Adding additional ballast to Tige stock ballast

[Matt Garcia]

What’s up guys and girls? This year I am wanting to add additional ballast to my already existing stock ballast from the factory. In case anyone doesn’t know the setup it is a 300 Fly High soft sack and two rear hard tanks that are 300 each. Each has its own fill and empty pump.

My question is has anyone tried adding additional ballast to this setup? I have heard of one guy on WakeWorld adding another soft sack in the rear storage compartments that tied into the existing overflow of the hard tanks. For the front I may just add some lead since I don’t want any exposed sacks in the bow, Im fine with putting 300 pounds of lead in the nose. I was thinking I should probably upgrade the fill pumps to 1100 instead of 950.

Anyone have any experience with this? Comments?

Thanks...

[chpthril]

A couple of us brainstormed on this not too long ago, (i'll try to find that thread) but ill share soem of the ideas.

First thought was "daisy chaining the 2nd bag of the vent/overflow: problem - these pumps are not meant to produce pressure, just volume. As soon as the 1st bag fill, the pump now has to push water through that bag to fill the next. We figure the fill time wil REALLY slow down at this point.

Next thought was to use a "Y" valve off the fill pump(s). They make 3 styles - manual with handle, manual with remote control ( kinda like an old car with manual push/pull choke) and electric valve. Pro's and Con's are fairly evident: cost, convenience, install time and difficulty, etc.

3rd: New pump for added bag with its own thru-hull mushroom (no manifold) pro's - fast filling, all pumps filling bags at same time. no need to upgrade existing pumps. New pump may be cheaper then electric "Y" valve. Should be able to parallel power off your current switches (but would fill 2nd sack every time you fill 1st, so may want to add dedicated switch for independent filling)

Just a few things we covered

[Matt Garcia]

Thanks Mike, I actually just read that thread. That definitely has me thinking.

I am curios to know if anyone has successfully done this?

[Ks]

Matt I am going to do the same thing to my boat.

but I want to have 2 separate systems, running off one thu hull. I have only been brainstorming so any input is welcome.

I plan to T off the factory inlet with two more pumps with a valve to control what system I want to use.( one additional pump for each of my V drive additional sacks) then I can fill each system independently depending what I want to accomplish.

I can use the factory ballast, then if I want to surf, I can drain one factory side and fill the other V drive sack.

Or if I want 700 in each locker then fill both systems.

As for the front sack, i think it would be easier to have Fly High do a larger custom sack that will fit under the seats and just replace the small front bag.

[chpthril]

Here was the final diagram that we came up with. It is a blend of cost, function, and simplicity.

anyone feel free to through out your ideas.

http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/show...5&postcount=59

[Matt Garcia]

Matt I am going to do the same thing to my boat.

but I want to have 2 separate systems, running off one thu hull. I have only been brainstorming so any input is welcome.

I plan to T off the factory inlet with two more pumps with a valve to control what system I want to use.( one additional pump for each of my V drive additional sacks) then I can fill each system independently depending what I want to accomplish.

I can use the factory ballast, then if I want to surf, I can drain one factory side and fill the other V drive sack.

Or if I want 700 in each locker then fill both systems.

As for the front sack, i think it would be easier to have Fly High do a larger custom sack that will fit under the seats and just replace the small front bag.

Ok back to this thread, work has kept me off the forums for a while. I discussed a few ideas with Andrew over at Tige and we still haven't found a solid solution yet. So far Tige or any of its dealers has not done what I am trying to do.

A few scenarios we discussed was that we could "tee off" the existing rear hard tank fill lines with some soft sacs in the rear storage. Problem is integrating a drain line. I would have to drill a hole in the hull and then some additional switches for the new drain lines.

Second scenario was adding a whole new ballast system which would include a new through hull pick up line and new fill/drain pumps. We both agreed thats not the ideal situation.

In the meantime he is going to keep me informed if he hears anything. I think for now I am still trying to figure what is the most cost effective and easiest route to take.

[farmacist]

Matt, I have an RZ2 and was not satisfied with factory ballast system. IMO there were 2 problems. 1- Not enough weight, 2- lost way too much of the rear storage area. So this winter we (my dealer) took out the existing hard tanks of the factory system, rebuilt and moved the rear wall back to regain storage space, and installed Fly High sacks using existing plumbing. This gave me much more storage space and now have 750# (I think that is correct) per side of ballast in the rear. Unfortunately, it is way too cold in TN to be out playing in the water so I will have to wait awhile to see the final wake results. Also, fixed the manifold so that there are no longer any problems with the pumps priming when wanting to fill the sacks. I will be interested to hear how yours turns out when you make the final plans.

[samw]

Just a questions since I don't have any ballast and would like to add some sort of system to my 01 2100 V. If you put a through hull pick up (bottom of boat) would you need fill pumps? Would you just need drain pumps? I may be over simplifying this that is why I am asking.

How is the factor set up as far as filling tanks or bags?

Thanks
Sam

[bentone]

Matt, I have an RZ2 and was not satisfied with factory ballast system. IMO there were 2 problems. 1- Not enough weight, 2- lost way too much of the rear storage area. So this winter we (my dealer) took out the existing hard tanks of the factory system, rebuilt and moved the rear wall back to regain storage space, and installed Fly High sacks using existing plumbing. This gave me much more storage space and now have 750# (I think that is correct) per side of ballast in the rear. Unfortunately, it is way too cold in TN to be out playing in the water so I will have to wait awhile to see the final wake results. Also, fixed the manifold so that there are no longer any problems with the pumps priming when wanting to fill the sacks. I will be interested to hear how yours turns out when you make the final plans.

Matt, I am doing the same thing farmacist is doing other that I will cut a new two inch hole to run two tsunamis for extra quick fill and am running with the 1500 # enzo sac on each side. With the hard tanks gone, I will use the existing pumps for extra fill. throwing pumps over the side gets old.

[KonaKing]

Matt, I am doing the same thing farmacist is doing other that I will cut a new two inch hole to run two tsunamis for extra quick fill and am running with the 1500 # enzo sac on each side. With the hard tanks gone, I will use the existing pumps for extra fill. throwing pumps over the side gets old.

Hey sounds like a good set up I decided to keep my hard tanks though also upgraded pumps

[SPBFAN]

You guys really need to take a look at these water puppy pumps. They can build the pressure to do what you are talking about. They also are reversible and can drain the systems. We are building a system with them right now on G-Money's boat. As soon as it is done we will let you know the results. The nice thing about these pumps is you do not need any one way check valves and all the other junk that comes with the regular pumps.

Question; then I can draw a system and post it. I have worked with Fly High on a lot of these questions and come up with some good answers for it.

Does the factory tanks fill from the top or bottom?

I will await your answer. My motto on this is the KISS motto. Lets not over engineer this it is simple put water in and take it out. Basic irrigation 101

[Matt Garcia]

You guys really need to take a look at these water puppy pumps. They can build the pressure to do what you are talking about. They also are reversible and can drain the systems. We are building a system with them right now on G-Money's boat. As soon as it is done we will let you know the results. The nice thing about these pumps is you do not need any one way check valves and all the other junk that comes with the regular pumps.

Question; then I can draw a system and post it. I have worked with Fly High on a lot of these questions and come up with some good answers for it.

Does the factory tanks fill from the top or bottom?

I will await your answer. My motto on this is the KISS motto. Lets not over engineer this it is simple put water in and take it out. Basic irrigation 101

I want to say that it fills from the top. I will have to check this weekend.

And by the way I still have not done this yet. For one, I am not cutting in to my boat...I know my limits and mechanical/electrical stuff is not my thing. And lastly I still have not heard or seen anyone do this yet so I am still apprehensive

[KonaKing]

You guys really need to take a look at these water puppy pumps. They can build the pressure to do what you are talking about. They also are reversible and can drain the systems. We are building a system with them right now on G-Money's boat. As soon as it is done we will let you know the results. The nice thing about these pumps is you do not need any one way check valves and all the other junk that comes with the regular pumps.

Question; then I can draw a system and post it. I have worked with Fly High on a lot of these questions and come up with some good answers for it.

Does the factory tanks fill from the top or bottom?

I will await your answer. My motto on this is the KISS motto. Lets not over engineer this it is simple put water in and take it out. Basic irrigation 101

Mine hard tanks fill from the top