Archive for the ‘How-To’ Category

FAQ: Do I Need a Vent/Overflow Connection With Reversible Pumps

Posted by Jason on Jan, 31 2012

Many of our customers ask if they can install an automated ballast system without the dedicated vent connection at the top of each bag. Read on for the answer, and for additional pros and cons to setting a system up this way.

How To: Weight Your Boat for Wakesurfing

Posted by Kyle on May, 30 2011

Ever wonder if your wakesurfing wake could be better? We’ve put together a post on how to properly weight your boat in order to create the best wake possibly for wakesurfing!

The New WakeMAKERS Shopping Guide

Posted by Kyle on Apr, 23 2011

So you’re ready to build the perfect wake for this summer and upgrade your ballast system, but don’t know where to start. The new WakeMAKERS Shopping Guide is just what you need.

Fly High Pro X Series Mastercraft X-Star Additional Ballast System

Posted by Kyle on Apr, 21 2011

If you own a late model Mastercraft X-Star and are looking for some additional wake size, the Fly High Pro X Series Mastercraft X-Star is your huckleberry. Add an additional 1,900 lbs of ballast to your X-Star giving you a total of 2,800 pounds of ballast all at the control of your fingertips.

Ballast Hose: WakeMAKERS vs. the Other Stuff

Posted by Kyle on Apr, 17 2011

You might think you can save yourself some cash by getting your PVC hose from stores like Home Depot. But in the end you’re not doing yourself any favors. You’ll actually be spending more and wasting more of your valuable time. Use a product that was made for your application.

Check Valves vs. Vented Loops

Posted by Kyle on Apr, 15 2011

Don’t know if you should use a Check Valve or a Vented Loop for your Wakboard Boats ballast system? Or maybe both? Well let us help you figure it out!

Axis Wake A22 and A20 Plug N’ Play Bow Ballast Install

Posted by Spencer on Apr, 10 2011

You just bought a brand new Axis Wake Research wakeboard boat, congratulations! You even sprung for the Plug N’ Play ballast option to boost the wake to a level Randall would be proud to ride. Unfortunately, as you found out, the Plug-and-Play ballast option doesn’t actually include the special sized bow ballast bag necessary to put more weight in the front of the boat. That’s where we come in; the Axis Bow Sac was specially designed with the Axis Wake test team to fit perfectly in the A22 and A20. The Axis Wake Plug N’ Play Bow Ballast Bag upgrade is easy to install and makes a huge difference to the wake for both wakeboarding and wakesurfing. Installing the Axis Bow bag will at the most take 15 minutes and does not require a trip to the dealership.

Axis Wake Plug and Play Bow Bag Ballast Install

HOW TO: Drill Fiberglass and Install Thru-Hull Fittings

Posted by Jason on Mar, 22 2011

Drilling the hole for the thru-hull intake fitting

If the thought of drilling a hole in the bottom of your boat conjures images like the one above, you’re not alone. We sell a lot of automated ballast systems and ballast systems components, so it’s no surprise that we hear from a lot of customers that are uncomfortable with the idea of drilling one (or more) rather large holes through the bottom of their boat.

We figured it would be beneficial to post a little how-to that outlines the process of drilling through the fiberglass hull of the boat, and then installing the thru-hull fitting. This article is specific to an intake for a ballast system, but the same procedure can be applied for any hardware that is installed in the boat’s hull. Alright, let’s get on with it!

Introducing WakeMAKERS.com Complete Ballast System Install Kits

Posted by Jason on Oct, 21 2010

If you’ve been searching for a simple way to add an automated ballast system to your boat, then we’ve got good news for you! Based on requests from our customers we’re happy to introduce our new Complete Wakeboard Ballast Systems, which combine everything you need to install an automated ballast system into one package.  Just [...]

2011 Malibu LSV 23 Wakesurfing Configuration

Posted by Spencer on Oct, 17 2010

Malibu Boat’s own Cindy Gibbs runs you through how to properly dial in your Malibu LSV 23 for wakesurfing. The wake has a great shape but with an additional 750 lb. Fat Sac or 1100 lb. Jumbo Sac in the rear locker it will look more like something you would find on the north shore. [...]