Bow Ballast - 2000 VLX

What is everyone doing for ballast in the bow area of the '00-'04 VLXs.
I just picked up a 2000 Sunsetter VLX. Putting 750 in each V-Drive compartment.

What size sac are you putting in the center ski locker and under the seats in the bow?

We just bought an integrated bow sac, but haven't used it yet. Have been told I should get about 250ish pounds before the seat cushions start lifting. With that sac and someone else sitting up there, I think it should help.

I've got an 08 VLX, with out the factory bow ballast. I'm running the factory ballast plus a 1000lbs open bow sac, 400lbs on each side of the engine, a 350 right in front of the rear seat and another 350 right in front of that one!

Jerrod, I run a 750 up front across the seats and walkway. I was able to T-off the pickup for the locker sack and put a separate Jabsco reversible pump. I then ran the line back up through the driver's footwell and into the cup holder area in the bow. Throw a quick release on it for Pro-x bags and you are good to go!

FWIW. I run 750's in the back 750 in the bow, get around 300 in the locker with the seat bottom pro-x sack and then put about a G of lead in it throughout. Add an OJ 475 prop (I think) and it tachs around 3400 at 26mph. 80-85 is pretty money. Fair warning though...when you start adding more than 4-5 people it gets REALLY low. With that setup the nose will just dip into the water coming off plane and take on about 1/2 a gallon. If you are sitting still and a roller comes from behind it will likely carry over the v-drive compartments into the seating area. The waterline while sitting in the back is right about the D-cleats.

I used to have 750s in my 2001 WSVLX, but had to counter it with so much weight in the front it wasn't worth it. Platform was probably 6-10 inches under water. Now I'm doing a 400 in each locker, factory mls (maybe 300?) and a 650 in the bow walkway. 3 or 4 people

Wake is decent, but just a tad mushy. Any ideas to firm it up?

speed up?

/\/\/\/\ Yup, what speed are you riding at? By this I mean GPS speed and not what the speedo says. Are you running the wedge too? I dont run the wedge. Here is a pic at 80 ft around 25-ish mph behind my 00 vlx with the setup noted above.

22mph no wedge. PP calibrated with GPS. Mine looks good, just have to crank into it a little bit. I'll try speeding up. I'm just used to riding an X1 with 1500lbs and it boots hard at 21-22.

M-Dizz, you've got 3500+ lbs in that thing! I'd be scared of that.

wow Dizzle that looks sick!

Yah its okay...

I think the guy riding is 5'10"...for reference. I believe that day we had 3-4 people in the boat. It drives like a tank and requires a LOT of attention but is worth it. I drove a stock setup recently and forgot how much more they get pulled around by the rider. That's the only driving benefit of a boat that's slumpin...it tracks straighter since its heavier. Overall they are FAR harder to drive though! Dubs are pretty fun to drive but require a bit of attention. You also gotta "blip" the throttle coming off plane, otherwise your going to end up with a nice roller in the boat.

I have 02 LSV- I put 1200 Flyhigh in front- 500 under walkway- 500 in each ski locker- wedge- lots of fat chix!!!!
Just kidding


No but really, I ride about 25-27 mph not sure how far out prob about70-75 but really really nice wake.

With that much weight I'd consider a OJ 468 prop...

Yah, I am thinking of going with that one next Malibudude. I went from the 537 to the 475, I gotta take it in steps, haha.

Mdizzle the 468 will save you some money in gas and hold speed better...

That wake is money!!! Sometimes I wish Malibu had added about 6" of freeboard to the original VLX hull.

Dizzle,

Ya the 475 is a perfect prop for your boat until you slam it....lol. The 468 does eat more gas but it'll get on plane much quicker, probably will hold speed a bit better.

My boat didn't struggle as much with 468...gas was better but I had the LCR in my boat.

i know nothing about props but this year i hit a log and messed mine up~ I have the stock one i believe. Above i listed the weight i ride with. I have the hammerhead engine. What prop would get me up to speed more quickly and hold my speed better?

Malibudude were you responding to me?

Dave,

I was responding to M-Dizzle, but to answer your question I'd take a look at the OJ 475 or the 468 for a more aggressive hole shot. Others liked the Acme 1235, but some did experience cavitation and some issues, others stand by it. This is all assuming you have the monsoon engine.

i have the hammerhead engine

Dave the 475 would be a good fit. Call Eric at OJ to make sure. OJ customer service is very good.

OJ has a new prop for the Hammerhead motor, #514 14.75 X 13 .110 cup. with that said I'd recommend calling Eric Johnson at OJ as I'm going to assum this was designed for the 383 stroked HH (400hp), vs. the older 365hp. I don't know anyone that has this prop yet so and real data or expereinces would need to come from OJ.

^^^ there you have it, kinda like insider info

Dave, if you are serious about the 475 I could sell you mine at a price cheaper than new (I have only had it for 1 year). Then I could upgrade to the 468 and we all win. Interested?

how much for the 475? i've been looking for one

Ryan, I gotta check on the price for the 468 first, once I have an idea I will be able to get you a solid amount.

sounds good, I've got all winter to worry about it, just drop me an email when you find out... how much top end did you loose when switching to the 475?