Homemade surf tabs

Long post, so bear with me.

I went round and round in my mind about whether to make a set of surf gates or tabs for my boat. Gates seemed easier, but when I made a ghetto gate to test the "proof of concept", the wave wasn't very good, and my boat didn't like it much. So tabs it is. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9cdf8aa8ea.jpg

I looked at the tabs that come on basically all the manufacturers that used them, and ended up essentially copying what's on the MB boats.

I made about 100 drawings, and at least 3 cardboard mockups until I was happy with it, then gave those measurements to my buddy, who put them into CAD
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We got the metal waterjet cut, bent at a local fabricator, and then welded them up. I could have saved about $150 by cutting everything myself and welding on the side pieces instead of bending them, but the finished product is much nicer this way.

I also had to make the lower actuator brackets, which is of 2" square aluminum tube with one side shaved off. The tabs are 3/16" 5052 aluminum plate, roughly 17.5" wide x 21" long. Everything powdercoated satin black.

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Lenco uses #14 screws for their trim tab hinges, so that's what I was going to do too. They say to drill the pilot holes with a 3/16" bit. Drilling into the hull was more than a little nerve-wracking. First screw cracked the hell out of the gelcoat and froze in place about 1/2" in, and the head broke off. F*%k!!! I decided to leave that screw alone, and used #12 screws for the rest.

I also had to use the Lenco remote gland seal kit to route the actuator wires into the boat, because where the actuators mount is below the floor in the lockers. Broke one screw on each of those too. 1" thick fiberglass does not like being screwed into.
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For controls, I'm initially using regular Lenco trim tab switches. I made a mounting plate to mount the switches in the huge hole left by the Sony remote next to the throttle.

In a couple weeks a friend I made through another forum is sending me an arduino-based controller he built which will have all of the features of the Wake Logic setup, without the high price tag.

Wiring the relay panel took the longest of all of this, because I’m slow and because I changed a few things as I went along. I think it turned out okay. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...edf9dec3c8.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...39565ca687.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...3c8ebc05f5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...1f1b7f778a.jpg

The first (and only, so far) day of testing had mixed results. The wave forms almost instantly, and the shape is much better and more fun than the Nauticurl wave, but at the moment doesn't have as much push. I need to move weight around to see where it needs to be.

I need to remove some weight from the bow, because the tab pushes the nose down, as well as lists the boat. That may add some push.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...bfc72a0eb1.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...ace595c06c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5cd94153ec.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...b67a112f68.jpg

My biggest mistake was using aluminum hinges. That’s what MB uses, but I guess theirs are much thicker than what I used. My hinges started to bend, particularly at that one broken screw.

I pulled the tabs back off, and was able to get that broken screw out. My buddy suggested we tap the holes for ¼”-20 machine screws, which is what we ended up doing. The threads are the same depth as the sheet metal screws, but there are many more of them, so the holding power will be much greater. I don’t know why Lenco and others don’t suggest doing it this way.

I ordered some new, thicker, stainless steel hinges. They were supposed to be delivered yesterday, but apparently were damaged in shipping, so now I’m in waiting mode. Once I get them, I’ll polish them (actually to a brushed finish) instead of powdercoat, and get everything reinstalled next week.

I can pass along my GSA experience—for whatever it might be worth. Probably zero! 🤣

Try deploying the tab at a shallower angle, and run more rear weight. Get them deep as you can, then avoid as much lift as you can. I owned GSA on my MB.

I ran enough bow weight to keep the running attitude reasonable—like in the 10 degree pitch range. So I slammed the rear big time, then sprinkled in bow until it ran appropriately.


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Originally Posted by dakota4ce

I can pass along my GSA experience—for whatever it might be worth. Probably zero! 🤣

Try deploying the tab at a shallower angle, and run more rear weight. Get them deep as you can, then avoid as much lift as you can. I owned GSA on my MB.

I ran enough bow weight to keep the running attitude reasonable—like in the 10 degree pitch range. So I slammed the rear big time, then sprinkled in bow until it ran appropriately.


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Thanks. Yeah I have a lot of tweaking to do to find the best setup. It'll be much easier when the real controller gets here, because I'll be able to get it dialed, then hit a button to save the tab setting. Right now it's kinda shooting in the dark, since I have no indication of tab/actuator position.

That makes sense. The GSA system would always deploy fully, and then I would use the dial to suck it back up until it was shallower and created a steeper wave.


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Gsa can be tricky to dial but the results are well worth it. The system loves weight.

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Nice work.....what's your all in price right now?

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Originally Posted by soonerbilly

Nice work.....what's your all in price right now?

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About $1000.

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Originally Posted by beat taco

Gsa can be tricky to dial but the results are well worth it. The system loves weight.

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I've got 4k total weight in plumbed bags and lead, plus another 400 lb bag with a tsunami pump. I just need to figure out the best spots for it. Like dakota4ce said, I think it needs less in the bow.

Very nice work and super ballsy! I’m interested to see what the other controller looks like.

Cool thread. I went the way of Wakeland Surf Tabs on my 2007 Supra 22'

I had an issue with my controller about a month ago, so I called the company and drove over to pick up a new one. Lucky to live in Knoxville. While I was there I was offered to try a newer set of (larger) plates. I originally had the v1.0, but now have the bigger ones they install on the Moomba boats.

Top is v1.0
Bottom is v2.0 - just installed them last week. Have not been out of any testing.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1820/...2e2b9da8_c.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1819/...c73232c1_c.jpg

I have also found the boat likes a lot of weight in the back. I run very little bow weight - actually none until I get the wake cleaned up.

Then I start adding to make it longer. And adjusting the speeds a little. My biggest issue is getting a clean wake. It takes a lot of trial/error. Sometimes too much compared the the new boats.

I was just looking at some pics on Facebook of some of those SL wakes . . . . . so long . . . . dang!!

You should post this on wake garage. Its a great site and you can get a free hat if you add 3 or more projects.

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Originally Posted by gravity

You should post this on wake garage. Its a great site and you can get a free hat if you add 3 or more projects.

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Thanks, I got a lot of good info from Wakegarage. I'm leery of posting too much about it because I don't want to cross the GSA guys. And to be honest, I may end up changing the plates anyway, because these are humongous and put a LOT of stress on the hinges. If I do change the plates, I will probably post over there.

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Originally Posted by MJHSupra

Cool thread. I went the way of Wakeland Surf Tabs on my 2007 Supra 22'

I had an issue with my controller about a month ago, so I called the company and drove over to pick up a new one. Lucky to live in Knoxville. While I was there I was offered to try a newer set of (larger) plates. I originally had the v1.0, but now have the bigger ones they install on the Moomba boats.

Top is v1.0
Bottom is v2.0 - just installed them last week. Have not been out of any testing.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1820/...2e2b9da8_c.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1819/...c73232c1_c.jpg

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I looked at buying their kit, but it was $2400 just for the parts, and to be honest I'm not real happy with the idea of that big lever arm the actuator mounts to at the top. Especially with that bigger plate. My very first, original plan was to do one similar to the stock Moomba setup, until I realized that.

I got a little ahead of myself with that one. I ended up using the aluminum from these to make the lower plates on the final tabs. [emoji23] https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9538151425.jpg

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Originally Posted by MJHSupra

I have also found the boat likes a lot of weight in the back. I run very little bow weight - actually none until I get the wake cleaned up.

Then I start adding to make it longer. And adjusting the speeds a little. My biggest issue is getting a clean wake. It takes a lot of trial/error. Sometimes too much compared the the new boats.

I was just looking at some pics on Facebook of some of those SL wakes . . . . . so long . . . . dang!!

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Yeah I have 200 lbs of lead in the bow that I'm going to try moving to the back to see how much it helps, and try reducing water from the bow bag. I'm also going to make another set of plates that are a little smaller to see how that changes things. I really don't have nearly enough testing done yet.

Nice job, looks like it it turned out pretty good.

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Originally Posted by stevemarich

Nice job, looks like it it turned out pretty good.

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Yeah, you need to come out for a ride when I get it back together.

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Originally Posted by Shoebox

Yeah, you need to come out for a ride when I get it back together.

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Sounds like a plan, labor day weekend is looking open

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Originally Posted by Shoebox

I'm also going to make another set of plates that are a little smaller to see how that changes things.

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I was told by the owner of Wakeland, that bigger is not always better. At least for my hull.

Did not get into a detailed engineering of why, but these are the guys that know all the SC hulls.


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Originally Posted by stevemarich

Sounds like a plan, labor day weekend is looking open

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Cool, I'm waiting for The Boss to decide what she wants to do for Labor Day weekend.

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Originally Posted by Shoebox

Cool, I'm waiting for The Boss to decide what she wants to do for Labor Day weekend.

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Sweet, just let me know , the old boss has the kiddos that weekend, don't have anything planned yet [emoji23]

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Replaced the hinges with far beefier stainless hinges. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...878362d9e5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...6764538a8f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d332a4ea83.jpg

Very impressive! Keep us updated!

I went from the mission delta to the Wakeland 2.0 surf system. I found decreasing my bow weight and moving the 400#’s of lead I mid-ship to the front of the rear bags greatly improved the push. We can now ride way back on the wave without any trouble.


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Originally Posted by Jeepers

Very impressive! Keep us updated!

I went from the mission delta to the Wakeland 2.0 surf system. I found decreasing my bow weight and moving the 400#’s of lead I mid-ship to the front of the rear bags greatly improved the push. We can now ride way back on the wave without any trouble.


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Yeah the tab really pushes the bow down. Definitely going to move some weight aft.

Got the boat back in the water today. I moved all the lead I had in the bow to the floor in front of the rear seat on the surf side. I also initially only filled the bow ballast halfway. Nose was way too high, needed more speed and wakeplate full down.

I filled the bow ballast the rest of the way, and really seemed to make a powerful wave. The proof is in the surfing, but I was the only one in the boat, so surf test will have to wait. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...136d2b1419.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2d743c4385.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5b744b369a.jpg

It looks like you’ve got her dialed in perfectly! Nice work! I bet it’ll surf very well!


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Got out surfing on it Monday. Good push and size, fun shape. Not many pics, still need to play with weight and placement.

Also going to make a set of shorter tabs to see if that makes any difference.

Can't wait to get my controller... https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e8de7a02b0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9def8c7e3a.jpg

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Originally Posted by Shoebox

Thanks. Yeah I have a lot of tweaking to do to find the best setup. It'll be much easier when the real controller gets here, because I'll be able to get it dialed, then hit a button to save the tab setting. Right now it's kinda shooting in the dark, since I have no indication of tab/actuator position.

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what's the ballpark price of the other controller?

Looks like an amazing project. you definitely have some great skills and tools to work with. Metal fab is outside my scope of ability. :-(

Tabs can definitely be tricky. I was recently in a Max with 3k ballast and autowake and the wave had no push. it was really disappointing. Like my XLV with 500 pounds kinda push. I couldn't believe it. (I was told by a friend that the tabs were too far down and it was likely lifting the stern).

Was definitely a fun wave, lots of push a good length

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Originally Posted by trayson

what's the ballpark price of the other controller?

Looks like an amazing project. you definitely have some great skills and tools to work with. Metal fab is outside my scope of ability. :-(

Tabs can definitely be tricky. I was recently in a Max with 3k ballast and autowake and the wave had no push. it was really disappointing. Like my XLV with 500 pounds kinda push. I couldn't believe it. (I was told by a friend that the tabs were too far down and it was likely lifting the stern).

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Thanks!

A friend is making the controller for me for the cost of parts. In return I'm going to make him a set of tabs for cost of parts.

I had to pay for cutting and bending, these needed to be pretty precise. The shorter set I'll just cut with a saw because they don't need the waterjet precision.

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Originally Posted by stevemarich

Was definitely a fun wave, lots of push a good length

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Yeah when I get home we'll have to get out and try the shorter tabs. I should have them cut today. Picked up the aluminum yesterday.

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Originally Posted by Shoebox

Yeah when I get home we'll have to get out and try the shorter tabs. I should have them cut today. Picked up the aluminum yesterday.

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Definitely, R&D is always fun behind a boat

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Originally Posted by Shoebox

Thanks!

A friend is making the controller for me for the cost of parts. In return I'm going to make him a set of tabs for cost of parts.

I had to pay for cutting and bending, these needed to be pretty precise. The shorter set I'll just cut with a saw because they don't need the waterjet precision.

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Sounds like you guys make a great team!!! I remember making my manual version of the NSS system on my Supra Sunsport and that was a pretty cool adventure. Not sure if I'll ever get around to jumping from a DIY suck gate to a full blown automated system, but it's cool to see you're jumping in. I'd imagine if I ever get to the point where I feel I need to do transfers, LOL.

Keep up the good work. The fit and finish is on point.

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Originally Posted by stevemarich

Definitely, R&D is always fun behind a boat

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Controller is just waiting on waterproof buttons. The ones he got most recently weren't waterproof. Fingers crossed he gets it done before I get home next week!

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Originally Posted by trayson

Sounds like you guys make a great team!!! I remember making my manual version of the NSS system on my Supra Sunsport and that was a pretty cool adventure. Not sure if I'll ever get around to jumping from a DIY suck gate to a full blown automated system, but it's cool to see you're jumping in. I'd imagine if I ever get to the point where I feel I need to do transfers, LOL.

Keep up the good work. The fit and finish is on point.

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If you have a flat transom, the surf gates are far easier and cheaper. My transom just wasn't going to work with those.