View Full Version : X1 ballast upgrade
mccobmd
09-08-2008, 08:42 PM
I am looking to upgrade over the winter. Don't want to go over the top. Has anyone put a second OEM ballast tank in their boat. It looks like it would fit well and I could probable just put it in sequence with the one I have. I don't know were the pump is though and that may be the catch. I am also looking to plumb one into the ski locker. Am only adding a second tank to the port side which is were we surf. Any idea's??
erkoehler
09-08-2008, 08:48 PM
Why do you want to use a tank?
When you add extra ballast with sacs, you don't loose the storage space when the ballast is empty.
mccobmd
09-08-2008, 10:47 PM
I am trying to have the ballast where it will all fill from switches in the cockpit. I have plenty of storage and would like to avoid the hassle of a separate pump and bags. I may go with bags but would like to have it all wired a plumbed so it is the flip of a switch as it is now.
what is your current ballast setup.
as erk said, you can add bags and still maintain the space.
if you do a search on this board, roonie did a AWESOME write up on his additional ballast install in his x2.
that is my off season project.:D
erkoehler
09-08-2008, 11:09 PM
Pull out your two rear tanks, use the existing plumbing and connect it to V-drive sacs.
Then, add the KGB sac and a tube sac to the floor in the walk-thru.
Your wake doesn't get any more dialed in than that!
sand2snow22
09-08-2008, 11:15 PM
mcco-a lot of people remove the hard tanks, use the existing lines and hook up either 400 lb fat sacs or 750 lb fat sacs. This way you can have a lot of storage when the bags are empty, but obviously lose storage when they're full. The front bag is going to be the difficult one....
Pull out your two rear tanks, use the existing plumbing and connect it to V-drive sacs.
Then, add the KGB sac and a tube sac to the floor in the walk-thru.
Your wake doesn't get any more dialed in than that!
I second that. I pulled the rear tanks and installed 2 450lb sacs in rear. Put 2 250LB sacks under the front bow seats.
swatguy
09-08-2008, 11:18 PM
Yup the new Fly High bags have the same connections and the hard tanks. All you do is remove the hard tanks, and plug in the sacs. Just as automated as the factory system. The make 450's or you can do 750's
Most everyone does this to their X-1's. IT probably the most common thing done. You dont have to add any pumps at all. Use all the exhisting hoses, pumps and switches. Depending on the year(you say X1 so would assume recent) but earlyyr model boats ike 00 01 have standar aerator pumps in which you have to add a bit of hose and a check valve, but the new more current year boats my just need some hose. It's a simple straight forward swap.
I run the 450' s in the rear the center factory bag and 400 in the nose. I love the shape and kick.
For the locker sac either get the factory one from MC or order a custome one from MC. Fly highs standard locker sac doesn't fitt to well in that ski locker. Plumbing the pump and lines in for that isn't to difficult. You just remove the rear seat back and the ceneter section of that rear bench and the whole floor comes out. Sounds harder than it actually is, but once you do that you can run the hose straight to the locker sac through the wall like the factory does. The hard part will be the vent hose out the side for the overfill.
sand2snow22
09-08-2008, 11:19 PM
Erk beat me to it. We use pop products and spread them around the boat. 5 up front for skiing, add people and 4 up front & 6 in the back for wakeboarding, 10 in the port locker for surfing :D
mccobmd
09-09-2008, 10:46 AM
I currently have only standard rear ballast. I am thinking since I am starting to surf more I'd like to have 750 on the port side and 400 in the ski locker. Did this last weekend roughly with weights and liked the wave. I may just have my dealer do the center KGB with an OEM sack and plumbed with current pumps. At this point in my life I have more money than time, at least for this project. If if put the 750 bag in the port it will make it a little harder when I load but for wakeboarding. Now I just fill them till the overflow starts.
P-hat_in_Cincy
09-09-2008, 01:03 PM
If you are considering a DIY, feel free to see how I did my install
Wakeside Rides write-up (http://www.wakesiderides.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=17225)
wakeboarder.com write-up (may have to log in to see pictures) (http://forums.wakeboarder.com/viewtopic.php?t=53991)
There's also a link in my signature that will lead you to my other DIYs
Rich Hantge
09-09-2008, 01:29 PM
Hello, I added 320 pounds of softner salt/sealed in the plastic bags in the middle/below storage and front storage. Wow what a difference it made in the wakes and kept the bow lower. Total cost-$30.00. The disadvange is ya can't unload the wieght easily but my lift cover the additional wieght anyway.
mccobmd
09-09-2008, 06:23 PM
Rich, what did it do to the ski wake, just curious
swatguy
09-09-2008, 08:03 PM
Being that your are going to be surfing I would suggest going with the 750's and like you said for boarding just monitor the fill if you don't need them all the way. I know right now you are concerned about one side for your surf, but eventually you are going to come across someone who rides the opposite way. I would do the 750's on both.
I am currently contemplating upgrading my 450's to 750's as I am going to be surfing a bit more these days. The wake is perfect for me boarding at 24mph and 75ft. So I will proba not end up filling those 750's all the way for boarding, just for surfing. I usually just fill an extra 350lb sac, but I would like to have thta sac automated so adding the 750's will get me that.