Ballast options for 22Ve

[Deckerdawg]

I just purchased a 2007 22Ve. I bought this boat with thoughts that I wouldn't need ballasts for a good wake for boarding or surfing. However after exploring this site I realize that they may be necessary. Seems that chpthril and several others on this site are loaded with knowledge on the subject. What are my options? Expected costs for an adequate set-up? Brands/Dealers? Something I can do myself? (I'm a decent handyman) If added, I would really prefer to "plumb" them in with switches on the dash instead of throwing hoses in & out to fill & drain... Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

[dogbert]

Well, you can't go wrong with a kit from either SPBFAN or chpthril. I got a lot of advice from them that helped me put in my own. It's definitely a DIY project if you're up for it. You can see my ballast install here.

[Deckerdawg]

Thanks dogbert

[chpthril]

Options are numerous, in terms of both sacs and type of setup and how it's filled and drained. A very common setup for the 22Ve is a pair of V-drive sacs and a bow sac, which run in the neighborhood of $375, up to custom surf sacs that run $420.00 ea. So, there are tons of configurations that can be put together in order to meet your wake needs and budget.

For a plumbed-in system, there are two main routes to go: reversible impeller pumps (pricey but fast and easy to install) and aerator type live-well pumps (cheap but need more in depth planning on the install). I can go more in-depth later on the pros/cons of both pumps, if you want.

For a reversible pump setup, you are looking at around $1000 for the pumps and plumbing. For an aerator pump setup, about $600.

Feel free to post up here, or contact me directly through PM, with any further questions. If someone is handy with basic tools, a DIY ballast system can be done.