Set of Taps 3 plates for sale

[freeheel4life]

Everyone has their own opinions, but I think one of the main problems is programming. Not just Tige but see it on some of out skiers boats.
My beef with Tige programming- Full retraction at below surf speeds and re-deployemnt upon surf speed. Introduces so much more room for error as the Lenco doesn't have any kind of potentiometer and movement is based solely on times pulses. Those pulses at 14.2v are going to equate to more movement that 13.6v or even battery SOC if not running (surf demo mode on trailer/lift). Also personally don't see the benefit in having an actuator cycle that many times. Why not deploy it and leave it down. I have run many skiers choice boats that do exactly that and I notice no handling problems with turnarounds to pick up riders and then coming out of the hole with rider in tow with plate deployed constantly. Believe constant cycling isn't giving the same exact wave every time. Put tab down and leave it down.
My beef with skiers, because everyone has stinky poops-
Their programmed retraction time isn't long enough when switching from surf left to surf right which results in tabs hanging down below the hull and adding hook so if you surf regular, switch to goofy, and then back to regular port side tab will be hanging down and push into wave causing mush. That's just what I'm observing. The only answer so far is to kill master switch and reboot as computer runs a retraction to start at 0 as has previously been discussed.
As IDboating state they are all running "dumb" Lencos so to me the answers seem to be programming via Murphy. A lot of these tech changes in the last two years on both brands have been great and really we are all the best R&D you can ask for. Just hope they can listen and come up with some solutions.

[IDBoating]

Full retraction at below surf speeds and re-deployemnt upon surf speed.

As I mentioned, this automated full retraction is a bit of a cheat. It allows (in this case) Murphy to re-zero their starting position. Without this, you get cumulative error with every actuator movement. But with it, you re-zero every time you start/stop. The registration is still not perfect, but starting from zero and going in the same direction is better than accumulating errors all day as you move the actuator this way some distance (+/- error), then that way some distance (+/- error), etc.

We have a solution for this problem that works with standard actuators, doesn't require a position sensor, and can be retrofitted into existing installations with existing actuators. It's a purely electronic solution. However, when we've talked to boat manufacturers the feedback we've gotten is that they don't consider actuator accuracy that big of an issue. We don't know if they don't think there IS an inaccuracy problem, or if they think the inaccuracy doesn't matter, but no matter the reason we haven't proceeded with developing it into a product. We like to focus on things that people actually want to buy! {grin}

Personally, I think actuator accuracy is a big deal. Clearly Malibu (for one) agrees because of the expensive Parker units they are now using. Not sure why others don't agree, but unless there's a sufficient market there's no point in spending the time and money to chase it.

[freeheel4life]

As I mentioned, this automated full retraction is a bit of a cheat. It allows (in this case) Murphy to re-zero their starting position. Without this, you get cumulative error with every actuator movement. But with it, you re-zero every time you start/stop. The registration is still not perfect, but starting from zero and going in the same direction is better than accumulating errors all day as you move the actuator this way some distance (+/- error), then that way some distance (+/- error), etc.

Agreed that starting from a zero point is critical, hence my complaint with SC right now. For owners that have their boat dialed tho, why not program for a full retraction cycle upon ignition and then set plate extension and leave it down the whole time. Most people know their boat and aren't making plate changes while running. Set it and forget if you will. Short of flattening out the wave for the kiddos/new riders I think most people are going to their preferred settings and leaving it alone. So why induce variations by retracting and extending every time speed is reduced as Tige is doing??
Get that it's to start from a zero point, but as already stated, load/pressure and voltage is inducing variations in extension after returning to zero anyways. Still think should be programmed to deploy while you set up ballast and speed at screen and then just stay down.
Beyond above reasons, constant cycling upon below surf speeds and re-deployemnt is going to wear out wiper seal at rod if you ask me...but that's just my hair brained theory

[IDBoating]

That "feature" is also sold as making it easier/faster to get on plane. Even aftermarket systems (such as Go Surf Assist) do this. Another justification is to improve turning ability. Et cetera.

[freeheel4life]

Well I certainly dislike it. Haven't had to deal with it much because new boats haven't had major problems , but I'm about to start digging and find where the breaker for rear PDM is and flip the SOB open after I get boat where I want it. Sucks because I believe Tige programmed bilge and blower outputs in that same PDM but will have to verify with breaker opened. SC PDM at rear is just running ballast and actuators, know because I've been chasing complaints.
Just sucks when you get the boat set up how you like then induce wave variations EVERY TIME you turn around to pick up a rider. Sucks for the guy/gal riding as well. Really sucks when you are standing there waiting for a wave to form up behind the boat that never happens. Understand owners frustrations as a tech for sure. One boat in particular has been fighting me and although actuator is showing no physical signs of problems I'm about to replace it anyways, and this is an expensive and ineffective way to diagnose and fix problems.

[IDBoating]

I agree with you. Repeatability of setup is everything. That was the basis for AutoWake, in fact. I couldn't believe this industry puts up with all the variables!

I think the industry will come around on actuators too. The fact that Malibu is spending so much money on those Parker units, when standard electrical actuators are so much less expensive, tells me accuracy is important to somebody. SurfGate may be the most sensitive to deployment angle and the resulting yaw angle, but other manufacturers would find their customers happier if things were repeatable too. Frustrated customers call frustrated dealers who call frustrated manufacturers. Our solution + standard actuators would cost less than those Parker units... maybe someday.