Sur'Fin Would you want one?

[wakebrdr94]

So on that!

[yabetcha]

I saw the PVC and wondered if it'll be strong enough. So far Slurpeegate proved that PVC might work with two arms.

[skibreeze]

There is 16 inches between the bracket and edge of the hull. I really like the Ram mount idea, but the arms are not long enough for this. I've been trying to come up with ways to not go into the platform, but that may be my only option if I want to pursue this route. I was thinking maybe making a brace that would extend from the fin to the bracket itself to help support the load. attaching it to the platform would be okay I think, as long as there was a brace for support

How about using another stock swim platform bracket mounted sideways? That way, the sur'fin could easily attach and detach, just like the platform.

[martinarcher]

what about the pvc pipe ram mounts?

Seems like you could use a different length pipe in the middle?

That rules!

[yabetcha]

There's also threaded aluminum pipe in 4-24" lengths that may work.

http://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-18-inch-pipe-with-0.25-inch-npt-thread-ends.html

[wakebrdr94]

How about using another stock swim platform bracket mounted sideways? That way, the sur'fin could easily attach and detach, just like the platform.

Thought about that, but trying to avoid going into the hull for now.

[Levi900RR]

Finially got some pics. The snowboard fin is PERFECT. It adds a ton of length to the wave, but doesn take much push away. AND... I switched it from reg to goof in 70 seconds.

This is my Skier with 1 750lb sac in the middle under the rear seat and my Snowboard gate.

Regular:

Goof:

This was the first time I have surfed on the Goofy side...

I also went with my standard ballast config for surfing and added the fin. It was totally insane, I couldn't believe how big and long the wave was. I'll post up those pics when I get them. I forgot my camera so I am at the mercy of my buddies iPhone.

[Nitrousbird]

So when are you going to sell this thing??!!

After seeing the before/after pics Slurpee posted in the Poor Man's gate thread (he has the same hull I have), I have to get a surf gate, but I'm not looking to invest the time in crafting my own. The difference is very significant.

[Levi900RR]

Im getting the fin's made now. Still waiting on RAM... I was actually thinking of trying to come up with a different mount that clamps to the platform so you dont have to drill anything.

[nyryan2001]

so we have Slurpee Gates and Levi Gates

[Nitrousbird]

Im getting the fin's made now. Still waiting on RAM... I was actually thinking of trying to come up with a different mount that clamps to the platform so you dont have to drill anything.

I've drilled 7 holes in my boat this year...not worried about that.

[boardjnky4]

Im getting the fin's made now. Still waiting on RAM... I was actually thinking of trying to come up with a different mount that clamps to the platform so you dont have to drill anything.

Any update?

[Levi900RR]

Nope, work got crazy and this just fell off the back...

[High Altitude]

I'm new to this thread but not new to the concept of building a surfgate-like device. I think using Lenco 102's or even 101's (smaller travel) might be the solution. For those of you who have not built an experimental model and tested it themselves, I cannot overestimate the effect these devices have on steering. I basically lost steering authority to one side and had to turn into the deployed gate at idle speed every time. Am I fine with that?... Yes, because I dig this stuff and don't care about little issues like steerability when I live on a private lake. My wife, on the otherhand, does care. If I had let her drive the boat with my test gate, I probably would have had to shut the whole project down even though it wasn't a safety issue (in my mind). I know the steerability issue is highly dependent on the boat hull and angle of deployment, but I wanted to make sure people are aware that this could be an issue

You have a great design here and it clearly works, but by not having it deploy and retract I think you are creating a very limited design. I also think that without a whole lot more adjustability you are going to find it hard to transfer this technology to other boats. From what I have seen from my tests, the angle can have significant (and different) effects based on the hull.

Just my two cents. Not trying to be a downer but hopefully helping to increase the knowledge base. -Marc

[poski]

For what it's worth, I saw a comment over on teamtalk from wakemakers that kind of implied they were working on something too.

[Dexter]

so we have Slurpee Gates and Levi Gates

These custom SG threads are awesome! I really like Levi's idea. I think he's up to something big. Could you use an adjustable pitch surfgate to fine tune the wave?

[boardjnky4]

I'm new to this thread but not new to the concept of building a surfgate-like device. I think using Lenco 102's or even 101's (smaller travel) might be the solution. For those of you who have not built an experimental model and tested it themselves, I cannot overestimate the effect these devices have on steering. I basically lost steering authority to one side and had to turn into the deployed gate at idle speed every time. Am I fine with that?... Yes, because I dig this stuff and don't care about little issues like steerability when I live on a private lake. My wife, on the otherhand, does care. If I had let her drive the boat with my test gate, I probably would have had to shut the whole project down even though it wasn't a safety issue (in my mind). I know the steerability issue is highly dependent on the boat hull and angle of deployment, but I wanted to make sure people are aware that this could be an issue

You have a great design here and it clearly works, but by not having it deploy and retract I think you are creating a very limited design. I also think that without a whole lot more adjustability you are going to find it hard to transfer this technology to other boats. From what I have seen from my tests, the angle can have significant (and different) effects based on the hull.

Just my two cents. Not trying to be a downer but hopefully helping to increase the knowledge base. -Marc

I don't disagree, but the system you're talking about implementing is probably going to end up costing almost 3x what this one would cost. It's also A LOT more permanent.

So it's not as black and white as it seems.

Oh and you almost 100% need the 102 Lenco ram. The shorter one will not have enough travel.

[nyryan2001]

The Martin Archer gate straight smokes everything out there. Amazing.

Edited November 1, 2012 by nyryan2001

[Levi900RR]

The Martin Archer gate straight smokes everything out there. Amazing.

Agreed

[High Altitude]

I don't disagree, but the system you're talking about implementing is probably going to end up costing almost 3x what this one would cost. It's also A LOT more permanent.

So it's not as black and white as it seems.

Oh and you almost 100% need the 102 Lenco ram. The shorter one will not have enough travel.

I think you could use Lencos and still have a "semi-permanent" setup based on attaching the actuator to the swim deck versus the hull. As for the cost...no doubt about that. I got a pair of lightly used 102's for $240 and the attachments run almost $50. I can make a switch cheap for about $50 (but of course I am still hoping for MartinArcher to come thru with a "mass produced" GPS controller.) That will run the costs up even further. With that said, some good surfboards run $500-600 so I think that says something about what the market will bear.

[jshaff]

What ended up happening with this project?

[Levi900RR]

I sold my Skier, and never heard back from RAM mount...

[jshaff]

Did you have the Mount that attaches to the platform bracket custom made or was that a generic fitting part. I am interested in fitting one for my iride

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[Levi900RR]

Its the mount that came with the RAM mount kit I bought.

[jshaff]

Its the mount that came with the RAM mount kit I bought.

Is there any chance you can link me to the mount kit, they have so many different ones and I have not seen one like it.