Ballast Opinions

[mraz72]

I am going to get a 242 E series or a 242 X in the next week or so, my questions are

1. Do you think the integrated ballast is good enough? Seems like it might be just ok
2. If I add a ballast to the 242 limited E, is that just merely dropping bags in the storage areas when I want ballast and filling them with some pump? Very manual, but also has the flexibility of not taking up storage if I don't want it to.
3. what is the cost of a ballast system?

 

[bronze_10]

I know nothing of the systems.. by I am sure u can get a couple fat friends and a 6 back and ot would work... !!

 

[Mainah]

I am planning the system for my ls next year. By my measurements a 1180lb bag will max out the center locker but I am going to need two pumps just for the center so I don't grow old waiting for it to fill. 400 lb bags will max out the rear once I remove the shower kit. The cost for me appears to be $500 for the bags, $650 for 4 pumps, $120 for switches and wiring, and maybe $200 for plumbing. So call it $1,500 all in to leave a little rooom. If more ballast is needed I will have to go on top of the seats or swim platform.

If you are going to run the ballast pumps frequently I recommend negotiating big agm batteries into the deal whichever way you go. The dealer pays for and installs the batteries so that is what I did.

In my opinion the x is worth about 5k more than the e will all of the extra features and trimmings. Will the pumps and controls already in the x you can always swap out for bigger bags if there is room.

 

[mraz72]

@Mainah, I tend to agree with you, I am leaning towards the X because of the ballast and stereo. I know both of those aren't the best, but I don't know if I feel like installing a ballast and stereo. 5k might be worth me not having to deal with it.

I just wanted to know if the integrated ballast is good enough, seems it may leave something to be desired.

 

[MrWizard]

I know nothing of the systems.. by I am sure u can get a couple fat friends and a 6 back and ot would work... !!

That's what I do... Add a couple big coolers and you're set up for the day!

 

[Julian]

@Mainah, I tend to agree with you, I am leaning towards the X because of the ballast and stereo. I know both of those aren't the best, but I don't know if I feel like installing a ballast and stereo. 5k might be worth me not having to deal with it.

I just wanted to know if the integrated ballast is good enough, seems it may leave something to be desired.

This is why I bought the X....didn't want the hassle of doing it myself. I've used manual fill bags...and it is a PITA.

Is the 1400lbs good enough...not for excellent wake surfing...no. You will still want a wake wedge and probably another manually filled bag on the seat or stern.....or bring your 4 best friends for ballast!

 

[buckbuck]

 

[haknslash]

I agree with @Julian you can surf behind with just ballasts but you'll need a wedge or similar device if you want to get rid of all the extra jet wash the twins make.

 

[jcyamaharider]

The wedge and a 750 bag minimum.

 

[Bill D]

If I had an X boat, I would work with WakeMakers to custom build a bag big enough to fill the rear compartments, like @bobbie did. I bet you could get over 1,000lbs in each of the rear compartments on a 242. That and the ski locker bag should give you a solid wake. The best results I've seen on mine so far was with 800 on the port seat, 540 on the floor just aft of the head compartment door, and 540 on the rear platform. But until I get a wedge, I'm still surfing in circles...

 

[mraz72]

Thanks Bill, I will look into that.

For the wedge, am I reading that it can only be installed on one side and for an outing, everyone has to surf that side?

 

[jcyamaharider]

Unless you buy 2

 

[mraz72]

Can you drive the boat with 2 installed?

Actually, that was another question, if you want to surf and then go for a ride, can you drive normally with one installed?

 

[jcyamaharider]

Yes you can, but you can only have on one at a time. We put ours on a the beginning of the day and take it off when we pull the boat out of the water.