You know what kind of wakeboard boat you have, we don’t, but you might not know exactly what you need to create the ultimate wake for your boat. Which is where we come in, here at WAKEmakers we’ve got the knowledge and answers you need to help you build that perfect ballast system for your wakeboard boat. But we also realize that you might not always have the time to spend with us on the phone to figure out what you need. So we went ahead and created our brand hub pages where  all you need to do is know what kind of boat you have and we take care of the rest. Your boats brand hub page is packed with content and products specific to the make of your boat. News, recent blog posts, and products designed for the make of your boat and only your boat. So instead of worrying if the product or ballast system you’re looking at will be compatible with that Malibu wakeboard boat of yours, just make your starting point our Malibu Boats hub page and rest assured that every product you’re looking at will work with your boat.

The brand hub pages are designed to save you time and effort when looking for information or products for your wakeboard boat or ballast system. After years of servicing the wakeboarding and wakesurfing community, it’s become clear to us that when customers search for what they need they usually do so by searching for their boat’s make, model, and year of the boat. So in order for your searches to produce the most relevant information, our team came up with a solution the problem nobody even knew they had. We simply put all the information you need to make the correct decision right at your finger tips. Not sure of the recommended weight distribution in your Supra? Start here at our Supra hub page. Or maybe your looking for some additional ballast for that Malibu Wakesetter of yours, to give you the ultimate wakesurfing wake. You’ll find factory integrated ballast systems on our Malibu Boats hub page. It’s as simple as that, just start your search at the boat manufacturers hub of your choice and away you go!

So whether your searching for info or products for your Malibu, Supra, Nautique, Moomba or Mastercraft wakeboard boat, remember to start that search with one of our WAKEmakers hub pages. You’ll save yourself some time and effort and be sure that whatever you’re looking at is directly related to your wakeboarding or wakesurfing boat.Whatever your looking for, when it comes to building perfect wakeboarding or wakesurfing wakes, nobody else in the Industry can get it done like we can.

Nautique Hub:

MasterCraft Hub:

Moomba Hub:

Supra Hub:

Malibu Hub:

What it is: Malibu PiggyBack Factory Ballast System Upgrade

The Malibu PiggyBack Ballast System is designed to make use of the existing pumps, hoses and switches in your Malibu boat, to expand the capacity of your factory rear ballast tanks from 250lbs. up to an incredible 1,350lbs. This kit includes everything needed for the installation, including a replacement Fly High Pro X Series ballast bag (choose your capacity), Fly High quick connect fittings, all necessary fittings and adapters, hose and installation guide.

For Use In:

This Piggyback system is designed to work with any Malibu boat that has factory rear ballast tanks that are installed below the floor of the boat and use aerator pumps for filling and draining. Confirmed models include the following boats:

• 2009-Current Malibu vRide 21
• 2009-Current Malibu vRide 23
• 2007-Current Malibu Wakesetter VTX
• 2005-Current Malibu Wakesetter VLX
• 2005-Current Malibu Wakesetter LSV
• 2006-Current Malibu Wakesetter 247 LSV

For specific questions on fitment, and for possible compatibility with other models, click here.

Bag Size, Dimensions, and Application:

Dimensions:

• 400lbs – 42″ x 16″ x 16″
• 565lbs – 42″ x 19″ x 19″
• 750lbs – 50″ x 20″ x 20″
• 1,100lbs – 50″ x 24″ x 24″

Starting at $59.95 Buy Now »

What it is: Malibu Tankbuster Factory Rear Ballast Upgrade

The WakeMAKERS Malibu TankBuster Wakeboard Ballast System is designed to integrate with your factory ballast system easily, be controlled using the switches on your dash, and not require any additional effort to fill and drain. Are you tired of the above floor factory hard tanks in your Malibu wakeboard boat taking up too much storage space and not offering enough ballast? Then the Malibu TankBuster factory ballast system upgrade is your solution. Replace the factory hard tanks with our Malibu wakeboard ballast system to create a massive wakesurfing or wakeboarding wake. Instantly triple the ballast capacity in each rear corner, while at the same time restoring full use of the lockers for storage when you don’t need the biggest wake possible.

For Use In:

This TankBuster system is designed to work with any Malibu v-drive wakeboard boat that has hard ballast tanks that installed above the floor in the rear lockers. That includes, but is not limited to, the following models:

• 2005-08 Malibu vRide
• 2002-04 Malibu Wakesetter VLX
• 2002-04 Malibu Wakesetter LSV

For specific questions on fitment, and for possible compatibility with other models, click here.

Bag Size and Dimensions:

• 400lbs – 42″ x 16″ x 16″
• 750lbs – 50″ x 20″ x 20″
• 1,100 – 50″ x 24″ x 24″

Where it goes:

The Malibu TankBuster Ballast System Upgrade takes the place of the existing factory hard tank installed in each rear locker of certain Malibu wakeboard boats. Once installed, the new ballast sac is controlled completely from the driver’s seat, and uses the factory pumps and plumbing. Everything functions exactly the same as it did from the factory, but you’ve added a significant amount of capacity. Additionally, when the bags are empty, the entire rear locker is available, dramatically increasing the amount of storage space for gear and equipment. This kit includes everything needed for the installation, including a new ballast bag and the necessary Fly High quick connect fittings.

Starting at $59.95 Buy Now »

Scared of doing this to your boat? Install thru-hull fittings the right way for a leak proof install.

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!

Required Tools & Supplies

In addition to the actual hardware you’ll be installing, the following items are necessary:

• Measuring tape
• Masking tape
• Felt-tip pen
• Power drill
• Sharp drill bits
• Appropriately sized hole-saw bit (refer to documentation included with your thru-hull for the correct size)
• 100 grit sand paper

Step 1: Planning the Install The first step is to determine where the fitting will be installed, and as the old adage goes, you definitely want to measure multiple time to make sure you won’t be encountering any problems down the road. When locating your thru-hull you first need to ensure the location you choose will have a sufficient supply of fresh water at all times, and that it will not interfere with any other systems on the boat. This includes, but is not limited to, the engine’s raw water intake, the paddle wheel speed sensor and the depth finder transducer. You want to make sure that the intake will not be located directly in front of any of those items, as the disruption to the flow of water can alter their performance.

Also, be sure you have enough clearance on both the inside and outside of the hull. It helps to pick a landmark, like an existing fitting or component, that is visible on the exterior of the boat as well as in the bilge compartment.  Usually the outside isn’t an issue because you’ll be doing the install with the boat on the trailer, and bunks are the biggest obstacle here. Inside you need to have sufficient room not only for the components that will attach to the thru-hull, but also for the installation. Remember, you’ll need more room for all of your parts to be assembled than they will actually occupy once installed.

Once you’ve determined the ideal location for the intake, apply masking tape to the exterior of the hull extending out from the intended location by at least six inches.  Applying masking tape will serve two purpose; first, it will prevent damage to the surrounding are if the bit happens to slip, and second it will prevent splintering of the gel-coat (which is the exterior colored surface of the boat’s hull that gives it the smooth glassy appearance). If your boat has a finished bilge liner (Malibu direct drive models for example), you’ll also want to mask of the interior where the penetration will be for the same reasons outlined above.

Step 2: Drilling the Pilot Hole
Well, the hard work is done, now it’s time to drill the hole.  While incredibly simple and straight forward, this step is obviously the most intimidating, so just make sure you’ve placed the fitting correctly above and take your time.  The first step in the drilling process is to drill a pilot hole for the hole saw bit you’ll be using.  Starting from the exterior, use the same size drill bit as the pilot bit on the hole saw you’ll be using to drill through the hull of the boat.

Step 3: Drilling the Final Hole
Now that you’ve got a hole that extends all the way through into the bilge of the boat you can score the fiberglass on the inside to prevent chipping when the hole saw bit finished the cut.  To do this start from inside the bilge compartment and insert the hole saw bit into the hole you drilled in the previous step.  Either using your hand, of if you have clearance, the drill running in reverse, lightly score the fiberglass inside the bilge by applying pressure rotating the hole saw bit.  This will result in a cleaner hull when the hole saw finishes the cut.

Now you’re ready for the big moment, let’s finish drilling the hole from the outside of the boat.  Gelcoat is actually a very brittle material, so we need to be very careful not to damage or chip the gelcoat around the perimeter of the hole we’re going to drill.  With the drill in reverse, start from under the boat and apply pressure to the drill to use the friction of the bit to wear through the gelcoat completely.  This will control how much “bite” the bit has, which will prevent chipping of the gelcoat.  Once you’ve worn through the gelcoat, which is only a couple millimeters thick, and “feel” much different than fiberglass, switch the drill to forward and continue drilling completely through the hull.

Step 4: Chamfering the Hole
The final, and perhaps most important step before actually installing the thru-hull fitting it to chamfer the gelcoat around the perimeter to prevent superficial cracks from occurring in the future.  Because gelcoat is brittle, if it is subjected to any force parallel to the finished surface of the hull small spider cracks can occur and radiate out away from the center of the hole.  The preventative fix is simple, we just remove the gelcoat around the edge of the hole so the fitting doesn’t make contact with it at all once installed.  The easiest way to create this chamfer is to use sandpaper around the circumference of the hole until the gelcoat makes a 45 degree angle with the fiberglass underneath it.

Now all that’s left to do is install the thru-hull fitting following the recommended installation method, and using the appropriate adhesive/sealant to ensure you’ll have a leak free setup.  For more information refer to the instructions included with the fitting you are installing (where applicable).

Conclusion
Hopefully this guide has proven beneficial, if you have any questions feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to provide assistance.  If you need to purchase any of the items discussed in this guide you can view them by clicking on the image below.

Our Price $13.95-$57.95 Buy Now »	Our Price $14.99 Buy Now »

The Shurflo Piranha 800 GPH Aerator Ballast Pump is smart, reliable, attractive, and efficient. The tough density nylon housing and heavy duty water cooled motor give the SHURflo ballast pumps unparalleled reliability. Patented anti-airlock feature allows the pump to clear trapped air in rough water or when the boat is anchored. These aerator ballast pumps have a removable cartridge for easy cleaning. At a rated capacity of 800 GPH it has plenty of volume to fill and drain ballast bags quickly. The OEM Malibu Ballast Pump has a 3/4″ threaded inlet connection, and 3/4″ hose barb discharge fitting.

The Shurflo Piranha 35711600 is the OEM ballast pump for Malibu Wakeboard Boats and Sanger Wakeboard Boats. Customers that want to replace the OEM Piranha Ballast Pumps can do so at a lower price than they would see from their Malibu dealer.

Dealer Price: $69.95 | WakeMAKERS Price: $49.95 Buy Now »

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.

Interested in adding more ballast to your Malibu LSV 23 boat for surfing, but don’t want to mess with throwing a pump over the side of the boat? Take a look at the Malibu LSV 23 PiggyBack Factory Ballast System Upgrade. Add an additional 750lbs. to 1,100lbs. to the factory MLS in your Malibu boat with our exclusive PiggyBack Factory Ballast System Upgrade. WakeMAKERS PiggyBack Packages are designed to integrate with your factory ballast system, and are controlled using the switches on your dash, so everything remains completely automated and effortless to use.

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If you have any questions about the correct factory upgraded ballast for your Malibu Wakeboard Boat feel free to contact us for expert advice.

Interested in adding more ballast to your Malibu 247 boat for surfing, but don’t want to mess with throwing a pump over the side of the boat even with the new rear locker access? Take a look at the Malibu 247 PiggyBack Factory Ballast System Upgrade. Add an additional 750lbs. to 1,100lbs. to the factory MLS in your Malibu boat with our exclusive PiggyBack Factory Ballast System Upgrade. WakeMAKERS PiggyBack Packages are designed to integrate with your factory ballast system, and are controlled using the switches on your dash, so everything remains completely automated and effortless to use.

Shop Now »

If you have any questions about the correct factory upgraded ballast for your Malibu Wakeboard Boat feel free to contact us for expert advice.

No one explained to Will Asher that he needed to have a V Drive boat to wakesurf. Well do you? Mr. Asher recently loaded up his new Malibu LXi with a couple of friends and the wake was definitely surfable. Consider this, there isn’t any stock ballast nor is he using the Malibu wedge. By looking at the picture above we are guesstimating there is around 1000 lbs. of displacement. With the correct distribution of weight, the wake could be much better.

One question we often receive at Wakemakers is… “How much weight do I need to surf behind my direct drive water ski boat?” The answer is eight friends, but those friends aren’t always available. They can easily be replaced with a ballast bag, four to seven minutes of your time and $230 to $300.00.

There are a couple things to consider when weighting a direct drive ski boat. Most importantly determine how to best use the limited seating space available as you don’t want a visit from your local authorities when passengers are not sitting inside the boat. Keep in mind that you will want to seat everyone on the surf side of the boat and don’t be afraid to send passengers to the bow. As you distribute weight towards the bow, the sweet spot of the wake will get longer and will allow the rider to surf further away from the back of the boat.

We suggest placing the ballast sac next to the engine compartment as far back as possible on the surfing side. The optimal sacs for this location are the Fly High V-Drive Surf Sac (450 lbs.), the Fly High Fat Sac (750 lbs.), the Fly High Jumbo Surf Sac (1100 lbs.), or the Fly High Ultimate Wake Surf Sac (1000 lbs.). Remember that your ballast bag doesn’t need to be completely full. Choose a bag with the most weight you would ever need. You can always remove weight but there will be a limit to the amount that can be added.

When you find the perfect Fly High Ballast Bag don’t forget to grab the Fly High Tsunami Ballast Pump. With it’s quick connect  fitting system and unmatched flow rate of 150 lbs. of water per minute, you’ll be riding faster than ever before.