I knew there was a better description of the sundeck jack-linear actuator. It is rather slow but hasn't bothered me. The switches (lower and raise) are on the upper accessory switch panel in the dash. I only have the linear actuator with no gas cylinders.
As you mentioned Pete, if you lose power it would be a problem.
As far as surfboards, I have all (red tide, blue lake, yellow loogey and 4-skim) the inland surfer boards. They all have different pro's and con's. They are build well and don't have ghetto graphics. Most of my friends learn on a Hyperlite Landlock (slower, more stable, heavier) which is similar to the inland surfer blue lake.
On weighing the boat for wakesurfing. If you want a steep wake - put more weight in the back, if you want a longer wake, add weight to the bow. Most things I read say you want to place most of the weight on the side you want to surf on.
Good luck. Wakesurfing is the best "old man" water sport. Soft crashes, doesn't wear you out and very cool to ride without the rope.