how much will ballast help

(mdetroit) · (mdetroit) **Join Date: Feb 2011** 02-17-2011, 1:53 PM

been wakeboarding for 1 year and trying to get bigger air how much bigger will the wake be if i add 1500lbs of ballast bags i have never rode with any extra weight

(wake77) · (wake77) **Join Date: Jan 2009** 02-17-2011, 1:58 PM

It depends. Bad form + more weight = harder spills and not necessarily more air.

(benjaminp) · (benjaminp) **Join Date: Nov 2008** 02-17-2011, 2:48 PM

What kind of boat do you have? A bigger wake might help you get bigger air, but its just a crutch. Improve your technique, then jack up your wake.

Ron1xNautique 02-17-2011, 4:20 PM

I have a 79 SN with a tower off a 99 Air and it throws a decent wake right now without weight, It's steep and firm but small. I noticed the wake has a better shape with people's weight more centered in the boat. I'm thinking about getting 2 -12" x 12" x 48" side sacs =520lbs Anyone else have an older SN(pre 2001 hull) with weight? opinions?

(daveronix199) · (daveronix199) **Join Date: Feb 2009** 02-17-2011, 4:34 PM

No ballast = Kiddy snowboard park

Ballast= X-games snow park

YES THAT MUCH BETTER.... If your skills are decent and you have proper edge control

Ron1xNautique 02-17-2011, 4:47 PM

I rode behind a prostar 205 w/ 1400#s most of the season and it was fine but not as steep or firm as my SN's I'm thinking mine will throw a better wake with just 500#s and some friends?

(mdetroit) · (mdetroit) **Join Date: Feb 2011** 02-18-2011, 7:52 AM

i have a 22ft formula not really a wakeboarding boat but need to wait at least a couple more years to afford one just trying to do the best i can with this, im clearing the wake everytime and can almost get 3,s but not gettin high enough

(wakecrzy2000) · (wakecrzy2000) **Join Date: Apr 2004** 02-18-2011, 8:32 AM

I learned all my 3's behind a jet ski, except TS BS 3. You can learn a ton behind small wakes without weight. Adding weight gives you time to grab and show style. Take it small then step up the weight you will progress much faster.

(benjaminp) · (benjaminp) **Join Date: Nov 2008** 02-18-2011, 9:20 AM

Somewhere in the internetland there's a video of Nick Davies doing a 7 behind a jetski. You can do a 3 behind your boat, just work on your technique.

(tahoeguy7) · (tahoeguy7) **Join Date: Sep 2006** 02-18-2011, 10:23 AM

There is also a good video of Byerly floating around where he is throwing down some big spins and inverts behind a boat with a Mariner outboard. Maybe some of the best riding I have ever seen. I have landed 360's behind a Bass Cat with a Mercury 200 on it. It is much easier to do spins on a boat with a good wake though.