How much ballast do I need for wakeboarding ?

Your ballast-improved wakeboarding future is not reliant on a deck of tarot cards. The right amount of weight entirely depends on your boat. The infinite combinations of boat makes, models, upgrades, what you're riding, and desired outcome can feel like a fortune-telling nightmare. Thankfully, we have exactly the resources you need. Start with our Ballast 101 article to get your baseline on the right amount of ballast. Still not sure? Contact us. Our Product Advisors are experienced, knowledgeable, and do not rely on crystal balls.

What type of ballast should I use?

There are three main weight types for ballast on the market: lead, water, and sand. All which impact boat stability differently. Sand is the least ideal, as is takes up more space on your boat and weighs the least and can get messy. Lead is a good option for adding small pouches that can be hidden around the boat. Lead is heavy, will not sway, takes no time unless you are taking them in and out of the boat each time you go out, and can be easily moved throughout the boat. Water is our favorite for it's advantages: it can be easily and quickly filled and adjusted for a great wake, you have an endless supply as you are out on the water, and at the end of the day it can easily drained for more efficient trailering. Water ballast bags can be completely customized to fit your compartments and once emptied allow more room for storage in said compartments when you finish your lake day.

Where should ballast bags be placed?

"Lesson in ballast bags: anytime you add weight to your boat, whether in the form of friends, gas, or ballast bags, your boat will sit lower in the water. This is good: the hull is displacing more water, resulting in a larger wake behind the boat. Where you put the ballast, or your friends for that matter, is irrelevant if you're simply looking to increase the size of the wake. More weight = larger wake.
Say you're trying to change the shape of your wake. This is when you need to consider where you place your bags based on whether you plan to wakeboard or surf behind your boat. Wake shape is completely dependent upon where the weight is placed. In general, if you prefer wakeboarding, start with an evenly weighted boat. If you add 400lbs to the back, you should also add 400lbs to the front. If wakesurfing is your jam, you need more weight in the back. If you do not have a wakesurf device or surf system, start with adding weight in the rear corner of the boat on the side you will be surfing on and then adjust as needed.
For homework, we recommend reading our guide for in-depth review of weight placement. Class dismissed."

How does ballast bag placement impact wave shape?

Weight in the rear of the boat will result in a more vertical wake, with a shorter and steeper face. Too much weight in the rear can cause the wake to “roll” or “crumble” over on itself. Moving more weight towards the bow of the boat will make a more mellow wake, with a longer transition from the trough at the bottom to the lip of the wake. But you can over do it and cause the wave to lose push. Every boat will have a different configuration for the right size and shape for you.

How much ballast is enough?

The answer is always n+1, of course. If you have a factory bag or some ballast bag but want to improve your wake, it is possible to add a piggyback upgrade or add bags in areas where there are none. If you are trying to determine what that number is we recommend inviting a boat load of friends out and then start moving them around to see how that changes the wave and where to add that weight later on in ballast form.