Wakesurfing behind a I/O??

[wired1236]

Re: Wakesurfing behind a I/O??

Long post...anyway here are my two cents.

Have you ever dropped something out of your car window when you are moving? I mean dropped, not thrown. It will travel forward at ALMOST the same rate as the car until it hits the ground. The only reason why is looses a little ground on the car is due to the wind resistance pushing the item back. So if the surfer is traveling at the same rate as the boat when they fall, (most likely they are), and they fall forward in relation to the board directly in line with the prop, there is a CHANCE they will hit it.

Now I bet the reson more people don't hit the propo is that there feet kick back against the board and since the board will most likely slip back in relation to the water due to the pressure of the person's feet pushing against the board but as many people have said, why tempt fait with no faith.

 

[Genonbamagirl]

Re: Wakesurfing behind a I/O??

How on earth could you fall into something that is 50' or more away from you and moving away from you at any speed?

The question itself kind of asks if the questioner is competant and the idea lends itself well to the idea of being abducted by aliens.

If someone falls off the bow - there is danger. If someone aproaches the screw while it is in motion - there is danger because the operator is an idiot for not killing the engine.

I understand fully why you would ask but...........I also would recommend that you have a working knowledge of watercraft before you attempt anything as dangerous as boarding.

 

[grahamh]

Re: Wakesurfing behind a I/O??

How on earth could you fall into something that is 50' or more away from you and moving away from you at any speed?

You're a lot closer that 50'. I've seen videos where people come right up to the swim platform.

 

[Genonbamagirl]

Re: Wakesurfing behind a I/O??

You're a lot closer that 50'. I've seen videos where people come right up to the swim platform.

Then don't fall into the sharp moving parts. Kind of like asking if it's okay to stick your hand inside the snowblower while it's running.

 

[grahamh]

Re: Wakesurfing behind a I/O??

Then don't fall into the sharp moving parts. Kind of like asking if it's okay to stick your hand inside the snowblower while it's running.

Good advice!

 

[skargo]

Re: Wakesurfing behind a I/O??

Then don't fall into the sharp moving parts. Kind of like asking if it's okay to stick your hand inside the snowblower while it's running.

Yeah because falls NEVER happen, especially during wake SURFING.

 

[saturnv7890]

Re: Wakesurfing behind a I/O??

So why can't you just wakesurf behind a boat with a prop cage?

This one seems to be meant to protect people:
https://www.adventuremarine.net/product-catalogue/index.cfm?SubCategoryID=1&do=list


If you combined that with a temporary lengthening of the swim platform (maybe some padding on the swim platform) you'll be very safe! Possibly safer than an inboard because of the underwater exhaust..

 

[shorts&chanclas]

Re: Wakesurfing behind a I/O??

Has anyone seen the Chaparral Xtreme boats that are advertised as good for wakesurfing? It's just an I/O with a big swim deck that covers the outdrive. They claim it's better because the Volvo Penta Duo Prop makes less vibrations for a smoother wake, and the exhaust is underwater so there isn't a risk of poisoning. Here's a picture of it:

http://www.chaparralboats.com/2009/images/sux224/large/sux224-OP.jpg

Based on the full trimmed up on the lower unit I would say the swim platform covers the same as mine. I would not "pure surf" behind that one, mine, or any other i/o.

I would however use a 20-25ft line and shred it all day long without worrying about bindings and knee surgury.

 

[spdracr39]

Re: Wakesurfing behind a I/O??

dang it I hate forgetting I'm reading archives.

 

[natureschild88]

Re: Wakesurfing behind a I/O??

Sure, you can do it with a sterndrive, just don't fall... If you are going to fall, fall backwards, not forwards
If you really want to do it right, you should have a direct drive. No boat with an outboard/outdrive is going to produce a large enough wake to properly surf on, you'll be holding the rope the whole time and will not have enough wake to carry you if you let go. Really need something with a large ballast on the side and a direct drive prop. You can even turn the boat slightly into the side the rider is on to make the wake a little larger.

 

[natureschild88]

Re: Wakesurfing behind a I/O??

And I don't recommend doing it behind an outdrive unless you have previous experience. I understand anything can happen even if you are experienced, but new riders should definitely NOT do it behind an outdrive. Be careful and don't forget what is in front of you!

 

[theBrownskull]

Re: Wakesurfing behind a I/O??

Opps..I was in the archives again. Sorry