1999 Sundeck 210 -> Wakeboarding Setup?

[mcle6658]

Hi all!

Been cruising the forum for about a week since my parents picked up a 1999 Sea Ray Sundeck 210, already gained some great pointers.

I've been into the wakeboarding scene for a number of years now, but this is the first time I've had access to my own boat (previously have been bumming pulls from full blown wakeboard boats like a Mastercraft X-2, X-10, etc). In a quest for a better pull, I've seen some info here on outfitting the new Sundecks with towers, however, has anyone ever tried with one that didn't offer the tower as an option from the factory? I understand that the new boats have reinforced fiberglass where the tower bolts on, so I'm assuming my boat doesn't. Is there a way people reinforce the tower mount areas on older boats or is this not necessary? My brother was a boat mechanic for several years before he became a diesel mechanic and I have some autobody experience, so we are looking to install the tower ourselves.

As far as the tower itself, there appears to be a lot of options. Would it be possible to install a factory tower onto my older boat, or has the hull design been altered since?

If not, I was leaning towards one of these:
http://www.bigairpylons.com/Tower.htm
http://shop.monstertower.com/p-21-monster-tower-mt2-wakeboard-tower.aspx

When I first saw the boat, I was optimistic about the wake because it is a relatively large boat and the hull is deep. However, after getting it out on the water yesterday, the wake was pretty shallow and "frothy" for lack of a better term. After experimenting with weight distribution by moving helpful passengers, it seems like more weight is needed in the front of the boat. Which makes sense, since the engine and fuel are all in the back. I was looking to put a 700lb fat sac in the bow and see how she rides. I don't expect to get the same wake as a true wakeboard boat, but I can hardly do anything with the wake I've got now.

From yesterday, it looked like 2800-2900 rpm was about the best speed.

If anyone else has their boat setup for kicking out some decent wake, I'd really appreciate to know how your boat is setup. Tower, ballasts, pull RPM/MPH, Rope Length, etc.

Wow, that got a little lengthy. Thanks for your time and all your help!

 

[CarreraDan]

For my setup (185 sport) I get two people in the front then trim the motor up just a tad to make the wake tip sharpen up a little--depends on how heavy my passengers are. I sadly do not have a tower but it isn't all that bad (would be much better with a tower). You can reinforce the fiberglass with steel plates glassed into the sides where the tower mounts--look how some of your friends ski boats are set up. Rope length depends on the rider as you should be able to find a sweet spot on the wake. I like the idea of the front sac but I need the storage. The biggest problem for us is keeping a constant speed when I am riding, I do a very good job but other's struggle with small adjustments.

I might add a tower this year or just wait two more years and get a another wake boat, I love the Sea Ray but I am really starting to miss my Mastercraft for water sports--except at the gas dock. You might look at different props too if your parents would be willing to fund them.

 

[julians]

Cant help with the tower questions , but on my 200 select I can get a good wake without any extra weight, just trim up the drive to between a quarter and half way up. adding weight up front does give a bigger wake, but trimming the drive will help with sharpness.

I found that less experienced drivers have difficulty holding a steady speed with a 3 blade prop, so I changed to a 5 blade, which gives easier speed holding and faster acceleration at the expense of top speed and fuel economy.

I

 

[Merge360]

I have a 2006 Sport 195... Factory tower.... I do add weight to my boat... About 600lbs. in the bow and walkway... And the wake is pretty good for an I/O....

I ride anywhere from 22-24mph, 70" rope (that's where I have had the most luck)....

Perfect Pass would be great, just not willing to drop $1100.00 for the system...

If I had to choose an aftermarket tower to put on the boat, it would be a Monster Tower. I used to ride behind a buddies (before he sold the boat) and that tower was ROCK SOLID! No noise or sway and plenty of accessories to go along with it.

 

[wake]

I'm not sure on the 210. Weight up front helps a ton. 60/40 ratio works good for most I/O's. Reprop to a 4 blade it will help holeshot and speed hold a bunch.


Our 175 sport.
540lb in the bow walkway. Sometimes a couple hundred in the back.
Trim at 1/4
24mpg 75ft wakeboard
20mph 70ft wakeskate
17p 4 blade (21p blade=stock)
The wake is OK for a 18ft boat.

Trim is the biggest thing you should do, it will take any wash out of the wake.

 

[billandamy]

Monster tower dood. Thats all you need to know.

Best bang for the buck, took less than 2 hours to install, and the MT2 model has the perfect optimal front to back spread to grab the reinforced spots on your boat.

See my thread in the general discussion "Monster tower ordered" there are pics and descriptions.

Solid frikkin unit, and cost was half of oem. Everyone of my friends that has seen it now thinks it is a great heavy duty unit.

 

[mcle6658]

Thanks for all the input! Its been rough week with me dwelling on my last time boarding.

I wish I would have thought about the trim. I didn't bother with it because I was thinking it would make things worse.

It really seems like the achilles heel of the I/O's is simply holding a steady wakeboard speed. I'll definitley look into a new prop.

I'm actually going to look at a Malibu tonight, I guess I better give these suggestions a whirl before I go taking out a loan and my parents have two boats sitting in their driveway...

Thanks again-:thumbsup:

p.s. This is a shot in the dark, but would anyone happen to have any pictures of their boat's wake? Just trying to get an idea of what to expect.

 

[billandamy]

Wake schmake...Byerly learned and developed most tricks behind a nautique set up for slalom skiing :smt001

I did all of my boarding behind several bowriders growing up that we used to just have a bunch of guys on to make a wakes, and half of the time it was wash. We were still able to do almost any trick done today.

Kids these days....

 

[wake]

Here are a couple pictures (not very good one) I will take anther tonight if you want.

Both are 23-24mph no sacs.

 

[mcle6658]

Finally got the boat back on the water this past weekend.

Threw the 700lb fat sac on the floor of the bow, cranked her to just a hair under 2900rpm and trimmed up the prop just a touch.

What a HUGE difference!! Still takes a steady hand to keep the boat at the right speed, but the wake is clean and rampy.

See attached for a pic. I would have included myself, but in all honesty, I was having a rough day and couldn't do more than some rotations.

Thanks everyone for your input! :smt038

 

[billandamy]

Edited...I see the wake a bit better now, not bad!

Below is what I get out of my 205 sport, no weights. Note the crisp large wake in the optimal tow range. You may want to play with your trim a bit, or maybe choose another prop? You should be getting more than you have, I would think compared to mine.

I need to start a thread for this last weekend wake boarding pics...

 

[wake]

Bill- Thats a nice wake for a I/0

Throw 600-700lbs in it and your set.

 

[billandamy]

Yea, not too bad considering totally stock. I will get some fat sacs next year, for this year just getting back into the sport Ill be good with what I have.

Landed a nice wake to wake 180 Sunday, which I am happy about big time in only my second time out this year, and the second time really in over 15 years lol.

 

[riefstahl]

I have a 2002 Sundeck 220. I put weight in the back (equivelent of 600lbs of people or ballast) and 300lb in the bow. I bump the trim up 3 quick clicks. I run about 3200 or 22MPH and get a clean wake. If you get any wash, the slightest turn into to wakeboarder eliminates it (and I mean slight).