Boat Show Search for a 20 foot Wakesurf Boat

[ragboy]

So with the economy still in the dumps for a lot of people, I thought I would take it upon myself to take a look at some of the 20 foot offerings. Honestly, and I know I am biased....

I think Tige owns the 20 foot boat category. Now, I need to add that I haven't ridden in one and got RJ or Dennis on the wake. That will be a huge factor, but everything else I have seen, I am VERY impressed with the RZR and the R20. Especially the R20, because it just surprised me how great a boat it still is, and how well built it is. Watch the video from the Sacramento boat show and you will see the first time I have ever seen these boats in person. Lots of fun.

[somebodyelse5]

dig it man!!!

[knelems]

Video

Nice video.

[SPBFAN]

Sweet, very well done Robert. What type of camera are you using to shoot the video?

[ragboy]

I experiment with cheap cameras all the time. My 2 favorites for this kind of stuff are the Kodak Playsport:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B0030MITDK

But the one I use all the time now is the Sanyo VPC-PD2BK

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B003ZYEKJ0

And if you are shooting in the boat, wakesurfing, you cannot beat:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B0030ZESEQ

There are several reasons I like the Sanyo better than the rest. First, I use these types of handhelds because for family stuff and on the go, they take great video, full 1080P, they are cheap, and batteries and SD cards are also cheap. I have used $1500-$3000 expensive cameras and you get a better picture, but its not that much better. The ease of use with these things is amazing. We bring a tiny camera bag with extra batteries and SD cards, and GO!

Now, the sanyo is the best IMHO because:

1. It has a MUCH better mic than most, actually stereo mics. The kodak mic SUCKS.
2. Takes stills also.
3. Has a zoom lens, not much, but decent.
4. Great quality video, the same as the kodak. I am an expert with video compression codecs and stuff, and can tell you these 3 cameras all use a fairly high bitrate. Even though cameras like this say H.264, its all about the chip, and the bitrate. All 3 of these are top notch.
5 Decent image stabilization.
6. Lastly, I love the sanyo because I can add one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B003V61N60

Those little lenses don't work well at ALL on the kodaks, but work fine with just a magnet on the Sanyo. Having a wide angle quick attachment is VERY handy.

[ragboy]

One more thing. When its quiet, we can just use the camera on the Sanyo, works VERY well. But in other conditions, or when you are far from camera, or in a loud boat show, we use this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B000VBH2IG

You can see me holding in the boat show footage. GREAT little mic. You have to sync the audio with the video in FCP, but its easy to do with just an on camera CLAP of the hands.

[da.bell]

Nice review ragboy

[Nobody]

One more thing. When its quiet, we can just use the camera on the Sanyo, works VERY well. But in other conditions, or when you are far from camera, or in a loud boat show, we use this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B000VBH2IG

You can see me holding in the boat show footage. GREAT little mic. You have to sync the audio with the video in FCP, but its easy to do with just an on camera CLAP of the hands.

Rag, can the Zoom H2 incorporate a wired mic to clip to shirt collar???

Since streaming video is still SD, and 720 at best (Vimeo) I was thinking about buying the a good ole Sony XL2, whats your take?

[Ewok]

So that's what you've been doing over the winter. Did you find out how to modify or retrofit the older Alpha Z Bimini to the surf rack style? I need to do that!

[Duncan]

Did you find out how to modify or retrofit the older Alpha Z Bimini to the surf rack style? I need to do that!

My dealer is trying to track down details on how to modify the older Alpha Z top. So far no info but I will pass it on if I find out anything. This was a huge priority for me re off season mods.

I thought the new style bimini just had front top pockets the nose of the board slid into and a strap to hold down the rear. But from RB's vid, it looks like there are some sort of clamps in the rear. Perhaps he can add some details...

[ragboy]

Rag, can the Zoom H2 incorporate a wired mic to clip to shirt collar???

Since streaming video is still SD, and 720 at best (Vimeo) I was thinking about buying the a good ole Sony XL2, whats your take?

I am thinking you mean the Canon XL2? Yes, I have a lavalier mic I can plug into that and it records great. But that mic really shines on its own. I even made a boom for it, very cool.

So that's what you've been doing over the winter. Did you find out how to modify or retrofit the older Alpha Z Bimini to the surf rack style? I need to do that!

I am just going to buy one, but when I get it, I will be happy to show the details.

My dealer is trying to track down details on how to modify the older Alpha Z top. So far no info but I will pass it on if I find out anything. This was a huge priority for me re off season mods.

I thought the new style bimini just had front top pockets the nose of the board slid into and a strap to hold down the rear. But from RB's vid, it looks like there are some sort of clamps in the rear. Perhaps he can add some details...

Well, I asked Ben to hoist me on his shoulders so I could get a good look, but got a phone call and ran away for some reason. Bad timing, I guess. ;-)

[ajholt7]

Great Video!

[robert theisen]

That was a very informative video.Thanks for the valuable info and toughing it out in the hail.Ouch that had to sting.