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.

[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

[parrothd]

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