Ballast questions for 22i

[Seanmcd]

I have an '05 22i and am really getting to the point in my first year of wakeboarding, after being a die hard skier, that I really like a huge wake.

The problem is that 90% of the time I am with my wife 125 lbs (she says) and my 2 daughters, about 80 lbs each. When we load up with friends, coolers, beer, etc, life is good but without not so great.

I have searched and researched but before I buy several hundred dollars worth of gear I wanted to ask if anyone has a 22i with ballast sacks? How much and where? I assume they will go in the 2 rear side lockers, anywhere else? How much would be enough for a family boat?

Any info would be great, I have checked around but like to do thorough research before spending my hard earned mulah.

Thanks in advance, Sean

[billspin]

I have a 2004 22i. I put a Pro X Series Side Sack in each back side locker. About 260 each. I put 2 Pro X Series Fat Bricks in the isle up front. About 155 each. I use a 100# lead weight to fine tune the balance. Usually my self and one other in the boat. Taps adjusted to clean up the lip. This is all we need. Hope this helps.

[Dents]

What do you use for your 100# lead weight??

[David Baker]

I have a 2004 22i. I use 350lb Launch Pads in the sides and a 440lb in the bow. This 60/40 ratio works well and produces a nice wake. The Launch Pad link system pump doesn't leak water into the side compartments.

http://gotriver.com/ballast_bags.htm

[billspin]

I have been casting lead bullets and fishing weights for years and have access to old lead and the means to melt and cast. I used a bread pan that was about 15 x 5 x 4 (just rough measurement from memory) then covered the lead in high density foam to make it soft, and had a bag made with a handle on it for ease of movement.

[bneub]

Billspin,
What do you use to melt you lead?

[billspin]

I use an older Lymon pot and this RCBS pot. http://www.rcbs.com/default.asp?menu=1&s1=4&s2=9&s3=76

[jsinkula]

22i Ballast

I have a 2003 22i which has been fitted with the Rival Download ballast system. I can't say enough about this system - it is awesome! It is a four bag system - two 440 lb. launchpads in each rear side compartment and two 200 lb. sacks under each bow seat. All filling and draining is controlled from switches on the dash. The wake can be tuned with the weight and the TAPS for almost any application you desire.

[Dents]

Billspin,
what is the approx size to weight ratio for the lead bars you make??

[David Baker]

jsinkula

How full do you get the launch pad 440s? Aren't they a little long to fill all the way in sthe side compartments?

[jsinkula]

All the way! There's plenty of room in length and all other dimensions.

[billspin]

Dents: The measurements are 5" wide X 20" long X about 2.5-3.0 inches high. This weighed between 95-100 pounds.

[mmartin]

I have a 2004 22i and use a similiar setup to David's. We have a little more weight in back but usually board with several people on the boat. There are usually at least two people in the front to offset the heavier weight in back. In my experience you are dealing with two scenarios. The wieght in back sets up the size of the wake. The weight in front keeps the wake from rolling over and washing out on top.
Every time out you may have to make some adjustments based on the how many people are in the boat.

[Seanmcd]

Thanks for the great advice, I have been searching the web for different setups and the overall consensus seems to be that the Rival System rules.

I am leaning towards the setup that jsinkula has, with 2 440's in the back and something up front under the bow cushions. I wonder how much space the 200lbs take up under the bow?

Also, how much of the rear ski lockers are taken up with the 2 440lbs?

Do you remember how much the entire setup was, price wise? Did you install it yourself, if so, was it pretty simple?

Thanks very much for the help, I am planning my winter project already!!

Sean

[dogbert]

Originally posted by Seanmcd
Thanks for the great advice, I have been searching the web for different setups and the overall consensus seems to be that the Rival System rules.

I am leaning towards the setup that jsinkula has, with 2 440's in the back and something up front under the bow cushions. I wonder how much space the 200lbs take up under the bow?

Also, how much of the rear ski lockers are taken up with the 2 440lbs?

Do you remember how much the entire setup was, price wise? Did you install it yourself, if so, was it pretty simple?

Thanks very much for the help, I am planning my winter project already!!

Sean

Did you see the thread where Surfdad was recommending the Make-a-Wake system? It sounded pretty cool, too.