What to get, Tower Speakers or Ballast?

[gth777t]

Hey guys,

I've been looking on this forum for probably six months now with very few posts, but I decided I'd reach out to you guys for some advice. I just bought a 2001 SAN back in November and I haven't had a chance to ride behind it yet. I've been looking on here all winter and have so many things I want to do as far as upgrades and projects, but I only have so much I can spend right now.

I want to install an automatic ballast system eventually, and also a new stereo system including tower speakers, new inboat speakers, a sub, and a WS420. Obviously this is all costly and I only have so much I can spend right now.

I ended up buying a used PRO485 thinking I could start with this as far as my upgrades go. But I still need an amp and wiring, maybe a battery and so on. I figure just this will cost me $800-$900 at least. I did this because in order to do the ballast system I want all at once it would be ~$2000. But now I'm thinking I might sell the tower speaker and by some of the ballast components I want (just bags) and a Tsunami pump and just fill them manually for the next year or two.

So my question now is what would you guys rather have? The sound system or the extra weight?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

Will

[seth]

Decisions Decisions!!

Ultimately you gotta make the final decision. What are you into more, riding a big wake or listening to loud tunes? What level rider are you? The SAN has a pretty killer wake with no weight in it at all.

Im personally all about the wake, and went with the ballast system first. Best money ive spent on my boat so far. I did that about a year ago. I just got done with a pretty simple sound system. New interior speakers, a 12in sub and new deck, and amps. I could care less about tower speakers, and dont have or really want them. My stereo bumps good enough for me, and im done with projects for now. Well except for the 100amp alternator im thinking about buying!

[gth777t]

I'm a novice/intermediate rider. I've been riding for a while, but this is the first wakeboard boat that I have owned. Before it was a 1990 Ski Nautique with some weight in it (it is for sale by the way). I think i'm leaning towards the ballast now because I really think it will help me progress more. I know technique matters more, but more airtime can't hurt. I just think the idea of listening to music while riding would be cool too. I've never been able to do that before, and I feel like it would be motivating to a certain extent.

I want to do a ballast system pretty much exactly like yours seth. I'm definitely looking forward to the day when I can fill up 2k lb plus by the flip of a switch.

[WakeSlayer]

You could easily install a basic impeller pump system with two 750's for about $500. One pump, a T, some hose, wire, and two bags. Use the existing intake and just wire the the switch in the engine compartment. Easy stuff. Get a 400# tube sac and a Tsunami for the belly. Then once you have the dough, install your ideal system.

[JWAT]

As mentioned above, you have to make the final decision on what is more important to you. For me, the reason I get a boat is to WAKEBOARD. So, the first upgrade to every single one of my boats has been ballast. I just add everything else down the road as I get the funds.

[gth777t]

I agree JWAT. I think I am going to do some ballast first and worry about the stereo later. I am so ready to ride this year, should have started already but I haven't. I just graduated from college and I have this pesky full time job (which I am actually stoked to have), but it does take up a lot of the free time I enjoyed in college. I'm gonna buy some bags and a tsunami pump for now and then just add on down the road. I plan on having this boat for a long time so I will have it the way I want it eventually. Thanks guys.