ballast installation prostar 197

[bhill708]

I'm new to the team talk. I have recently picked up a 2004 prostar 197, no ballast system. I like the open bow and wakeboard tower. My nephew has been pressing me for larger wake. Are there some good threads or photos of installing rear ballast under the back seat out there? Are there kits available? We go back and forth from ski to wakeboard and I would like a system controlled at the helm.

Any guidance?

thanks

[Seaworld]

I have a ballast system installed on my 197. I took two jabsco pumps and plumbed quick connect hoses on both sides in the gunwale. They are both controlled by switches at the helm. It is easier i you buy the entire wiring harness from Mastercraft, but I have wired them from scratch before on my other boats. It takes about 1500 lbs to make the 197 a decent wakeboard boat. Two 750s on each side of the box it about as good as you will get. You could also go with a fat seat in the rear, but you would need to add about 150-200 lbs of lead in the bow to make that work. If you add too much weight to the rear of the 197 it will not plane out. Best of luck. Shoot me an email to info@tuckerphotography.com if you have any other questions. I have installed several of these systems and can tell you were to get all of your parts.

[lettmeknow]

So sad, way to ruin a 197 :mad:

[Seaworld]

The 197 just happens to be one of the best 5 event boats there are. Why not have a boat that can slalom, trick, jump, barefoot, and wakeboard. There is no better way to start the morning. Ski into 38off do a little backwards barefooting and a few raleys then after lunch take a jump set. I don't see how a little ballast can somehow ruin a 197. Just my 2 cents.

[KnoxX2]

Well put Seaworld! Its your boat do what you want to it!

bhilll708- Call Fly High and talk to them. They are very helpful and know how to set up each boat. I called them when I installed my ballast and they told me exactly what I needed. 1 thing to watch out for in the 197 is that the bow sits low and can take on water very easy. Give them a call and tell them what you want to do with your boat and they will inform you of exactly what you need. Phone # 1-877-685-6270, x-8 or direct 1-863-268-0111

[Thrall]

So sad, way to ruin a 197 :mad:

So sad, way to ruin a good informative thread :mad:

hahaha

[corey]

If you are going to plumb everything in I would go with a bigger bag than the standard X-7 one. We ran about 700lbs in a 197 this summer and it was quite a bit better than the stock 350-400lber. You will need to put the rear seat up (or take it out) to fit this size of bag. The bigger bag is great for surfing too. We added another 350lbs on the port side to really beef up the surf wake but I think the 700 would get the job done.

[corey]

Heres a wake pic with about 800lbs in the back of a 197. Only two people in the boat both in front of the motor. Speed is about 22-23mph.

[DemolitionMan]

Does anyone have some pictures of there 197 ballast system that they have put together?

[CantRepeat]

How are you going to wire up the pumps.

I've been dissecting the wiring and switch system on my 06 and adding in a 4th set of relays, thermal breaker, and switch for the 4th pump. I pick up the sealed relays and Delphi connectors as well as the $200 Delphi pliers to do the wiring on it(they are metri packs). I also TIGed up a box to hold the new relays too. Once I've got the wiring done I'll post up the parts list and wiring schematic.

[197 TT]

I don't have any pictures yet, but I just installed a Johnson pump & switch my 197. I bought everything through Wakemakers and Jason was very helpful. I actually have a rear Fat Seat and then a Tube Sac wrapper around up front of the bow under the seats. One pump T's and fills/empties both sacs. One vent, one discharge in the factory locations. I've used it twice and it works great. Don't get too much weight out of the Tube Sac, may end up going with a custom longer one to get more weight up front, just haven't had time to play around yet. The install was easy. I was concerned about drilling the holes but it really is straight forward. The switch/pump came with a wiring diagram that was easy as well. I tapped into the positive and negative right under the dash, went straight to the switch and then back to the pump. Definitely worth the time and money. Let me know if you have any questions...