2003 Surf Gate v2

[rugger]

Wish I had a 2013 but not gonna happen in near future. I updated my (wannabe) surf gate setup for my 03 23 LSV. Thanks to all those who've continued to post ideas and projects. Hope this adds something to the mix...

The plan was to simply add Lencos to last summer's basic setup -- in place of the manual push poles I was using. But it wasnt working like I thought so I made new brackets. Then I decided to make new gates that tucked in a little more since I constantly had little ones climbing all over the gates and swim deck.

Brackets: These are needed because of the funky shelf transom I have. They're self-contained-- so the actuator, hinge point and gate are one unit. The actuators screw into the bracket and swivel in the correct angle of the gates. The single unit allowed me to try moving them inside a bit. I might move them back to the outermost corners... Still undecided.

Gates: I made from fiberglass and used factory gel coat. Matched the platform height, and then raised it about 1/4" so the gates sit just below it. (Added a smooth 1/4" starboard bottom to platform, cut to match). Really happy with these; they're bulletproof strong. Also added a contour shape to match the hull and keep a minimal gap between the gates and deck. I wanted more of a stock look (on a 10 year old boat).

Controller: Unfinished... I've been using contura switches, one for each side, but plan to use a single switch once MartinArcher's automated speed controller is ready. Can't wait. This is where I thought I'd put the single switch. I nerded out and made a drip mold label that matched the stock Malibu ones. Inexpensive and came out OK I think.

Wake: I'm either driving or surfing and the kids really don't take pictures so I dont have many (I did take one in the mirror while driving). Nothing new here.... Surf gate makes the wave much longer and adding weight makes it better. We've had unbelievable wakes some days, and softer wakes other days depending on ballast, where people sit, etc. I'll try to get some pics and see what you guys think in terms of dialing it in. But the point for us is convenience and driving a balanced boat. I had good success with my first SG setup last year... so I knew it'd be worth the time if I redid them. On this boat, I get a better wave and can switch super quickly... which as has been discussed changes everything.

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I've also been using slightly different wedge angles by adding earlier stopping points. I have an extra hole for a bolt for a really aggressive setting, and then threw a teak hole saw piece over the stock bolt for a real mild change. Still need to add a pin to make this easier on the water. I wanted to know what "2 clicks up" would do for me. Wish I had a power wedge, but then again I wish I had a '13.

The good: The previous manual gates worked but were hard to turn around when one side was deployed, especially when picking up a goofy rider (me). Nice to have a lenco setup for anyone building a system. Bite the bullet if you can... Will be even better with a controller. Not that looks should matter much, but I think these look cleaner than my previous setup too. I was shooting for a stock look.

The negative: Between the contoured gates and mounting them a little more inside, it does spray more. I have yet to see surf gate work without spray but these seem to spray more than last year's. Not a biggie, just sharing the results for those making gates. Not sure if I'll end up sliding the bracket/gate units back out to the corners yet.

We ski, board, tube, surf and float, so the ability to get a longer wave, switch sides so quickly, and have a balanced boat is worthwhile. That's my two cents for anyone contemplating a project. Still love this boat, I think it does everything pretty well.

Thanks to everyone contributing to the SG projects and everything else on this site.

Edited July 7, 2013 by rugger

[teamerickson]

Impressive! Hope to see this in person at the ramp sometime.

How are you weighting your boat?

Edited June 24, 2013 by teamerickson

[rugger]

Impressive! Hope to see this in person at the ramp sometime.

How are you weighting your boat?

Think those pics at Bullards were 750s in rear, locker ballast and the SG thingies. My crew were non boaters and first graders -- didn't understand seating/wake etiquette. Sometimes we use a tube sac in the walkway or closer to the bow, but in general we don't stuff every cabinet or seat. I'd like to try though!

You're right around the corner... Maybe we should trade/borrow ballast bags/share results to get these hulls dialed in. I'll share any mistakes I find before you drill into your hull.

[Hammertime]

nice work, we've got the same boat... exact same colors scheme, without the mods of course

[Badger]

Yes, great job and thanks for posting up the finished product. I think I'll have a 4th of July vacation project on my hands.

[mica]

Hello Rugger,

What a nice job your gates are really nice looking ! It is like factory one! :thumbup:

I think Malibu should really consider to make retrofit kit for the surfgate and they can be inspired with the one you did on your boat!!!

That's the proof (with martinarcher) that even on "older" boat SG could be a game changer....

Best regards from Switzerland.

Mica

[martinarcher]

Nice job man! Looks awesome. I got rev2 of the prototype board etched tonight. Assembly begins tomorrow. I'll have to update the Teakgate thread with pics tomorrow....I'm whooped and headed to bed now.

[skurfer]

Very nice! Does it spray less if the gate is deployed less?

[rugger]

Hello Rugger,

What a nice job your gates are really nice looking ! It is like factory one! :thumbup:

I think Malibu should really consider to make retrofit kit for the surfgate and they can be inspired with the one you did on your boat!!!

That's the proof (with martinarcher) that even on "older" boat SG could be a game changer....

Best regards from Switzerland.

Mica

Thanks. Retrofits would be nice... but I can guarantee Malibu wouldn't make a special gate for this hull anyway. That 00-03 23 LSV transom is a PIA for SG.

Nice job man! Looks awesome. I got rev2 of the prototype board etched tonight. Assembly begins tomorrow. I'll have to update the Teakgate thread with pics tomorrow....I'm whooped and headed to bed now.

Can't wait for the controller. You've put some serious thought into it. Let me just say I'm glad to have a friend smart enough to figure that part of it out.

Very nice! Does it spray less if the gate is deployed less?

It doesn't spray in the boat, just across the corner of the swim deck. But spray really seems to be determined by weight more than anything. The gates should get deployed the same distance/angle each time -- whatever the optimum angle is for your setup. I'm the only one who even seemed to notice it on my boat.

Maybe the 2013 SG owners can chime in on this one, I only know what my boat does and what I've seen in the SG videos. I just wanted to share that this setup sprays a little more than my original (which was more like the factory SG gates) for anyone else fabricating now.

It's not something you'll ever worry about. I suppose you could make shorter gates that are completely buried under water at surf speed, or shape the gates to divert water outward, but seriously it is not an issue. I prefered to keep them tight to the deck.

[WakeGirl]

Nice work rugger. Very clean.

[D-GOOSE]

Rugger, that is a great looking set up and wouldn't mind checking that out in person some time.

[rugger]

Nice work rugger. Very clean.

Thats what I was shooting for... so I appreciate it! And thanks for such a helpful site.

Rugger, that is a great looking set up and wouldn't mind checking that out in person some time.

Anytime! Btw we love the coolers. Bought two and they fit perfectly under seats. Great product so thanks for organizing that.

[edsvlx]

Really nice job. Your gates and bracket look factory made.

[Bawshogg]

Looks awesome. Very nice work and great job on the transparent install. Looks as if it would been installed back in 2003.

With all the chatter in the other thread, figured it would be interesting if you could give everyone a rough cost estimate for your system so far with everything you have done.

[old skool malibu]

Rugger, you and Matt both have some serious skills both producing some amazing products. I still think both of you should run for a VP position at Malibu. Given the tools and resources those guys have I could only imagine the products you two could come up with.

[martinarcher]

We want to be in engineering/product development!!! VP's don't get to play with the toys everyday! Man....what a job that would be working on developing killer products for Malibu everyday.....

[rugger]

You're funny, Rob. But I'm no rocket surgeon, that's for sure. Just willing to put in the time, and share the good and the bad.

Someday we'll all look back and laugh at our primitive posts. This stuff will surely evolve to something better. There's a lot of go-getters on the crew.

[Arctic Slalom]

Rugger, these look fantastic! I really like the dove tail taper of the gate andhow it matches the dove tail taper of teak platform. The white gates (with your hull color) look really good! .....you've got me thinking.

How long does it take gate to deploy? 2-4 seconds? You deploy upon every start/stop?

My kids are absolutely NUTSO about surfing!

[Arctic Slalom]

Who needs 2013, when you have that boat, rugger!

[Levi900RR]

Love it

[jwl019]

Wow, that looks great! If I didn't know any better due to year model of the Bu, I would think it was a factory job as clean and thought out as it is.

[rugger]

Looks awesome. Very nice work and great job on the transparent install. Looks as if it would been installed back in 2003.

With all the chatter in the other thread, figured it would be interesting if you could give everyone a rough cost estimate for your system so far with everything you have done.

Honestly TIME is the biggest cost. Hulls without the "shelf" transom are much simpler. I'm happy with the all-in-one bracket design... but it would've been much faster to screw hinges and actuators straight to the transom if I could have. Lencos, accessories, stainless material, hinges, fiberglass, gelcoat... maybe $800ish? I didn't add it up along the way so I didn't have to be accountable to myself. I also had all the tools, spray gun, etc.

Rugger, these look fantastic! I really like the dove tail taper of the gate andhow it matches the dove tail taper of teak platform. The white gates (with your hull color) look really good! .....you've got me thinking.

How long does it take gate to deploy? 2-4 seconds? You deploy upon every start/stop?

My kids are absolutely NUTSO about surfing!

Thanks, Arctic! These gates are about 4 seconds with this setup. Yes, until I get the controller, we hit the button every time to open and close. Turning sucks with it open, so it pretty much gets closed every time. The automated controller will make it even better for sure.

My kids are also starting to really enjoy surfing. And 2 of us in my family are goofy, and 2 regular (youngest will be the tie breaker but doesn't surf yet). So the SG concept is great ... It's like a Disneyland ride without waiting in line.

[Bawshogg]

How did you layup, or build the molds for the gates? Or did you just glass over wood and spray them with gel?

[Tyger]

Really great setup. It looks totally factory.

My kids are also starting to really enjoy surfing. And 2 of us in my family are goofy, and 2 regular (youngest will be the tie breaker but doesn't surf yet). So the SG concept is great ... It's like a Disneyland ride without waiting in line.

You can tell just by watching them walk. You usually start walking with your dominant foot first. You also usually take the first step on stairs with your dominant foot. You can also tell by having them kick a ball.

[h2oskibumz]

Wow/// WTF do you do for a living??? Because that looks better than the "official" version of Surf Gate. The contours make it look like it was designed as part of the boat rather than as an "afterthought" which is what I thought about the official version...

I may have to add a power wedge, some ballast, and RuggerGate to the old Echelon and give up skiing altogether!

Seriously, can you share some further details of your lay up for the gates? I'm sure I can figure out the mounting of the actuators, its fabrication of the gates themselves that I would be intimidated to take on...