The WakeMAKERS exclusive PiggyBack Factory Ballast Upgrade integrates WakeMAKERS FIT series ballast bags above the factory hard tanks to dramatically increase the overall capacity and produce a much improved wake.
WakeMAKERS exclusive Factory Ballast Upgrade Kits are built and designed to unleash your Malibu's full potential. It takes more than the factory ballast in your Malibu to achieve the wake you've always desired. After all, a better wake is proven to make for a more enjoyable wakesurfing and wakeboarding experience.
Our aftermarket ballast solutions increase the overall capacity of your Malibu boat's factory ballast system for improved performance while keeping the convenience of controlling all ballast with the switches at your dash. The ballast bags included in your Factory Ballast Upgrade are integrated into your boat's existing ballast system for automated filling/draining.
This upgrade kit "piggybacks" the included WakeMAKERS FIT Series ballast bags that are placed in the rear lockers to the factory hard tanks below. Drastically increasing the overall capacity of the ballast system in your Malibu will help to further displace the boat's hull in the water and make a more sizeable wake.
Now an updated version, the Malibu PiggyBack Factory Ballast Upgrade has been completely re-engineered by the WakeMAKERS ballast experts for more efficient flow of water and ensuring the factory hard tank completely fills. This updated design fills and drains the ballast bags quicker than the previous version.
Every WakeMAKERS Factory Ballast Upgrade is designed to be a user-friendly DIY install that can be completed in your garage over the course of an afternoon. Don't want to do a self-install and would rather take your boat to a professional? These upgrades can be completed by your local WakeMAKERS certified boat service center.
What's Included: Each WakeMAKERS Factory Ballast Upgrade includes the best fitting ballast bag(s) for your year, make, and model boat along with all the needed ballast hose and hardware to integrate into your boat's factory ballast system.
Bigger Wake and Better Shape
It is going to take more than the stock ballast system in your boat to get that wake looking you’ve always dreamed of riding. The WakeMAKERS Factory Ballast Upgrade delivers instant results by adding the additional weight needed to produce the results you are looking for. Unleash the full potential of your boat and build a WakeMAKERS sized wake for a more enjoyable wakesurfing and wakeboarding experience.
PiggyBack Technology
The PiggyBack Factory Ballast Upgrade adds more weight to your factory ballast system by piggybacking WakeMAKERS ballast bags onto your factory hard tanks under your rear lockers. This upgrade kit includes the best fitting ballast bags for your rear lockers and all the hardware needed for the install. We utilize Flow Rite Quick Release Connectors to keep the install fast and simple. The result is a better wake with an improved shape and increased size, making for a more enjoyable wakesurfing and wakeboarding experience.
Automated Filling + Draining
Designed to directly integrate into your boat’s existing factory ballast system, the additional ballast bags included in this WakeMAKERS Factory Ballast Upgrade will simultaneously fill and drain with your factory ballast tanks. The switches at your boat’s helm will be used to control both the factory ballast and WakeMAKERS ballast bags in conjunction for a smooth, automated process.
Seamless Integration
This WakeMAKERS Factory Ballast Upgrade is designed and built for your specific year, make, and model Malibu boat. From the pre-assembled hardware kit to the correct fitting ballast bag, this kit includes everything you need and makes it a quick, easy install. This kit is built with marine-grade materials for superior durability, performance, and a clean appearance that looks like it came straight from the factory. Integrates seamlessly into your Malibu’s factory ballast system. The only thing that will change is the size and shape of your wake.
Made in USA
WakeMAKERS ballast bags are designed and built right here at our Bend, Oregon manufacturing facility. The talented team of engineers and bag builders use our innovative bag designs and industry-leading equipment to build you the best ballast bags on the market. We take immense pride in being a ‘Made in USA’ manufacturer.
Warning
This product can expose you to chemicals including DINP (Diisononyl phthalate) and DIDP (Diisodecyl phthalate) which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov.
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8/14/2018
Awesome Upgrade for 2007 23LSV
We had this system installed last week after using a system which pumped and drained the water through only the OEM rear hard tanks. What a difference in fill and drain times! I never timed the old system but my guess is we gained at least 5 minutes on fill times and even greater time on draining and the system completely drains versus leaving water at the bottom of the bags. The ballast system fits perfectly in the rear compartment space versus the Fly High bags which could never completely fill due to the sacks being too long. The additional ballast weight was also upped from 700 pounds to over 900 pounds on each side so the wave was much taller with greater push. We also purchased a Sumo Bow Sac which we filled 3/4 full (approx. 500 pounds) in addition to filling both the middle and front OEM hard tanks. The wave this system produced was awesome...tall, long with tons of push! We now have a $150K boat wave in a $45K boat! Thanks again Jason, Chad and the WM crew for all the help!
Jonny Walker
7/27/2018
Instructions are not boat specific...
I installed this system on a 2011 Malibu 247 LSV, first off I want to say that the end result of installing this system is worthy of 5 stars. My wave is a freaking tsunami! That being said... the instructions SUCK! They are very generic, the diagrams don’t even match the hose system they are selling let alone the configuration of the boat. Took me a little while to figure everything out, and I still need to make a few changes to get the system to fully drain and vent the way it should. The bags seem like very good quality, the fittings seems to hold very well, and are easy to install. I just wish the instructions were better and more boat specific. But like I said the wave is huge!
Michael Gleason
7/11/2018
Bigger better surf wake
We were able to surf a little bit with the factory tanks but when we added the two rear piggy back bags, the wave was so much better and with a lot more thrust. The first time we tested the wake it was just the wife, dog and myself. We didn't use the wedge on our 2007 Malibu and with the mission delta wake shaper, the wave was extremely clean with a top curl that made me wish that we had the third for the spotter that day. So, the next time we headed out, we filled up the new piggy back bags again and after a bit figured out that there is such a thing as too much ballast weight with 8 people in the boat, so we filled them about half way and wham...there's that awesome wake again. Then there's the wakeboarding with the piggy back system too, which gives us a nice clean and smooth wake that the kids have been enjoying this summer.
Michael Gleason
7/7/2017
Great system - must have addon over stock ballast.
I had read some poor reviews of this system on themalibucrew, but I had already read that the design was changed very recently and that the issues were solved. This seems to be true as my system fills and drains smoothly. The time is obviously longer to fill additional 900 over the stock 250 per side, but its a linear increase based on the additional size. Nothing unexpected or troublesome.
The fittings are great, the bag quick disconnects and can be removed cleaning or drying out the compartments. No leaks.
Took about an hours to install the first side - and a half hour to install the second side.
The wakemakers panel supports are a MUST with this kit. If you don't already have them installed buy them and take advantage of the free shipping for the large order.
No special tools required - screwdriver, adjustable wrench, hairdryer to warm up the old hoses. Everything needed is included.
Adam Tabor
6/23/2017
Great product once installed
Great product. Plug and play but install was tough until you figured it out. Instructions are very vague if you arent 100% familiar with your stock ballast hose routing and even then, I dont think they are venting correctly as it seems that there is a ton of air trapped in the tops of the piggybacks(I have an inquiry in to tech support for this). Storage floor had to be removed to gain access to stock hard tank connections. Once one side was complete, the other side only took 20-30 min. 07 23 LSV
With the dual 910 lb bag upgrade to the stock system on my 2007 vlx, will I still want to purchase a wake shaper to suction to the side of my boat? If so, please make your recommendation on what all I need to make a great surf wake. Thank you!
Sweet boat Doug! The WakeMAKERS Factory Ballast Upgrade will be a huge help for increasing the size of your surf wake but for the best results you absolutely need a wakesurf device. Our recommendation would be the Mission Delta.
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365 Day Returns and Free shipping over $99
365 Day Returns
Your satisfaction is our biggest priority, which is why we gladly accept returns on any new product for up to 365 days from the date your order ships. Refunds will be issued to the original payment method. Returns on orders older than 30 days can be processed but will be completed for store credit in total of the returned item and not a return on the original payment method. Returns on orders older than 365 days cannot be processed and are unable to be accepted.
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