’all... lol
Dude, those tabs are awesome, nice work. With the black tab, did you have to run the same deployment or less? Did you notice more roll since it displaced more water?

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They were pretty close to the same deployment. I wasn't able to measure it because we were in the middle of the lake and I didn't want to drop my phone. Basically, the best wave was at the minimum deployment required to make a wave.

There was not a lot of roll with either one.

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Originally Posted by Shoebox

Honestly, they are not remarkable enough to justify the price tag. Like I said, if I didn't tell you there were different tabs there, I don't think you'd notice the difference.

If I were going to spend $4k on a system, I'd buy the Wakeland retrofit and have the dealer install it.
They are a quality product, just overpriced for me. Even if I bought the Wake Logic controller for the silver tabs, I'd be at maybe half the cost of the GSA kit.

I have $350 total in the black ones, and currently $60 in the silver ones.

Deciding which one I keep is going to be tough. Does the marginally better wave outweigh the benefits of the physically smaller tab? (less temptation for people to use it as a step, less leverage and force on the hinges and transom)

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I think you missed my point just slightly, 99% of people don’t have the time or skills to fabricate their own. I would say the guy invented and has fielded a pretty sweet little system, and has sold a lot of them, whether not you think it’s worth it? You obviously thought it was worth it enough to photocopy a patented product, so there must be some degree of appreciation. You would not have known where to start if those didn’t exist.

And yes the channeling of flow on those tabs is remarkable. No one has ever done anything quite like that. And you yourself, with slightly less weight, noticed the effect of that little invention.

Never mind the controller, which is a beautiful little piece. Everyone thinks everything is overpriced these days, but it really has way more to do with the entire cost of going scratch to fielded system rather than the cost of some aluminum and fabrication time for a one off copy like yours. Much more complicated than that.

I have a great deal of admiration for Ryan and his system! I don’t think he is a guy out there getting rich off of it, either. But he has sold a lot of them.


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Also “$350” and “$60” is quite misleading when you’ve spent hours researching planning and assembling these things. Yes?

Sorry for the rant, I just think that GSA is pretty cool and everyone ragging on it all the time because it costs money doesn’t make a lot of sense.

If you want the best, they are the best.

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Originally Posted by dakota4ce

Also “$350” and “$60” is quite misleading when you’ve spent hours researching planning and assembling these things. Yes?

Sorry for the rant, I just think that GSA is pretty cool and everyone ragging on it all the time because it costs money doesn’t make a lot of sense.

If you want the best, they are the best.

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Like I said, FOR ME, it's overpriced. Yes, it absolutely is a good system. Yes, I copied it because people like you raved about it, and I had the desire to do so. I have never built anything like that before, so if I can do it, anyone can. To make the smaller set, all anyone needs is a circular saw, a drill, a sander, and some metal.

I haven't heard anyone say anything bad about GSA other than how expensive it is. Obviously, the quality is top-notch, as is the controller. Honestly, I'd guess that most of the value is in the controller.

Roger that. Sorry I got triggered. And you can get that system for about $3500 really if you watch sales and discounts. Still a good chunk for sure. But short of working metal, it’s a good option.


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Originally Posted by dakota4ce

Roger that. Sorry I got triggered. And you can get that system for about $3500 really if you watch sales and discounts. Still a good chunk for sure. But short of working metal, it’s a good option.


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You are right, it absolutely is, especially for people who don't have the Wakeland retrofit option.

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Originally Posted by Shoebox

We went back out and surfed the black tab, same weight and placement, just less gas...

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Curious abt the “less gas” result. Lower RPMs? Thx!

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Originally Posted by Leebo

Curious abt the “less gas” result. Lower RPMs? Thx!

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We started with a full tank with the silver tabs. Didn't fill back up to test the black ones. Although 11.0 mph with the silver tabs was 3200 rpm, with the black it was 3400.

I just joined the group, This is a great post. If i had the money I would love to buy some, I would love to make some of these for my 2008 XLV. The measurements on the paper you shared in the first few posts, Is that before bent or do I need to add them to those measurements? Thanks

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Originally Posted by Medicsrus

I just joined the group, This is a great post. If i had the money I would love to buy some, I would love to make some of these for my 2008 XLV. The measurements on the paper you shared in the first few posts, Is that before bent or do I need to add them to those measurements? Thanks

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I wouldn't go by those measurements, they're the first diagrams I made by basically guessing at sizes. If you want to make a set, I'd make the second ones I made. Simpler, one bend, and they work nearly the same.

Oh ok. The back of my 2008 xlv is flat where the tabs mount, but then it rounds out and up. Let me see if I can et a picture loaded. I was even wondering if the actuator would even work on either one of them.

Attachment 27779
This is what my transom looks like. I'm not sure the actuator would mount on the slope without being to long.

I made a diy surf gate, and it works good. I just want something that everyone in the boat can sit wherever while surfing.

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Originally Posted by Medicsrus

Attachment 27779
This is what my transom looks like. I'm not sure the actuator would mount on the slope without being to long.

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That transom looks like it would be difficult for many reasons. There's a ton of lateral curve where you'd put the hinges. You'd need to make a spacer/adapter so the hinge sits flat. You could likely make the actuators work, mine sit about 1-1/4" above the hinge. The curve just means you'd probably have to make the tabs a bit longer than the 14" of my silver tabs.

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Originally Posted by Medicsrus

I made a diy surf gate, and it works good. I just want something that everyone in the boat can sit wherever while surfing.

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For the best wave, you still need to get more weight on the surf side. I still move people around.

Thanks for your replies and advice. I bought this boat in July and really enjoy the surfing. I would just like to make it more convenient for myself if I wanted to switch sides. I would also like to wire the tabs so as when you put one down the other raises. I think all I would have to do is wire a relay to reverse the polarity when a down switch was pressed the relay would close and reverse the polarity of the actuator that is already down. Anyway thanks again Shoebox.

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Originally Posted by Medicsrus

Thanks for your replies and advice. I bought this boat in July and really enjoy the surfing. I would just like to make it more convenient for myself if I wanted to switch sides. I would also like to wire the tabs so as when you put one down the other raises. I think all I would have to do is wire a relay to reverse the polarity when a down switch was pressed the relay would close and reverse the polarity of the actuator that is already down. Anyway thanks again Shoebox.

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I would think you could pretty easily wire a 3-switch setup so that one switch controls each tab individually, like mine is set up now, and a 3rd switch for transfers that pressed right extends the left and retracts the right, and vice versa. If the controller I'm waiting on isn't finished by next spring I may add the 3rd switch as well.

The only real issue with that is the ability to get the right deployment on the extended tab in the transfer.

I see what your saying, the third switch would be the best route. Keep us posted on the controller, what would he charge to make another one if your works good do you think?

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Originally Posted by Medicsrus

I see what your saying, the third switch would be the best route. Keep us posted on the controller, what would he charge to make another one if your works good do you think?

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I'm not building the controller. I'm trading my silver tabs for it, to the guy who is. He's going to post the code and parts list for it at some point. When he does, I'll link to it.

Sounds good, I have been doing some research on a motor controller using a potentiometer to control the tabs. I would like to put it on a slide pot. Just so you could see by the slide where the tabs are. Thanks shoebox.

Slide pot is an interesting idea. Mine will have a rotary dial, but position would not be indicated by the dial because it would take more than one full turn to fully extend/retract the tab. If I remember correctly, it's 200ms per click of the knob. Of course that could be adjusted in the software, especially considering I would never be going to full extension.

Did you ever get your controller or are you still using this system manually? I plan to build a set of plates similar to your smaller ones and I am starting a fully automated system design and build to run it. I've already got the code and a crude UI to control the actuators as well as control speed of the boat. My boat did not come with Perfect Pass, so I started by building my own and it has morphed into something similar to Auto Wake.

I just started a thread over on Wake Garage if you are interested in taking a look.
https://www.wakegarage.com/forums/to...evice-control/

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Originally Posted by jestes

Did you ever get your controller or are you still using this system manually? I plan to build a set of plates similar to your smaller ones and I am starting a fully automated system design and build to run it. I've already got the code and a crude UI to control the actuators as well as control speed of the boat. My boat did not come with Perfect Pass, so I started by building my own and it has morphed into something similar to Auto Wake.

I just started a thread over on Wake Garage if you are interested in taking a look.
https://www.wakegarage.com/forums/to...evice-control/

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Last I knew, Shoebox sold his 2019 Supra and no longer visits this forum much.

Sounds like you have a cool project going on.