Direct Drive Surf Report - 99 Sport/Air

[zeckto13]

Got out today. I went with less ballast in the back, only 400lbs (instead of 700), 600-700lbs surf side, and 300lbs in the front floor ski locker (new this time), 160lbs people in back corner. Wake shaper on. It was definitely better. But does anyone know why it seems like the shape is more of a hump and not a lot of curve from right to left? I had the wake shaper on too. I was going 2100rpm, which showed about 9.5-10mph. Does it mean I should speed up to 11? We tried speeding up but then seemed like it lost some push? Thanks. Here's a vid...
https://youtu.be/dMNyhLm-lnc


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[zeckto13]

No expert here, but from the pic it looks like you are going a bit too fast. Did the speed fluctuate from 10-11.5 or did you try different speeds using perfect pass?

ya used perfect pass and tried different speeds. When it was at 10mph, it was more of a u shape and taller but no push. I thought going up to 11 or so would help firm it up but didn't do much. My gate was a little further forward on the hull. Will try putting it as far back as I can get it next time. Just have to remove more pinstriping for the suc gate to stick. Darn.

[a0128]

Driver only in boat

Where's the fun in that?

[rbalan]

No expert here, but from the pic it looks like you are going a bit too fast. Did the speed fluctuate from 10-11.5 or did you try different speeds using perfect pass?

[zeckto13]

Hi guys
I need help...
So I got out again, this time with my stock ballast working and my shaper working (a little farther up the hull) with the following specs and the wave was definitely bigger than my post above, but no push at all. What gives? My wave from the earlier video with less weight and no shaper was smaller but at least it had some push ?
Specs tonight:
Rear stock full 400lbs, 300lbs on top of that, 600-750 on side estimate, Half tank of gas, driver. Here's a pic to compare...there is no white wash on top so shouldn't need any/ much bow weight? Speed ranged from 10-11.5. Didn't matter.




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[zeckto13]

I did 45degrees on the suckgate- 7"x12" paddle, The boat still seems to like the heavy surf side bias....+800 on the surf side really worked well, although last time it was +400 on surf side and still did almost as good. Yes, I am surprised at how far back we can get. I might try adding about 200lbs up front, it seems like we have it dialed in pretty good for a boat that is also very course-slalom-able.

Do you happen to have a pic of your gate? And where your putting it on the hull? Headed out this weekend for another go.

[zeckto13]

Zeckto
Looking at the description in the YouTube video did I understand correctly you had 300 lbs (rear locker) and 500-600 lbs in a bag on the starboard side. That was ALL the ballast you had and were able to get that wake? That's awesome if that's the case. I've got (3) 540 lbs and plan to run the back tanks full (~350lbs) I havent had a chance to fill the bags yet but am looking for advice on the best configuration for this weekend. Will have myself, 2 adults and 3 kids in the boat while attempting.

Yes that is correct. Maybe the 750 was more as it's hard to tell because it doesn't quite fit but even if it was full then only 750. I was also shocked as I was originally bummed out since my stock tank pump was broke, and I couldn't get the shaper to stick either. The 300lb fly high fits perfect in the rear locker. I had it slightly to starboard side as much as I could. I would only put your other bag on one side of floor and list the boat. Adults in back corner. Kids up front? I had one 60lb kid on passenger seat and my wife was driving with other 160lb kid in the back starboard corner. Only other thing I heard is that starboard side needs less weight given the RH prop rotation on my boat. Good luck!

[hornsfan]

Glad to see a DD surf thread on the older boats. I just tried surfing our 2000 Air Nautique that we just got. Here's a vid with specs, not perfect but promising anyway. I couldn't get my aluminium handle suction shaper to stick. I think I have to remove the wax as I had just waxed the boat? Vid...https://youtu.be/Ro7iq2mxzik


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Zeckto
Looking at the description in the YouTube video did I understand correctly you had 300 lbs (rear locker) and 500-600 lbs in a bag on the starboard side. That was ALL the ballast you had and were able to get that wake? That's awesome if that's the case. I've got (3) 540 lbs and plan to run the back tanks full (~350lbs) I havent had a chance to fill the bags yet but am looking for advice on the best configuration for this weekend. Will have myself, 2 adults and 3 kids in the boat while attempting.

[Tom351]

Thanks for the tips. I had mine tied to the rear lift ring and only enough rope for it to drag just below the swim platform. I like your idea better.

I use the buoy because I have read a few stories about homemade gates flying off and recoiling back into the boat because of the tether...one even hit a passenger or surfer in the head.

[zeckto13]

Thanks for the tips. I had mine tied to the rear lift ring and only enough rope for it to drag just below the swim platform. I like your idea better.


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[Tom351]

Glad to see a DD surf thread on the older boats. I just tried surfing our 2000 Air Nautique that we just got. Here's a vid with specs, not perfect but promising anyway. I couldn't get my aluminium handle suction shaper to stick. I think I have to remove the wax as I had just waxed the boat? Vid...https://youtu.be/Ro7iq2mxzik


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That should help, I hit mine with denatured alcohol to remove wax where the shaper was going to go, also, I have found the aluminum handle to hold better when locked, but is much more sensitive to slight hull curvature since it will not flex between the cups like the plastic one will flex and "conform" to slight curves- I press and lock the front cup first (since the front one takes most of the load-make sure that you feel a lot of resistance when lifting the suction cup lever) and then press really hard on the back one while locking to make sure that it locks well- I have never had mine come off, but I rope it to a slalom buoy sitting on the back seat just in case- that way if it comes off it will just take the buoy with it and not sink.

[zeckto13]

Glad to see a DD surf thread on the older boats. I just tried surfing our 2000 Air Nautique that we just got. Here's a vid with specs, not perfect but promising anyway. I couldn't get my aluminium handle suction shaper to stick. I think I have to remove the wax as I had just waxed the boat? Vid...https://youtu.be/Ro7iq2mxzik


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[funkster]

For anyone trying to learn how to produce a good surf wave, this video is about the best 7 min investment. I like to screen shot key info for easy reference while out on the water.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl1kzbgmW74


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[charlesml3]

One more item that's mostly been addressed by suck-gates, but I want to point it out anyway: Be careful with the fuel tank vent on the Starboard side! If you get the back of the boat too deep, the vent will be under water part of the time and it'll eventually draw water into the gas tank. Don't ask me how I know this will happen...

-Charles

[hornsfan]

Thanks! Appreciate the tips!