Dialing it In

[chpthril]

FAE is not an option until I get the swim deck worked out. Remember, the FAE mounts to the deck? Also, I have to remove my deck everytime I put it away. FAE is not an option. Will try the down turned tips, and the half platform.

Just an FYI, FAE is available with quick-release, and it mounts to the brackets, not the platform itself.

[dogbert]

We don't have an FAE. I think I am going to try some tips that point the exhaust down first, see how that goes.

If you're not noticing it now with your platform on, you won't be able to tell a difference. Most tips won't do a whole lot, but even if they did actually drive the exhaust under the water, they would disturb your wake. In fact, on most Tiges, the TAPS plate would be in the way.

My advice to you would be to ride with someone who's got an FAE and then go back to your boat. The difference is amazing, especially for those folks seated on your rear bench. I notice it every time I'm on my neighbor's 21v.

[TeamAllen]

Just in time. It looks like another group buy is starting up.
http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8407

[ragboy]

I will re-evaluate when I am set on what I am doing for a deck, but like I said, I have to remove my deck every time I put away. I have not ridden with an FAE, but have seen an FAE on a boat and I don't think it would work for me.

[Joeprunc]

I'm quite stoked to see you guys surfing with Future Fins. My college house mate is one of their head design engineers. I've lived within 5 minutes of the ocean all my life...well until a month ago...but when I surfed I loved using Future's Black Sticks These are super light, carbon fiber lead edge followed by a honeycomb trailing edge.

I know the boat wakes really aren't that big, so the more weight you can save the more fun your gonna have. At Future Fins, they designed a truss system that saves something like 1/3 the weight of fin, not sure if those F4s you were riding had the truss. But check them out. Linky Linky

With my quad (in the ocean), I just rode thruster fins up front and used fiberglass trailing fins, since the templates for the front fins are very similar.

Sorry for the rant, but its good to see that product blending over to wake surfing.

[b/w05]

Ragboy,

As Dogbert said, FAE has a quick release that makes it really easy and quick to remove the platform. However,,,, the FAE DOES add a bit more length overall than the original exhaust. So if you're counting inches in your storage space, be sure to have the FAE measurements. It's probably inches not feet.

Another option, is you can remove the FAE entirely to store your boat. You would then have to remove 4 stainless pipe clamps. That's about 3 more minutes. I just took mine off this weekend.

[dogbert]

As Dogbert said, FAE has a quick release that makes it really easy and quick to remove the platform. However,,,, the FAE DOES add a bit more length overall than the original exhaust. So if you're counting inches in your storage space, be sure to have the FAE measurements. It's probably inches not feet.

Actually, it was chpthril who said it, not me.

[zad0030]

I bet that if you put an FAE on with that mini-platform you will get some spray.

[ragboy]

Yes, thats another part of the issue, want to try to limit stuff dragging in the water, kind of the whole point. Its a work in progress.

[NICKYPOO]

Rag, have you ever seen so many rabid proponents of any product, besides Tiges. I'm just sayin', FAE is a must man.

Larry used to offer a transom mount that doesn't attach to the platform at all.

What are you doing for a new platform? Teak?

[zad0030]

I think in the options list for my '03 Tige the platform was listed as "oversized swim platform" I guess they did not forsee wake surfing as becoming so popular.

[chpthril]

I think they still use that terminology

[ragboy]

Rag, have you ever seen so many rabid proponents of any product, besides Tiges. I'm just sayin', FAE is a must man.

Larry used to offer a transom mount that doesn't attach to the platform at all.

What are you doing for a new platform? Teak?

I will not even be considering FAE til I settle on a deck. For the deck, I have been thinking about what to use, I need smooth on both sides, and easy to create, and look good. I am thinking just a solid piece of machined aluminum with like gator grip on the top. It may be a bit heavier, but who cares. After I make it, I can machine more off of it if I need to.

[talltigeguy]

Along the lines of this thread, I think that Tige needs to make a swim platform that is about 1-2 inches out of the water on an unloaded boat, not flush with the water. By the time you add gear and such, that would take it closer to the water, still making it easy for most people to get out of the lake. It would then help a little with swim platform issues like this.

Have you thought about simply adding longer screws and a spacer of some sort to lift the platform a few inches higher?

[ragboy]

I don't think I want it higher, but I have thought of that, and may try it. Also, the CO issue made me think it needs to be that height. Plus the rear of the boat is designed for it at that height, it will look pretty dumb higher.