Axis Wakeboard Boat Forum

Is it possible to install a 2nd tracking fin now that I already have the boat?

If so, how much difference does it make? My previous two boats were a Mastercraft Prostar 190 and then a Sanger V210. Both of them had far superior turning/control, especially when weighted. I do put a lot more weight in the Axis than I did in either of those two boats, plus I have surf gate and the wedge. I'm not surprised that it doesn't perform well under these conditions, however, even when unweighted it doesn't perform near the level of those other two boats. So I'm curious whether the 2nd fin makes a big difference.

It can be done but they have to pull the floor and fuel tank to do it. Part is probably cheap but the labor will get ya. When I had my A20 built I added the 2nd into the build. I had a v210 for 5 yrs and a 05 x2 for 5 years so I know what your saying as far as handling. I run around 3k ballast in my A20 and the boat tracks excellent when pulling a rider, I don't ever feel the rider when they cut out hard.

I found older threads saying they were just lay bolted (no nut on other side). Sounds like that changed. Oh well, probably not worth the hassle.

Interesting to hear the input on difference in handling. I have a 1996 Malibu SSLX we bought new as well and notice no difference between the two boats and the Malibu has 3 fins.

I'm having this done to my boat in a week or so. They do pull the fuel tank and there's a steel bar that connects the tracking fin, they're replacing it with a double length one to drill the other fin into, and they also had to get a template from Malibu to line it up because it has to be exactly perfect or you'll have problems tracking straight.

I'll be using my boat until then unballasted while I do the break in, but after that I'll have the fin installed and loaded down and give a report. I'll see if I can get some pics of the install process too.

I am not going to lie, I think it is a waste of money considering the benefit you get out of it. I am a big guy. 230lbs type big. I pull the boat regardless when I ride. When the boat is heavy, it sucks to turn. I haven't been on a wakeboat that steers good under full load. It is the nature of the sport. I have no complaints with a single fin setup. I will tell you that a wakeboat with no fin sucks to drive. My friend knocked his off of his old lsv, it sucks to wakeboard behind it.

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When we ordered our 15 A20 I asked about the second fin. My dealer said it wasn't needed on the A20 and I can't believe after driving it that it could make much difference. The boat tracks fine even with a heavy boarder or skier. The fin is much larger then the ones I had on my Supra comps which had 3 but it tracks similar. Just doesn't handle rough water as well with the engine in the rear vs. center.

You're comparing a MC Pro Star 190 direct drive to an Axis v-drive in handling? Seriously? That's like comparing a Ferrari to an SUV in handling

I also compared it to a Sanger V210 which is a 21 foot v-drive. And I've driven a couple of Moombas and a couple of Sanger V215s. The Axis doesn't drive as well as any of them. Not a huge deal, I was just wondering if the 2nd tracking fin made any difference and if so, whether it was worth trying to add it after the fact. I bought this boat almost solely because I liked the wakes much better than the other boats.

I have the 2nd tracking fin on my 2016 A22. Put 60 hrs on it so far this year and I love the boat. It def holds a straight line great but The reality is it still drives like a dump truck at slower speeds. I demoed an A22 with 1 fin and can honestly not tell any difference.

I'm very observant and have owned a direct drive and other V drives.