Thoughts on ballast

[BlackMagic205]

New to the forum, but have been lurking for a couple weeks. I recently ordered some ballast bags for my 2000 Prostar 205 from wakemakers.
Here is the list: Integrated bow sack (110 lbs approx. )
Center locker sack (370 lbs approx.)
Rear seat sack (580 lbs approx.)

Will be mostly wakeboarding and surfing with this set up. Everyone is a beginner. I am wondering what the thoughts are with where I am starting? The boat needs to retain ski-ability as well.

Thanks in advance to all who reply.

[wheelerd]

(Here I am again. And by the way, welcome to TT. I see you have a couple of new posts. Is your 205 new to you?)

I have the same hull as you. What you have sounds like a good start for wakeboarding but I would recommend a bag for the rear locker on the side you plan to surf on. My boat has the built in ballast and I'm planning to remove the rear port hard tanks (about 350 lbs) and replace with a 750 lb sac.

[BlackMagic205]

I've had my 205 for 2 years now. Put 15 hours on the first year and only 3 last (kids and summer sports other than water!).
Thought about something in the rear locker that I could move from 1 side to the other. Is there some kind of sack to fit the bill?
This boat never had any factory ballast. Is yours a v-drive?

[02ProstarSammyD]

^
http://www.bartswatersports.com/cata...rick/index.asp

not sure if its too deep but works great for moveable weight

[wheelerd]

Originally Posted by BlackMagic205

Thought about something in the rear locker that I could move from 1 side to the other. Is there some kind of sack to fit the bill?
This boat never had any factory ballast. Is yours a v-drive?

My bad. Yes, mine's a V drive. I just realized your boat is a 205 and not a 205V, so of course you don't have the rear lockers like mine. You do have the storage compartment behind the rear seat though, yes? My '01 X5 had a full-width 300 lb bag in there. Perhaps something there would work for you.

Are you planning to plumb in a water intake and pump system or . . . ?

[BlackMagic205]

There is a storage locker that I was planning to use behind the rear seat. The fat sac may fit, I think I'm going to see what my local plastic tank manufacturer can rig me up with keeping in mind the need to fill and empty quickly.
At this time I am going to stay away from permanent plumbing. I would like to stay with the flexibility of moving stuff around and not drilling holes in my boat ( spooks me!).

[wheelerd]

I hear you on drilling holes in something that is meant to float.

There are a couple of active threads right now -- you may have seen them -- about installing ballast through-fittings that you may want to bookmark for future reference in case you ever decide to go that route.

I have a wakeplate that I will be installing in the spring so I'll be doing quite a bit of drilling in the transom below the waterline.