R20 is listing with ballast empty?

[DCR20]

Picked up my near new dealer Demo 2015 R20 a couple of weeks ago. First Tige (upgraded from an I/O 2014 Four Winns H190, great boat but we want to try surfing).

When water testing it with the dealer the boat sat flat when running without ballast. Took it for a run when I picked it up and it has a noticeable list to port. With ballast full the problem disappears. To me the obvious thing was weight distribution.

From my test drive to when I picked it up I had the dealer fit dual batteries (which were both fitted behind the port side locker instead of one on each side like the RZR) and also some stereo gear which in the main the heaviest part are the amps which were both fitted on the port side. I checked to make sure there was no excess in the tanks etc, I know it sounds newb (and I am) but would the batteries and amps all being on the Port side be enough weight to list the boat? If so should I move the battery or just buy some lead?

It is a massive PITA having the cruise to our favourite spot on a tilt!

[Dandy]

Yes, the boat could be that weight sensitive. When you were out on your demo, think about where people we positioned as that may have balanced things. One thing you can do until someone more knowledgeable chimes in is to add ballast to the opposite side to balance it out for cruising.

[Germaine Marine]

Could be that sensitive.... Just fill some ballast in the other side or have people sit where you need them.... I would add the ballast to the bow if you need it. Double and triple check that the bags are completely empty as well.

Maybe slide some gear over to one side..

[ajbpilot]

I had similar "water in the wrong places issues" with my 22v. Found out I had a leak in a ballast pump which kept filling up the boat with water. It was my first wake boat and I didn't figure it out until the end of the season. The boat drove like crud for a month and a half. I don't know about the r20 but the Z3 has under floor and above floor ballast in the same area and on the same pump so it could be possible your sacs are not completely empty even though you think you see them. I would double check that and also put it on a ramp and pull the plug to make sure all of the water is out of it. Also with the boat motor off (so you can hear better) turn your ballast pumps on one at a time and go listen at each station to make sure they are running in fill and empty. I agree that too many people on one side can make a difference but it should be flat with just one or two people or especially empty.
Hope this helps. Somebody with R20 knowledge may be able to verify the ballast bag setup.

[SKSailboatshop]

When it is just you cruising down the lake if you move over to the other side of the boat to the observers seat does it list to the other side?

[15R20]

I also have a '15 R20 and it is pretty weight sensitive. When loading all the safety gear on the boat after purchase, I noticed it listing to the starboard side. I have since redistributed all of that stuff, including the anchor to the port side to help off the driver weight. Everyone in my family surfs regular side so any extra weight i.e. Passengers, cooler... I add to the port side along with the ballast to help list the boat for a cleaner wave. I think the ability to list the boat with a small amount of weight adds to its performance while surfing. I don't have to add 1000lbs ballast bags to the stock SurfXL system to get it to surf. Good luck!