Suggestions for a new ballast system

[wakejunky]

Hey Guys,

I've been busy trying to design or redesign the SX ballast system. This summer I just about went insane with the fill and drain times so now is the time to build a real ballast system. I have decided on a manifold type system with aerator pumps to fill and a single drain pump per bag/tank to empty. For the most part it is a mix between the Rival Industries and the Elevate system offered by wakeside.
I recently bought custom pro x bags for the v drive lockers and the bow. I will be adding these to the manifold system also. So my question: the factory thru hull scoop is not large enough for the volume of water I need to run five 1100GPH pumps so I need to upgrade to a 1 1/2" thru hull scoop.
 WHERE do I mount this thing? Last spring I installed PerfectPass and used the same location everyone here seemed to. so there goes the only easily accessed area in front of the engine. The PP eliminates anything mounted forward of that. There is some room in the very back and a spot behind the engine intake scoop but I'm a little worried it will get in the way of the 1 1/2" scoop. So if your bored give me some ideas.
   Once I get this situated if anyone is interested of pics of the install I'll try to document it.

Thanks
Doug

[toyotafreak]

if anyone is interested of pics of the install I'll try to document it.

Here, here!

[cyclone]

Doug,
I'm gonna do the same thing to my new SX when it arrives from HyFlyin. The big problem with the SX ballast system is the small size of the solenoid valves that they used, they are 1/2" valves. Bigger valves are prohibitively expensive. The valves are necessary if you don't want to have to turn a hand valve after filling each time. I don't like to drive around relying on vinyl bags and hose to keep my boat from filling up with the lake. 

You might think about copying the Supra system. They use a PVC manifold fed by a LARGE aerator. They use a Rule 2000, I would probably use the rule 3800. Then, 1" sprinkler valves are used off the manifold to feed each bag/tank. Aerators on the outlets. You save money and wiring having fewer pumps, switches, etc. The Rival system uses a 12vdc 1.5" RV dump valve on the inlet of the manifold. You can get one of those for 100$. I don't think I would pay the extra 300$ or so that you would pay for one of those packaged systems. You can build the system yourself for a bit less money.

The Supra method is simpler, probably not as fast to fill, but still an improvement over stock. It is also easy to expand if you want to. 

[wakejunky]

Finally got around to taking a few pics of the new wake and ballast system. We just got back from a week in the CA DELTA. Wow what a trip. If you have thought it was overated you are crazy. GLASS, Glass, glass when ever you want it. Even on the windiest day, 20 mile an hour winds we found perfect glass. The high levees block all the wind.

Anyways here's some pics of the wake and a preview of the ballast system. I need to resize alot of pictures so please be patient. Most of you have seen a stock SX wake so I didn't waste my time. first pic is with factory full and 400 lbs. in the walkthru. Second is factory + 800 in the v drive lockers + 400 in the walk thru. I will probably add another 200 in lead under the seats once I need it. Too be honest completely full the wake is just scary, we mainly run stock and 400 in the walk thru. We have realy focused on proper form and edging with crazy results. So we just dont need it all right now.

Here goes

[wakejunky]

Just for reference in the first post the second pic Kaitlyn is riding a 70' line. Here is some Delta Glass on a Sunday afternoon at about 3:30. Here is Kaitlyn edging on a 90' line. Finally a teaser of the rear ballast.