WakeMakers wave control

[ragboy]

Those are just different angles of the same system.

[UNSTUCK]

Ah, I see that now. The first picture looks like the hing is right at the boat and not sticking out a ways.

One other thing I was thinking of, in that video of the WakeMaker it looks like it's just kind of on and off. So the tab is either fully up or fully down. Is this the case with TAPS 3? If I go the homemade route I will be able to adjust anywhere between fully up and fully down. I would think that would be desirable, although it could make it slightly slower to transition...maybe not.

[ragboy]

The TAPS3 has 10 or 11 settings, but we really only use the furthest deployed setting and maybe 1 or 2 above that. We mostly use taps and small weight adjustments for adjusting, almost all TAPS.

one thing, I would want to be able to AT LEAST adjust where fully deployed was. In other words, does the system deploy to the same degree no matter where installed? Can you set the right one to deploy to angle A, and the right one to angle B? If you can make those types of one time adjustments, and the left or right buttons go to those manually adjusted settings, I think that would be a a must. I mean, even if it was a pin with several holes at the back of the boat. I really doubt one size just fits all with this.

[hycosurf]

I talked with them today and they said it fully deploys each time and you can adjust it to back off once deployed. It doesn't remember the minor adjustments. It does have GPS that has it retract fully when boat is above 15 mph. You can deploy both tabs simultaneously to help plane off boat for wakeboarding and over 15 mph they will both retract.

[hycosurf]

"I wouldn't count on that, TAPS3 may seem like any other tab based surf system, but if you take a good look at it, it is not.

First, if you notice all of the tab systems out there, they all pivot right at the hull and parallel to the hull. Taps3 doesn't do either of these things, and is unique." Posted earlier

Ragboy, I have a 2013 Z3 so the taps plates would work on it. And the computer of the GSA could control them. The problem is buying them individually. Overall I am looking to have the instant transfer but can't afford a new Tigé.

[ragboy]

Ragboy, I have a 2013 Z3 so the taps plates would work on it. And the computer of the GSA could control them. The problem is buying them individually. Overall I am looking to have the instant transfer but can't afford a new Tigé.

That makes sense, but what I am saying is that you should not assume that the wake makers product is going to work like the Z3 with TAPS3. TAPS3 plates are very different. That said, if it works, that would be outstanding.

[hycosurf]

I'm talking about using taps 3 plates with using the wakemakers control.

[ragboy]

I guess the issue would be if your dealer would offer those plates and actuators so you could install, but its not going to be simple. Bolting them on would be easy, even the actuators would not be that bad, but then you have to create your own control mechanism, maybe with some standard lenco switches or something. The new surf system relies on a completely new computer from a new vendor. You would be ripping out the electronic guts of your entire boat to take a 2015 system to put in your boat. So the only way I could see would be install the taps3 plates if you could get them, or just fabricate them, and then install them with lenco actuators and some rockers on a panel. There are more sophisticated ways of doing it, but the expense would go up a lot. The one benefit of doing it that way is that you won't have to pay any royalty to Malibu. They don't seem to care about one guy building something for his boat. This is just off the top of my head, but you could probably fabricate the plates and get the hardware for about $1000-$1500.

I would do it like this:

http://www.starmarinedepot.com/lenco...le-switch.html

Start with something like that, making sure the kit you buy has the right sized actuators. You have all of the wiring and switches. Then just get a fabricator to make some plates very similar to the TAPS3 plates.

I have NO idea if this would violate any legal issue or anything with Tige, I am completely speaking from a DIY one tinkerer to another kind of thing.

You could later come up with a better switching system that wouldn't be so manual, but the kit above would give you complete adjustability.

Then, open source your plans for those plates to other DIY guys on the forum. You will be a hero. ;-)

[ragboy]

Haha, I totally got myself going with that post. I am going to have to talk to the folks that bought your 2012 Z3, this would be a FUN project.

[UNSTUCK]

It would be very easy to build taps 3 plates. I just wonder if the design is needed. The other boat makers are putting out good waves with an even simpler design.

[ragboy]

I think it is and I KNOW that design is deliberate.

I don't want to trash any other surf systems, but there are a couple that just slapped plates on and then sell it, and they don't work well at all.

I have a good relationship with a metal fab guy, and so if it were me, it wouldn't hurt to try a simple design first, and then change plates, but if you look at those pictures, some things to notice...

1. I think the TAPS3 design is going to help the boat CRAB more which is going to help it list a bit better and keep that great shape.
2. The way they are angled is going to divert the water always AWAY from the surf side. If it is just straight down, its going to send water out all around.
3. With that angle, they are going to act less like water BRAKES. I think the TAPS3 design is going to be easier on the motor.

Lastly, if just throwing a plate straight down would work better on these Tiges, that is what you would see in the TAPS3. Think about it, if the legal issue is resolved, then they are not making it different to be different, they are making it different to be better.

[UNSTUCK]

Ragboy, That is pretty much what I'm thinking. I just need someone to get me the measurements of the taps 3 tabs. Maybe I can do this at the same times as I install an automated ballast system this winter.

Another question, I'm starting from scratch on my ballast system this winter. Should I do it differently knowing I will add a taps3 system as well or plan on doing it as if I will list the boat?

[ragboy]

Yes I would do it different that I would with a listed boat. I will respond in more detail in a couple of hours. Gotta catch up on my work. ;-)

[ragboy]

With a listed boat, I always tried to have the right size bags so that you basically just fill up the front all the way, surf side corner all the way, then you just fill the opposite side corner to desired list and bam, there you go.

Its different with a system boat, you fill up both up both sides and weight level and the best wake (I am assuming you aren't putting on a system to list your boat) is going to be at the point where you can switch from side to side and have a great wake. One guy moves and you either have to tell them to move back or you need to make minor adjustments. I feel like I am always making minor adjustments. For instance, the wake is great at taps 2 or 3, but with taps at 4 or 5, it likes it better with a bit more list. But then the rider wants to do transfers, well, at the extra list, the other side won't be so clean. So I put taps back to 3, and adjust the weight back to the "transfer" setup which is only maybe 150-250 lbs, its small but makes a big difference. Then we can transfer side to side. Then another guy rides goofy and he wants taps up high for a launch ramp, same thing.

I always work to give people the best wake and to do that I need to make easy minor adjustments more, and so I would make my system easiest to do that, and with some type of sensor that allows for accurate measurement of where your rear bags are at.

One other thing that I didn't expect, when you don't list your boat at all, people don't have the feeling they need to stay put. They get up to prepare their board or get a drink or move to the other side cuz they feel like it. You can just tell them to stay put, but sometimes I just make an adjustment.

Hope that helps. If you get a wake you are happy with weighted level and your fuel economy doesn't go through the roof, you will very much enjoy weighting level and just throwing people out no matter which side they ride.

[UNSTUCK]

Good information Ragboy. To recap, it sounds like I would want the biggest bags I could fit in both rear lockers, but I wont have to fill them full because I will be filling them evenly instead of only one side full. By not filling them full it will give me room to adjust as needed throughout the day. I imagine those adjustments will take some time to figure out and to get good at making.

I'm planning on getting two of the W719-exv bags (1100 pounds each), with a 3 pump system. One for cross flow. I won't be able to fill them full as they are too long for my locker, but I think they are the best bet right now. I'm not sure what to do up front yet. I have two 250 pound bags I used this past season. I plan on playing with them up front then next winter once I know what I need, I will automate it.



I'm about ready to pull the trigger on the homemade taps 3. I just wont be able to start the build for about two months as I need to get a car project finished first to make room in the garage. I would like to draw up the tabs though. Anyone out there with taps 3, can you get me the measurements from the picture below? Once I get it drawn up, I'd be happy to share the .dxf with anyone who wants it.


TAPS 3 Trim Tab 1 - Edit.jpg


Just a little clarification on what I need:
C Looks to be about a 20* angle. Is that about right?
E What is going on here? They riveted this piece on to a 90* bend? Maybe a picture of this part would be more helpful. It is on both tabs?
G and L I'm guessing these are the same length?
F and J are also the same length?
H In this picture it looks like the tab is mounted up higher than the bottom of the transom. If it is not flush, how high up does the bottom of the tab sit?
K It looks like the tab bends up (I see a brake line) then it looks to hook down. Is the hook really just a 90* bend or does it go past 90*?

The rest are just basic measurements. I wouldn't think they need to be exact, just close. Anyone willing to get these numbers for me? Then we can get TAPS 21 underway!