Anyone adding weight to a Paragon?

[FOB1SAN]

G25 to be specific. Just wondering if anyone is adding weight. I have a bunch of lead bags from my old boat about to take delivery of the P25. Wondering if anyone is adding weight, if so how much and where? Thanks

[greggmck]

It will depend upon the type of riding you do and the size of your regular crew. The P25 and P23 share the same ballast configuration. With greater hull surface area the P25 needs more weight than the P23 to sink the hull.

If you ride skim, you probably don't want to add weight, especially if you have a regular crew of at least 5-6 people (the reason most buy the 25 over the 23). If you add too much weight you will most likely have to run the wave at a lower setting to achieve a balanced well shaped wave.

On the other hand if you ride surf style and have a small crew you may want to add 600 to 800 lbs. In my P23 we regular train with my wife and two kids. We only ride surf style so we added 400 lbs. 250 lbs port side, 150 starboard side both in flip up rear seats just behind the tower. We experimented with up to 900 lbs, but too much weight made the wave too steep. Weight in the bow made the wave too soft. 400lbs was perfect. When we run with a large crew I have to reduce rear ballast to 70% to 90% depending upon crew size because the extra weight causes the wave to become too steep.

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[FOB1SAN]

Thanks Greg.

[shag]

Just an observation, but if I had just spent a quarter million on a boat, then had to turn around and add weight to make the wake better, I would be a little unhappy.... Maybe it's just me.

[bturner]

Just an observation, but if I had just spent a quarter million on a boat, then had to turn around and add weight to make the wake better, I would be a little unhappy.... Maybe it's just me.

I was honestly thinking the same thing. I mean geez these things are absolute monsters to start with.

[FOB1SAN]

I remember thinking when I had an 18 G25 it was the best. Then I got a 19 with added weight, and I couldn’t believe it could get better. Then I got a 2021 G25 and was amazed, then I added some weight to the G25 and it was absolutely mind blowing. So trust me, it always gets better! No different then buying an expensive race car and making it go faster, or putting a better sound system in it. It just gets better.

I have a bunch of lead bags from my old boat, just wanted to know how much if any, anyone is adding.

[GMLIII]

Just an observation, but if I had just spent a quarter million on a boat, then had to turn around and add weight to make the wake better, I would be a little unhappy.... Maybe it's just me.

I'm with you on your opinion but all these surf boats require extra weight to get the wave just right regardless of price points. Although I didn't pay 1/4 Mil for a Paragon, my 2017 G23 which I paid +/-$150,000.00 requires 800 lbs of lead for the ideal wave which I never remove from the boat. Yes PITA and mind boggling to think about it but required unfortunately.

[greggmck]

Just an observation, but if I had just spent a quarter million on a boat, then had to turn around and add weight to make the wake better, I would be a little unhappy.... Maybe it's just me.

That is an understandable reaction but one that ignores the practical physics of the issue. All boats have a certified weight limit for safe operation. All boats have a maximum number of persons limit too. Clearly the wave on ANY surf boat will change when the boat has two people vs.16 onboard? If the wave is better with more people onboard would it not make sense to add weight to achieve that improved wave if you only operate with two or three onboard? How would any manufacture solve this problem? Add so much ballast that with two people onboard the wave is a powerful as with 16 people? Then when some dope fills the ballast and has 16 people onboard the boat swamps and everyone drowns?