Inconsistent Between Sides - Troubleshooting Guide

How to balance your surf wakes so port and starboard are equal

Problem: Wakes Inconsistent Between Sides

One side of the boat produces a better wake than the other—different size, shape, push, or cleanliness.

Signs of Inconsistent Wakes:

• Port side wake larger/smaller than starboard
• One side has more push than the other
• Different steepness between sides
• One side washy, other clean
• Riders prefer one side significantly
• Different pocket shape or length
• Uneven boat list (leaning more one way)

Common Causes & Solutions

1. Uneven Passenger Distribution (Most Common)

The Problem: More people on one side creates asymmetric displacement

Check This:

• Count people on each side of boat
• Note if more weight on one rear corner
• Check if people shifted during session

Solution:

• Balance passengers left-to-right
• If surfing port side, put 3 people in port rear seat
• When switching to starboard, have passengers switch sides too
• Don’t leave 4 people on port side when surfing starboard

Proper Distribution:

• Surf side: 3 people in rear corner
• Off-side: 0-1 person max
• Bow: 1-2 people, centered
• Center: People can stay center

Test: Switch passengers and re-test both sides.

2. Asymmetric Ballast Fill

The Problem: One side’s ballast tank not filling fully

Check This:

• Verify fill levels on both rear tanks
• Check fill times (should be similar)
• Look for leaks on one side
• Inspect pump operation

How to Check:

1. Empty all ballast
2. Fill surf-side rear, time it
3. Empty and fill off-side rear, time it
4. Times should be within 10% of each other

Solutions:

• Uneven fill: Check for clogs in lines, weak pump
• One side slow: Inspect pump, check for kinks in hoses
• One side doesn’t fill fully: Check vent lines, look for leaks

Manual Adjustment:

• If one side consistently weaker, fill that side to 100%, other to 90%
• Use asymmetric ballast settings to compensate
• Document what works

3. Asymmetric Wake Plate Settings

The Problem: Wake plates not set equally on both sides

Check This:

• View wake plate settings on display
• Some boats show left/right separately
• Verify both sides at same percentage

Solution:

• Set both plates to 50% (neutral)
• Test both surf sides
• If still uneven, use asymmetric adjustment:
  • Weaker wake side: Lower plate by 5-10%
  • Stronger wake side: Raise plate by 5-10%

Modern Systems: Many boats auto-adjust plates when surf gate transfers—verify this is working.

4. Debris on Surf Gate

The Problem: One surf gate has weeds, zebra mussels, or debris affecting deployment

Check This:

• Inspect both surf gates visually (stop boat safely)
• Look for weeds, rope, debris caught on gate
• Check for marine growth (zebra mussels, barnacles)

Solution:

• Clean both gates thoroughly
• Remove all debris, weeds, rope
• Scrub off marine growth
• Verify smooth deployment

Prevention: Clean gates after every session, especially in weedy water.

5. Unequal Surf Gate Deployment

The Problem: One gate not deploying fully or consistently

Check This:

• Watch gate deployment on both sides
• Verify 100% deployment on display
• Listen for actuator operation
• Check for error codes

Solutions:

• Partial deployment: Clean gate, check actuator
• Slow deployment: Inspect hydraulic lines, check fluid
• Inconsistent: May need actuator service
• Error codes: Consult owner’s manual or dealer

Test: Switch sides multiple times and watch deployment carefully.

6. Fuel Tank Location

The Problem: Fuel tank on one side creates asymmetric weight

Understanding:

• Most wake boats have centered fuel tanks
• Some older models have side-mounted tanks
• Full tank = 400-800 lbs on one side

Solution:

• Centered tank: Not the issue
• Side-mounted tank: Compensate with asymmetric ballast
  • If tank on port side, add 10-15% more starboard ballast
  • Adjust based on fuel level
• Check your manual: Note tank location

7. Propeller Walk/Torque

The Problem: Prop rotation creates slight list to one side

Understanding:

• Inboard props rotate (typically clockwise)
• Creates slight lateral force
• More noticeable at surf speeds
• Affects one side more than other

Solution:

• Usually minimal impact on modern boats
• Compensate with asymmetric ballast (5% difference)
• Adjust wake plates asymmetrically (5-10% difference)
• Some boats have torque compensation built-in

Check: If one side consistently weaker despite other fixes, prop torque may be factor.

8. Hull Damage or Modifications

The Problem: Physical hull issues causing asymmetry

Check For:

• Damage to one side of hull
• Uneven swim platform extensions
• Aftermarket modifications on one side
• Repair work that altered hull shape

Solution: Requires professional inspection and possible repair.

When to Check: If inconsistency appears suddenly after impact or grounding.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Process

Step 1: Check passenger distribution

• Balance people left-to-right
• Test both sides
• Still inconsistent? Continue to Step 2

Step 2: Verify ballast fills evenly

• Check fill times and levels
• Empty and re-fill both sides
• Still inconsistent? Continue to Step 3

Step 3: Clean both surf gates thoroughly

• Remove all debris
• Test both sides
• Still inconsistent? Continue to Step 4

Step 4: Check wake plate settings

• Set to 50% on both sides
• Test both sides
• Still inconsistent? Continue to Step 5

Step 5: Verify surf gate deployment

• Watch deployment on both sides
• Check for full actuation
• Still inconsistent? Continue to Step 6

Step 6: Use asymmetric adjustments to compensate

• Adjust ballast, plates, or both
• See “Asymmetric Tuning” section below

Asymmetric Tuning Guide

If mechanical systems check out but wakes still differ, use asymmetric settings:

Scenario: Port Wake Larger Than Starboard

Adjustments:

• Reduce port-side ballast by 10%
• Increase starboard ballast by 10%
• Or: Raise port wake plate by 5%, lower starboard by 5%

Scenario: Port Wake Smaller Than Starboard

Adjustments:

• Increase port-side ballast by 10%
• Reduce starboard ballast by 10%
• Or: Lower port wake plate by 5%, raise starboard by 5%

Scenario: Port Wake Cleaner, Starboard Washy

Adjustments:

• Check starboard surf gate (likely dirty/debris)
• Raise starboard wake plate by 10%
• Reduce starboard ballast by 5%

Scenario: Port Wake Steeper Than Starboard

Adjustments:

• Raise port wake plate by 10%
• Lower starboard wake plate by 5-10%

Documentation & Settings

Keep a Log: Record settings that produce balanced wakes for your boat:

Note: Your boat may need slight differences to achieve balance.

Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: Perfect Port, Weak Starboard

Most Common Cause: Passengers stayed on port side when switching

Solution:

• Move passengers to starboard rear seat
• Balance weight side-to-side
• 3 people starboard rear, 1-2 bow, 0-1 port

Scenario 2: Both Sides Good But Different Shape

Likely Cause: Asymmetric wake plate deployment or settings

Solution:

• Set plates to neutral (50/50)
• Test both sides
• Adjust asymmetrically if needed
• One side may need 5-10% difference

Scenario 3: Inconsistency Developed Over Time

Likely Causes:

• Ballast pump weakening on one side
• Marine growth on one surf gate
• Debris accumulation

Solution:

• Service ballast system (check pumps, lines)
• Thorough cleaning of both gates
• Inspect for physical wear

Scenario 4: Brand New Boat, Inconsistent From Day 1

Likely Causes:

• Factory settings need adjustment
• System calibration needed
• Design characteristic of hull

Solution:

• Document differences and settings
• Visit dealer for calibration
• May need asymmetric settings permanently
• Some hulls favor one side slightly—compensate accordingly

Advanced Diagnostics

Ballast System Test

Full Diagnostic:

1. Empty all tanks
2. Fill port rear, time it (should be 10-20 min)
3. Empty port rear
4. Fill starboard rear, time it
5. Compare times (should be within 10%)

If times differ significantly:

• Check pump strength (weak pump on slower side)
• Inspect hoses for kinks or restrictions
• Look for leaks
• Check vent lines

Surf Gate Test

Full Diagnostic:

1. Deploy port gate, watch carefully
2. Note deployment speed and completeness
3. Retract port gate
4. Deploy starboard gate, watch carefully
5. Compare

If deployment differs:

• Check actuator function
• Inspect hydraulic lines
• Look for binding or resistance
• May need service

Pro Tips

✅ Passenger discipline: Train your crew to switch sides with surf side

✅ Document it: Every boat is slightly different—record what works

✅ Clean regularly: Debris is a common and easy-to-fix cause

✅ Test systematically: Change one thing at a time

✅ Accept minor differences: 5-10% difference is normal and acceptable

✅ Check fuel level: Running low on one side? Fuel shift affects balance

✅ Seasonal check: Start of season, test both sides and adjust as needed

When to See a Dealer

Professional help needed if:

• Ballast system not functioning properly
• Surf gate actuators not deploying
• Significant asymmetry despite all adjustments
• Sudden change after impact or grounding
• Error codes appearing
• Mechanical noises during deployment

Quick Reference Checklist

Check These First:

• Passengers balanced left-to-right
• Both surf gates clean and debris-free
• Both ballast tanks filling completely
• Wake plates set equally (unless using asymmetric tuning)
• Surf gates deploying fully on both sides
• Same wedge setting for both sides
• Speed consistent

If All Good, Try Asymmetric Tuning:

• Adjust ballast 5-10% differently on each side
• Adjust wake plates 5-10% differently
• Document what produces balanced wakes

Related Troubleshooting Guides

• Wake Too Big
• Wake Too Small
• Wake Face Wash
• Wake Breaking Up

Still Having Issues?

If your wakes are still inconsistent after checking these items, our expert team can diagnose and fix the problem.

Contact Us:

• Visit: Canby, Oregon City, or Redmond locations
• Call: (971) 715-1170
• Back to All Guides