Help me with Ballast choice.

[Ks]

Hi guys, have some total newbie questions.

As mentioned in another thread we are having problems getting consistent ballast in the boat ( people) for my wife to learn on. Most times we have just 2 or 3 people in the boat, not enough for the 22VE. I want to try surfing but again same issue. So over the rainy (BOO) weekend I read as much as I could about ballast systems on Wake World. I found threads about the Rival system ( although no internet sites) custom sacks and custom installs.

I want to start with the bags only and the hand pump and then if I really like the setup I will install a auto system in the winter.

I am looking for input/ tips and opinions on my sac( weight) choices to set up a good wake ( and surf wake for the 22VE)

Here is what I am planning to go with:

Bow ballast :Fly High Pro X Series Integrated Bow Sac ( 600 LBS)

Stern Ballast: Fly High Pro X Series V-drive Sacs (set) (800LBS)

-Or- ( optional)

Same front sac but for the rear:

Fly High Pro X Series Enzo Surf Sac ( 1400lbs) for the star side)

Fly High Pro X Series V-Drive Surf Sac ( 400lbs) for the port side.

We ride goofy.

For hand pump : ( how many should I get)

Fly High Tsunami Pump
Fly High raised the bar with the Tsunami 1200 pump, building in a large 1 1/8" hose for unbeatable fill and drain times, making it faster than many higher rated pumps.
1200 GPH $99.99


Or:


Attwood 1200 GPH Tsunami Ballast Pump
The perfect pump for DIY ballast systems, this 1200 GPH ballast pump is the fastest on the market.


Again the plan is to set up a 22Ve for both Boarding and Surfing. I want to try the system out and then if I like the weight I will automate the system in the winter.

Questions:

what is the fill and empy proceedure for the sacks? With these pumps also get the water out when we are done with them? how does it work in the real world?

Do you have to fill them all the way? everytime? or can I let the water slosh around if we do not need all the weight?

Anyone witha 22VE ( or RZ2), does this sound like a good amount of ballast? any other idea's? what do you have and what do you like?

As always a big thank you.

[CP3]

I have the two V drive sacs with a 400# tube sac up front. and I have the fly high pump.
To fill you place the pump end in the water and hook up the hose to the sac of choice. you do not have to fill the sac completely however it will slosh around. to empty you hook the pump up to the bag and throw the hose end overboard.

As this being the first time you using ballast that is what I recommend. It works very well. but once you have done it a good bit. the fill times will seem to long for you and you will install an automatic system like I am about to do.

Fill time is about 20 mins for me to do everything. and keep in mind that is hooking and unhooking a single pump with 3 sacs for a total of about 1200#

and with wieght and a few friends I pretty much have the biggest wakeboarding wake in the city but that isnt saying much. but the wake will be massive and you will love it. Ive had ppl behind my boat throw raleys, scarecrows, tatrums, back rolls, and all the good stuff.

[talltigeguy]

Before I automated my system, I used 2 Tsunamis.

If surfing is what you want, you need the Enzo sack.

The Attwood IS the Tsunami, made by the same people. So you put an 'or' between the same pump. I think the difference is that the one comes with a 12 Volt plug and hose, the other is only the pump with wires, and is ready for installation in an automated system.

[chpthril]

Just got my bags in Thursday, here is what we where riding with Sun.

Fly-Hi bow sac - rated for 700#, filled to about 400#
Fly-Hi surf sac on port - rated at 750, filled to about 500#
Fly-Hi V deive in starboard locker -rated at 400# and was full.
8 peeps all in back.
TAPS on 3-4

I have another 400# v drive that will go in the port console and two 280# fat buds to move around also but not used in this pic.

EDIT: added a 2nd pic, better looking wake.

[wakeboarder247]

So for the pics you had approx 500lbs in the port locker and 400lbs in the starboard locker?

[Moki]

Nice pics Cheapthrl! I am doing what Talltigeguy used to do. I have two Tsunami pumps (wakeworld.com) and ordered custom sacs for my port and starboard locker from boatpipes.com, the Fresh Air Exhaust guy. I just measured my locker and how far up it went under my seat, it ended up looking like the Enzo sac, but with just different dimensions. You ony fill up one locker at a time, depending what side you are surfing on.

[chpthril]

So for the pics you had approx 500lbs in the port locker and 400lbs in the starboard locker?

That's about right, plus the bow sac. The V drive sac was the only one filled the other 2 were about 3/4 full. I quickly threw then in Sat morning and filled them. Still needs some fine tuning but I like the improvements.

[Moki]

Cheapthrl,
You are filling up both port and starboard to surf? I only fill up one side or the other, have you tried that yet? I don't put anything in the bow sac, I usually have enough people on board.

[chpthril]

Cheapthrl,
You are filling up both port and starboard to surf? I only fill up one side or the other, have you tried that yet? I don't put anything in the bow sac, I usually have enough people on board.

Yeah, thought we might board first put too windy, so we just broke out the surf and left as is.

Thanks for the suggestion, I will try just the port side next trip out.

[Moki]

It is a clean looking wake as it is. Give the other a try, but there is nothing wrong as it is. I am curious let me know which works out better for you.

[Ks]

Okay cool.

I called and ordered the Vdrive sacks from Wakeside and 2 of the pumps with the proper fittings( they were sold out of the pump kits and the front sack) I figure I can find the hose they use and wiring should be simple ( knock on wood)

I then called a local dealer and apparently they have the front sack in stock and the the pump, so I will grab that as well for a total of 3 sacks and 3 pumps.

Any idea what the hoses are from? ( Im thinking a outdoor pond shop might have it) any other idea's so I can get the 2 pumps ready.

Thanks for the feedback.

[Moki]

Read this thread, there are some discussions at the end on where to buy off of ebay. I purchased the Tsunami kit. You may be able to find it at Home Depot, etc.

http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3897

[CP3]

now you just have to pull those shorts down mike

[talltigeguy]

now you just have to pull those shorts down mike

Way too much white thigh showing there.

Kscales,

I think you missed the point with not ordering the Enzo sack. 400 pounds is not going to be near enough. I used to ride with both 400 in the same locker and found that to be adequate until the bag on top slid back and trashed the door cover for my batteries. Even that was not enough unless I had plenty of people weight.

Mr. Thrill got that wake above with just 500 AND with 8 people on that same side. Depending on the sizes of his crew members, he had easily an extra thousand pounds with him. Knowing how some of those southerners eat, it was more likely to be over 1500 pounds, so you see that a small crew and a couple of 400 pound sacks will for sure leave you wanting. You seemed to indicate that you would be very unlikely to carry that many people for ballast.

I rarely go all out and discourage someone from something they are doing, but I promise, you will wish you got the enzo sack later. Call Wakeside and fix the order if it is not too late. Too much ballast is like having too much money or being too good looking...

Unless you weigh 140 or less, you will not be able to surf your wake well with what you have ordered and 2 people in the boat.

[chpthril]

now you just have to pull those shorts down mike

Sorry 'bout that, my "clam diggers" were in the dirty laundry