1998 Super Sport Ballast Install

[bchesley]

Let me start this by saying thanks to some of you that have embarked on this journey as I have read all the threads that are posted. I am not usually one to try and reinvent the wheel so I have taken from you and from how the factory installs the ballast systems in the new boats. The following is what I am installing:

Ski Locker - Gravity Games bag 19"x19"x88" or 1000lbs
Rear Side Compartments - 42"x16"x16" or 400lbs Each

Each bag will have its own pump, below the water thru hull to fill and empty, and a thru hull above the water line for a vent that has an inline back flow preventer. Below is the parts that I chose for each of those:

Pump - Jabsco Ballast Puppy with Switch
Below Water Thru Hull - Buck Algonquin Bronze Thru Hull, Ball Valve, and hose barb
Above Water Thru Hull - T-H Marine Brite Plate Chrome 3/4 90s
Back Flow Preventer - Whale inline 3/4 back flow
Fill and Empty Hose - 1" Wire Reinforced Engine Water Hose
Vent Hose - Shields 141 3/4 HD bilge Hose

If you are wondering why I used the 3/4 fittings on the vent, I did so because I am hoping that feeding with a 1" hose and venting with a 3/4 it will make the bag swell to a maximum size from a positive pressure on the feed side. I will have to get back to you on wether it works or not. If anything I saved some money because the 3/4 stuff is cheaper.

I have started the install and am to the point that I need to mount the pumps. I am waiting for a piece of aluminum from the sheet metal shop so I am stuck until I get that. I will have more pictures of the install later in the week. I will go ahead and attach pictures of what i have done so far. For the record the first hole was hard, but it got easier as I went.

[bchesley]

Let me try this again.

One thing that i forgot is the Buck Algonquin bronze thru hulls are one off designed just for Correct Craft and your dealer is the only one that can get them.

[seth]

If you havent already ordered that GG ski locker sac, you might want to check out the custom sac from fly high. I ordered one that is the exact dimensions of my ski locker for the same price if not a little cheaper with fittings than that sac.

[bchesley]

I actually already have it. I got it off of Ebay for $75. It was a factory second with a blem in the logo. If I had not found it I was going the custom route.

[seth]

Good find! Im getting all the pieces together to do my install. Do you know which inlet on the ballast puppy routes to the water inlet? I know that you can flip the pump head to change it but I would rather know which way it comes from the factory, rather than setting up my whole system and finding out I have to flip the head when I try to fill up for the first time. Thanks

[WakeSlayer]

^^ Can't you just do that with the wiring ?

[sperbet]

^^^yep, just reverse the wiring to the switch

[bchesley]

I looked in the box at the wiring recomendations and they only refer to size not which color does what. The instruction sheet is lacking if you ask me. I hope to do some testing this weekend on the pumps and I will find out which way they go.

[seth]

I thought the same thing. They could have put it in the instructions or made a mark on water intake side.

[wake_fun]

Looks good!

[WakeSlayer]

I think the instructions were lacking a bit. I also think that they do not mark it because you decide based upon your install which is in, and which is out. Hook it up. I you want it the other way, switch the wires.

[skiking]

Looks great so far. Getting ready to do mine on my '99 Super Sport. I like the new bronze intakes, I will be using those for sure. Can't wait to see all the pics of the finished project!

[bchesley]

You and me both. I am still waiting on the sheet metal shop to get my aluminum sheet bent. I was hoping to have it by the end of the week so I could finish the install saturday. I am still hopeful.

[skiking]

Thanks for detailing and posting your project. People like yourself, wake_fun, and others that have posted their ballast projects help all of us doing the same!!

[Mr.O]

i got a question about your dividers beside the engine. i don't know if yours are the same as the ones on my 96 - they're only about 8 inches tall and leave the exhaust risers exposed which could get ugly if the sac decides to rest against the riser and burst due to the heat. making new taller dividers is easy enough, but i was wondering if you just leave them 'floating' at the most rear point. in the front theres a vertical bar the panels are bolted to, but in the back the only support is an L-bracket on the floor. i thought i saw a photo once of these same sacs expanding enough to put considerable pressure on the dividers.