Why aren't there more DIY surf gates on Mastercrafts?

[Rugger]

Might seem like a silly question, but why aren't more older Mastercraft boat owners adding a DIY surf gate system to their boats without surf tabs? (or even with tabs). No, I don't sell them.

I see tons of suck gates... Or a suck gate with tabs as well... But not many "permanent" powered gates. Seems to be easier and less expensive than add-on tabs, and if you did both you could even tune the wake somewhat.

Is it just a Mastercraft vs. Malibu deal? There were some early DIY gates a few years ago on Mastercrafts but I don't see many mods lately. Admittedly, I own an older Malibu now but grew up behind MCs. Between my crew I get to ride behind most boats. My buddy got a x45 last summer and we immediately started planning for a gate setup.

Just thinking out loud. I'm an advocate for DIY mods... that's all.

[ChadH]

I am wanting to do a system on my MC 240SC eventually, deciding between gates or gen 2 type tabs. I have a Nauticurl for now. I've got a long list of projects I'm wanting to do. I'm on Wake Garage also as MC240, great site by the way. Lots of great diy projects, good info. I really liked the wake plate with exhaust that Jeffo did.

[AKralk83]

I tossed the idea around about making my own surf system as well. It just came down to time, money and not wanting to put more holes in the boat. I have 30$ wrapped up in my home made suck gate and it works great. I do however wish I did not have to jump in the water to take it off when we switch sides. I was also a little worried about how much structure there was to attach tabs to the back of my boat. 2001 205v


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[monsterwake]

I have the itch to get an 08 XStar but it is obviously not a surf boat. I wonder if a suckgate would help or if some added cash towards adding a surf system would be worth it.

[MC25]

I have the itch to get an 08 XStar but it is obviously not a surf boat. I wonder if a suckgate would help or if some added cash towards adding a surf system would be worth it.

Go surf assist on the x stars are awesome

[clrussell]

I have the itch to get an 08 XStar but it is obviously not a surf boat. I wonder if a suckgate would help or if some added cash towards adding a surf system would be worth it.

Yes and yes.

I've posted many pics of mine with the suction style. A mission delta is money on a star.

However I'll have gsa when I can afford it

[dvsone79]

Personally I don’t surf enough to warrant a permanently mounted surf gate. Just something to do if the water is sh!tty. And since the TN river is usually butter when we go (early weekend mornings or weekday evenings), surf conditions are rare. I’m no advanced wakeboarder by any means, but in my crew, it’s a crime to waste good water on surfing.

That being said, even if I surfed a lot, the benefits of a permantly mounted solution isn’t that great for my boat. It takes me 30 seconds to attach my DIY suck gate. No change in ballast, just throw the gate on and go. And stowing it isn’t an issue. It tucks in behind the driver seat, or if my boat is packed, I have a spot on the tower for it. I’m not going to drill holes below the waterline and make major modifications to save 30 seconds for surfing.

[Rugger]

I am wanting to do a system on my MC 240SC eventually, deciding between gates or gen 2 type tabs. I have a Nauticurl for now. I've got a long list of projects I'm wanting to do. I'm on Wake Garage also as MC240, great site by the way. Lots of great diy projects, good info. I really liked the wake plate with exhaust that Jeffo did.

Thanks. (Yeah, that Jeffo exhaust plate is cool for sure). There's some pretty good discussions about gates vs gsa out there. The general impression for most is that both work, but GSA requires more weight. A lot more weight on some hulls. I called Ryan at GSA (nice guy, great customer service too) and almost went that route but ultimately went with gates because they flat out work and much cheaper. Also, some guys (from Wake Garage) who have MBs were pulling their GSA off in favor of gates talked me out of it.

I tossed the idea around about making my own surf system as well. It just came down to time, money and not wanting to put more holes in the boat. I have 30$ wrapped up in my home made suck gate and it works great. I do however wish I did not have to jump in the water to take it off when we switch sides. I was also a little worried about how much structure there was to attach tabs to the back of my boat. 2001 205v

Not much force against the hull as far as strength needed... it'd work fine. The great part about a permanent system is the boat turns well in opposite direction (because gate closes) and its always ready to go like you said. Plus, they do work differently at the very edge of the transom vs forward on the hull some.

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[QUOTE=dvsone79;1397141]Personally I don’t surf enough to warrant a permanently mounted surf gate. Just something to do if the water is sh!tty.

haha. I get it!

I'm just surprised since it's such an easy mod and surfing has become so popular. There is a difference between a suck gate and tabs or gates. Plus the automated controllers are now inexpensive (guy on Wake Garage does an arduino version for less than $100 bucks).

With so many beautiful older boats out there.... I think having a nice push button surf system is a great upgrade... tabs or gates. But the gates work so dang well, cheap and easy.

[MC25]

I would definitely argue in the opposite direction of a gated system requires more weight. Every Malibu I’ve surfed with surfgate doesn’t have near the power/push of a tab system with equal weight.

[CantRepeat]

My X30 never needed one.

[Rugger]

I would definitely argue in the opposite direction of a gated system requires more weight. Every Malibu I’ve surfed with surfgate doesn’t have near the power/push of a tab system with equal weight.

Ok, then let me rephrase--- why don't more people put tabs (not gates) on older MCs?

I'd put MC tabs on a Bu, or NSS on a MC, or gates on a nautique, whatever. They all delay convergence. I've just seen less MCs doing the mods lately so I was just wondering.

Sounds like the suck gates put a big damper on guys retrofitting surf systems, except for more hardcore DIYers who want things to look stock. Just not as hard or expensive anymore, and a whole heck of a lot cheaper than a new boat.

Was just thinking out loud!

[Greg123]

I have been thinking about GSA for my 04' x30 but not sure if it is worth the money over a suck gate.

[MC25]

I have been thinking about GSA for my 04' x30 but not sure if it is worth the money over a suck gate.

It 100000% is.

[drballenbc]

Gotta say, Ive surfed an 04 X30 with a suck gate and now have a 11 X25 with GSA, and the 04 X30 with the suck gate has more push for the same amount of ballast(2500 lbs). Better hull for it I think. I demoed a 17 XT23 and found the wave only marginally better than my 04 X30 with the suck gate. I am adding another 1500lbs to the X25 this year hoping that will make the difference for it. The X25 is OK but the X30 was easy to keep up with. Already picked out my next boat(gonna be another X30), but will play with this one for another 3 years first. Half the fun is trying to find the perfect wave.

[Greg123]

Well that's great to hear. I am just now getting ready to update the factory ballast. Was looking into the GSA but thought i would wait and see how the summer goes with the new ballast and suck gate.

So what year x30 is next for you?