Wolfpacker

Had a replacement winch in the garage for a while because I didn't take the time to figure out how I wanted to retrofit a 3-bolt winch on my 2-bolt trailer. Others have just drilled the extra holes, but I didn't really want to do that and didn't trust I get the holes square on the square tube. I read a couple of threads on other forums folks have used a washer and one bolt on the back and the winch failed (or the washer failed, then the winch broke). So I came up with an alternate way to spread the load - will report back the results. Basically I just cut a piece of 1/4" x 1" stock down to 2 1/2" and drilled a hole dead center: Slide this in the winch body between the two gear assemblies, fish a 4 1/2" fully threaded hex head bolt and flat washer into the plate, and then towards the back of the winch. You'll have to massage it a bit by angling the plate to get it to fit, but I figured out this is the max size that will fit in there. The plate basically spreads the load where the 2 bolts would have done that job. I was able to fit a 9/16" box end wrench in under the gear assemblies to hold the hex head while tightening. I think this will be an effective and cheap solution for others that don't want to drill extra holes, but time will tell.

Hey Crew, I'm working on tuning my surf wake on my '06 Elite V Air Warrior, and need some help. I'm a big dude, 6'3" 265 or so. Just purchased a Doomswell Neo 4'10" and can ride all day in the pocket now, but the problem is I can't seem to lengthen the pocket. I'm literally 2 feet behind the platform for the best drive. Setup: 2x750's in the lockers Suckgate (which I wish could go lower on the hull, but can't due the the step in the Elite V) 250 Center Ballast full Integrated bow sac (probably 300lb full) - I've played with this weight the most since it seems to create noticeable change. Often it's just me and my wife in the boat since we like to go after work during the week to enjoy the glass. I've noticed a good bit more push when I have additional folks in the boat, but unfortunately have had limited surf time under these conditions since there's always kids that want to.... you guessed it, tube. Any pointers are greatly appreciated.

Thanks folks! I think I read somewhere there was a hull change in the Elite, but not sure what year. I'll have to see if I can use some people to replicate your setup @chenige. Hoping to not run listed if I can avoid it. But I'll say the wave I'm making is pretty big, all things considered. This was before I added the bow sac. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLRIH-DE92s

Pretty basic question... getting my my Air Warrior wrapped on Monday, should I remove the snap on cover? I can see some arguments for both, but my first winter doing this so I thought I'd leverage the collective wisdom of the Crew. TIA

Especially if it was a Hilux!

Thanks Tommy!

I just bought a '06 220hr Elite V w/ Perfect Pass, and manual tab for 29k. I couldn't pass it up b/c it looked have only been used as a runabout. Decent stereo (amp and pyle tower speakers). Interior is in always garaged condition and it had the bow filler cushion - something that was a must have for the wife. I don't think I got a "steal" but in the NC market I think it was a good boat. Considering we will likely only get out 15-20 times per season, max we didn't want to spend a lot. But if I'd stretched the budget to 35-40, I think I would have gotten a newer Avy or maybe settled for a bit older Malibu VLX or Wakesetter. There seems to be quite a jump after the 30k range here in NC, but I just couldn't justify it. You might find a real deal here at the end of the season too!

Just to report back, I was able to briefly let go of the rope today - on the right track. This was after getting the second 750lb in the rear. Pretty sure I need some nose weight now. The sweet spot for me was crazy close to the boat. Like 3 feet from the swim platform. Plus the front end was really high. Still working out the kinks.

We have a 5'3" Liquid Force Fish. It was cheap and rated at "250lb +" Now, I'm 6'3" / 255 or so, so I'm not short and fat, just tall and fat At any rate, if you care to share what board worked for you I'd greatly appreciate it. I plan to buy some pieces of gear over the winter months and spread it out some, since the boat/ballast/etc. had taken a hit on the coffers in the last month.

Awesome, thanks for the feedback guys. I'll report back after the weekend. We are getting rain here from a tropical storm for the next couple of days, but hope to get back out on Sunday / Monday, hopefully w/ 1500lb of ballast to play with by then. Hope everyone has an awesome Labor Day Weekend!!

10.7 per wakeboard pro. I haven't checked w/ GPS.

This was from this evening on my Elite V. Just me and my wife in the boat, 750lb port locker. and surfstarwake.com device. As newbs, I'm not sure whether I should be pleased or not. I weigh a tick over 250 and still had to hold the rope... I'm BRAND new to the sport. Wife rides goofy and one of our sacs came with bad threads on one port out of the box, so we didn't even have time to really try moving the setup to the dark side yet. More to follow as we get the second sac and start playing around, but please let me know what you think, I'm think skinned.

Care to enlighten a new, fellow '06 Elite owner?

'06 Elite V

I'll let you know how the surfstarwake device works after this weekend. Really like the design and since they are a NC company I thought I would try and support them. We are still waiting on fatsacs, so I'm not expecting much on stock ballast (center only), but I'll have a good comparison once I start adding the weight.

Hey Crew, Not quite 1 week as a Centurion owner. Trying to get my ballast setup going mainly for surf. Boat has center ballast only currently. I keep reading about 750lb sacs in the rear lockers, and my measurement show it as close, but I have concerns about the blower vent tubes getting crushed. Can anyone post pics or specific feedback about this combination. Also, I'm looking to go to the Fulton F2 winch, on a boatmate trailer and initial layout is not promising without adding a bracket to set the winch level with the boat. Any experience there? Thanks in advance, appreciate any help you can offer!

Thanks DarksideR - I'm in Cary NC (greater Raleigh) and spend 90% of my freshwater time on Jordan Lake. I offshore fish a good bit out of Morehead City on the coast of NC, but don't think I'll be using the Elite for that

Thanks folks - exactly what I was looking for. Hope to see you out on the water!