DIY Surfgate for 2004 Air Nautique 226 LE

[acinomer]

A few people have asked how this project is coming along. I've attached some picts to show the general design and construction of this v1.0 gate. My plan is to rebuild this with HDPE plastic once I confirm that is works as intended, which I think it does. I don't have a lot to compare it against, but it certainly alters the wave in a big way—maybe too much since the sweet spot of the wave isn't very long. The material is basic lumber and I sprayed the plywood with liquid Plasti Dip spray since the plywood isn't treated. The forces keep the gate pushed up against the platform and the pin is only there to keep it from moving around. It came from the boom mount. The trickiest part was shaping the plywood to fit the shape of the hull. I used 1/2" foam core and then transferred the pattern to plywood. Hope this helps someone with a 226.

[gome123]

That's cool... Show us pictures of the wave! Without SG, With SG, ballast set up. Also, do you get spray onto your sundeck? I heard that is an issue on DIY SG's.

[BoardSkier]

I'd be really interested on how this performs and in seeing the final version. Are you concerned about the amount of force transferred to the swim platform? I have a 226 LE with the same platform. We can surf it. I have 250 lbs of sand bags in each rear locker and then fill the factory hard tank for the surfer side and fill the belly tank about 3/4.

[BoardSkier]

BTW - is your boat on a new Boatmate trailer?

[acinomer]

gome123: Will try to post some wave picts in the next week or so. Ballast set up is 750 in each rear locker and 580 in the center. All are filled for surfing. I don't get any spray on the sun deck.

BoardSkier: I'm not worried about the platform. The mounts are very strong and the forces are almost 100% lateral (pushing straight in from the side). At 10mph I really don't think much will happen. Now if you forget it's on and get up to 30, that may be a different story. Yep, it's a 2013 Boatmate trailer.

[dbrayton1]

This is with 1,100 in the starboard rear locker and 400 in the bow between the seats on the floor. I found it lengthens the wave if I put it there rather than in the belly.



This is with the 1,100 plus 400 on the back seat and 750 in the bow. Sits in the water to the rub rail. Puts out a decent wave. I'll take more pics with this setup tomorrow. Crazy out there so I had to look forward [emoji6]

[BoardSkier]

Thanks for the info. Take some more pics. Love to see the wave once you get it all dialed in. I really miss the Boatmate I had for my Supra. The Eagle that came with my 226 is OK, but doesnt tow as well as my Boatmate did.

[acinomer]

Love the Boatmate. I bought it new a couple years ago when I bought the boat. I think it was $4250. Incredible value if you ask me. It tracks like a champ.

Thanks for posting the picts dbrayton1. I like the way your 1100+400+750 setup looks. It appears like you have a decent length wave.

[dbrayton1]

Thanks for posting the picts dbrayton1. I like the way your 1100+400+750 setup looks. It appears like you have a decent length wave.

Thanks, here is the boat all sacked out at the dock.


And surfing. The pocket is way back. Still need to play with the speed. Range is 10.5 to 12. I like it at 11.

[swatguy]

Have you tried weighting the boat more evenly side to side ?

[2009216v]

very interesting concept, especially considering the minimal investment.

[jjsaustin]

I'm confused by this. The pic shows the gate and the surfer on the starboard side. The gate belongs on the opposite side as the surfer. In this case, the gate should be on the port side for the surfer to ski on the starboard side.

Am I missing something?

[acinomer]

Different boats (posters).