X30 Ballast makeover, most for surfing.

[CantRepeat]

I finally got around to installing my fold down swim step brackets this week. While using the smaller swim step was great it was pretty tiny and when we were done surfing it was just too small for recreation. In the end I hope that I can drill a second set of holes so I can angle the step up and not affect the wave. This way I can have a full size step that wont be an issue for surfing.

On my 06 the old holes didn't line up with the new brackets so I had to take the boat and have them filled. The two holes left open are for the tie down brackets.

Masking tape over the area to prevent scratching.



I made jig to keep the drill bit straight and level while drilling. I used a transfer punch to mark the holes and my drill press to drill them straight.



There is a thick piece of stainless steel molded into the back of the boat. I drilled through the gel and fiber until I hit the metal then switch to a carbide drill bit and some WD40.



Then to a 3/4 inch bit to chamfer the holes a bit to prevent the gel coat from cracking.



Test fit the bracket with 5/16 SS bolts, I used nylock nuts on the final install.



You can only have 5 img files in a post so onward!

[CantRepeat]

Tape off and bracket installed with 3M 5200 marine sealant.



One side done, on to the other.



Both brackets installed.



When installing the swim step onto the brackets the instructions say to make sure the measurements are the same at the front of the mount and the rear. I guess this is done to prevent binding while folding the step down.



Here's the money shot! Now with the step pulled all the way back I can get a good angle for surfing. I haven't drill the holes for the up position yet. I want to fix it in the right angle and test it before I do so.



The purpose of this is to have a full size swim step that doesn't affect the surf wave. We will see if this works when the weather warms up.

[jason@wakemakers.com]

Awesome idea Tim, I'm excited to see how it works out on the water.

[pmikler]

CantRepeat- I have an upgrade to my x5 in the way of an 06 x30 making its way to Florida from Arkansas and was curious if your tilted up swim step did the trick. Thanks in advance.

[mseller]

CantRepeat- How did this work out for you? I assume you have a pin you lock in place for both positions?

[Brian B]

Yeah, I'd love to hear your results!

[CantRepeat]

So my feedback about the full size swim step on while tilted up is this.


Don't waste your time. IT was a big failure and didn't work. In fact the wave is worse with it tilted up then with it being just flat. I'm sorry it took me so long to provide feedback but I was still testing it and hoping I could make it work.

Looks like I'll be talking to Vman about who made his custom step.

[ShamrockIV]

is the surf tab worth the extra money? thanks

[wtrjock]

Those fold down brackets look great! Where do you pick those up?

[CantRepeat]

Originally Posted by wtrjock

Those fold down brackets look great! Where do you pick those up?

They are made by and sold by http://www.ojprops.com/ you'll need to call them and ask.