DIY Custom surf tab

[BMENVTX]

I have been planning and working on a DIY for my 2007 VTX since last fall. Here is the final product and the different step of it. (Sorry if my english is not perfect, I usually speak french.)

1. At first I did a lot of research on blog and website like TheMalibucrew to find example of DIY project for custom tabs. Special thanks to Vtxdave that did share is experience on is DIY custom tabs.

2. I look and studied all the surf tab model for Centurion, Mastercraft and after market model like GoSurf assist, infinity wave,...

3. I finally got a better idea of what could be the best tabs for my boat. I download a free cad software to do drawings. 

4. Found the right cylinder and controller. The best affordable product I found was Lenco system. 

5. Produce a wood model of my prototype.

6. Produce an assembly with the wood prototype and the lenco cylinder. I did the testing behind a reproduction of my hull where I did located swim platform brackets.

7. Ordered the laser cutting and material and got a friend to to do the bending / welding.

8. Finally went to pick up my boat and do the installation.

Here is the part I bought other than the tabs.

Piano hinge : McMasterCarr 1658A216

Steel wire clevis pin : McMasterCarr 98480A683

Lenco : cylinder :

Lenco controller : Low profile design Dual Actuator Systems Part # 15271-001

The thing I am the most proud is the controller installation and location. Even if this sounds simple, It took me a lot of thinking to figure out where to put the controller and where it would look nicer and be possible to install... I have ordered the low profile design to fit it on the side near the throttle. You will see it in the picture, but I even ad to cut the body to make it fit between the fiberglass wall and the armrest wall.

I will produce some videos of the wave results in 2 weeks when I put my boat in the water. I will compare suck gat and the tabs in the same conditions.

PS : I have a 2007 VTX with Wakemakers piggy bags upgrade. (stock ballast : 1250 pounds + rear upgarde 1300 + front bag 150 = 2700 pounds)

 

See you soon.  

https://ibb.co/5xfM6x1
https://ibb.co/rHVyhwh
https://ibb.co/2nQSkPH
https://ibb.co/gwd6vbc
https://ibb.co/LRrv6CW
https://ibb.co/cT0cz6L
https://ibb.co/LRYsTn0
https://ibb.co/Xxcwzpx
https://ibb.co/JHGSKFq
https://ibb.co/yqC88cx
https://ibb.co/dpmWfSN

[ROFF]

Looks good!   About to do the same.  Please share the results.    

[YeloBlammo]

Looks great.

On your last picture, what is the thing in front of your throttle? It looks like a webcam or a mic?

[BMENVTX]

On 4/26/2021 at 12:24 PM, YeloBlammo said:

Looks great.

On your last picture, what is the thing in front of your throttle? It looks like a webcam or a mic?

A mic for my bluetooth stereo - handsfree phone

[Malibuzer]

Looks great!  Want to fly to Alberta and do mine?    Nice work.  

[smarty39]

Really interested in the results!  Getting ready to bite the bullet and do the same to mine, thanks for sharing!

@Malibuzer Alberta surf tab DIY day lol?

[Malibuzer]

11 minutes ago, smarty39 said:

Really interested in the results!  Getting ready to bite the bullet and do the same to mine, thanks for sharing!

@Malibuzer Alberta surf tab DIY day lol?

See!  Now it makes a trip for @BMENVTXworthwhile!

 

[BMENVTX]

On 4/25/2021 at 7:44 PM, BMENVTX said:

I have been planning and working on a DIY for my 2007 VTX since last fall. Here is the final product and the different step of it. (Sorry if my english is not perfect, I usually speak french.)

1. At first I did a lot of research on blog and website like TheMalibucrew to find example of DIY project for custom tabs. Special thanks to Vtxdave that did share is experience on is DIY custom tabs.

2. I look and studied all the surf tab model for Centurion, Mastercraft and after market model like GoSurf assist, infinity wave,...

3. I finally got a better idea of what could be the best tabs for my boat. I download a free cad software to do drawings. 

4. Found the right cylinder and controller. The best affordable product I found was Lenco system. 

5. Produce a wood model of my prototype.

6. Produce an assembly with the wood prototype and the lenco cylinder. I did the testing behind a reproduction of my hull where I did located swim platform brackets.

7. Ordered the laser cutting and material and got a friend to to do the bending / welding.

8. Finally went to pick up my boat and do the installation.

Here is the part I bought other than the tabs.

Piano hinge : McMasterCarr 1658A216

Steel wire clevis pin : McMasterCarr 98480A683

Lenco : cylinder :

Lenco controller : Low profile design Dual Actuator Systems Part # 15271-001

The thing I am the most proud is the controller installation and location. Even if this sounds simple, It took me a lot of thinking to figure out where to put the controller and where it would look nicer and be possible to install... I have ordered the low profile design to fit it on the side near the throttle. You will see it in the picture, but I even ad to cut the body to make it fit between the fiberglass wall and the armrest wall.

I will produce some videos of the wave results in 2 weeks when I put my boat in the water. I will compare suck gat and the tabs in the same conditions.

PS : I have a 2007 VTX with Wakemakers piggy bags upgrade. (stock ballast : 1250 pounds + rear upgarde 1300 + front bag 150 = 2700 pounds)

 

See you soon.  

https://ibb.co/5xfM6x1
https://ibb.co/rHVyhwh
https://ibb.co/2nQSkPH
https://ibb.co/gwd6vbc
https://ibb.co/LRrv6CW
https://ibb.co/cT0cz6L
https://ibb.co/LRYsTn0
https://ibb.co/Xxcwzpx
https://ibb.co/JHGSKFq
https://ibb.co/yqC88cx
https://ibb.co/dpmWfSN

 

[bubbs20]

how much did it cost?