Ballast install question

[Chexi]

On a 2000 SAN with factory ballast, are the hard tanks relatively easy to remove (without cutting them up), or are they a royal PITA to remove like they were on my 99 Air? It looks like there is no gas tank in the way on the SAN like there was with the Air.

[WakeSlayer]

My starboard was easy, but my port tank required the sawzall. I am sure there is a way to do it, but I did not care to save my tanks, so gave up and broke out the big guns. Not sure if the 502 had anything to do with that, other than seriously limiting the room I had to work with.
This is the basis for me always stating to "cut them out" when guys are hemming and hawing about changing out ballast systems in the older boats.

[Chexi]

Guess I start with the tough side then and see what happens. No need to lolligag around on getting the other side out gingerly if I end up cutting the other one.

The only reason I ask is because the buyer of my Air wants the hard tanks (which are still intact... and getting them out was a royal PITA, but now I'm glad I did). I know that normally no one wants the hard tanks after they come out, but for resale purposes, they might be important, depending on the buyer.

[bchesley]

What SAN did you buy? I noticed in thread the other day that you needed a trailer too?

Keep the tanks for the exact reason you did your others. You never know if the buyer would want them when and if you sell the boat. I am keeping mine.

Brad

[Chexi]

This one. Snagged it in Oklahoma. Needs some goodies added though.

It came on this trailer, which I believe is a 2011 23' trailer, which is why it appears big. It's a Roadrunner, and Roadrunner has agreed to make it fit the boat as best they can for a pretty reasonable sum. I am wondering whether I should try to sell it and buy a smaller trailer. I should be able to come out ahead by doing so, but I'd hate to sell it and then have no trailer! I would also hate to be stuck with two... hence the dilemma.

[bchesley]

I like it!! It looks really clean. Did the previous owner not get a trailer with the boat orginally? There are tons of doctors on my lake that used to order boats minus a trailer. I don't think that I could do that because I like to travel with the boat.

So what upgrades are you planning?

[Chexi]

I bought it from a used boat dealer in OK City. It came in on a crappy aluminum trailer that fit the boat better, but was much older, looked like it needed a full bearing repack, and was probably worth about $1k on its best day. They had this trailer, which was in way better shape, was less than 1 year old, etc., just a little big. This is probably a $4k trailer (more new). I had the option of taking either one (no price change), so I took the one that was worth more.

Here is what I plan on doing.

1. Upgrade gauges to Faria analog gauges
2. Add PP Wakeboard Pro (with a GPS module)
3. Add 3 bag ballast system with Johnson ultra ballast pumps
4. Add bimini (came with a crappy diy bimini that I might temporarily salvage and use)
5. Add guide rail pads to trailer
6. Get trailer adjusted for boat, with pin stripes and logos changed to match colors of boat (same for bunks)
7. I'm porting over from my 99 the tower speakers, amps, WS-420 EQ, and subs (though I have to build a new box)
8. I'm porting over 2 wake racks (getting powder coated black)
9. At some point in the future (probably next year) adding Fresh Air Exhaust
10. Window tint at some point
11. Add 2nd battery and switch
12. Upgrade alternator

I have Already re-teaked the platform.

I think that is everything. *whew*