Surf Tabs???????

[endl]

Anyone got a chance to use these yet? How would you rate the ability to change/shape the wake?

If these make a huge difference I can see a lot of upgrades going on here.:D

[MCRambo1]

As of right now you can only get the surf tabs on 2010 boats, and I imagine there's not to many of them out there right now. The way they have them set up now is that they have a specific program that is only compatible with "the big," but talked to my MC rep and he said they are workin on a way to add them the later model boats.(can't wait till that day!)

My rep, Zane Schwenk, said they are awesome. He said they completely eliminates the need of slamming your boat full of sacks to get a great surf curl.

[Kingsley X-1]

My rep, Zane Schwenk, said they are awesome. He said they completely eliminates the need of slamming your boat full of sacks to get a great surf curl.


HHUUMMM sign me up...want some

[TallRedRider]

I guess I would take this as one more opportunity to put down the computerized gadgetry that about all new high end boats have these days.

I would just slam a couple of those on there and put manual guages and momentary switches on the dash just like my current trim tab. Bypass the computer that is going to break and leave the boat worthless in 5 years. The computer will then be all but unreplaceable due to various computer/technical issues. sorry for the hijack.

I think putting one on an X45 would be a pretty sweet deal. I could start with just putting one on the starboard side and just leaving it up when not surfing. As long as it is out of the water at plane, then would not need one on the other side. These trim tabs are not rocket science, my biggest concern would be if the transom is stout enough on the side to support the stress on the tab.

[tr6coug]

Anyone got a picture of the surf tabs? Are they just trim tabs, or some other design?

[turbosdad]

what is a surf tab?

[Age Fighter]

Anyone got a picture of the surf tabs? Are they just trim tabs, or some other design?

If they can create a large wake, then they sound more like a wedge (oops, is that a dirty word on the MC forum?) than a trim tab. Also, the "wake plate" is in effect a trim tab.

Then again, I have never seen one of these surf tabs.

[93maristarky]

THey look like trim tabs and are controlled by the BIG, we are still trying to use them to help.
Chris will post some pics of his 2010 X55 soon.

[Kingsley X-1]

anyone seen them used on the smaller boats such as the x-1?

[venetrex]

I have seen them in a picture on a 2010 X2. I want them too. Be nice to flip a switch and be ready to surf as opposed to waiting for ballst to fill, and then of course the next rider wants to slalom. 10 mins later. Anyways I would want all analog controls as well.

[Witness140]

Here is the photo posted over on WW.

This will be my winter project on my X2. Having 2 analog gauges from the 2007 model year doesn't really bother me. Already have the center plate, hooked into the VDIG.

[Age Fighter]

Here is the photo posted over on WW.

This will be my winter project on my X2. Having 2 analog gauges from the 2007 model year doesn't really bother me. Already have the center plate, hooked into the VDIG.

Good picture. Couple questions:
A: I assume the surf tab is the trim tab with the coil on the port side?
B: What does it do to increase wake size?
C: do you use the center wake plate for slalom and if so, how do you like it?
THANKS in advance for info.

[MCRambo1]

I could start with just putting one on the starboard side and just leaving it up when not surfing. As long as it is out of the water at plane, then would not need one on the other side. These trim tabs are not rocket science, my biggest concern would be if the transom is stout enough on the side to support the stress on the tab.[/QUOTE]

That would bug me, not having one on the other side, it like it even.

The transom is one of the thickest parts of the boat, so you wouldn't have any problems there.

[Witness140]

Good picture. Couple questions:
A: I assume the surf tab is the trim tab with the coil on the port side?
B: What does it do to increase wake size?
C: do you use the center wake plate for slalom and if so, how do you like it?
THANKS in advance for info.

A - There are two surf tabs. One on each side
B - I don't know if I would say it alters 'size' directly vs characteristics; curl, height, length
C - Yes, I put it around 50-60%. It flattens the wake and makes it more friendly.

I use the plate for many things. I'll throw it down (as in nose down) to keep the bow rise to a minimum. If it isn't needed for the application - like in wakeboarding where I run it all the way "up" I will return it to the up position once the boat has come up to speed. I use it for wakesurfing, as I've found I get better push with the wakeplate at about 25% 'down'. I will use it for trick skiing as well, as the table is nicer at trick lengths with the plate around 40-50% down. Generally, if we aren't wakeboarding, the stock plate is utilized at some percentage. I would not own an X2 without the center wake plate.

For surfing, I'd love to be able to have multiple tabs to alter one side or the other without having to move people or ballast around so much. That is why I'm anxious to try these out.

If we had a ballast system that actually worked correctly and efficiently I wouldn't really care so much.

[SRussell]

I have a fairly substantial wake behind my tristar 220 and would be all over a wake plate if it would smooth out a bit.

[wheeler]

This may be a dumb question, but do you still have to fill any bags to surf when you have these trim tabs installed?

[wheeler]

I mean, do you have to load up one side to get the boat leaning to take more advantage of the installed wake tab?

[mccobmd]

I'm sure one to the physic's guru's will be along but what you will need is ballast in the back side you're going to surf. A lateral tab will "lift" the back of the side it is on and in effect "lower" the front opposite side. I'm considering adding a pair to my X1 to eliminate the need for ballast in the front port side which is the side i ski on. The tricky part is where on the X1 transom to place it to get maximum effect.

[Kingsley X-1]

I'm sure one to the physic's guru's will be along but what you will need is ballast in the back side you're going to surf. A lateral tab will "lift" the back of the side it is on and in effect "lower" the front opposite side. I'm considering adding a pair to my X1 to eliminate the need for ballast in the front port side which is the side i ski on. The tricky part is where on the X1 transom to place it to get maximum effect.

if you figure it out let me know. i am still very curious about this. i am hoping one of the dealers on here will get a 2010 in with tabs so they can try it out and let TT know.

[wheeler]

So I am assuming that if you surf left, you will fill left rear ballast and use tab right to lift right side higher and to push left side lower into the water....right?

[mccobmd]

I'm not an expert a fluid dynamics but that is how it should work.

[endl]

http://www.lencomarine.com/Resources/OwnersManual907.pdf

Right on front of the Lenco owners manual is a picture of a Maristar. "We make the best boats better"............

Looks like with the after market standard switch with retractor installation is fairly easy and tab will retract after engine is turned off and system times out.

Definately a winter project. Wonder if the 2010's are 9x12 or 12x12? Parts are not really that expensive.

[Prostar19]

Wife surfing behind my X2 with Surf Tabs. The tabs did not make the wave bigger but it moved it back to give us more of a play area. Had factory ballast on strb side with extra 400# bag, center ballast also full with extra 100# bag, and surf tab on Port side down about 70%.

[wheeler]

Yes, that wake is a lot further back...

I think I will look into what it may cost to install a couple of these....anyone got any ideas on pricing yet?

[MYMC]

Everything I am hearing/seeing in playing with these is that there is better shape and control of where the wave is in relation to the back of the boat...in other words more room.

Still needs weight to get the size.

[mccobmd]

Everything I am hearing/seeing in playing with these is that there is better shape and control of where the wave is in relation to the back of the boat...in other words more room.

Still needs weight to get the size.

That's what I'm hoping. My X1 wake is big enough but too close to the boat.

[Jim@BAWS]

HHUUMMM sign me up...want some


Hague...the sign up sheet is 2.5 hours south of you HA HA HA

Jim@BAWS

[Kingsley X-1]

Hague...the sign up sheet is 2.5 hours south of you HA HA HA

Jim@BAWS

yea roger that i just dont want to pay for them right now. hhuumm (wheels turning in my head) do you want to make my boat the "Test Boat" for the forum Jim???:D

[Kingsley X-1]

oh yea..i guess that u could just try one in your inventory huh??? crap i really thought i was on to something.:rolleyes:;)

[rgardjr1]

http://www.lencomarine.com/Resources/OwnersManual907.pdf

Right on front of the Lenco owners manual is a picture of a Maristar. "We make the best boats better"............

Looks like with the after market standard switch with retractor installation is fairly easy and tab will retract after engine is turned off and system times out.

Definately a winter project. Wonder if the 2010's are 9x12 or 12x12? Parts are not really that expensive.

Somebody needs to get out a tape measure. Quite a bit cheaper that some of the numbers I saw being thrown around about adding the wake plate to an X2. Maybe Santa will bring me some trim tabs for Christmas this year.

[bturner2]

I hear that. I was getting prices all the way up to $1800 for a Wake Plate not including installation. Too pricey for this guy.

The surf tabs look like they're “off the shelf” Lenco tabs. Really like the idea of getting further back from the platform and the exhaust. Wonder how these tabs would affect the slalom wake?

[jbanczak]

Looks like around $500 for two tabs and a switch - not a bad deal at all. Although the pic of the new MC has one in the center as well... any thoughts on how that will impact the surf wake?

I've thought about doing something like this to my Maristar, but I always wonder why, if these would help the surf wake - then when did folks bother with the wakeplates? I get that they give more downward force without ballast - is that the only reason?

So the conclusion on these tabs is they will give more sideways lean on the boat, create a bigger/better pocket, but not bigger?

[Kingsley X-1]

so does anyone have some pictures of an X-1 / 205v wake with the tabs?

[mccobmd]

so does anyone have some pictures of an X-1 / 205v wake with the tabs?

I can't even find anyone that has tabs. I don't think they are an option for the 2010 x1

[endl]

Heck be the first and put them on!

[Kingsley X-1]

Heck be the first and put them on!

...problem is that i am over 140 miles offshore in the gulf of mexico right now. that leaves me stuck asking other people to do it so i can know when i get home if i am going to have to get them or not. trust me i would much rather be at home figuring it out myself:(

[JulioX2]

I'm sold. That is an awesome option. Think that'll have to be installed for next year, along with extra ballast.

[Dusty Field]

I got to see these at the recent boat show and like all of you I couldn't ask enough questions about them. My sales rep that sold me my boat seemed to have many answers so I will share what he told me. The tabs cause the boat to roll to one side or the other and create a bigger wake without moving everything and everyone to the other side. Good for those of us that don't like going out with a boat full of people when we want to ride. I asked about them helping with skiing if you put both down. He told me that they automatically fold back up once the boat hits a paticular speed that was rather slow I believe it was 20mph. The center tab would be for skiing but the surf tabs are slightly smaller and placed toward the edges of the transom. I was also told they are working on a retro fit version for those of us that might want them on our boats. I have an '08 X-1 and was told that the roll may not have as much effect as it does on the X-2. Hope that helps I am going to keep watching them

[Holman J.B.F]

nice for surfing,
but do they change the wake at wakeboard speeds?i,ve seen the plates and in the Up position the plates are in a straight line with the hull,...IMO the plates will create lift.Unless the plates pointing slighty upward,but they don,t.

[mccobmd]

I have looked into this pretty exensively. Maybe JF or one of the other engineers could comment but for the tabs to have a significant effect on roll you need to have a deeper or more pronounced V hull design. The X1 has less V in the hull especially laterally and in the rear. That's why the surf wake gets much better with weight up front because you are rolling and dropping the V to displace more water. I suspect you will need one of the better "rough water boats" with hull charecteristics go the the most out of the plates. What I really want to try is plates closer to the middle to see if it would improve the ski wake in the 24 to 30mph range.

[cdawake]

as for their functionality as trim tabs,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPhklfg-o4I

[scottv503]

So are these Surf Tabs figured out? Are they a lenco product? Does anyone know the size of the plates?

[jbkriss]

Question- If you put the surf/trim tabs on, will you still be able to lower your swim platform? I wouldn't tend to think so.

[Eric2010MCX2]

Question- If you put the surf/trim tabs on, will you still be able to lower your swim platform? I wouldn't tend to think so.

yes, at least on the newer models. Our 2010 has pins you can slip out where the actuator connects to the tab, so you can let the tab and the actuator collapse against the boat.

[jbkriss]

yes, at least on the newer models. Our 2010 has pins you can slip out where the actuator connects to the tab, so you can let the tab and the actuator collapse against the boat.

Newer model meaning 2010? I have an 09 X-Star and need to fold the swim platform down to fit it in the garage. Do you think I would be able to fold down the tabs and the platform on my 09?

Thanks.

[Witness140]

The tabs will fold down regardless of being 2010 factory installed or added on to an earlier model. My 09' X2 has the wakeplate, and it folds down. I just disconnect the actuator from the tab and let it fold down. All these tabs are just hinged pieces of metal. In the 2010 installs they apparently come standard with quick release pins to allow them to fold down faster.

The one catch with lowering my tab is that MC didn't put much slack in the cable coming out of the hull to the actuator. As a result, the actuator will not pivot vertically with it's top bolt secured. The cable holds it at a shallow angle. I have to go through the extra step of disconnecting the top bolt from the actuator, and letting the actuator hang from it's cable.

Just some considerations.

[Eric2010MCX2]

I have seen them in a picture on a 2010 X2. I want them too. Be nice to flip a switch and be ready to surf as opposed to waiting for ballst to fill, and then of course the next rider wants to slalom. 10 mins later. Anyways I would want all analog controls as well.

The surf tabs do not replace ballast.. they are there to tune the wake... ie: move the "sweet spot" further back from the boat, and shape the wake bigger or smaller.

You still will need to weight the boat to get a good wake.

[Aric'sX15]

they work great on our 2010 x15. Its worth the extra money 100%.

[krutzmart]

So I have found out that Mastercraft worked with Lenco on this tab system. Lenco provided tabs.
I think the 12x9 edgemount tabs and the acuators for the X star. The are not a lenco mounts, lenco provides plastic mounts, but they are reinforced metal (alum.) I would guess. Does anybody know where I can get these mounts ?
I may have to make some myself if they cannot be sold as a replacement part.
I would hope you do not have to buy it as a complete kit.
Any dealers out there that can get these surf parts yet ? If so please let me know....I gotta have this tab set up.

[Jim@BAWS]

The surf tabs do not replace ballast.. they are there to tune the wake... ie: move the "sweet spot" further back from the boat, and shape the wake bigger or smaller.

You still will need to weight the boat to get a good wake.


Eric you need to quailfy a little deeper. SURF tabs are just that SURF TABS. They are not meant to act like the attitude adj plate. Surf TABS self elevate at a certain speed. They are meant only to be in the down position while surfing

Jim@BAWS

[krutzmart]

Has any one tried to mod up a set of surf tabs like the pics posted on a pre 2010 X star ??????
I have correct tab size lenco ( 9x12 ) and the lenco acuators with the led instramint light.
I am now in the process of looking or making the mounts as lenco did not supply mastercraft with these mounts, just tabs and acuators Mastercraft or Gere Marie made these mounts. I have a machinist but unsure if mounts could be ordered from mastercraft ? I would like to have the proper lenth and fitment......
Any dealer help out there that knows anything on these mounts or surf tab systems on the 2010 x stars ?

[Sodar]

Hit up Prostar205... he has a parts list running for his install, maybe he has a contact for someone knowledgeable enough to pull part numbers for you.

Here is his thread about the install.

http://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=39881

[krutzmart]

I will do that.THNKS
I do have the lenco mounts but as you can see in pic mc has some other mounts on the x star.

[krutzmart]

ANYONE TRIED THIS TAB SETUP ?? on the X star 03-11

[peettee79]

Surf tabs dont really do much...I retro'd them to my 09 X2, what a waste of $$
But I can only speak for 2009 model X2.

[Set]

I don't really see a big difference on my 07 X2 either. I only have stock ballast and I have a feeling extra weight would be money better spent. I'm going to buy extra bags and piggy back them on existing tanks using existing balalst pumps. Is that going to be a complicated addition?

[krutzmart]

the weight is a must.
We had 12 people in the the x star last weekend befor my fuel pump went out.
The surf wake was amazing .
Had the KGB,port filled and in extra 750 in rear locker. I'm not sure the x star needs surf tabs.
JUST ADD ALOT MORE WEIGHT......
and don't let the rookie drive to turn it into a submarine......

[deminimis]

and don't let the rookie drive to turn it into a submarine......

I submarine mine all the time. That's how I clean out my bilge.