Replacing Hard Tanks with Sacs

[tvlaz]

I've done a quick search on the forums to find any details on owners removing their hard tanks (05 SANTE) and replacing with ballast bags. Not much out there specific to this (lots out there about running bags on top of the existing wedge tanks). I'm sure there's someone out there that's running such a setup.

Is this project worth it? Or am I'm looking towards one great big headache? The obvious advantage would be more storage space with empty bags and a bit more weight than the stock tanks fully loaded, but what are the cons? Is filling and emptying a challenge? Will the bags shift and slide around when maneuvering? Am I going to loose the use of my ballast fill gauges? Anything else unforeseen?
I'm fairly happy with my wake running full factory, but would like to explore the possibilities.

http://www.boardstop.com/product_inf...oducts_id=1067

Any advice/suggestions are appreciated.

[Sinkoumn]

RE: Replacing Hard Tanks with Sacs

The bags can be a pain in the arse, usually filling/emptying goes well, but the lines seem to come loose more often (spitting water into the locker), and they do turn a little bit after a little use - the turning isn't that big of a deal, it's just a pain if the bag twists, fills, and then it pinches off the feeding line (either popping it off or slowing fill).

You will also loose the function of your gauges. If you do plan to go ahead with the install, would you be willing to sell the senders and gauges that are on the hard tanks? I'd be interested in them both.

[sperbet]

My friend pulled the tanks on his 01 SAN. You will lose ballast guages. He also replaced his pumps with Ballast Puppies. The loss of the ballast guages isn't a big deal if you vent the bags. Once they're full they just spit out the side like the stock tanks so you will know when they're full. IMO, pulling the tanks is the way to go.

[Flux]

The tanks are great if you only want to ever run stock ballast. Once you make the decision to sack out your boat, you will want to pull that the tanks for sure.

I will suggest the Pro-X series stuff. They have all the fittings you need to make an easy install. I got the big ones, the 750 lb, 20x20x50. and like sperbert said, they will start venting when full. I figure we fill the compartment with about 500-550 lbs a side. We then put about a 400 # sac in the bow and fill the stock belly tank. Also keep about 100 lbs on the floor to pull around and balance the wake.

You won't have gauges, but you won't need em. You also get your storage back and there is still plenty of room on top of the full sacks for vests and wetsuits.


Best upgrade we ever did. Don't the 05's have reversible pumps?? My 02 has aerator types. The reversibles will work fine and you will only need to have one hose plus the vent.

[tvlaz]

Thanks for everyone's input on this. Under careful consideration this is still under..um...careful consideration.

Last question pertaining to after market ballast improvements....is the single best solution for improving a SANTE's wake adding a bow sac?
If so, is there a weight value that I should begin consideration? IE...will only adding a couple 50-75 lb blocks (water bags) be a waste of time and effort? I would prefer to put something underneath my bow cushions but if that's not going to improve wake and plane time...would probably go the way of a full bow sac.

Thanks for everyone's replies!!!

[sperbet]

I would consider the pro-x integrated bow sac and a little lead. In my SS and my friend's SAN we both run similar setups to what Flux stated above. I would say we both most likely run 4-500 #s in the bow.

It's not the one, single thing that is going to help with the wake, but once you start adding more rear weight you need to counter it with front weight.

Good luck, you're about to unleash the beast. :mrgreen:

[Sinkoumn]

Let me know if you plan on pulling the tanks, I'll buy your gauges and senders for sure (only if you're willing to sell them that is).

[sperbet]

If you go through with the conversion I'd recommend keeping all of the stock parts in case you do want to sell the boat down the road.

[wake_fun]

Buy the Fly High Pro-X Series with all the quick disconnect fittings.

[Flux]

As a general rule, whatever weight you run above stock ballast in the rear, you will want to add to the bow.

Too much in the back and the boat will porpoise and the wake will be too vertical to have fun with. Bow weight mellows it back out and keeps the boat on plane.

Be prepared to drive it mellow, no hard turns, and let the wake go by after the rider falls and you dethrottle. I have put more than a few rollers over the nose when weighted down, but that's what bilge pumps are for!!

As sperbert said, you are going to really see what the boat is capable of as far as wake output.

[Sinkoumn]

^ adding to this; 60% rear, 40% front weight distribution is the rioughly the best way to go.

[tvlaz]

Thanks for everyone's input!

I think I'll experiment with some bow weight before I go for the hard tank replacement.

As always, this forum and its contributors are a wealth of knowledge.

Ted

[tvlaz]

Last, quick question...

Those of you running the "supplemental" ballast bags, lead, etc...are you also running the ACME 856 prop? Assuming most of you have the GT-40 in your SANs......

[MNSuperAir]

I am running the 856 with about 2000# of ballast. The 644 just couldn't get it on plane fast enough and the PP really seemed to operate better with the 856.

[tvlaz]

What top speed does the 856 limit you to when running empty? I'm not a speed demon by any means...but wondering about getting to my riding spot, ect.