Simple Ballast Upgrade

I have a 2004 Ski Supreme V220 Sky with factory ballast tanks in the rear of 350lbs each controlled by independent switches and Jabsco Ballast Puppy pumps.

I simply drew it out on paper, and then myself and my two year old daughter sat on the floor in the plumbing department of our local hardware store and started building it.

I now hav in addition to the stock ballast.... two additional 350lbs sacks in the rear and two 500lbs sacks in the bow underneath the seats. For a TOTAL of 2400lbs of plumbed in ballast.

I can also control which one is filled or emptied depending on which pump I turn on and which valves I open or close.

No problem switching from lots of people... to a few people.. or surfing regular or surfing goofy... a great addition.

The part I love the most is that I have everything just taking up storage areas I didn't use. And the stereo is totally concealed. with three 10" subs hidden throughout the boat. I still have all the storage in the cockpit area under the seats.

Have a great year riding everyone!

How do you keep from over filling bags?

One valve is for fill and empty, the other valve is for the overflow which is tied in with the overflow of the built in factory system.

JT,

Great question! I have a very similar system to Kyles'. My ballast switch can sometimes be bumped with the drivers knee and switch on. I was thinking of installing a pressure sensitive waste gate that would open and remove the possibility of a burst bag.

Where could I get a pressure sensitve valve? Say 15 psi?

Kyle,

How do you like your new board? I've heard good things about it. Are those Transit bindings?

Nice job. Sweet install and great looking boat.

Thanks for the comments. The board is a fun board... ultra stable!!!! The boots are the new Sphynx... Super comfy!!!!

To clarify on overflow.... I have the reversable pump... so one line will fill and empty... the other line simply lets overflow run out of the boat....

I was most impressed with my way of finding a fitting that fit into the fat sack valve.... I cut out the flap inside the hole/opening of the fat sack so water would flow freely in or out... the pump has a check valve...

so on the sacks... i put the fill/empty line on the hole closest to the rear of the boat and the overflow on the hole closest to the front of the boat....

I did not use check valves on the overflow....

eventually when a boat manufacturer will listen to me... i think they should do the following....

hard tanks under the floor with lots of baffles to limit the movement of water from side to side or back to front...

also... a pump the pumps for side to side... with a mercury level switch... the switch would detect the boat in neutral... and the driver has passengers seated... presses a button that says balance... the mercury switch triggers the pump and it moves water from the heavy side tot he light side until balanced... when balanced... the driver then starts to pull the rider.... this avoids the constant request of passengers to sit in certain places ont he boat.. due to different weights and sizes of passengers...

just a thought!

What kind of connection is going to sacs?

Kyle,

I also used reversible pump. Check it here: http://forums.wakeboarder.com/viewtopic.php?t=25297&highlight=ballast+install+ce nturion

The heavy duty hose I used fit into the sacks, then I used stainless hose clamps to seal them. Total I can take on 1500 lbs in about 15 minutes. I also just ordered a new Acme 3 blade 13x12 to replace my 13x14. This should help with the hole shot and porpoising when using perfect pass.

What prop are you running?

Kyle,

Do you have an idea how much you spent? I usually start doing projects thinking I can stay within budget only to find that I almost always spend more than I ever thought I would but, I'm still super happy with the results.

Chris
Get the Grip you Deserve
www.wakejunky.com

Wakejunky - It cost me about $200cdn for all of the parts.

JT - I will get the actual part description when I go out to the boat... and I will post here.

Bruce - I am using the stock Prop... Acme 531 I think. 4 Blade. I have no problems with hole shot or holding speed. I went with the Merc 6.2L 340hp.... incredible torque and very quiet and low rpms... I am really impressed with the motor... and warranty until 2010!!!

Kyle
I was also wondering what type of connection you have on the fat sacs??

Thanks
Shawn