How to Setup Your Wakesurf Boat for the Best Wakesurf Wave: Episode 2 - Where do I put my lead?

#wakesurfing #bestsurfwave #howtowakesurf
We have been working on a series of videos to help answer some of the questions that I field all the time via email, facebook, etc. By far, the question of "how do I setup my boat to get a wave like in the videos" is the most asked question. In this 4 part series I intend to give you the answer. In this episode we talk about how to get your best pitch and roll, and where the heck to put that lead.
wake9.com

[@radamshome]

I've been dialing in Supras for 12 years and this is the best video I've ever seen on how to weight a boat.

[@wake9tv]

thank you very much!

[@gpnewton]

Great series of videos.. looking forward to seeing the next one. We're on a different lake in Tennessee, between Nashville and Chattanooga with our Moomba.

[@keithpohl1492]

Another fantastic video. These are a lot of work, thanks for sharing the knowledge and stoke!

[@wake9tv]

My pleasure!

[@bbvlogsandreviews1668]

Awesome video!!

[@ryanbock-willmes7272]

Thank you. Well explained.

[@wake9tv]

Yw

[@piledriverr]

Love you videos and thank you for taking the time to educate us without manufacturer marketing BS.... My family is buying a wake boat and I am in a super rabbit hole... The only dealers in my area (Maryland brackish water) are Malibu and mastercraft. We are primarily looking for a good surf Wave in a 2016 above boat. When I say surf Wave ,I mean max push, length and height. Not to put you on the spot but what would you choose? Thanks for any help.

[@jacksharp2979]

this was really helpful thanks

[@robertyoung3664]

This is great, I thought I knew how to use the lead but now this explains it on a whole new level. Keep up the great work and by the way, becauae of your boat reviews I am now on my 2nd Supra SE. Bought the 2018 because of your review, now ordered a 2020 because of your reviews.

[@wake9tv]

Thanks for the feedback! I am sure your loving that boat.

[@robertyoung3664]

@@wake9tv we just picked up our 2020 SE yesterday and Brian Ellis at the factory said to tell you hello.

[@lovingmontana3896]

Great video explaining your lead techniques, do all the big names in surf boats now display pitch and roll? seems crazy if they don't measure and display that? does anyone sell lead or are they all actually steel weights?

[@jpoftn]

Great video. How does the prop trim control factor into setting the right pitch? Is there an ideal setting for the trim? Thanks!

[@bigflydoc]

Hey Ragboy, great videos by the way, what was your ideal ballast setup on your 2012 Z3? I have a 2014 with the VX shaper, hope to get a custom Z3 bad in the regular side as that is what we surf 95% of the time, but I'd love to know your recipe you used for such a good wave in your 2012. I have the pro ballast and will add an extra bag in the bin in front of the port v drive compartment until I get a custom bag. Any suggestions?

[@dsm02c]

Bro, thank you for this.

[@wake9tv]

your welcome.

[@dentforceofmiddletennessee1069]

Great video and very helpful as usual. Are you going to do a review on the Moomba Makai? Thanks

[@wake9tv]

So the first time our we had wind and a drone failure, and then the second time, weather. So I am hoping I can this year.

[@bgaston2001]

I've got an older boat. 2005 tige 22v. Going to use the clinometer app you mentioned. Going to spend some time this spring measuring and recording to make it repeatable. Is it best to measure and record pitch when the boat is sitting still or up to speed?

[@WesleyKrasko]

Love this! Wish I had the app years ago, so many perfect waves to come out next time and wonder what I'm doing wrong! Anyone with older Centurion figure out pitch? I have an 06 Avy, fixed middle tab. Any suggestions using shapers instead of systems though? Have a Mission Delta. Others on my boat keep moving it around where I always seem to find it works best for me with no shaper! Maybe we just haven't found the spot yet.

[@wake9tv]

Visit us on FB and maybe we can find some others that can help you with a similar boat.

[@4liter]

Great video! I’ve found that a little less plate than the factory setting gives me a better wave. Cleaner and more push. Stock is 65-70 surf plate for regular on my 19 Moomba Craz...my best wave is down around 50-55 for example. One of the SC engineers explained to me that too much surf plate engagement actually lifts the non surf side out of the water too much. Thereby removing some of the displacement and effect of ballast. YMMV but a bit less plate setting than factory has worked well for me!

[@wake9tv]

Yes, when you push down the plate, you are fighting the hulls ability to make its best, clean wave.

[@hioctane33]

i have a 17 craz without autowake, i need some help. i have the wakemakers 1140 upgraded rear bags. i also have 500lb of lead to move around. my wake is really tall and has decent push, but no length. current set up port side. surf plate 55, wake plate 0, speed 11-11.2 , goofy, surf plate 65, wake plate 0, speed 11-11.2 and its more crusty than port. pitch and roll per clinometer is around 8.8 and 0.5 on port , 8.8ish, 2.5-3 goofy. still no length. i have the lead 200 lbs in the middle on each side near tower. 300 in bow.

[@joeeaton9395]

Excellent video as usual! Follow up question though. You mentioned keeping the surf tabs at default but also deployed all the way. ‘19 Mojo default I think is 65 for regular and 75 for goofy. I’ve found 50 on the center plate to be best also.

[@wake9tv]

Check with dealer/moomba for the defaults on your surf system, or optimal settings from the factory. Those have worked well for me.

[@TheJ0n28]

Great explanations. Love the info. All the jump cuts were a little disorienting though. Just a small tip. Keep the content coming.

[@wake9tv]

I hear ya, but the stuttering, pausing and stammering is worse. And this is a hobby, too much time to do a 2 camera edit.

[@ZeD69420]

I needed 1100 lbs of added ballast around the boat so I got 1100lbs of leadwake with 350lbs of it in each back storage compartment for a total of 700lbs and 400 lbs in the bow of the boat under the seats. 200lbs on each side of the bow. And the wake is amazing its super long with a huge pocket and it's got a tall wake. I would love to try the 2022 G25 Paragon with 1500 lbs of lead ballast in the same configuration as on my boat and see what the new hull designed surf wake feels like to ride. I am going to try moving the weight around this sunday to try out getting the pitch to 9 degrees up and a roll of 0 to -2 degrees and see how it changes the wake.

[@robertho17]

Hi Ragboy, The information you give us is pretty amazing. I understand what you say about how to adjust pitch with lead weights but I am a bit confused about how to adjust the roll of the boat. I have a Tige RZX23 with 4100 lbs of ballast with the Taps 3 and at the moment I think I get the best wake when the Taps3 is set the next one down from the top. But you mentioned about the need to 'fully" engage the surf system which I am not doing right now. Can you please kindly clarify. Many thanks

[@wake9tv]

So what I mean is that on most boats, I would leave alone the surf tab settings, which is taps3 on your boat. Just leave those at default and adjust the wave with weight. On that boat, my memory was that you have to list over 5-6 degrees on goofy for a clean wave, maybe a bit more, and only 2-3 on regular.

[@amiii2014]

I need your advice on bunk spacing for a boat lift. I am buying a SE 550. What is the proper spacing inside to inside for bunks on a boat lift?

[@shakarocks]

Fi23 owner here. I've but 150 lbs of lead per side in the transom locker. This is optimal for these boats and I find I do not need to adjust much as crew size changes and crew members change seats. Bowrise isn't a problem.

[@wake9tv]

thanks for the feedback. send pics. ;-)

[@dankintx]

Great advice on the wakeplate at 50! What about the surf tab setting (what is considered default as you mentioned)? Typically we run the surf tab - (not the wakeplate) at 75 (and we all surf regular football)... any advice for what that might be? Moomba Max for reference. And yes I'm the crazy guy with 1k additional lead and 750 extra water ballast bag. Your point about listing too much to one side is incredibly accurate!! I have at least 750 more all to the surf side.. and while the wave is SUPER clean, you're totally right... it has a weird, rolled over shape instead of a lip. You nailed it! I will bring a clinometer next time we are out (we don't have autowake) to test and get a feel... really great advice!! How do you best "zero" the clinometer? On a flat surface before you go out? Ie the floor ... or do you zero it on the boat sitting still (i imagine That's a bad idea)... THANK YOU man! Great advice... can't wait to try.

[@dankintx]

Regular foot .. not football... lol

[@wake9tv]

I believe I mention how to ZERO the clinometer in my first episode in this series. As far as defaults for your surf tabs, not sure, can you ask your dealer or Moomba about that, if not I can find out.

[@wakewatcherII]

Thanks for this. I've just got a new Supra SL and struggling. (Missing my Nautique so far.) What would you guess is the fulcrum point on a 2020 SL? (right now I have 400 lbs on each side right in those corner back seats and 200 lbs in the bow and I'm not loving it. Also isn't a 50 setting on the plate the same as 50% down? Wouldn't a neutral effect be with the plate out of the water. i.e. 0? (I'm new to the the listing game. I've been a crabber until now.:-)

[@wake9tv]

The SL wake is awesome, you shouldn't be struggling. If you don't see a wave like we experienced with our 2018 SL videos, then its probably just setup. You want about a 9 - 9.5 pitch and 3 deg of roll for goofy, and -1 for regular, and speed of 11.4 or so. xtra lead should be put right behind the driver in that storage, and then in the same place on the other side of the walkway, evenly distributed. You may email me at support - at - wake9 - dot - com for more help.

[@headgears]

Loving my SE that I got because of y'all. I've had it for 3 years now and watched a few of your videos about its setup. Should the side surf plates be at 100%. The factory setting is 70. Also the factory setting for the center trim is 15...you're saying it should be at 50%? Thanks for all you share

[@wake9tv]

use factory for the plates, start there, I have found that the best, I think its 70/60. Usually that is better than 100.

[@True-Scotsman]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but do you just leave the weight in that same place 100% of the time? I was thinking you would have to move/adjust the weight (depending on which side is surfing) to get the desired wave. Am I mistaken?

[@johnwest5239]

Your awesome Thanks

[@wake9tv]

Thank you too!

[@plus1697]

Great video! But I wanted to know where you get your lead I have been looking but can’t seem to find the right led for a boat. Thanks

[@wake9tv]

leadwake.com

[@seanganado5247]

2020 450 SL 800 lb of lead weight. Video was very educational currently I'm running 200 in each rear corner and 200 in the front. My question is your pitching role is at standstill or underpower 9% pitch 3% roll at 10.5 mph?

[@wake9tv]

The numbers I give are at speed, we surf from 11.2 - 11.8, usually 11.4.

[@wes6419]

I noticed you used to do videos on the Tige RZ2. I just bought a 2013 RZ2 last year; do you have a recommended pitch and roll? Thanks, love the videos btw!

[@wake9tv]

Sorry, I didn't really measure that back then, I started I think in 2012, and we had a Z3 then. The RZ2 was from 2010.

[@wes6419]

@@wake9tv Its all good, I still appreciate the awesome vids, keep it up!

[@bbvlogsandreviews1668]

We have the exact same supra SE as you guys, but I think in the process of the first day setting it up we messed with the settings. What are your surf tabs set at for goofy and regular on yours from factory?

[@wake9tv]

I will check, I don't have that with me now, I can check if I have a picture.

[@yulungjasonlee]

have u ever been on an ATX before? We've been having problems creating a good long pushy wave, and would love any input if you have been on one before.

[@leanderwalch2953]

Hi Ragboy, great video! One message I got out of this video is that it's key to get right pitch and roll angles for the perfect wave without caring about % of ballast and also keeping the wakeplate neutral - I would completely agree with that, however, when I only have like 3 people on the boat vs 8 and I set the angles up the same way (in terms of pitch and roll), some riders tend to struggle to stay in the wave even though it looks perfect (which makes sense as we're displacing less water). So I'd argue the perfect pitch and roll angles also depend on overall weight I've got in the boat. e.g. the less people I've got in the boat the more pitch I need. Would you agree with that?

[@wake9tv]

Yes, that is why I also mention "DRAFT" or displacement. To make the same wave every time you have to consistently reproduce pitch, roll, AND draft/displacement. I mention how you can measure that by how much water is above your swim deck. The more water above the deck, the more you are displacing.

[@fredwass1056]

Awesome video! I would love to have a deeper conversation about tabs and wake shapers.

[@wake9tv]

I have a video coming on wake plates and stuff.

[@MrKevin711]

What is your opinion on Malibu’s? The surf gate and the wedge I think put out a comparable wave but I never hear you talk about them.

[@wake9tv]

They are nice boats, and make a good wave, but over the years I have seen them deteriorate as far as people having issues with quality. Also, in the past, I have found the surf gate system in the past to not allow for us much "customization" of the wave. Some of those things may be better now, but the quality issues have primarily been the factor that has kept me looking elsewhere.

[@MrKevin711]

It’s great to here your opinion! I’ve always wondered what you thought about them! I have a 2007 Malibu 23 LSV with an aftermarket surf gate system and the power wedge with 4 stock tanks and 2 piggybacks in the back. I struggle a lot every single time we go out to get that perfect size on my wave! I’m so jealous of all these new boats that set a perfect wave at the Click of a button haha! Are there any potential pointers or tips you may have for my particular type of set up? I know you’ve dealt with quite a bit of boats in the past just wondering what you would do! Love the KZbin channel by the way, amazing content no one else has! Thank you!

[@scottmcgill452]

I have a 2019 Axis A22 and surf in Tahoe at elevation. I swapped out my prop but have found with full ballasts I can’t get to 11 mph, so I’m trying to figure out how to get the best wave without using all the ballast and surf gate, any help would be great, thanks

[@charleslewis4442]

Any idea what the pitch and roll should be for a 2020 supreme s238? Also, where is part 3 and 4 of this series,?

[@jmcdonald7214]

I have a 2014 MXZ 22. I keep seeing videos of them making nice waves. I can't get the same wave or better than my old RZ2. RZ2 runs 1400 L sac full ballast and bags on the seats and bow. My swim platform was shaved and shrunk. RZ2 was listed to rub rail in the water. Very mad at the Malibu MXZ

[@wake9tv]

That is one of the reasons, I don't talk alot about the Bu's. I see and hear that a lot. The hull just doesn't make as good of a wave, and the RZ2, that wave was great for its time, but doesn't compare to the boats we are riding lately.

[@tannerworley6919]

Should pitch and roll be set when boat is at rest or while under way at desired wakesurf speed?

[@wake9tv]

At speed.

[@adamanderson3868]

WOW aweome vid I sold my Malibu and bought a mastercraft and HATE it, I can’t get a good wake like my Malibu to save my life. I assume the angles your describing is while moving not stationary? Right? Yesterday I put your numbers to the test and got the best wave yet on this POS mastercraft. Please help me perfect it.

[@wake9tv]

This video is a big help, but you just have to figure out what is the best pitch for your make/model boat. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3WUqHiGp7iKq9k

[@nx2269]

Can you clarify the positive and negative values for roll? 0 to -2 degrees for regular means the left side of the boat is slightly lower than the right side? 2 to 4 degrees for goofy means the right side of the boat is slightly higher than the left side of the boat?

[@reidshelton8749]

We have (2) 910 Lbs bags in the stern, a 600 pound bag in the bow (starts just in front of driver), & 300 lbs of lead (steel shot) I know your video says lead in the back & middle but with our group no one wants to sit in the bow. Should i have 300 lbs in lead in the bow (150 on each side under the seat just in front of the window)? Just got a 2009 Sanger V237 23.5 ft with surf tabs, haven't had it in the water yet.

[@reidshelton8749]

We also wakeboard alot and I dont want to be moving lead around everytime we switch from 1 to the other

[@jeremyhays9433]

Can you make episode #2 on the pitch and roll?

[@dtawinner]

I’m still waiting on that video as well ow to find the right pitch and roll

[@plateofpickles1995]

Great video, I know you've spent a lot of time on many boats, but I don't think leaving the center plate at 50% would be neutral, you're still pushing the bow down. Taking the wakeplate out of play to 0 would be neutral, to me anyway.. you're getting awesome waves, so guess I'll try it. Hope y'all are loving Norris!

[@wake9tv]

Thanks, you know, I have had so many questions/feedback on this issue, I am going to do a quick episode to explain my thoughts on the wakeplate, and how I got there.

[@plateofpickles1995]

@@wake9tv right on... any wake plate use lifts the back of the boat, but maybe some is needed.. I'll be tuned in.

[@sleekny]

what does too much roll do to a wave? By too much I mean 6 degrees or so for regular surfers. Boat is a '19 Moomba helix

[@mikefas5406]

I use 500. Not because I have to, because getting the best wake is just an addiction. 🤷‍♂️ 😉

[@jdleonetti4735]

what are your suggestions for a 2009 moomba outback v. We have been struggling to figure out the best setup for the perfect wave?

[@wake9tv]

Sorry, I really don't have any experience with that boat, but you can watch some of our older videos to get some tips. Did you try the forums on moomba?

[@jdleonetti4735]

@@wake9tv yes we have

[@hunterpowell4873]

We have a 2007 super air natique we have a ballast tank system do you think we need lead

[@wake9tv]

IMO, a few hundred lbs of lead makes any wave a bit better, if not just for tuning.

[@hioctane33]

So im struggling with my wave on my 17 moomba craz, no autowake. i heard you say leave the wakeplate at 50?? i have it at 0? ive got 1140s in the back the 700 center and 500 bow plus 500 lbs of lead i can move wherever? my wave is super tall, but i cannot achieve any length. port side , plate is at 55, speed 11.2. pitch and roll per clinometer is around 8.8, and 0.5 goofy, around 8.8ish and 2.8. speed 11.2. still, tall, but no length. any tips or helps or lead placement is appreciated!

[@wake9tv]

I saw that you sent me an email, I will take a look later today and see if I can help.

[@hioctane33]

wake9.com thank you so much!

[@DMastaOfDisasta]

Sometimes the surf tab that deploys, kicks water across the wave and into the path of the surfer. Is this a pitch or roll issue or something else?

[@wake9tv]

It depends, what make/model boat? If you roll over a bit more, does it go away? Unfortunately, I have seen this on some boats, where it is just a problem with engineering.

[@DMastaOfDisasta]

wake9.com 2013 Malibu Wakesetter 20 MXZ

[@jasonreed2190]

I have a 2018 Moomba Mojo. Didnt come with autowake. What iphone app can I use to find my pitch and roll?

[@wake9tv]

The first video in this series, explains and gives link.

[@jasonreed2190]

@@wake9tv got it

[@isaachodd3033]

I have a 2014 Tige z3 with taps 3 on it and 3500 pounds of ballast. I was wondering how to make a hodd long wave

[@wake9tv]

Have you watched our "How to setup your surf boat" series?

[@isaachodd3033]

Yeah

[@hellheckatight]

I have a 2017 Moomba Mojo and the goofy side wave is money! The regular side surf wave sucks! I need help!

[@wake9tv]

send some pictures and info to support - at - wake9 - dot - com

[@chriscall3425]

Daniel Robles, safe to say alot of boats are that way,, it's because of prop rotation, port side usually needs more speed.

[@ml2363]

Any comment for Nautique owners with NSS versus tabs?

[@wake9tv]

I think the same applies. I would leave NSS fully deployed to make the pushiest wave, and adjust with pitch and roll. Not adjust by partially deploying.

[@a-a-ronname1319]

One thing you miss on all your vids is gasoline. The weight of the boat is going to change on the boat based on fuel used throughout the day. May need lead to balance that as well.

[@wake9tv]

Well, gas is less dense as your water ballast. Gas is 6lb/g where water is about 8.4lb/g. Add to that that gas tanks are usually right in the center of the boat, sometimes a bit rear. On a boat like ours with auto wake, the system will automatically adjust with adjusting ballast if needed. We always fill our tank before surfing, and usually are only out half days so at at the most get down to half a tank and so its rarely noticed on a boat that is displacing over 12k+ lbs. It does make a difference, but if you keep your tank mostly full, its not much of an impact.

[@christinanesmith2502]

Where is video #3

[@JMNOQRS]

TASTY BEVERAGE!!!!!!

[@josephhill702]

editing this video had to be hell

[@wake9tv]

not so bad when you get in a groove. Some videos, I script ahead of time, but these longer instructional ones, I go by bullet point notes, and then have to edit out the hums and hahs.

[@flienlow6281]

"Because I go to Autowake, boom, boom set it and I'm done." - On my boat it just dumps ballast.

[@wake9tv]

it will do that if you don't put the lead in the right place. That means that in order to put the boat at the right pitch and roll, it needs to adjust ballast. If you place the lead right, that will not happen, or be very minimal.

[@collin9085]

Lead Wake website says that their ballast is 100% steel. So it will definitely rust. I prefer lead. Will have to look elsewhere.

[@zachwalmer5343]

or you could just get a malibu with a surf gate and a wedge

[@wake9tv]

If that works for you, keep doing it. I have ridden many bus like that, still like my setup better, but if it works for you, kool.

[@Stazi75]

50% wakeplate lifts the stern too much out of the water on a Moomba.

[@wake9tv]

That makes sense, then use 25 or 30. Good idea to leave yourself a bit of quick adjustment. The point is not to use that plate to make your wave, which you seem to understand.