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....ight=Surf+tabs


Wakemakers sells a kit.

https://www.wakemakers.com/go-surf-a...QaAhyCEALw_wcB

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

https://www.iboats.com/shop/lenco-12...UaAkVpEALw_wcB

[Shoebox]

It is definitely do-able.

Here is a thread on a homemade system.

https://forum.moomba.com/showthread....ight=Surf+tabs


Wakemakers sells a kit.

https://www.wakemakers.com/go-surf-a...QaAhyCEALw_wcB

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

https://www.iboats.com/shop/lenco-12...UaAkVpEALw_wcB

Those 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 :

gate_1.JPG
gate_2.JPG
Attachment 27988
gate_3.JPG

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.

[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.

gate4.JPG
gate5.JPG

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.

[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/showthr...-after-the-NSS