Problem: Standard swim decks can drag in the wave, causing a notch or distortion in the wave. <BR> <BR>Does this scenario affect the wave's performance? Is it worth the trouble or is it truly just cosmetic? <BR> <BR>Solutions: We've seen one custom solution, by Mr. Garcia here: <a href="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87668/637260.html?1239797516" target="_blank">http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87668/637260.html?1239797516</a> <BR> <BR>What are some other options or ideas? Nothing is too off the wall so let em fly. <BR> <BR>I have an 07 MB 220v which came with a standard rectangle shaped deck, of which the outside corners drag in the wave causing a notch. I thought the solution for my boat was switching to the 08/09 MB swim deck, which is rounded on the edges, but I've been told the rounded deck drags even more. Its also 1200 bills for the new deck, which is alot IMO. <BR> <BR>1.2.3. GO!

I had an 06 MB B52V (I think its the same as what you have) and thought the same thing about the swim deck. I bought an 09 B52 and the surf wake is much improved. <BR> <BR>I believe that it is due to more than one factor but I'm sure the swim deck change was one of them. I definately would not say that the rounded deck drags even more. I think the new deck is higher as well which gives it more clearance. <BR> <BR>Is it worth the 1200? That's a good question. I think the other improvement in the surf wake, and probably more significant, was the changes in the hull from 06 to 09. My solution to your problem was to buy a new boat. <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/wink.gif" border=0> Not the best solution, but it worked!

Kenny, <BR> <BR>MB also switched to the pure vert ballast system. IMO best in the biz. Not sure if the tanks size and position changed, but the new system could be a factor!

True, love the ballast system. I got tired of waiting for pumps, so really that was the main reason for the new boat.

Try to find an older teak deck that will fit your boat and shape it the way you want it. Then Rhino line it (don't tell any wakeboarders though) and you will have a custom surf swimstep.

From all of my testing, I think the smaller size and shape of corners helps. If you look at the video, you see the corner matches from the flow of the water around, which is how we designed it. However, I think that is minor, compared to the fact that my new surf deck is completely smooth underneath. Even if the corners were round, I don't think it would have much impact, but the smooth understand is what is eliminating the turbulence. <BR> <BR>Also, when I took the step off completely, I got a rooster tail that came up, and and was a hinderance to the rider. The new deck eliminates the rooster, while also not making turbulence. <BR> <BR>Lastly, the notch does effect performance for a more surf style rider, especially when the rider uses the lip for launching or other tricks. The notch messes up the lip and/or the run up just before the lip, which definitely has an effect. Sometimes there is also the secondary lip, which you don't want, which will go away with more list, but you can't list over more, or the wake starts getting notched by the deck, which is the problem I was having. <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAhsy8vfKzs&amp;fmt=22" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAhsy8vfKzs&amp;fmt=22</a>

I'm confused so is it better to have no swim step cutting into the wave? I was planning on cutting my teak deck down tomorrow.

my point was that cutting it down, and the shape I believe have some impact. However, IMHO, I believe it is the smooth bottom that has the desired effect, and the greatest impact. Cut your deck too much, and u may get a rooster tale.

Duffy, you could get ahold of Nikki Sixx and have him fabricate something for you. He's handy like that. <BR> <BR>Look for Ragboy's other thread on his custom swimstep.

My deck is super super short stock, it doesn't affect the wave that way. My electric wakeplate takes care of the rooster tail. How long is your wakeplate? I think the sides of my deck do cut into the wave and do affect its shape. I think it makes a small secondary lip on my wave.

I cut my teak deck down today. It was easy, and I think it looks stock. Now all I have to do is sand it and oil it. I will post pictures of the wave differences. <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/559019/690355.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/559019/690356.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/559019/690357.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/559019/690358.jpg" alt="Upload">