Bow balast in S/N model 2001?

[Bluesman]

We have a 1982 Ski Nautique model 2001. It has a tower and side sacks. Yesterday we were on the water with seven adults on the boat. Given the weight of all those people and the two water bladders, the boat was throwing an extremely impressive wake.

The only downside was that the bow was riding high to the extent that it was difficult to see while driving the boat. I was thinking of putting some weight in the bow to bring it down. I know a local company custom-builds water bladders for closed bow boats.

My question is whether anybody knows what bow weight will do to the size and shape of the wake?

[Cabin]

In a 85 we run 2 Sacks On the side. One in the back and 300lbs of sand up front. The wake is very nice

[Bluesman]

What does the effect of the 300 lbs of sand do when trailering? It would seem to me that it would be better to have a balast which could be drained when trailering, just to keep down the tongue weight of the trailer. Please let me know if it causes any problem.

[FixerOstuff]

Adding weight in bow

I don't think bow ballast is a good idea in your boat. There is a limited amount of floatation in the front of your boat, mainly because the seating postition is very forward in that model. If you add weight up there you might find yourself dunking the nose alot on slow rollers or where you are turning around to a downed boarder. Weight up front typically makes the wake more rampy or longer from the trough to the peak. Weight in the middle usually makes it harder, and weight in the back makes it more peaky with a lip. Adding any weight to your boat makes it bigger.

Brice :wink: