Rival Ballast Systems

[RivalAndy]

Just wondering if anyone had any GOOD or BAD thoughts about Rival Industries ballast system. We are trying to stay up to date on what consumers want in the aftermarket boating industry.
Thanks Andy M. www.rivalindustries.com

[Tequilasun]

I think your systems are generally well received by the Tige crowd. If you look in the How To section, you'll notice that Talltigeguy has an excellent write up about your products.


Now, having said that, they could be less expensive! But what couldn't these days!

[Paublo]

Hey Andy- Great system! Do it yourself or dealer installed, you can chose bag sizes, when empty you still have all your storage, you won't burn out expensive pumps, well thought out and easy to work on. The only area of possible improvement would be to find a more durable or longer lasting valve. I gave up and swithched to a 1-1/2" manual ball valve. Still easy to use, but a reliable electric would be nice. I'm not sure there is such a thing that is affordable, 12V, marine safe, and will last years in AZ heat. Still you've got a great product.

[Tanner]

I don't think it's possible w/o switching to hard tanks, but maybe try and find a way to put a monitoring system. (I.E. Empty-Full). Also maybe work on a bit more OEM looking on/off mounting plate.

[Lucky 275]

Andy,

I went thru 3 gate valves on my latest venture with my new system. I finally called the mfg of the valve and they seem to think you guys may have an old bad batch of gate valves. The gear track isnt' long enough and gear jams when fully opened or closed.

They sent me a newer design and it's worked perfectly. You might want to check with Dave as he was unaware of the issue until I called him.

Other than that, I really like the Rival. I recommend to everyone that is looking for a ballast system.

Tanner, not sure if it's possible on yours, but we used existing space on the dash of our 22V. It looks completely stock.

[tony dunn jr.]

Hey Rival Randy are you guys building custom size sacks for the rear compartments. I am in the market for a system to max the space but still be automatic.(contoled at the dash?

[dogbert]

I tried several times to contact Rival and never got my questions answered. It sounds like you guys have good products, but I have an older boat ('99 2100v Limited) and wasn't sure if your system would work for me.

[Ruune]

Andy- I'm curious as to how much weight you can put into the front 3 storage compartments on an '04 22v. I'm asking because I'd like to do some sort of ballast system, but the middle compartments are occupied by subwoofers.

[Paublo]

Ruune, I'm not sure what you're referring to as the "front 3 storage compartments", but I've got an '04 22v too. My Rival system had two 200# bags under the front seats that couldn't fill all the way. I'd guess there was 300# total and I added three 65# carpeted lead bars for 495# under the front seats. This last winter I changed out those two bags for a Barefoot Pro X Series U shaped bag, which probably added 75-100#. I also added a bag that is located under the bow cushion that added 150#. So with the lead I can get over 700# in the bow. This is without using the two storage compartments behind the front seat backs.

[dogbert]

You might consider putting a Flying High Bow sac in the front. It's supposed to handle 750lbs, but I don't think I get all that due to space restrictions. It basically wraps around the entire bow underneath the seat cushions. I've only got 2 350 V-Drive sacs in the back and I can move my portable 150lb sac around where I need it (front-back, side-side).

Ruune, I ordered mine through the Ski Dock.

[Ruune]

yeah, I meant the storage locker underneath the front seats- forgot that its one big compartment! I dont even use those, except to store my anchor. So, looks like I'll be putting a sack up there!

Dogbert- I think I saw the one you're talking about. I believe they have it in stock now.

[RivalAndy]

Dogbert.... I can get just about any size sac that you are looking for, you just have to let me know what weight you want and where you want to put it. Thank Andy www.rivalindustries.com

[RivalAndy]

Ruune..... what compartments do you mean, the front under the seats or beneath the dash. We usually put 2- 200lb bags under the font seats and that is plenty of weight for the front of your boat. Thanks Andy www.rivalindustries.com

[dogbert]

Originally posted by RivalAndy
Dogbert.... I can get just about any size sac that you are looking for, you just have to let me know what weight you want and where you want to put it. Thank Andy www.rivalindustries.com

Actually, it's the ballast pump system I'm interested in. I already have several sets of sacs.

[tony dunn jr.]

Hey Rival Andy you must of missed mine I have filled out the questionaire on your webb page a few days ago but haven't heard back! I am also looking at the Elevate system but I will wait to here from you before I procede farther it dounds like you may have the better system. Thank you!