08 Malibu Surf Gates Retrofit

Really well done, i don't think anyone would know it's not factory by looking at it.

1 hour ago, SONICJK said:

Really well done, i don't think anyone would know it's not factory by looking at it.

Thanks! And a HUGE shoutout to @SONICJK for helping me get the actuators and some other misc parts shipped up to Canada for me. Project would have cost me a lot more without his help. Really appreciate it!

Very nice project, well done!  I may have to hit you up for some info on the wireless setup.  What are you ridding for a foil, I'm thinking of grabbing one soon? 

On 12/11/2021 at 12:32 PM, CUCV said:

Very nice project, well done!  I may have to hit you up for some info on the wireless setup.  What are you ridding for a foil, I'm thinking of grabbing one soon? 

Thanks! The wireless controller I'm using is just a simple 433mhz relay controller that triggers the push buttons connected to my surf gate controller. Its made by a company called RF Solutions. They make various wireless controllers and parts. This is series I am using, very basic: RF Controllers. You can order their products through sites like DigiKey who carry a lot of their products. 

As for the foil I have, that is a Liquid Force Nebula Foil package with the Horizon 160 wing. It's a blast, so much fun, I foil more than I surf now. It's a nice and stable wing, good for gliding and learning on + a little more affordable. 

Thanks for posting the link for the controllers. 

I hear so many folks say they now foil more than they surf.  For the past few years I've been watching foilers on the lake but wasn't getting the itch to try.  Then one day we saw a group of guys that could really ride and made it look so fun.  We struck up a conversation with them and got a chance to try and had a blast.  I just pulled the trigger on an Axis foil and am looking forward to the 2022 season.

Once you start foiling, you’re gonna sell your surfboard.  Just sayin😏

Your foiling wake is seemingly perfect.  If I could get my boat to do that, I’d be super-stoked.

20 hours ago, Russell said:

Your foiling wake is seemingly perfect.  If I could get my boat to do that, I’d be super-stoked.

You shouldn't have too much trouble making a smooth foil wave. Not much weight and a little more speed is required, 10-11mph. I like a long smooth roller with no white wash. I fill my center tank and put the surf gate out and that's about it. Much easier than making a good surf wave. 

I’m assuming you’re running much more ballast than I am.  My loaded, shaped wake is significantly smaller than yours.  I’m just not wanting to throw bags on the floor and/or back seat.  Being a direct drive, already makes floor space and backseat tight.  I want all ballast hidden.  The one thing I’d consider is throwing lead into the trunk, under ballast sac.  Just not sure how much I’d need to make a notable difference.  I’m certainly not aspiring to a traditional surf boat.  Foiling is my go to, and I need zero ballast for that.  When I’ve foiled behind surf boats with big ballast, I was most definitely envious.

I wouldn't underestimate the positive impact of bow weight, if you have some hidden areas up front to add weight, I would definitely give it a try.  I'd suggest adding hidden lead in the amount of "missing passengers in the rear of the boat, so try 500 lbs.  Something else to consider might be a different foil.  The guys that turned me onto foiling, foil behind a pontoon boat, no gates or tabs and they are able to do transfers.  We ended up meeting them when they were peeling off their wave and hijackings ours.

I have ballast in my ski locker, which runs forward enough to probably be considered bow weight.  You mentioned possibly a different foil.  The foil is not deficient.  I can foil almost effortlessly with zero ballast.  The ballast I currently run, along with the Delta shaper, do a good job of making the wake more fun.  I’m just guilty of wanting more than I have.  1st world problem, I know.  I’ve seen video of people with dd boats that are really heavily sacked, and producing impressive wakes.  I’m just not wanting to give-up floor space and rear seat, in the name of increased wake size.  I’m very aware that when you set ski boats deeper into the water, the opportunity of taking an unplanned roller over the side means you might put your boat on the bottom of the river.  I’m trying to find a bit more displacement, safely and hidden.  Thanks for your thoughts.

I'm looking to do the same thing here, but I'm planning to build my own swim platform (can't source a new one for my 08 247).  Would you mind providing me with the dimensions of your swim platform?

Hi!

Tell me, how did you attach the hinges to the boat hull? Self-tapping screws or bolts with nuts with a plate inside? If you use a self-tapping screw in the hull, are there any problems with this unit?

Thanks!

On 5/13/2024 at 11:22 AM, aquasmiths said:

I'm looking to do the same thing here, but I'm planning to build my own swim platform (can't source a new one for my 08 247).  Would you mind providing me with the dimensions of your swim platform?

Hey @aquasmiths sorry I never got back to you on this. I’ll have to take some measurements and get back to you if you still need them? 

1 hour ago, Andreyyy said:

Hi!

Tell me, how did you attach the hinges to the boat hull? Self-tapping screws or bolts with nuts with a plate inside? If you use a self-tapping screw in the hull, are there any problems with this unit?

Thanks!

Hey, I just used 3/4” screws into the hull, no backing plates. These are regular stainless steel screws, not self tapping. I believe they were Hillman #14 oval top sheet metal screws.  This is how the boats are done from the factory. You have to pre-drill the holes in the gelcoat by running a drill bit backwards through the gelcoat first and then forwards into the fiberglass, try to avoid drilling through if possible. Running the bit forwards through the gelcoat will chip it. Once the hole is drilled I then took a larger bit to counter sink the gelcoat running it backwards to avoid any gelcoat cracking from the screw going in. Very important to follow those steps as to not crack the gelcoat when the screws go in. Seal each screw with 3M 5200 sealant. 

Thank you very much for the detailed information!