Ballast or Not?

[exerciz101]

I am purchasing a new 2006 20V. It was reccomended to me that Ballast is not going to be needed in this boat. Where is factory Ballast put, and is this something I can add later? Also what brand does the factory use? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[akdoc]

We have an 04 swtich V, basically the same boat as the 20V. Ballast is a must if you want a decent wakeboarding wake. There are 4 tanks, 2 in the compartments next to the engine, and 2 in the front compartments.

We have noticed that there is not enough weight in the front, we also put a 500 lb sack in the front walkway and we added about 300lbs in each rear locker.

In our switch to get a good wake we end up running about 1900 lbs of ballast.

The only thing that TAPS does is shape the wake, the higher the taps the steeper the wake will get.

The problem with the Tige factory ballast is that at least in our Switch V the intake is not a thru hull scoop, it is just above the taps plate, therefore you must be in neutral to fill. They use the mayfair pumps that you can find at overtons for like 10 bucks a pump. The tanks are hard tanks so they take up some room. Like stated above, to get a good wake you have to put about 500 lbs in the front walkway.

If the 06 20V is designed the same as the 05, it will be impossible to put a sack in the front walkway because that seat is in the way.

If it were me I would look into installing an aftermarket system. You will have a thru hull scoop, so you can fill while moving, better pumps and soft sacks so when they aren't full they aren't taking up room.

Check out www.rivalindustry.com for an aftermarket system. It is $1395 for a 4 bag system and 1200 lbs.

Another thing that can help your wake is the riders core. I don't know if they still do it at the factory but you can ask. They just put some led in the core before they put the decking and stuff on. This could help you so you don't have to use so much ballast.

[Matt Garcia]

I think it depends on your riding level. If you are just starting out you may find that the wake is good enough with out ballast. However, if you do progress ultimately you may want a bigger wake. Do try the boat with and without weight so you can judge for yourself.

[Guest]

I agree with Matt, I think it depends on your riding level. I have to say though, the extra kick off a larger wake is a great feeling! I just added 1200 lbs this weekend, 2 - 280 fatbuddies to the back lockers and a 580 fatboy on the floor in between the fronts seats on my 2004 22V and it really gives the wake nice size and a steeper transition to the top of the wake. I would have loved to get a system installed w/hardtanks, but did not want to spend the cash. For those on a budget, $300 and a little patience each time you go out equals a great wake. Then again, I saw a kid throw a backroll off a 1 ft tall I/O wake this weekend and felt very humbled!

[exerciz101]

Thanks for all the replies!

[holiday13]

I put a system of my own in my 24v, made a big difference but we needed more weight in the front as well. What I would suggest is get the factory system and see if Tige will buy the front tanks back, then replace those tanks with a pair of 350 sacs. This way all the plumming is done already and you get the rear hard tanks.