08 22ve w/ no factory ballast

[Dferr]

I recently bought an 08 22ve with NO factory ballast. I caught the wake surfing bug our first time out. Both times we've gone out I had 5-6 buddies, most are ~200 lbs, on the port corner seats and sun deck. There's was enough wake for me but I don't like having to make everyone stack up in the corner.

I know everyone recommends chpthrl. I'll pm him but would like other input too. The entire port locker under the sun deck and all port seats are unobstructed. I don't want to have to cut or wire anything so manual fill options/reccomendations are preferred. Please let me know what to get and where to find it. Also if you have any guesstimates on cost of components please share.

[chpthril]

D,

All you need is a Custom sac or two and a Fly High W709 Pump kit. The pump kit has a 10ft power cord with a male ACC plug, a 6ft hose and the necessary fittings to connect to the sac ports.

Shoot me a PM and I can give you the details.

[skippabcool]

IMO it is good that it does not have any factory for that year. You don't have the batteries in a bad spot. I was like you and the first year used one custom sac and the pump. That worked great and we had a great wake. It did get old manually filling it. Once we filled it we surfed and once we emptied it we were done.

I installed a ballast system this last winter and can't believe how much time I spent messing with the manual stuff. Now we change back and forth throughout the day and it is not a hassle.

What your doing is a great starting point.

Next will be all the different boards you can use.

ps - Mike, Chpthril, is a great guy to work with. If you do decide to go from manual to integrated he can help you there as well.

[jbort]

x2. we took similar path.....started manual w 400lb bag added 2 more for one summer. Was simple fast and cheap. Got real tired of filling 3 bags every time (exhausting for the skipper). Was lucky....took boat to Chpthril (Mike) for upgrade/mods for system with custom bag and automated. Voila and life is real good. 1000+ bag fills in 5-6 mins and ready for action. 2007 22 Ve w factory ballast and Mike pulled one tank and moved batteries. thx thx thx Mike

[bigskymudflaps]

I was also in the same situation, little different boat -- '07 rz2. Essentially the same boat though. I started with filling an 1100lb bag manually. Got really sick and tired filling and draining. It would take more than 20 minutes to switch sides. Probably close to 30, plus the running around and spilling water. I ended up installing custom sacs. My fill / drain / switch times are about 4.5 minutes. I also have front sacs. It was a significant expense and took a significant amount of time. However, it was all worth it. I did a bunch of modifications to the lockers to maximize water capacity. In the end, the wave is much better, it's fully automated, and all bags are hidden. I do pull open the hatches and watch the bags fill and drain, but that's about it for labor. I bought everything from chpthrl -- highly recommended. If you want to surf, go automated. I also believe it adds value to the boat. You shouldn't lose anything on your install. What I have is more weight and faster than anything ever installed by the factory in any boat made.

[Timmy!]

+1 another that did the manual fill for a few years and finally automated the rear sacs and went with a second surf sac. chpthrl will take care of you. You can definitely go the manual route for now and get plenty of enjoyment.

[bluebomb78]

We did the manual fill for a season and a half. Had pretty good results. The 22ve is capable of a great wake. Got our stuff from chp. We may have our old system listed in the classifieds soon.

[mls6722]

IMO it is good that it does not have any factory for that year. You don't have the batteries in a bad spot. I was like you and the first year used one custom sac and the pump. That worked great and we had a great wake. It did get old manually filling it. Once we filled it we surfed and once we emptied it we were done.

I installed a ballast system this last winter and can't believe how much time I spent messing with the manual stuff. Now we change back and forth throughout the day and it is not a hassle.

What your doing is a great starting point.

Next will be all the different boards you can use.

ps - Mike, Chpthril, is a great guy to work with. If you do decide to go from manual to integrated he can help you there as well.

I agree with Skippa. My boat has the factory ballast and most ballast upgrades involve removing the factory tanks. I kept mine and had to relocate batteries, TAPS pump and Blower. I worked with Chpthrl and he was a great resource. - You've come to the right place, you will love the wake you can get with your boat.