98 21i setup for wake boarding

[lohe]

So I just got this boat this weekend took it out today.

First off the TAPS system isn't working, but I didn't fix it before I took it out just wanted to see how it did. ( the plate is all the way up). I will be fixing the TAPS withing the next few weeks.


I have not done any surfing yet, and it seems like mos the threads on ballast setup are for wake surfing....

From what I gathered for wake boarding two 250's on each side of the motor, and some up in the bow ?

I was thinking of this behind the drivers seat.





Some pics of my first time out on the boat with TAPS stuck at 1.





Ouch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TzmVfLMPVA

The wake seems really small right now.

[lohe]

Any one?

[Fit to be Tige]

Getting TAPS working is a big deal. Our wake changes significantly with TAPS on 7 vs. 1. All these guys are starting me think of trying some weight though. Just not sure how it would affect the handling and freeboard - - earlier models like ours already ride fairly low to the water.

[LovinPowell]

Like the pics of Utah Lake. Like fit, the taps will be a big difference. We have an '05 21i, use it mostly for surfing and skiing, but those who have boarded behind seems satisfied with a bag in the back placed in the middle and taps adjusted to wakeboard mode.

[lohe]

- earlier models like ours already ride fairly low to the water.

thanks for the input,

Ya I noticed as I was coming back into the bay and 10 feet from the now wake zone. Some *** hat pulling out of the bay in some huge 32 foot cruiser guns it makes a massive wave right in front of me and it goes over my bow I tried flooring it before the wave hit but it was to late.

[TRD]

I must say after watching that video now I know what I look like. That hurts, this is why I bought a helmet.

[tclark313]

I have a 98 22i. TAPS definitely helps to clean up the wake and for avoiding taking water over the bow. However, adding weight to the boat is a must. We run two large sacs on each side of the motor (500-700 lbs.) and a 250 in the bow. Fill the passenger side bag completely and then fill the driver's side bag to the point where the boat is sitting balanced (you need to offset the weight of the steering console). If you only have three people on the boat that day (driver+spotter+rider) then you can take the back seat out and put another large bag in the rear. However, you will have to play around with how much you fill that bag up depending on what speed and length of rope you prefer to ride at (with this I ride at 80 feet around 25 mph). It will take some trial and error to find the best set up for you, but with this weight and ability to make TAPS adjustments you will have a solid wake. The shape of the wake will be fairly rampy (but not super steep) and it is very dense so you will get consistent pop.

You will definitely feel a handling difference in the boat when turning, but it is not horrible and the boat will actually pull a straighter pass with fewer steering adjustments with the added weight. Just need some butter water and definitely empty the ballast when your just cruising the lake and not riding.

Also, I would get some form of cruise control (perfect pass, etc.) because the factory speedometers are not reliable. Enjoy

[Fit to be Tige]

Great post tclark. I rode behind a CC Air Nautique 210. I rode with and without the added 1700 lbs of ballast and it was really amazing how different the wake was. I think I am convinced now that I need to add some weight.

How long does it take to fill / empty your ballast? Do you have 3 separate pumps, one for each bag? Any pictures of your setup? Pics of your wake with ballast filled and empty?

[tclark313]

Great post tclark. I rode behind a CC Air Nautique 210. I rode with and without the added 1700 lbs of ballast and it was really amazing how different the wake was. I think I am convinced now that I need to add some weight.

How long does it take to fill / empty your ballast? Do you have 3 separate pumps, one for each bag? Any pictures of your setup? Pics of your wake with ballast filled and empty?

Sorry for the late response, but I have been swamped with school and sneaking in some weekend riding time (2nd year of law school keeps me busy). Weight makes all of the difference in the world. The 210 is a killer boat, but definitely needs to weighted with the factory ballast on the Team Edition + a little more (especially for the '06 or older hull).

It takes about 15 minutes or so to weight the boat, which is a good time to stretch and get ready to ride. I often fill the ballast a the docks right next to the ramp at my local riding spot (Lake Elsinore) because we only go there to ride early am and whenever during the non-summer months. That way we start pulling right out of the marina. I only have one pump, but it goes fairly quick once you have your routine down. Don't worry about zipping up the sac covers and making sure they are perfectly laid out in the covers because it wastes time (and doesn't really make a difference just as long as you can access the plug). Additional pumps would definitely speed things up, but I am looking to upgrade boats this year. Emptying the sacs goes a little faster because you can pick them up once a fair amount has been drained and manually drain them.

I will try and take some pics this weekend when I ride. Probably gonna have my buddy take them with one of his cameras since I have not had the best luck with personal electronics and lakes (my new iPhone fell out of my sweatshirt pocket into the lake last Saturday at the ramp, but I still blame the sweatshirt!).

[lohe]

Thanks for the input looking forward to this year of riding. Just got my perfect pass in the mail yesturday and got TAPS working and ballast bags last season. Hopefully I can get out on the water within the next few weeks

[Oklahoma Breakdown]

Enjoy it! I too have experimented with ballast in my 99 and the boat responds quite well to the added weight. My gripes include wasting the standing room with sacks everywhere and how easy it is to swamp the bow. Other than that it is good to go.