Watch "Installation Instructions - Ronix Eight 3 Wakesurf Shaper" on YouTube

[gil5784]

https://youtu.be/SyKsEY70sGI

What do you guys think if this?

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

[culrich77]

Interesting, I'm really curious to see how the velcro attachment system would hold up, if it works this looks great and would love to see it on my boat!

[IDBoating]

Very interesting that a well known company would release this, given Malibu's SurfGate patents and the fact that they're suing companies over them. Nautique tipped over and paid $2.3M in "back royalties" plus more royalties going forward, and Malibu filed suit against Mastercraft just a few months ago. Home grown "surfgate" style devices aren't worth chasing, but an actual company building and selling this in volume seems like tickling the tiger a bit.

[chpthril]

Ive seen numerous decals and letters surfed right off the sides of boats.........I see the same happening with this method of attachment. Coupled with the fact that its a component that gets installed and removed frequently, that adds to the pull on the adhesive strips on the side of the boat.

[robert theisen]

Velcro and water don't mix that well.

[sandm]

good thing it looks to float

[dakota4ce]

Very interesting that a well known company would release this, given Malibu's SurfGate patents and the fact that they're suing companies over them. Nautique tipped over and paid $2.3M in "back royalties" plus more royalties going forward, and Malibu filed suit against Mastercraft just a few months ago. Home grown "surfgate" style devices aren't worth chasing, but an actual company building and selling this in volume seems like tickling the tiger a bit.

Wow! Malibu has legal ground to stand on even against the "tab" style systems?

[Duncan]

http://www.google.com/patents/US8539897

[IDBoating]

Wow! Malibu has legal ground to stand on even against the "tab" style systems?

No, I did not say they will be successful. In fact I believe they have overstepped with Mastercraft and if Mastercraft has a better attorney firm than Nautique (who should also have prevailed, frankly) they will win this stupid lawsuit.

As many here know, I spend a LOT of time with patents. I have analyzed the Malibu portfolio extensively. I believe Nautique could have won, and I suspect that's the reason the two firms "settled" rather than go to trial. Malibu's patents were at risk thanks to Nautique filing for a re-examination, which Nautique retracted as part of the settlement, etc. I could write volumes on this but will simply say that both sides were probably well served by burying that particular hatchet.

As for Mastercraft: There is so much prior art associated with "normally" mounted trim tabs, including old patents that go back decades and have long since expired, that it should be a slam-dunk to send Malibu scurrying back into their hole. But remember, "Anyone can sue anyone". One theory I had about Malibu filing this suit was that, because they filed it after MC filed for their IPO but before they actually went public, Malibu might have figured MC would pay them off just to prevent the suit from clouding their IPO. Thankfully, MC was not buffaloed and looks to be preparing a strong defense.

I would love to assist Mastercraft with this defense. I am a huge advocate of intellectual property rights, but it would be good for the entire industry to put a lid on Malibu's suit-happy attitude. They are way overreaching on this one.

[xpjim1]

I might try the mini skateboard ramp with Velcro as mentioned in Malibu owners. Under 50 buck and worth a try.

[Thegerman618]

wait a minute, I must be looking at 2 different things. Wakemakers is selling a Ronix WakeShaper for $600?