Weighting 2003 X2 for Wakeboarding

[Trhodes]

I have a 2003 x2 (205v hull pretty sure) Ballast-wise I have the two rear lockers full (i think 750 ea), the KGB (I think 400), and the IBS (I think 550) any tips for the best/largest wakeboard wake? I usually fill the IBS and KGB and fill both rear sacks about half way I ride around 65'-70', going about 21 mph Thanks guys!

[lakedrum03]

The 205V is by far the best ever. I may be slightly biased.

That said, more weight in the rear will get you a taller ramp. More weight in the front will get you a steeper ramp. My opinion would be to get a few hundred pounds of lead and move it around to find your ideal shape.

[Trhodes]

lakedrum03 With my setup, how would you recommend filling? The 205 does make a mean wake, and we manage to surf it as well.

[chrislandy]

Get a load of weight up front and in the centre to bring the bow down. It will also clean the wake up, help with steering, throttle response / general handling. I'd start with about 1/3rd of the rear weight from centre forward and increase from there.

[lakedrum03]

I agree with Chris. In general, more weight is needed on the 205V. I like the lead idea since you can shift it around depending on your crew size.

[MC25]

21 is too slow. Fill all of that to 100% and go about 22.5.

[bcd]

Just to clarify, when you say rear lockers are full (750 pounds you think), does that mean the hard tanks are removed and replaced with a larger bag? If it's just the hard tanks, you'll need more rear weight, such as additional bags. If they are 750 pound bags, you're good there. If you want a bigger wake, fill them all up. You can then tweak removing some out of the front/rear based on the shape you like.
There are two major downsides to filling them all up.
1. You are probably going to have to increase speed (or shorten rope length) to keep the wake from curling over. The problem with shortening rope length is the wake is already pretty narrow on the 205V hull.
2. When you come off plane, the wave will come over the back of the boat and soak the rear seat. You can counter that by leaving the boat in gear when you come off plane, and then goose the throttle as the wave approaches.

[Trhodes]

Just to clarify, when you say rear lockers are full (750 pounds you think), does that mean the hard tanks are removed and replaced with a larger bag? If it's just the hard tanks, you'll need more rear weight, such as additional bags. If they are 750 pound bags, you're good there. If you want a bigger wake, fill them all up. You can then tweak removing some out of the front/rear based on the shape you like.
There are two major downsides to filling them all up.
1. You are probably going to have to increase speed (or shorten rope length) to keep the wake from curling over. The problem with shortening rope length is the wake is already pretty narrow on the 205V hull.
2. When you come off plane, the wave will come over the back of the boat and soak the rear seat. You can counter that by leaving the boat in gear when you come off plane, and then goose the throttle as the wave approaches.

The rear tanks have been removed and replaced with bags that completely fill the rear compartments. I am used to having to goose the throttle as the wave would always come over the back of the boat when weighted for surfing.

[Trhodes]

Get a load of weight up front and in the centre to bring the bow down. It will also clean the wake up, help with steering, throttle response / general handling. I'd start with about 1/3rd of the rear weight from centre forward and increase from there.

you are talking about starting out fill the rear bags (1500 lbs) then split about 500 lbs between the bow and the center locker? The water is going to be cold but I plan on taking her out this weekend

[chrislandy]

The 205 hull works best when "lowered" rather than stern down, it's trial and error, but you can get some lovely shaped wakes by balancing the boat rather than having all the weight at the rear. I've never had to ride faster than 20mph by doing that.

We used to have the 205 DD (same hull, different engine location) and put 1500lb fat seat at the back, fill the tank, 300lb tubes down each side of the engine, 300+ up front in the bow and a 150 tube down the through screen walkway, then 5gal containers moved around the boat (2 or 3 up front and a few dotted around) to balance the wakes once we were moving.

[Mainely Wake]

you are talking about starting out fill the rear bags (1500 lbs) then split about 500 lbs between the bow and the center locker? The water is going to be cold but I plan on taking her out this weekend

Following, I have the same boat but no KGB or IBS, just 750s for the rear. Very curious about the weight for the bow and the ski locker. Question about the lead, (and this may be a dumb one) if these bags get wet will it leave rust spots on the floor?

[bcd]

No, lead doesn't rusty, steel and iron do.

[Mainely Wake]

No, lead doesn't rusty, steel and iron do.

Lead ballast bags do not contain any lead, they are usually filled with recycled steel. I was just curious if anyone had experienced staining, if everyone just removed the bags when not in use, or if people were storing them in waterproof containers, or something else entirely.

[lakedrum03]

I haven't had issues with staining, but mine are in places where water can't get to them easily.

[bcd]

Lead ballast bags do not contain any lead, they are usually filled with recycled steel. I was just curious if anyone had experienced staining, if everyone just removed the bags when not in use, or if people were storing them in waterproof containers, or something else entirely.

I didn't know that. I trailer, and I sometimes slalom, so I rely strictly on water ballast.