How much ballast is to much?

[RMUDBUGS]

2001 ProStar 205 DD

For surfing I put a 900# bag in the back, 2 350# bags stacked on top of each other on the surf side, and a 350# bag in the ski locker. That's 1950#'s. I need so weight up front so I'm thinking of moving one 350# bag up front, moving the other to the non surf side, and adding a 750# or 900# bag to the surf side. That's 2700#'s to 2850#'s. Any ideas or thoughts?

[mitchelmilitiapres]

Sounds like you're going to be throwing an epic surf wake.

I'd just watch taking water over the nose considering you're going to have so much weight in the boat. I think the second idea with more weight would probably be a little better and prevent the drastic lean of having all the weight on one side of the boat.

[RMUDBUGS]

Last weekend I removed the backseat structure and sun pad so I can move the rear weight farther back and have more cabin room. I'm always careful when driving with that much weight in the boat. She is throwing a decent wake now but it needs to be bigger for me (I'm 250#'s). I will surf without the rope this year or sink the boat trying.

[ricford]

Not sure where the vent for the gas tank is on that boat, but don't let it get submerged, you could suck water into the gas tank.

[RMUDBUGS]

No vent on the left side (side we surf the most), gas cap on the right side, and two vents in the center/middle (at least one is a vent for the blower).

[mitchelmilitiapres]

Originally Posted by RMUDBUGS

(I'm 250#'s). I will surf without the rope this year or sink the boat trying.

LMAO!

It's all about controling your center of gravity and keeping pressure on your toes or heels depending on which way you surf. I'm in the same boat (no pun intended) in the extra mass category and I can surf behind just about anything. But making the wake longer as opposed to taller helps. (evenly distribute your weight throughout the surf side) In doing so you elongate the sweet spot and makes it easier to learn.

[CumberlandXstar]

A great surf board will go a long way in helping a bigger person surf. If you have a shop local ask them to demo some surf boards at once and you can get a back to back comparision and find one that works best for you.

[gatorguy]

We surf with no problem on our 97 205 with 2 750# bags. The sit like and "L" in the back against the transom and surf side. I'm 200# and I can easily surf with one of my 50# kids on my shoulders. (see picture http://mastercraft.com/teamtalk/show...=25710&page=29)

I think a little more weight up front would help me though. I cant afford any more in the rear though, because the water is only about 2" from the rub rail as it is.

[RMUDBUGS]

Our local shop only carries CWB boards. I'm using a Hyperlite Broadcast now and would like a big more boyant board, but can't afford a $400+ board right now. Any suggestions on a cheapper board for a big guy.

[RMUDBUGS]

Pic after removing rear seat structure.