Wake problems

[onevalkyrie]

Have a 2008 RZ 4 and it seems it doesn't matter what we do the wake on the right side just does not shape up like the left. It seems like it is always washed out and not as crisp as the other side, regardless of speed 18-23 it is still the same. Any input appreciated.

[dogbert]

You need to balance your boat side-to-side. This may mean moving people around to make that happen. You'll see this done in every wakeboard tournament where they position the bodies so that the wake is even on both sides. It's not a speed or TAPS issue, although they will also affect the wash level of the wake, but usually it's both sides.

[da.bell]

What TAPS setting are you running at and if you have ballast, what weight are you running it at?

Do you have a picture?

[da.bell]

You need to balance your boat side-to-side. This may mean moving people around to make that happen. You'll see this done in every wakeboard tournament where they position the bodies so that the wake is even on both sides. It's not a speed or TAPS issue, although they will also affect the wash level of the wake, but usually it's both sides.

However, you can't rule out this yet. I think we need more information.

My right side can be terrible if I run TAPS at 8 but looks great at TAPS 3-6 depending upon how much weight I have in the boat.

[eks]

If you have ballast add weight to the starboard side only. Or have some of the people move to the starboard side. That will help the wake not to wash out and also will add height to it.

[dogbert]

However, you can't rule out this yet. I think we need more information.

My right side can be terrible if I run TAPS at 8 but looks great at TAPS 3-6 depending upon how much weight I have in the boat.

Well, my point was that once you settle on a speed, you need to balance your boat side-to-side. I'm doing that all the time. But you're right, it will have a different effect at different speeds because of the prop rotation. Your prop pitch could also have something to do with that.

[onevalkyrie]

However, you can't rule out this yet. I think we need more information.

My right side can be terrible if I run TAPS at 8 but looks great at TAPS 3-6 depending upon how much weight I have in the boat.

This seems to be the same thing that I'm experiencing on the taps. Our thoughts at the beginning were the higher the TAPS the bigger the wake, but it seems that all the TAPS does is shape or clean up the wake. I don't really see any change in the size of the wake. We haven't really worked at moving people around except to level things out. When you talk about weighting down one side only it seems to me that the boat would be running through the water listing to whichever side??

[da.bell]

TAPs does not adjust the size of the wake per Chpthrill's experience. I say it does a little bit but each person has a different opinion just like Tige has their opinion on TAPS.

IMO, don't run TAPS at 8. I have never had a good wake at TAPS 8 because the lip was too much.

Adding more ballast to one side of the boat isn't any different than having the people move around in the boat. The only difference is that you don't have to have your friends move now.

[dogbert]

This seems to be the same thing that I'm experiencing on the taps. Our thoughts at the beginning were the higher the TAPS the bigger the wake, but it seems that all the TAPS does is shape or clean up the wake. I don't really see any change in the size of the wake. We haven't really worked at moving people around except to level things out. When you talk about weighting down one side only it seems to me that the boat would be running through the water listing to whichever side??

Typically, if your wake is washed out to one side, you need to move weight to the other side. Also, TAPS will have a bigger impact with more weight up front. Your hull is a giant rocker. If all the weight is in the back, then TAPS will not be able to overcome that weight enough to make an impact. However, if you put more weight up front, TAPS is a lot more responsive because it can actually push the bow up and down, effectively positioning your boat on the rocker. Whenever we go loaded for bear with ballast and people, I start with TAPS in the highest position and then adjust it down so the wake is just starting to clean up where the rider crosses the wake. That will give you maximum ramp and pop.

As far as weighting, front to back, the rule of thumb is at least 50/50, although I go closer to 60/40, front/back. Remember, you have to compensate for the V-Drive's engine being in the rear.

[dogbert]

IMO, don't run TAPS at 8. I have never had a good wake at TAPS 8 because the lip was too much.

Hey, you get a couple of fat buddies like ragboy and me in your bow and you'll be singin' a different tune

[onevalkyrie]

Hey guys thanks for all the input its beginning to sound like we just need to learn more about what the heck we're doing. Last year this wasn't an issue but this year I find myself surrounded by experts since they can ski further that 50 feet without falling. HA HA HA

[da.bell]

Hey, you get a couple of fat buddies like ragboy and me in your bow and you'll be singin' a different tune

I am sure it could be done but I can't afford two boat payments and then two plane tickets each and every time that I need you and Rag's help.

[ragboy]

If you regularly go out, and don't have more than 2 or 3 people in boat, so hard to balance, get a fat brick. They way 150, and have big handles on them, make it easy to balance the boat to fine tune the wake, without telling people, "move a bit this way".

[eks]

I am sure it could be done but I can't afford two boat payments and then two plane tickets each and every time that I need you and Rag's help.

You should rent your 24Ve. I rented my first Tige for a year and made almost 30K in one summer.

[da.bell]

You should rent your 24Ve. I rented my first Tige for a year and made almost 30K in one summer.

Yes, should have but the issue now is there is not water. And if I did rent it, they would probably do damage to the 24Ve now.