Custom Ballast Install

CenturionDad · Soul Rider Joined: 28 Oct 2003 Posts: 277 City: So Cal

I just completed the final touches on a custom ballast bag install for my 2000 Ski Centurion Elite-V. I have seen a couple of good posts which outlined the basics of this type of system, here is what I got out of those. The most critical choice in this install was the pump, a Jabsco Ballast Puppy model 18220-1121. I picked it up a West Marine for about $250. The pump is reversable and includes a mounting plate and dual throw switch. Suplemented with 4 colors of 12 gauge wire and an add on fuse completed the electrical. Because I was using a thick-wall 5/8" garden hose and the pump is 1" I needed T-'s in 5/8" and a 1" to 5/8" reducer for the pump to bag connections.

Here is a shot of the 1-1/4" water line from the mushroom fitting on the bottom on the hull to the V-drive transmission and then to the engine. I've tapped into it and installed a T fitting which feeds the pump.

CenturionDad · Soul Rider Joined: 28 Oct 2003 Posts: 277 City: So Cal

Here is the hose to bag portion of the install. The two front bags are fat buddies and are placed under the bow seats, where they can be removed and placed in the front well and beside the drive. The rear bags are Fatboys and are on either side of the engine in the side compartments.

CenturionDad · Soul Rider Joined: 28 Oct 2003 Posts: 277 City: So Cal

The whole thing is completed with this dual-throw switch which I added a 20 amp fuse. Last weekend at Havasu we ran it without the two front bags, it filled in about 10 minutes. With both the two rear and the two front bags we have around 1500 lbs of ballast in under 15 minutes. We can adjust the front bags with the placement and our valve.

One thing we have noticed is the plane-ing of the boat takes much more throttle control due to all the weight. Perfect pass is a great solution to that problem.

All in all this cost around $600 dollars, mostly due to the cost of the bags and pump. It's a great project and allows to quicly adjust for water or rider conditions.

CenturionDad · Soul Rider Joined: 28 Oct 2003 Posts: 277 City: So Cal

Here's the setup, prior to ballast install. I'll get some shots of the boat w/full ballast and post them.

Brit Rider · Posted: May 31, 2004 12:52 pm Post subject:

looks great, I like how you can hide the bags when not in use Very Happy

Where did you get the ballast switch from?

grady · Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 547 City: d-block

looks really good...u did an excellent job on that install...lets c that wake Wink

CenturionDad · Soul Rider Joined: 28 Oct 2003 Posts: 277 City: So Cal

Brit Rider, grady,

Thanks for the props. I worked hard on this and it's good to see it finally working. I will post pics of the wake ASAP. The switch came with the pump, it is a lit dual-pole/dual-throw switch. I think it was a Carling switch - www.carlingtech.com
Check the link.

Bruky · Guest

Great job man, wanna see some wake pics with rider next to them and such soon!

Looks professional!

MrBlean · Posted: Jun 01, 2004 6:12 am Post subject: Congrats

Nice install. Did a similar thing myself but don't have the option of hiding the sacs quite so well.

Don't forget to remove the pump impeller at the end of the season a lube the inside of the pump body ready for next season. Treat it like your engine's raw water pump - it's exactly the same technology.

wake es bueno · Newbie Joined: 29 Oct 2003 Posts: 12 City: So. Cal.

Wow, looks great. I can't wait to ride behind it! Good job dad!

wesgardner · Posted: Jun 03, 2004 5:03 am Post subject:

Hey CenturionDad,

Nice install, nice pics, when are we goin' ridin'? You know, I never really thought about hiding the sacs away and then dragging them out for use - great idea....

From other posts, do I get the impression the Simer pumps aren't up to par with the Jabsco? I'm only familiar with Jabsco and have thought they built fairly substantial equipment....

Wes

MrBlean · Posted: Jun 03, 2004 11:51 pm Post subject: Simer v Jabsco?

CenturionDad · Soul Rider Joined: 28 Oct 2003 Posts: 277 City: So Cal

I haven't heard about Simer pumps. I wouldn't have gone with a non-ignition protected pump.

Wesgardner, June 11th, Lake San Antonio. Be There, I'll provide the pull!