Surf Setup For A 1998 22I?

[ryevolution]

Whats up guys! I just bought a 1998 Tige 22I and so far im loving it. Its a great ski boat and thats primarily what I bought it for, however Id like to get a setup to surf behind it as well. Just wanted to see what kind of ballast setup you guys are running to get the best surfable wave out of it. Appreciate any insight!

[Ruger761]

My set up is about 400# in the rear trunk (filled the bag until it pushes up on the lid) 250# plates under the rear seat. Then depending on how may people I have I put a 350 on the seat or on the surf side while running a suck gate. The hull will throw a nice wake listed over vs a suck gate just a little harder to drive. Last weekend I didn't use the 350 on the seat but had 7 people in the boat, it threw a very nice wave then. Had 1 in the bow, 2 observer seat, 1 driver then, 3 on the rear seat. It wont throw a wave like a 24ft V-Drive will but it throws a very nice wave.

[ryevolution]

Appreciate the input! Im going to take some measurements of the rear hatch this weekend to see how I can maximize that space and get some weight in there. Great idea with loading up on the surf side. Tons of room in the boat for bags on the floor, so I plan on throwing a big bag there. How do you like the suck gate? What i've been reading has been hit and miss.

[Ruger761]

I like the suck gate. It makes switching side to side very fast and it makes driving the boat a lot easier. Driving a heavy listed boat can be challenging for some. Both create great wakes listed or gated. It comes down to your preference once you start weighting the boat up. My suck gate is a DIY version, but others have used commercial versions and like those as well.

[TeamAllen]

I know I run more weight than most, but I think the result is worth it. When you start adding weight you will most likely need to upgrade your current prop so it doesn't cavitate. So, be prepared for that expense in addition to the sacs and pumps. We use (2) Tsunami pumps to drain and fill the sacs.
http://www.fatsac.com/product-detail...a-tsunami-pump

I run two different configurations. One with the rear seat in and one without. I use the Wakesurf Edge Pro Shaper with both setups and run an ACME 911 prop.
http://www.wakesurfedge.com
https://acmemarine.com/products/acme-propeller-911

Seat in: Total weight 2,270 lbs.
(2) W707 on each side of the engine cover. 750 lbs. x 2 = 1,500 lbs.
http://www.fatsac.com/product-detail...allast-fat-sac
(1) W704 in the rear hatch above the fuel tank. 370 lbs.
http://www.fatsac.com/product-detail...llast-tube-sac
(1) W713 in the front walkway up against the cup holders. 400 lbs.
http://www.fatsac.com/product-detail...d=ballast-w713

Seat out: Total weight 2,295 lbs.
(1) W710 wrapped around the rear and sides of the engine cover 1,525 lbs.
https://www.wakemakers.com/fly-high-fat-seat.html
(1) W704 in the rear hatch above the fuel tank. 370 lbs.
http://www.fatsac.com/product-detail...llast-tube-sac
(1) W713 in the front walkway up against the cup holders. 400 lbs.
http://www.fatsac.com/product-detail...d=ballast-w713

Before the wake shaper I would put the 750 lb. bag on the surf side to list the boat, on top of the rear U bag. I didn't have the rear locker bag at that time so total weight was 2,675 lbs. the corner was very low. My favorite and I think best is without the seat. The weight is the same, but is further back.

[NICKYPOO]

The most important thing is to get the surfside rubrail in the water while underway. My setup is really light compared to TA’s. My setup is totally unique to any other that I know of though. I’ve basically given up on the suck gate.

[Ruger761]

How many people do tend to have with you TA? Bet you get a nice wave with that kinda weight!

[TeamAllen]

I'll have to post up some pics. I think it does OK. Typically 4-6 people. Not much room for many more

[ryevolution]

Would love to see some pics as well! Thats a good amount of weight TA - i'm sure it pumps. The u-shaped bag is a great idea. I'm thinking of running one of those as well as another 4-500lbs surfside. Still one the fence with the suck gate...

[TeamAllen]

I figured some videos would be best. Here are a couple. One goof and one regular. I hope they help?
No judging on the surfing. I'm not saying this is the best wave ever made by any boat. It is just the best we have been able to get from OUR boat so far. We are always tweaking and open to suggestions.
My wife is out litmus tester. She can't let go of the rope unless we use the listed configuration. The rest of us can ride in almost any of the different setups. I think she says how much better this setup is in the beginning of the video.
https://vimeo.com/232693667
https://vimeo.com/284203984

[cltTige]

So how far back from the swim platform would you say you are? Wife looks like she gets closed based on her face. lol.

got the chance to surf behind a 08 or 09 SAN this past weekend, factory ballast only, no wake shaper, the pocket was almost nonexistent, I was on top of the swim platform to stay ropeless. I should say it was only my 3rd or 4th time ever wakesurfing, but the more experienced ones had to stay close too. Another guy ran into a time or two. That wake looks loads better and its a DD! I'm super excited to get mine dialed in. Now if only I was in town and could actually go out on the water.

Not to thread hijack but do you have any experience with the 525 prop? its what I got on now.
Also, I thought DD didn't like any weight in front of the engine for surfing?

Any thoughts on adding lead? Specifically to the rear compartment to fill any air?

[TeamAllen]

I couldn't tell you how far back we get. I'm always amazed that it is as far as it is. You can see both of them are able to go back and forth so you aren't stuck in one spot.

My son and I had an idea to use a tape measure and have the rider hold on the dumb end and let it spool out to see how far the rider can hold it. You could have competitions. I will bring one, that I don't mind loosing, next time. We will also try it without the front sack and see if it makes a difference. During our previous testing we obviously though it help lengthen the wave. We will see.

I never used a 525. The 911 is the 3rd prop I have used. All because of surfing. I had the original then a 653 I think? Cavitation was the problem. I will not use lead. I still slalom ski and want that weight out of there until the surfing begins and ends. Plus trailing with it and all that. It just never goes away. I bet it works well. It's not for me.

[NICKYPOO]

^^^When was the last time you ran without a sucgate?

Here’s a pic of mine. 450surfside, probably 200offside, 10.3, taps 8, 2 girls, one guy, 4 small kids, 1/4 tank of fuel, no sucgate. Rider is 6’.

[NICKYPOO]

I run the 911 as well. 653 before that. The original was a 4 blade OJ. No idea what the specs were but, it was terrible.

[TeamAllen]

I like it. It sure looks clean. I would have said it looks like you are running a suck gate because of how theres no white mush folding over on the surf side.
I will try it again without the suck gate. I'm not set on any configuration. Since we are running it now it must have made a difference somewhere in the testing.
You have a very unique position because of the mods you made. Maybe thats what I need to do, because that looks great!