Calling All Surf Flap Experts (that is you, Duffy)!

[duffymahoney]

Flap! And also wind and chop, both will make the wave washy.

[Thegerman618]

X2^^^ Found that out first hand, last trip out.

[topaz surfer]

The flap can make a big difference. I have gone thru at least 6 different flaps. Playing with the size and shape will make more of a difference than you might think. I would suggest starting with a large size flap and trimming it as you go. Just watch how the water comes off of it and make adjustments as needed. Happy testing.

[dakota4ce]

Duffy, if you're out there, tell me roughly how long and wide your current horse mat flap is? Just wondering where to start in a rough sense.

[Ewok]

I would make it match the bottom of the swim platform when it's deflected by the water to start with, and then work back from there.

[dakota4ce]

I would make it match the bottom of the swim platform when it's deflected by the water to start with, and then work back from there.

Will do--how about width? Or just start with 3.5' or so and see what happens?

[topaz surfer]

FYI my current one is 40" wide and hangs down about 30" with beveled in corners at the bottom.

[dakota4ce]

FYI my current one is 40" wide and hangs down about 30" with beveled in corners at the bottom.

Perfect! thank you! I will start in that neighborhood.

[Z3CO23]

Definitely bevel the edges, I did not on my first shape and it smoothed it fine but created a double lip right in the middle of the wake.

[duffymahoney]

My boat is tucked away in storage still. I didn't go crazy wide, and only as long as it would take to get to the bottom of the transom.

[dakota4ce]

Definitely bevel the edges, I did not on my first shape and it smoothed it fine but created a double lip right in the middle of the wake.

What about a rounded bevel? I suppose that is the same, probably a stupid question.

[dakota4ce]

My boat is tucked away in storage still. I didn't go crazy wide, and only as long as it would take to get to the bottom of the transom.

Okay, perfect. I have also gathered that another length measure might be to make it long enough to "swing up" to platform edge. Even though it likely won't make it that far due to stiffness.

I am excited. Simple little project!

[dakota4ce]

Dakota4ce, were you running on Okoboji...? if so where the lake has a lot of areas specifically on the north end where a sandbar runs across and impacts the wave a lot. I would also try to maybe add a little bit of weight to the opposite rear corner of the boat...you're right the best thing that you can do is head out with the notebook by yourself on a nice day and a ballast bag or two to simulate one or two people and have at it!

I was running on Wall Lake--a puddle over by SFalls. Tomorrow I am headed back, surf flap installed, and the notebook. And some lead bag "friends."