Has anyone replaced the factory center ballast hard tank in their boat with sac(s) and if so how much weight did you goto?

On my Elite-V I think the factory center is ~200 pounds, would it be possible to fit ~500 pounds in the space provided?

Since no one seems to have done this, can anyone see a down side to doing this? Performance? Balance? Wake (surfing or boarding)?

Islander~ I was hoping someone would know as well. Seeming my boat is still at the dealers having work done I cant look into it. Does it look like an easy project to tear into it? is it possible to get a measurement of space to make a custom fatsac to go in? or larger tank? I cant see a down side to it on the performance side.

Duramat,

I don't think that the project will be that difficult (pull part of the floor, hose extensions...ect). Sadly I'm in the same boat (all puns intended) as you, with the dealership having possession of it right now. So I am unable to get any measurements right now. But I am hoping that there will be a pile of room to be had there once the hard tank is removed.

Islander - We have installed a center hard tank in an Elite. I don't see putting a 500lb sac in it's place being a problem, however I don't think you will be able to fill it to capacity. So you may be able to get an extra 100lbs over what you have now with the hard tank....I don't think it would be worth it. If I were going to add ballast anywhere in an Elite/Lightning it would be to the rear. Just FYI, it is pretty simple to remove the floor in the cockpit so you could at least take a look at it and make a decision that way. Good luck!

I don't think there is a much extra room because the gas tank is in front of the ballast tank

Thanks for the information guys. I will have a look when I get my boat back but I'm sure you are right about the amount of room under the floor.

Now I will have to find something else to monkey with in the spring.

In my Avalanche Sac thread, I show pictures of the hard tank being removed from the center and I re-ran the wires and tubing. My center was 250lbs.

Nate is right that there is room for added ballast, about another 100lbs, maybe 150lbs of about 18" between the tank and V-drive unit. You would have to go a custom sac to get the best fit of the hull being in the shape of a 'V' on the bottom. Also it would probably be wise to have a false wall made so the sac didn't rest on the V-drive unit.

Is it worth it? I would say No. Easier way would be construct a holder for some lead. You'd be towing an extra 200lbs or so, but much easier to work with.

excellent info thanx guys. I geuss not really worth the effort. I guess Im with islander,,,on to another project during the off time (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

That sounds like a good idea. I'm gonna hit up the tire shops when I get home for old weights.