Super Sport Nautique set up!

[Duckman1]

Hey everyone, just purchased a 1997 Super Air Nautique. I’m new to these boats and was wondering what the best way to set them up for surfing would be?! How much weight y’all are using and where, and if a Wake shaper is worth the money? If so, what brand do y’all recommend. Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[glassywaters]

Congrats on the new boat. You'll get better answers with pictures! Also, use the search function. Ballast and surfing has been covered a lot. Tons of information available. Your boat will surf great with proper weight and a shaper.

[funkster]

Congrats! I have a 98', the number one thing for surfing is definitely a wave shaper. A number of companies make them or you could make your own for about $40. Then move to your ballast, using a 70/30 back to front split is a good starting point. A common set up is at least 750's in the rear, 600 in the belly and 4-550 up front. Rear weight will give you wave height and front weight will give you wave length. A good starting speed is 10-11 MPH. I'm personally running 910's in the rear, 600 in the belly and still playing with my bow weight but have had the best results with around 500ish. Take into account your passenger weight. Also, when running fully weighted for surfing, you have to be very careful how you operate the boat and how you pick up riders. The boat will respond differently with the surf device and weight. Any other questions post them up!!


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[Duckman1]

Thanks for the info guys I currently have a 600 in the belly, and the rear bags look to be 250-300 each. Funkster are you saying a 750 per side? If so I’ll be underweighted and probably need to invest in extra weight.

Also, what is a solid price for a 97 SSN. New interior, perfect pass, 458hrs. Just curious what the going price is. Currently only have one pic.

[Duckman1]

Has air stickers on it. Previous owner did that. It’s a super sport though.

[funkster]

Nice boat! Yes, 750 per side. If you need to purchase more weight, Wakemakers have universal sacks, with all sorts of dimensions, my 910's (45"Lx20"Wx25"H) fit pretty good in the rear lockers. I just don't fill them all the way. My theory was when I don't have a full boat I can still get a nice wave with just 2 people and a rider. FWIW, I noticed a lot more push with the 910s over the 750s. Another thing to consider is board selection, rider weight and overall push of your wave will play a factor in learning how to surf and surfing ropeless.


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[funkster]

Has air stickers on it. Previous owner did that. It’s a super sport though.

The SSN and SAN share the same 210 hull. The options such as tower, auto ballast, PP ect make up the SAN!


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[Paxdad]

You also need to understand the driving/ handling characteristics associated with a weighted direct drive boat. First and foremost when your rider falls pull throttle to neutral let wave pass then turn around to get rider. Otherwise you will take wave over bow. Sorry if you already knew this.


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[Duckman1]

Thanks for all the help. The boat is actually a V-drive but I’m sure the same rules still apply with a weighted boat.
Just picked the boat up a couple days ago so haven’t been able to go out yet. I’m going for a 18ft Sea Ray to this so I’m excited for the ability to do more with it.

[skiswm]

You'll enjoy SS-1997 CC was on the forefront of the V-drive movement. Wakeboard was still in its infancy so towers were all after-market additions. I also own a 97 SS that we bought new, my family has enjoyed it ever since. We don't surf off of it...being I still try to get a few ski runs in. As you noted the only after-market item I see beyond the tower is the newer graphics and the PP (as far as I know it wasn't an option in 97)...came more into being in the early 2000s. One other note many SS use tandem axle trailers.

[DavidF]

Just to add to this thread a little...you could option up a NSS to have the same specs as the SAN (at least in '99). I have a '99 Nautique Super Sport with factory tower, flight control system (i.e. ballast tanks, including dash gauges). My boat also has Perfect Pass, but that could have been added by PO.

My boys are at the age that they are using the boat more often than before for surfing. So, I am very interested in making the wave better...can anyone inform me on the Wake Shapers...which brand/type would be best and how to use them?

Thanks.

[funkster]

Dave, from what I’ve seen they all work about the same. Here is a side by side comparison of 5 shapers. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8wGjJDaF3kw

You can easily make one for under $50 with a HD glass lifter suction cup and a HDPE cutting board. https://www.amazon.com/COSMOS-Alumin.../dp/B007VL3CB0
I would post pics of mine but I can’t seem to figure out how to post pics on this forum. I’ve used the first design in the link below and have had good results for a 1.5 years with no problems. It’s never came off the boat. Only thing I do for maintenance is spray the suction cup hinges with water proof WD40 for ease of use. http://www.wakeworld.com/forum/showthread.php?t=807068


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[DavidF]

Thanks Funkster. After a bit more research, I am leaning toward the Nuaticurl. My only concern the hull shape of my 99 NSS that tapers sharply toward the transom The shaper would have to adhere ahead of this point. Also, I have about a 3/8" wide decal stripe the entire length of the boat that would probably interfere with the suction cups. Are these valid concerns or will the shaper work fine ahead of the hull taper? And, would a 3/8" wide pin stripe affect adherence?

[funkster]

I think if I were to purchase a wave shaper I would go with the nauticurl also. Good reviews and the price is right.

I put the shaper so the paddle is right where the taper begins. It’s an easy reference point and works good. I can’t give you much feedback on the pinstriping, I took mine off because it was all cracked. I would assume that the suction cups would still adhere over the decal. When they are in the locked position you can literally hang off of it..lol

Just a heads up Dad to Dad, when you have a waver shaper on, the boat does handle differently. I’m not familiar with your boys experience but you might want to at least make them aware of it! With a wave shaper and proper ballast weight these older Super sports put out a nice wave.


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[DavidF]

That is a good heads up comment that I have read elsewhere. Some say it is not much a difference and turning around is not affected...I would think that might be true in one direction only. Anyway, would make sense that I ride with my boys BEFORE turning them loose with the shaper. Good call!