Need ballast help

[Kyle Phillips]

anyone know of a reasonably priced balast system for the AR195? And where would be the best place to put it for wakeboarding? Thanks!

 

[Julian]

I bought Aerial ballast bags as a cheap way to get into the sport and they've worked fine. I'm sure some other bags might be better...but this is a way to go less expensive if you want to check it out:

https://www.aerialwakeboarding.com/wake-boat-ballast-bag-p/bb-aer550.htm

They make a 550 and a 350 version....the link above is to the 550lb

 

[Kyle Phillips]

Awesome thanks! What are you using to fill them? Is there a pump kit?

 

[OptiLee]

Following for pump idea

 

[jcyamaharider]

An attwood over the side pump. You can buy them at Wakemakers.com

https://www.wakemakers.com/wakeboard-ballast-pumps

 

[Blenderhead]

I second @jcyamaharider endorsement of the Attwood pump. In the absence of onboard installed pumps and ballast, this thing works very well. A little bit of a pain sometimes getting the pump to prime while filling as the boat is moving but otherwise awesome. Also pick up a power cable extension... It will save you a lot of cursing as a result. https://www.wakemakers.com/fly-high-tsunami-pump.html

 

[jcyamaharider]

Also do yourself a favor and get the quick connect fittings.

 

[OptiLee]

Would this be that pump?

https://www.bzbproducts.com/attwood-marine-4660-7-tsunami-cartridge-aerator-pump-attwood-marine.html

 

[jcyamaharider]

It is but it is cheaper on Wakemakers.

https://www.wakemakers.com/attwood-tsunami-ballast-pump-1200.html

 

[OptiLee]

Whoa, How'd you find that? I just did a simple google search. What are the quick connect fillings you recommended as well?

Thanks, btw

 

[jcyamaharider]

These go on the end of the pump. This specific one has a check valve so water doesn't come into the boat. You might have to reduce down to the correct thread size. You will also need about 15ft of hose.

https://www.wakemakers.com/fly-high-tsunami-pump-hose-extension.html

https://www.wakemakers.com/fly-high-pro-x-series-fitting-w744.html

Or just use the old fashioned ones.

https://www.wakemakers.com/fly-high-pro-x-series-fitting-w734.html

Depending on what type of bags you get:

https://www.wakemakers.com/perfect-union-conversion.html

https://www.wakemakers.com/launch-pad-fly-high-tsunami-pump-conversion.html

https://www.wakemakers.com/fly-high-pro-x-series-fitting-w730.html

 

[OptiLee]

Thanks! I need to just piece it all together!!

 

[John Mcpartland]

+1 on 15ft of hose. I went ahead and ordered 18 ft the 9ft that comes with the pumps is not enough

 

[OptiLee]

So I got the Atwood pump, but does anyone have a recommendation for a 12v cigarette adapter to hook up for it? The wires are too short to just hook up to a lighter, I believe I need one with extended wires on it. Any insight?

Thanks again for all your help!

 

[jcyamaharider]

So I got the Atwood pump, but does anyone have a recommendation for a 12v cigarette adapter to hook up for it? The wires are too short to just hook up to a lighter, I believe I need one with extended wires on it. Any insight?
Thanks again for all your help!

Just splice in about 15 more foot of wire. That's what I did. Just make sure to make your connections water proof.

 

[OptiLee]

Just splice in about 15 more foot of wire. That's what I did. Just make sure to make your connections water proof.

Forgive my ignorance, but how did you verify it was water proof? I was thinking about splicing it, yes - and then wrapping it with electrical tape but then second thought that wouldn't be water proof. Trying to prepare for the season...wah wah lol

Thanks again!

 

[jcyamaharider]

I watched this video and then put my own spin on it, I spliced the 2 wire ends together by soldering them together and then put some dielectric grease and heat shrink tubing over the connection. I then used liquid electrical tape over the entire connection.

 

[OptiLee]

OK, so I want totally off with electrical tape. I didn’t know they made liquid! Awesome, thanks for the video and al the advice. I’ve got to order my cigarette adapter first but then I’ll tackle this. Thanks again!