Swell on a FS33

[Mrdeerwood 26]

Wondering if anyone else has used a surf gate on a FS33 or FS44? I used the SWELL wakesurf creator earlier this week on my 2015 FS33 and was actually very impressed with it. I spent a lot of time (over 100 hours) messing with my wave last season and had it pretty dialed in (listed) by the end. I tried using QS but wasn't happy with it unless extremely loaded but it still was no comparison to a listed wave. The guy that started Swell is a local Mn guy that is a friend of a friend. Last summer he heard I got a 33 and asked if I would be interested I trying out the SWELL. I actually chuckled and thought there is no way I'm suction cupping that thing to the side of my brand new boat. Well I gave it a try, and surprisingly it made a really good wave. I need to do some more testing (I actually ordered one on amazon after we got done because he Didn't have any on hand besides his demo). He ended up taking a bunch of pix. I will see if I can post something. 

Edited April 30, 2017 by Mrdeerwood

[Mrdeerwood 26]

Here is a pix he sent me. Just for reference I'm 6'2"

[lovetosurf 48]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing. I've been curious about trying one on our 33 too. How do you feel the wave compared in length, height and push to your dialed listed wave? 

Edited April 30, 2017 by lovetosurf

[lovetosurf 48]

Also, what ballast settings were you runing and did you notice a big jump in RPM? Thanks

[Mrdeerwood 26]

7 hours ago, lovetosurf said:

Very interesting, thanks for sharing. I've been curious about trying one on our 33 too. How do you feel the wave compared in length, height and push to your dialed listed wave? 

It's only my second time out this year (still chilly in Mn, and work has tied me up on the warmer sunny days). Definitely need more time to give a better review. I will be back out the end of the week to really play around with it. We surfed 3 guys for about 2 1/2 hours. Spent the 1st hour listed then the rest with the swell. I didn't notice any difference in the push, I remember using QS and the lack of push was definitely noticeable. One thing I noticed instantly was the size of the wave. Not sure if it looked bigger because of an optical illusion because we werent listed or if it really was taller/bigger.  Length seemed to be the same. 

[Mrdeerwood 26]

8 hours ago, lovetosurf said:

Also, what ballast settings were you runing and did you notice a big jump in RPM? Thanks

I normally run a standard listed set up from lake, all pnp full, surf ram overfilled, non surf around 20-30% (posted on this site) with minor tweaks depending on load. I add in a 400lb sumo across the back of the floor weighted evenly. Was gonna get lead at the end of last season but never got around to it. I'm running the Zr409 with a ACME 1615 (14.5x13.75). That prop is great with a heavy load. I did notice the surf rpm's were higher, Im sure that's from the heavier load (filled non surf ram to 80% using swell) and the increased drag from the swell. The extra ram fill makes it a really heavy load, I actually had a few times where I noticed it took longer to hit surf speed. I think with the extra ram full, lead or a sumo isn't necessarily. That also could be why the wave was so big, all the extra ballast. 

[Mrdeerwood 26]

Here is a shot of the wave

[Nolance 18]

What lake are you on Mrdeerwood?

[Mrdeerwood 26]

1 hour ago, Nolance said:

What lake are you on Mrdeerwood?

Depends on the day. I keep the boat on trailer and usually get out 3-4 times a week in the metro. Prior & st croix usually. Go up to the cabin a lot on big sandy in mcgregor especially for long weekends/ holidays. U?

[Nolance 18]

Mostly Minnetonka.  We used to have a family cabin on Big Sandy...near Zorbaz.  Love that lake!!

 

[Nolance 18]

Our boat came from Wileys

[MobEnzo 51]

Nice to see a MN contingent on here! I also trailer. In town typically to Long Lake in Orono, and sometimes Minnetonka.  We go right by Big Sandy to Trout Lake in Bovey a few times a year.

[Lak3surf3r 714]

looks good! Lets see some more pics!

[Mrdeerwood 26]

On 4/30/2017 at 0:25 PM, Nolance said:

Our boat came from Wileys

Willey's marine is an awesome dealership. Family owned, they really care about there customers and REALLY know there stuff. Can't say enough good things about them. Been eyeing up a G23 & Ri237 but I don't think I could ever leave Willey's. Not in a hurry because I love my FS33, just would like some more storage. 

On 4/30/2017 at 0:44 PM, MobEnzo said:

Nice to see a MN contingent on here! I also trailer. In town typically to Long Lake in Orono, and sometimes Minnetonka.  We go right by Big Sandy to Trout Lake in Bovey a few times a year.

Big sandy is such an awesome lake, bill horn bay is a surfers paradise. Almost 100' deep and 2 miles long with very steep shoreline banks. Doesn't get much better. And to have Willey's right down the street!

 

I avoid tonka but will be at "Dare to Compare" checking out other brands for fun...

Edited May 1, 2017 by Mrdeerwood

[Dandy 43]

20 hours ago, Mrdeerwood said:

 

I avoid tonka but will be at "Dare to Compare" checking out other brands for fun...

Do you happen to have any information on dates/times for this?  I haven't seen anything posted.  (St Cloud Area for me)

[Mrdeerwood 26]

37 minutes ago, Dandy said:

Do you happen to have any information on dates/times for this?  I haven't seen anything posted.  (St Cloud Area for me)

May 20&21 11-4 at Maynard's excelsior bay. 

[Dandy 43]

2 hours ago, Mrdeerwood said:

May 20&21 11-4 at Maynard's excelsior bay. 

Thanks!  That is a CRAZY weekend for us.  I think this would make event #7 for us to try and hit.  I heard the Tige dealer is moving into the old Gekko building and having rentals of boats, pontoons and jetskis available.  Their Open House is that weekend as well.  Everyone must be trying to get things in before everyone heads out for the Summer.  

[DarksideR 1,679]

I never thought about putting one on my FS33 either till we decided to give it a try. My skimboarder friend who surfs regular side, complains all the time about my wave being too steep. Doesn't seem to matter what I do when listed, I just can't get the wave to flatten out and still have good push. But with the suckgate on it, it works! I don't like doing it cause I definitely burn more fuel, but I still do to make the crew happy.

Don't know bout anyone else, and I should probably post in a different thread, but... my trim tab barely goes passed level with the bottom of the hull when 100% down. Considering adding an adaptor to the ram connection to allow it to go down further. I never have it all the way up, so it won't hurt me there.

[Mrdeerwood 26]

Got my swell, 2 day prime shipping on amazon. Gonna play with it today! Gotta say, construction is pretty good for $225.  we will see how good it floats today. 

[Mrdeerwood 26]

On 5/4/2017 at 9:56 PM, DarksideR said:

I never thought about putting one on my FS33 either till we decided to give it a try. My skimboarder friend who surfs regular side, complains all the time about my wave being too steep. Doesn't seem to matter what I do when listed, I just can't get the wave to flatten out and still have good push. But with the suckgate on it, it works! I don't like doing it cause I definitely burn more fuel, but I still do to make the crew happy.

I get the same thing on the regular side. Sometimes I wish I had a larger A-plate so I could get the nose down and lengthen the wave