Hull-side surf wedge DIY

[theskunk]

So, I wanted something removable, inexpensive, and low risk of actually hurting anything. From what I understand, 30 degrees or so will produce about 400lbs of side push, and this is going to be spread over about 216 square inches. This should be acceptable.

I'll be building this out of 1/2 HDPE, and the front plate will be hinged for easier storage. I'll out some foam underneath to make sure I don't lose it, and the interior will have some removable/folding braces that can be swapped out to make a different angle.

The other nice part is that this should be fully reversible to accommodate both port and starboard.




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[simplysanj]

Love it! the suction cups are pure genius. When I calculated the water pressure at 10mph it came out to 2psi. In your case if you ignore the angle, you've got about 10 inch out by 12 inches high so my guess is about 240lbs of water pressure.

[BoardSkier]

Hey - this is really great work! I cant wait to see the finished product. Please include pictures.


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[slidin_out]

You may be onto something with the suction cups! That might be a viable option for even a stern mounted gate type setup. And definitely won't hurt the gelcoat like a drill

[slidin_out]

To lessen the pressure I think you could use two sets of those suctions cups for more distribution of the pressure. Angle of the gate may not have to be as great as a stern option. May could be longer gate with less angle for an even greater area to distribute pressure. And any dummy could put one on.

[simplysanj]

To lessen the pressure I think you could use two sets of those suctions cups for more distribution of the pressure. Angle of the gate may not have to be as great as a stern option. May could be longer gate with less angle for an even greater area to distribute pressure. And any dummy could put one on.

There's a four headed version (woodstock D4132), I think with some 3D printed hinges and a large cutting board this could be the quickest path to a clean wake for almost any boat. Congrats theskunk, I think this concept is a winner! I will think about the ABS printed hinge mechanisms over the weekend.

[theskunk]

Problem with the 4 head version is something you already have to fight a little with the two head:

The angle of the hull. And on the 4 head, you may have to deal with a step. With the two head, I've had to put it on the hull, and heat the handle with a heat gun to get the angle right, lest it be on the garage floor in the morning. Currently, with the correct bend, life is great.


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[theskunk]

To lessen the pressure I think you could use two sets of those suctions cups for more distribution of the pressure. Angle of the gate may not have to be as great as a stern option. May could be longer gate with less angle for an even greater area to distribute pressure. And any dummy could put one on.

My game plan is to have the initial angle of attack where the platform meets the hull as a fixed 35 degree angle for 6 inches (i.e: get it past the suction cup clips). Beyond that, the rest will be hinged anywhere from entirely flat for storage up to 40 degrees overall. Anything below that should start putting more horizontal force on the hull and less on the lateral strength of the suction cups.


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[gome123]

PURE GENIUS!! Keep us posted on your testing design and how it works.

[simplysanj]

Dude, I really hope you get this working because I have a bunch of friends who don't have the appetite for machine shops and transom holes!

[theskunk]

Given the low cost and ease of ability to churn them out assembly line style, I might actually do a limited sell run, listing them on eBay....

I don't think I'll need anything 3d printed at this point. My biggest current design challenge is building a brace for the back that is also adjustable.

Structurally, I'm trying to figure out what to use to mate the pieces of HDPE together without leaving ugly screw heads sticking out. I hear that glue doesn't really work very well, so I'm leaning toward counter-sinking and pre-drilling holes for some rather long, round-top stainless screws for the front angle pieces, and then carriage bolts as many other places as I can get them.

I also need to find some type of self-adhesive padded material to go on the pieces that actually contact the hull.

[simplysanj]

Given the low cost and ease of ability to churn them out assembly line style, I might actually do a limited sell run, listing them on eBay....

I don't think I'll need anything 3d printed at this point. My biggest current design challenge is building a brace for the back that is also adjustable.

Structurally, I'm trying to figure out what to use to mate the pieces of HDPE together without leaving ugly screw heads sticking out. I hear that glue doesn't really work very well, so I'm leaning toward counter-sinking and pre-drilling holes for some rather long, round-top stainless screws for the front angle pieces, and then carriage bolts as many other places as I can get them.

I also need to find some type of self-adhesive padded material to go on the pieces that actually contact the hull.

3M has an industrial fastening system called dual-lock that is like velcro but far more serious. I think that some types of 3M double sided VHB tape is used in the aerospace industry so it might work in place of screws but you'd have to test.

[jbrothers513]

Do I see Buffalo Sabres stickers under your mock up?

[vision]

That is a sore subject...

[theskunk]

Do I see Buffalo Sabres stickers under your mock up?

I don't like you.