Aftermarket Surf Gate

[jbgp1200]

Block of foam and some fiber glass wont cost me $600. Really thinking about making some custom ones to custom fit each side of the RZ2 hull.

[Dandy]

Block of foam and some fiber glass wont cost me $600. Really thinking about making some custom ones to custom fit each side of the RZ2 hull.

I bet you would sell a few. If you do this, I think it would be a good idea to either have an access panel on the aft side or leave it open and use suction cup mounts like they use on Ram Mounts (see link below). These suckers (get it?) really hold. With the lock and release lever they are very easy to use and there would be no need for the velcro on the boat. Not sure why any of these companies didn't think of it.
http://www.rammount.com/part/RAP-224-1U

[jbgp1200]

Although, I'm really considering one of these. http://wake-shaper.com/sample-page/

Now for this I think $550 is some what fair. This took some engineering to create and produce.

He also has a new version that mounts to both sides and is remote adjustable. https://www.facebook.com/wakeshaper/...9598843407321/

Another thing I'm thinking is that since you can run with even ballast on these shapers I may not need to cut down my RZ2 swim platform. If the platform is riding even in the water on both sides the over size platform should not be an issue any longer.

[ajward]

if it works, easier than drilling more holes in the boat. anyone try yet, curious to see!

I built one last year and it worked great, however the Velcro was the weak point in the system. I tried a bunch of different brands and quality levels within those brands and nothing lasted below the waterline. My boat is moored all summer, so it was exposed to fresh water 24-7. Unless they have found a extra, extra, extra super duper industrial grade, I would caution using it. The other downside is that it sits nearly 2 feet ahead of the transom, so I believe more angle will be required to achieve the same result as a swim platform mount, which will affect gas mileage and handling!

[ajward]

Are there any other sources for a really big doorstop?

Skateboard Ramp, get the 9-12" height one as anything lower will not work. These come in about 20-24" length.

[ragboy]

That Ronix shaper, with all I have learned and with all of the various options and different boat hulls and such, it would seem something like that would give you the best results. You can change its location to tune it, for instance. The velcro is kind of a pain, but if it surfs good for only $600, then well, there you go. Those swim step malibu things don't look like they will work with a lot of weight. They look like the old surf gates that didn't work when you buried the swim step.

[Chaos]

Virtually all of these infringe on design patents held by others. Once any of them make any amount of money or sell more than 10, they will be getting C&D letters.
Not that this really matters to the consumer unless you happen to be seeking a refund or damages from a defunct company. The big door stop being somewhat less likely to be sued over, which is the same reason Ronix got involved with it, licensed it and start manufacturing a cleaner production version.

Any DIYer can build their own versions of these. I can walk people through shaping a foam door stop and laying it up with fiberglass and/or carbon fiber.

And, yes, I agree with Robert, those smaller side plates are far less effective once sunk.

Nick

[Ditch Doctor]

It's funny that I have run across this thread tonight. I have been working on a "DIY wake shaper" this weekend and am getting pretty close to finishing it. I still have a couple of layers of fiberglass and then some body work and paint to do. I'll attach pics of my design to show how I am going about it. I do agree $600 is a little steep.

Kevin

wake shaper 01.jpgwake shaper 02.jpgwake shaper 03.jpgwake shaper 05.jpgwake shaper 06.jpgwake shaper 07.jpgwake shaper 08.jpgwake shaper 09.jpgwake shaper 10.jpgwake shaper 11.jpg

[NICKYPOO]

Sweet. What is your attaching plan?

[Ditch Doctor]

Probably going with 3M dual lock. It works just like Velcro but is not as susceptible to the water.

[JohnnieMo]

Could you not just buy one of those rubber car ramps as a proof of concept? They are heavy, but I think they would work. Drill a hundred holes in the back of it to lighten it up if needed.

[NICKYPOO]

Probably going with 3M dual lock. It works just like Velcro but is not as susceptible to the water.

Yup. When I first saw these things, that's exactly what I thought, racing velcro. Can't wait to see this thing in action. I'm still thinking I'll go the suction cup route until I'm comfortable with proof of concept.

[Bryan]

I'm still a tad unclear how these work... Did I read somewhere that these are designed to actually slip the boat sideways and get mounted on the opposite side of the boat than you plan to surf? So if your weighting and surfing port than this would stick on the starboard side? How far forward? Tallest part of the ramp even with the transom I'm assuming...

[Ditch Doctor]

I've had good luck with the dual lock in the past. I figure suction cups would work as well. My only concern would be they would slide down the side of the boat. Either way I'm ready to try it out. We still got another month or so to go before it is feasible to get on the lake. I will definitely get some pics and video of it and give an update ASAP though.

[Ditch Doctor]

Your right about the opposite side part. It my understanding that they can be tilted an moved forward and back to tune the wave.