Opinions/Options for extra ballast on 230

[lion90]

Last week I plumbed in the integrated bow sac and two 750lb bags in the rear lockers. They do fit and will fill up pretty much completely however I don't see myself doing that for wakeboarding.... however for surfing, a definite possibility. According to the dimensions, they technically don't fit but these bags expand outside those dimensions and will fill the space provided.

[n3]

IMO - The 230 has the best wake with a 50/50 weight distribution. Bonus if you can spread the some weight to the center of the boat, bodies are great for that.

As far as plumbing more ballast in the nose, call BFI and order the custom "Arrow Fat Sac" that N3 always orders (or call us we have some in stock). The bag is the shape of the ski locker with a tail that comes into the "u" of the bow tank and can be piggy backed and filled from the bow tank and then overflow into the integrated. We estimate conservatively 500#'s. Add that to the integrated bow sac est. 400#'s, and bow tank's 400#'s and you have 1,300#'s of nose weight. Add to either the piggy back system of 1,300#'s or removing the tanks and getting 1,500#'s and the wake will be SWeeeeT! Depending on the number of people and where they are sitting an additional 400-500#'s in the walkway really keeps the nose down and the curling off the wake. The more weight you run the faster you need to go.

Luke and I plumbed in JD's Chocolate/Mint 230 last fall with the above setup and then he adds the rest of the weight to it (scary).

230 is an awesome boat that loves more weight.

Bye bye,
Mark @ N3

[lion90]

What size PVC pipe do people stick into the ballast bags to prevent them from collapsing completely and not allowing air flow (which can collapse the hard tanks). With the 750lb bags in back, that never seems to happen since they are so big and never completely collapse. However with the front bow sac, it can happen so I watch it and make sure it stays open and free flowing.

I swear I read 1" PVC but I know that can't work as the holes are 3/4" pipe threads thus nothing larger than a 3/4" OD tube will fit in there (and that would be tight).

[n3]

I think rivercowboy put in a complete bypass T hose on his gas tank bag so it wouldn't collapse the bow tank. If you cut the hoses short so they are pulling the bag apart and open it will not vacuum shut and cause the collapse.

Mark @ N3