Axis Wakeboard Boat Forum

But a normal trim tab would never be at anywhere close to 90 degrees to the water, it would only be a relatively slight angle. That's a huge difference in the force it will take.

Surfgate is not 90' to the water either, maybe 20'. the wave is created by forcing the water to take a longer path around one side of the boat - "delayed convergence". Force is dependent on the surface area of the tab(or gate) and the resistance of the boat to move in the opposing direction. Mounted either horizontal or vertical and approx same surface area tabs - I bet the forces are very close to equal to traditional trim tabs.

Related story: I surfed a MC X25 last weekend and it was VERY effective at creating a killer wave using traditional trim tabs. By deploying the opposite tab 100%, the owner could fill the non-surfside sac 50%. Extra weight, and the boat wasn't nearly as tipped when idle. The teak platform was also a big help.

Interesting. Not sure where I got the idea that surfgate went close to 90. You're starting to make me think a DIY version could really work out.

I've been following this thread on the malibu forum...

http://www.themalibucrew.com/forums/ind ... mans-gate/

They've done a few prototype DIY gates and are getting great results. I'd like to give it a try.

Has anyone gotten inside the new surfgate boats and looked to see/feel how much more "reinforced" they are?