Best ballast setup for a 2016 230 for surfing?

[NPerdue]

We had a 2013 230 that we had pulled the stock rear hard tanks out, added 910 bags to each rear corner and piggybacked a 650# bow sack in. That boat produced a very respectable wave on either side. We just bought a 2016 and I'm having a hard time figuring the weight distribution out on this one. Just ordered custom 800# bags to replace the 400# pro ballast bags. Seems like almost any weight in the front of the boat destroys the height of the surf wave. Thought about adding some lead bags around the rear of the boat but haven't made a decision on that. And I would rather not lose my rear compartments under the seats with any more ballast bags. Help? Really bummed that I'm not able to make the same wave I did on the 2013.


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[seveet]

The main problem you are suffering from is the lack of the rear ballast up grade. The 800's should help out tremendously.
Make sure you fill everything through the ballast screen. Run the back pumps until you see water spitting out the vents. If you have an IBS, I only run this pump until the ballast screen reads 2100 pounds. I may add more later, but this is the starting point. I tend to add to the IBS as needed to keep the nose low enough to see without the bluster.

Current set ups:

Port: All full. Then drop the starboard side rear down 150-200 pounds. Hydrogate to 2 helps clean up the lip. NSS 3. Speed 10.8- 11.2 depending on number of people in the boat, wind direction. Enough IBS to keep good forward visibility. This is a more surf oriented wave, but still good for spins. To make it more skim oriented drop the sped and NSS.

Starboard: same set up just don't drop the weight on the starboard side. Also, may not need the hydrogate.

If I have a small crew, I will throw an extra 400 pound bag on the floor running along the surf side.

[NPerdue]

Were the earlier model 230s better surf boats? We bought this thinking we were actually upgrading to an even better surf boat. I thought when they upgraded the hull in 2014 it was for better surfing but all I can see is that it added more depth to the rear of the hull.


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[charlesml3]

And I would rather not lose my rear compartments under the seats with any more ballast bags. Help? Really bummed that I'm not able to make the same wave I did on the 2013.


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Here's a summary thread that covers a LOT of information I collated : https://www.planetnautique.com/vb5/f...summary-thread

[markj]

Don't get discouraged. You can easily have this wake with the touch of your dash buttons.

[markj]

^^^That guy is 6'-3" FWIW.

[NPerdue]

^^^That guy is 6'-3" FWIW.

What year boat and what weight do you have where? Thanks


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[markj]

2015 230. 2014-current is all the same as you already know.

[markj]

Custom wakemakers bags in front and rear. All concealed. 400 lbs of leadwake bags throughout for fine tuning. Usually 6-7 people. Total ballast including lead is 3750lbs+people. Press the buttons and go. If it's a small group (1-2), I add an 1100 lb bag in the cabin for fun and work on new tricks. Some people here will tell you that you don't need that much. I'm betting those are the people that haven't ever dialed their boat in with bigger weight. I will warn you though. Once you've learned how to dial in a heavyweight wave, it's gonna be hard to go back. So easy to get spoiled.

I used to be pretty content with 2500 lbs in my 2005 SAN 210. That was fun, but this? This is pretty close to perfect.

[markj]

Just reread your comment on adding front weight. I had that same fear too until I added a lot of weight to the rears. With the 800's you're adding to the rears, you're gonna want a front bag too unless you don't mind a short wave and having to use the bolster. Or I guess you can make people go to the bow, but why?

[markj]

Oh, also, in 150 hours since new, I have never once taken water over the bow when it was full and my wife is driving half of that time.

[lakeeriemonster]

Hey markj, how much weight do you get with the IBS? We upgraded ballast in rear lockers and have been running 200 pounds of lead in port lockers. This has helped tremendously but I want to lengthen the wave.

Finally got around to ordering another 200 which I'm planning on placing in the bow as far forward as I can - we don't usually have too many people up there anyway when surfing.
This is an easier first step than an IBS although it's an option...

This will get us to 3300 pounds of ballast when all full

[markj]

290 lbs. here's the drawing in case anyone needs it.

[markj]

I don't think I would change a thing about the dimensions. It fits very well without bulging the bow seats like the generic ones can or will do. I spent a fair amount of time taking measurements. I don't need/use the hole on the port side. The fill/drain hole is the bottom rear starboard hole. Rear starboard top goes to the vent through hard 90 degree fitting. Front/bow hole is for burping if it's ever needed.

[surfnjosh]

Is the space under the front bow cushions smaller in the 14s-up than the previous years? In my 12 the generic fly high 650lb v sac fits almost perfectly, completely filled it just slightly lifts the front cushion. I couldn't imagine not having that bow weight, it cleans and lengthens the wave big time.

Markj that wave looks great.