Surf gate usage question

[BigCreek]

When driving for a surfer, I find myself switching the surf gate back to center to make it easier to turn the boat when the rider bails. It just occurred to me that I'm probably prematurely killing the mechanicals involved. Do you do the same, or do you leave the gate "open" and just fight the boat and make the turn just by applying more effort to the steering wheel?

[Ronnie]

When the rider falls, immediately pull back to neutral on the throttle. As the boat slows, it will start to drift to the opposite direction of the rider. When the boat slows, the gate will retract and you can finish your turn in the direction the boat is already turning and idle back to the rider with the gate retracted. Don't power turn!

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[1107]

Also keep in mind after you complete your first 180 and are heading back to your rider, keep your speed low.  If you increase speed above 7 MPH I believe, the gate will open and turn the boat.  

Edited May 31, 2019 by 1107

[kerpluxal]

1 hour ago, Ronnie said:

When the rider falls, immediately pull back to neutral on the throttle. As the boat slows, it will start to drift to the opposite direction of the rider. When the boat slows, the gate will retract and you can finish your turn in the direction the boat is already turning and idle back to the rider with the gate retracted. Don't power turn!

.

Not only does the power turn destroy the water, it also will take more time to get your rider than to  go neutral, turn wheel, idle back

[dcarl]

Good video here that demonstrates turn arounds well.

 

[MFknK]

3 hours ago, Ronnie said:

When the rider falls, immediately pull back to neutral on the throttle. As the boat slows, it will start to drift to the opposite direction of the rider. When the boat slows, the gate will retract and you can finish your turn in the direction the boat is already turning and idle back to the rider with the gate retracted. Don't power turn!

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This! No power turns!