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

[drballenbc]

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?

2014 or newer. Gen 2. you will want at least 750s in the rear along with IBS up front piggybacked off the kgb on the 04 x30. It can all be plumbed in and hidden. The X25 has an awesome regular side wave with the GSA, my issue is the goofy side where we all surf is more fussy. Ive seen others get a good wave but they were running mor ballast. Ive got it all ready to go once it warms up, just waiting on delivery of 500 lbs lead for the bow. If this works well then I will stop looking at newer ones... for a few months anyway.


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[Greg123]

I was going to order the wake makers tank busters and piggy back kit. Should I change the prop as well?

[MC25]

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.

710s in the rear are the key.

[CantRepeat]

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.

Aric, have you seen GSA on an 04 X30 hull?

[FoggyNogginz]

I was going to order the wake makers tank busters and piggy back kit. Should I change the prop as well?

Depends on the prop that you already have, how much total weight, what you want to optimize (surf only, surf and wake, fuel economy, etc) and the engine in the boat. I'd suggest that you run your boat without ballast and determine the wide open throttle RPMs and top speed. Then call ACME props with this information and get their suggestion. Deal with them directly for the best technical guidance, and then you can order from anywhere (ACME, Nettle, WakeMakers, Amazon, local dealer...they don't care). Get a new prop, test it, and determine if you should keep it or try another. I try three props with every new boat to optimize the experience and performance for my specific application of the boat.

BTW - if someone tries to sell you prop without asking you several questions, then they aren't really interested in selling you the RIGHT prop...they are simply interested in selling you one of THEIR props. This should turn you away immediately and you can go find someone who takes the time to get this right. Props can change the performance of your boat and wake dramatically, and it perplexes me how many people buy $100K boats and don't spend the money and time to find the optimal prop. It's like buying a 911S and being okay with Westlake tires from WalMart...makes little sense.

You might also consider filling out this detailed form and having them call you.

http://acmemarine.com/contact_us.php

Good luck

KC

[ryan_kc13]

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.

What shaper were you using on the x30?

[Lakelife]

Ryan, are you looking for a bow filler cushion for your boat, if you are I have one out of an 06 X30, never used, and it's free to a good home.

[Skyskiguy]

Ryan, are you looking for a bow filler cushion for your boat, if you are I have one out of an 06 X30, never used, and it's free to a good home.

If he doesn’t want it, I’d likely take it.

[Greg123]

I need a bow cushion! Will it for an 04??

[drballenbc]

What shaper were you using on the x30?

Homemade one. Here is a shot of placement on the hull. I didnt have much leeway with the large raised decals at the back, we generally placed the front edge of it a little further forward than it is in this picture, so the front cup was under the middle of the X. Made it in a few hours with parts from Amazon and Canadian Tire. Looks like crap but works just as well as a $200 one.

[ryan_kc13]

Where are you located?

[drballenbc]

Where are you located?

Sent you a PM via email.

Brent

[Lakelife]

I am located in Calgary or Blind bay on Shuswap.

[BMcD]

Absolutely worth it. I installed GSA (personally) on my '06 x45 a couple seasons ago and absolutely love it. It throws a great wake, both sides, and I'm able to transfer from side to side with no problem. If you do a lot of surfing, it is a must have. You will get your money's worth in no time.

[Rugger]

Homemade one. Here is a shot of placement on the hull. I didnt have much leeway with the large raised decals at the back, we generally placed the front edge of it a little further forward than it is in this picture, so the front cup was under the middle of the X. Made it in a few hours with parts from Amazon and Canadian Tire. Looks like crap but works just as well as a $200 one.
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I recognize that recipe... Great cheap way to make a great wake. And homemade is always my favorite!!! It's funny, I built one of those too (and one that slid over the swim deck) before building a permanent gate setup. When you search Amazon for the handle, it automatically suggests the small cutting board and shelf brackets. haha

I guess the ease of use for things like that make it less desirable to spend time to build a permanent, deployable system that matches your boat. I'm mostly talking surf gate, but also could be homemade surf tabs. (I guess GSA is best answer for that.) I know some of the supra / moomba guys have built several homemade tabs.