Wake shaping for Outboards

[Ski_Dad]

Hi Guys, check out this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aELPvvAz3v4

 

would like to do the REVERSE of what this guy is trying - he trying to make it larger for wakeboard. Is there anything out there that will flatten a wake more for slalom. Can't upgrade boats this time :) I have a deep V boat and this is my wake about 30 mph.

 

 

 

[oldjeep]

I assume you have already messed with your motor trim and found the best spot for that.

 

Trim tabs might help - the adjustable kind not the automatic ones. Another easier option to try is to add bow weight to see if that makes it better. My V-drive takes about 200lbs of bow ballast to really smooth out the wake. That boat looks pretty light so I'd start with 50 and see what happens

[6balls]

That looks pretty goofy. In your case going to be mighty hard to fight your configuration.

Would sample various speeds and rope length combo's to find the best spot/speed for your boat.

[Ski_Dad]

I have tried a few trim angles and the wake is best just a little up from neutral trim. It doesn't make a huge difference, though. The other thing I did last year was have more cup added to my prop - seemed to help a little as the boat rides a little higher.

 

the boat and motor combo is about 1600 lbs.

 

I'll try some weight up front and also I'm going to try 22 off this year - tried 15 off vs long line and the 15 off is smaller but a tad harder wake. I might even try 100' line - ha ha

[oldjeep]

How much does that boat move around when you cut at 15 off? My old 19 ft runabout weighed about 1000lbs more than your boat and I'd swear the back end moved a foot every time I laid into it.

[Ski_Dad]

I've only been on slalom a few years, i asked my wife if the boat moves and she said she didn't feel anything - but I'm not cutting as hard as I want yet - got the P6 with Vector boot recently and hoping I can put it more on edge this coming season.

 

 

 

[rodltg2]

that guy didn't accomplish anything , wake still sucked. maybe even worse as it got washed out.

 

I wouldn't waste your time and money , save your pennies for a ski boat. as oldjeep suggested , try a little weight in the bow and trim motor. then go ski.

[ALPJr]

Looks like a very skiable wake for 30mph. The wake will smooth out a little at 32mph and up. Find the sweet spot and enjoy the ride.

[Ski_Dad]

thanks guys for the helpful advice and kind words :)

[ejj]

I skied for years behind an outboard. Second the bridle idea. Also, a cheap upgrade is a slightly narrower ski that is easier to edge through the wake. Picking up speed is fine too, but you will sit pretty high at 32 on that ski. Bottom line, the wakes won't be like a ski boat, but a lightweight outboard actually has pretty decent wakes for the money.

[ALPJr]

Have skied many different outboard boats. Highly recommend going with a tripod over transom eyes. Stronger pull, keeps rope high and away from prop and makes changing loops easier.

[Ski_Dad]

i used a bridle when i first got the boat but the rope was so low it cut into the wakes. Love my tripod - it was a pain to install took me all day b/c I had to tunnel some insulation out.

 

I do feel my son cutting a little - i might just be fortunate that my boat doesn't get pulled around alot - it might be b/c my lower unit is pretty low. I remember feeling my dad pull our little 15' ski boat around when I was a kid - that was a fast boat in it's day with 115 Merc on the back.

[ALPJr]

I know the Glastron roll well. Had a Jetflight 143, a GT 150 and a V 163. In sharp turns the GT150 basically turned on the edge of the bottom and gunnel. Scared the heck out of first time passengers. Also had a Checkmate 16. All were much better with a swivel head tripod that can be adjusted for engine height. Just make sure it's installed properly. Also take ample time for new drivers to learn and be comfortable with the pull of the skier.

[Wayne]

Would a hydrofoil that enlarges the cavitation plate help? I never did a before/after comparison on one but my father had one on on all his outboards and I remember him commenting that it helped.

 

I was thinking like a Sting Ray brand one or even the 2-piece one Overtons sells (the Overtons one used to be called a "Dol-fin" if I remember correctly and was the one my dad always used). They are relatively cheap (some under $50) and some versions don't require any holes to be drilled.