ballast question

[maxpow]

I am going to install a ballast system for next season over the winter in my 05 22v but I am starting to look into it now. My question: Is it better to have each individual pump with its own thru hull or will I get good results with a manifold to feed the fill pumps? Are reversible better less space is used less holes, is the fill time drastically different from an aerator. I have lots of questions before I do this so be prepared for more to come lol.

[chpthril]

The pump to thru-hull ratio is less important then the flow rate of the inlet plumbing.

A typical aerator pump can drop 20-25% of its rated flow rate, by time the water hits the sac. Impeller pumps are less effected by head pressure and maintain there rated flow rate.

[maxpow]

So an 1000 GPH aerator will be close to a 750 gph impeller is what your saying? if I go with a manifold could I just use a large diameter thru hull then to make sure the manifold stays full then and as long as I fill one bag at a time there would be no issues is that safe to say?

[maxpow]

Another thing I have 800lbs in each side compartment beside the engine and i have 500lbs in the bow that i will plumb in will this be enough for a good wave? 2100lbs plus people and a suck gate???

[macteacher2]

Maxpow,

I have the same boat and am here in Lethbridge as well. I would be happy to show you the system that I installed a number of years ago as well as the wave that it makes and then you can make some decisions. PM me and I would be happy to show you the boat and system.

[skiguy]

Maxpow,

I also have the same boat as you and did my own ballast install last year. I did a write up with pics of the install. I think you will find it helpful. Search and if you can’t find it let me know. PM me if you have any questions. Chpthrll was a big help. I, like many others, bought the kit from him and his phone support was invaluable.

My setup is as follows:

Qty 3 x 750 GPH Johnson Impeller pumps
Rear bags: 1100 lbs each
Front bag: 600 lb under the seat bow bag.

I did 3 separate thru hulls. It was a tight fit tho and if I did it again would think about doing 2.

Fill time on the 1100lb sacks with my config is about 8 mins. 600 lb sack in about 3-4 mins.

The wave is pretty good. We surf mostly goofy and use a suck gate. I’ve determined I’m a little light in the bow with this config and just started adding about 300lbs with a sac in the bow walkway I borrowed from a friend (total PIA to fill and empty with the thro over pump). You’re shooting for a 60/40 ratio rear to front. I may consider some lead bags for next year.

PRO TIP. Consider buying rear sacks with a sloped front end to better fit the rear compartments. I feel like my sacks are a tad oversized and end up filling in a less then optimal fashion around and underneath the rear seat area.






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[maxpow]

Maxpow,

I have the same boat and am here in Lethbridge as well. I would be happy to show you the system that I installed a number of years ago as well as the wave that it makes and then you can make some decisions. PM me and I would be happy to show you the boat and system.

Thanks so much id like to see the set up and how you did it. i have an idea but until i see the pumps i wont know what i can/cant do. if your around saturday in the morning maybe we can meet up?

[maxpow]

Maxpow,

I also have the same boat as you and did my own ballast install last year. I did a write up with pics of the install. I think you will find it helpful. Search and if you can’t find it let me know. PM me if you have any questions. Chpthrll was a big help. I, like many others, bought the kit from him and his phone support was invaluable.

My setup is as follows:

Qty 3 x 750 GPH Johnson Impeller pumps
Rear bags: 1100 lbs each
Front bag: 600 lb under the seat bow bag.

I did 3 separate thru hulls. It was a tight fit tho and if I did it again would think about doing 2.

Fill time on the 1100lb sacks with my config is about 8 mins. 600 lb sack in about 3-4 mins.

The wave is pretty good. We surf mostly goofy and use a suck gate. I’ve determined I’m a little light in the bow with this config and just started adding about 300lbs with a sac in the bow walkway I borrowed from a friend (total PIA to fill and empty with the thro over pump). You’re shooting for a 60/40 ratio rear to front. I may consider some lead bags for next year.

PRO TIP. Consider buying rear sacks with a sloped front end to better fit the rear compartments. I feel like my sacks are a tad oversized and end up filling in a less then optimal fashion around and underneath the rear seat area.






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good info thanks i will check out your install! i have the round 800lbs straight line bags for the rear and I have a 750 for the bow but i really dont think i will be able to fill it more than 500. That being said i dont even know if i can make it fit under the seats so i was planning on getting a 500lb straight line bow bag. I think i will be doing the same pumps as you, I was thinking about a single thru hull and pulling from a manifold as i did wonder about space as you mentioned. But i do wonder about filling multiple bags off a manifold is it possible or does it have to be one at a time?

[skiguy]

good info thanks i will check out your install! i have the round 800lbs straight line bags for the rear and I have a 750 for the bow but i really dont think i will be able to fill it more than 500. That being said i dont even know if i can make it fit under the seats so i was planning on getting a 500lb straight line bow bag. I think i will be doing the same pumps as you, I was thinking about a single thru hull and pulling from a manifold as i did wonder about space as you mentioned. But i do wonder about filling multiple bags off a manifold is it possible or does it have to be one at a time?

There is some science here around calculating flow capacity based on the size of the opening vs pump capability. If you go with a larger than standard thru-hull you should be ok with those pumps. It won’t fill or drain quite as fast as dedicated openings per pump but I suspect it’s not a significant difference.


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