Wakeboard Ballasts

Since the 1980s, when they were first developed, watersports like wakeboarding and wakesurfing have become increasingly popular with outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Both sports require the operation of a motorized high-speed boat that is capable of generating large waves or “wakes” behind them that the sport participants use to perform their tricks and jumps. These boats also need to maintain a consistent and steady speed to prevent the boarders and skiers from falling into the water due to low speeds or sudden stops.

An essential part of generating wakes is the careful and considered use of ballast, or weight, around the boat to properly weigh it down, thus increasing the size of wakes that come off the stern. Ballast also helps to shape these waves so you can tailor them to your user’s experience level.

As a speedboat operator, you have several different options when it comes to wakeboard ballasts, from the rudimentary to the complex. It can be difficult to figure out which type will work best for your needs. That’s where this brief guide by your friends at Active Water Sports, with locations in Oregon City and Beaverton, comes in handy! Come to us with any further questions you might have after reading.

Types

We noted above that there is more than one type of ballast available. Many wake boats come with a ballast system installed by the factory, but to customize your wakes, you’re going to need to add more aftermarket ballast.

Water-filled bags or “fat sacks” are the most common form, as they can store easily when emptied and are easy to fill and place around your craft. Sand is another common filler due to its weight and affordability, but it can be harder to adjust since you can dump water overboard, but you can’t dump sand all over your deck.

You can also use the very low-tech and free solution of having your passengers stand strategically around the stern or bow to weigh the boat down as desired.

Systems are available to help you fill and empty your ballast, and some boats even come with surf systems that help you weigh your stern down more easily. Make sure you don’t overload your boat past its capacity with too much ballast and that you always empty bags before you trailer your boat.

Configuration

Where you place the ballast on your boat has a lot to do with its effectiveness in generating and increasing the size of wakes. Adding more weight will always increase the size, but how you balance the weight will shape and hone your wakes.

You’ll need to adjust the configuration depending on the type of sports you’re working with. Wakeboarders will need a 50/50 balance between the front and rear in terms of ballast, and bigger wakes are better for them. Evenly distributing the weight helps to maintain your boat’s drive train efficiency, quickening your acceleration and offering you a smoother and more fuel-efficient ride. Making the wave “pop” can be done by putting more weight at the stern.

Wakesurfers, on the other hand, will necessitate more ballast at the rear of the boat to create a wake that’s strong enough to allow your surfer to release the towing rope. You’ll get a tall wave that you can easily increase the length of by shifting ballast forward, although this will reduce the wake’s energy. Play around with the configuration to get the wake size you want.

Need a boat to facilitate your wake sports? Visit one of our dealerships in Beaverton or Oregon City to tour our inventory of new and used wakeboats and other great crafts. We serve the greater Portland region as well as the cities of Salem and Eugene, Oregon, to the south.