Weight placement in 22iR

[dajuice]

I have an '02 22ir and am still trying to figure out the best weight / placement combinations. In the march wakeboarding magazine there is an interview with a rider that has a 22iR and he said he usually uses 1500-2300 lbs depending on # of passengers. I currently have 1 of the 650lb fat sacks and 2 of the 275lb locker sacks. Have tried a few different combos, but am thinking of adding more weight to make the wake steeper and cleaner. Anyone have any suggestions?

[Banks]

Well i don't know cause i have a 21i but check out what my sugestion on the 21i but just use more weight in the areas where i put weight.
http://hometown.aol.com/bankshf

[Ruune]

have you thought about putting 2 600lb sacks on either side of the engine, as far back as possible, and then putting anywhere from 350-450 in the front? the 21's and 22's with the wide beam are great for adding heavier weight.

Alternatively, I've seen huge a 900lb sack on ebay (tigé branded). You could put one of those behind the engine, going side to side. Then, experiment with the sacks you have, buy putting the smaller ones on each side of the engine, and the larger one up front.

[typerider]

hey i'm new to this place but i saw ur post and just wanted to say i have a '01 22i type-r and i love that thing... right now i've got 1610 lbs in ballast in it and the wake is putting some vdrives to shame out on the waters of lake austin and georgetown but its still not perfect... my friends still argue whether or not its as good as a vdrive but personally i say if i have a vdrive hull and weight isn't it the same thing? just when you come down on my wake your not busting ur knees out because its wider than some skinny little nautique. anyway i'm also trying to figure out a good weight ratio for this boat because it being so big and broad its a lot different than other things. in the latest wakeboard magazine nick weinacker newbie to the tige' team claims 2300 lbs. in his '04 22i type-r for days that its not full up with people.. i'm about to find out myself if that really will work but personally i'd also like to hear from some more exerienced tige' people about how exactly to weight this thing for that much sought after "pro" wake that boarders always are talking about. i'm more than happy with the boat but if i could just get that weighting down to an exact number that'd be great.

[dajuice]

Typerider, where do you put your weight. What is your set-up?? Thanks

[typerider]

hey sorry its taken me so long to get back on ur answer.. yah i've been putting a 750 lb. get high sports big bump in the front then.. in between the engine and rear seats 2 phat buddies making 560 lbs. then in the furthest back of the rear side pockets 2 75 lb. bar bells on each side totaling another 300 lbs. the massive front weight helps plane it out and keeps the wake better at speeds around 23 to 25 mph... i ride at 70 feet out generally sometimes 75 depending... anyway yah thats a total of 1610 lbs. in all.. i'm still gonna add some more and get it perfect one of these days but for now its alright.. anyway hope that helped some

[dajuice]

I generally ride aroud 70-75 feet as well but only go around 21mph. Do you think the wake will be clean at those specs still using your set-up?

[typerider]

generally mine is pretty washed out at that speed like i said tige' needs to get with it on some weight ratios or something because this boat is hard to set up.

[Sammamish22V]

You need to place as much weight as you can in the front of a 22ir. I had 2 500 pound sacs in the back storage lockers, and a 600 pound sac in the front walkway and it produced a great wake. Any other weight needs to be added in the middle. it is important with this boat that the weight is evenly distributed around the boat.

When we would get more than 3 people in the boat, we would actually take weight out of the back sacs. If your wake is washed out, you have too much weight in the back of the boat.

[typerider]

hey thanks for the reply. i will definenatly try placing the weight more evenly and to the front and see how that works out. thanks for the advice.

[dajuice]

Yea thanks. I have 2 of the 550lb fat sacs and 2 of the 275lb side sacs.
I think I'll try putting a 550lb in the middle of the back with the 2 275lbs on each side of the engine (1 on each side) then another 550lb in the bow. Any opinions on a better way.

[tigetex]

I just bought a 2003 22IR

I really dont want sacks or other weights showing in the boat. I also want to be able to fill and empty the sacks easily. (preferably right from the cockpit) I don't mind doing some wiring and plumbing to accomplish this.

Anyone have any great ideas? Has anyone done a set-up something like I am suggesting?

[Sammamish22V]

Rival Ballast System! I did this in my 22V. 5 sacs, 5 independent switches, and it fills and drains within 5 minutes. Do a search on Rival and check out their website. http://www.rivalindustry.com/

[Ruune]

under the seats in the front or in the storage bins on either side of the walkway (same general area) and the lockers at the back of the boat.

[forjar]

Can you post some pics of your installed Ballast system. I would like to see how it looks.

forjar

[blr]

Sammamish22V is correct. the 22ir you have to weight heavy in the front. both myself and a good buddy have 22irs and we throw a 350lb sac in each rear locker and a 600 in the front. if you gain more than 2-3 peeps, start letting out water from the rear sacs. get more than 5 -6 in the boat (not including rider), just empty both rear sacs, but leave the front full. you'll love the wake, and yes people will constantly be comparing to a V drive but awesome wide for great landings when you go big. it is quite intimidating for beginners. Dajuice - glad to see you still ride Tige -grin-

[tigetex]

blr,

Thanks for the scoop on how to load the boat. I have a few questions that I hope you can help with.

What brand/dimensions are the sacks you use in the back. When you say back, I am assuming you mean in the side lockers in the back of the boat. Is that correct?

In the front I assume you mean the walkthough area in the bow? Is that correct? What bag fits well there?

Are you manually filling the bags, or have you worked out an auto-filling system of some sort?

What TAPS setting do you find is best when weighted as you suggest?

I appreciate you sharing, it will help a new owner like me from making mistakes along the way.

[blr]

yes, rear lockers, front walk through. Taps set to 0.
sacs are all "fly high" - I run the ones in the rear lockers w/o covers but the big one in the walkway, gets a cover for sure. hope that helps. oh yeah, all are manual fill. I was going to do a system but I am trading the boat in on a new 24V (it's actually suppose to be here next week).
let me know if there is any other questions i can help w/ and i'll try.

[tigetex]

blr,

Sorry to be such a pest, but I have another question.

You said you use a 600 lb fly high sack in the front. The specs for the 600 pounder indicates a size of 20x50. As I measure the space in my boat I get more like 16x48. Does it just "squish" to fit the size of the space?

I assume you loose access to the locker on the right side of the walkthrough.

Thanks for the advice.

[Domsz06]

sam,

isn't it WAY expensive though?

[blr]

tigetex - sorry for the late reply. the front sack is a squeez and you do have to empty it to get to the locker behind the plastic door. we really only keep tools in that locker anyway. i also reccomend the cover on that sac because you always have people stepping on it. it also becomes a bit of a pain to get to the frt storage under the seats, but not bad. the wake is deffinetly worth it!

[tigetex]

Thanks. I appreciate the advice.

[Tige22ityper]

I only have two 350# sacs right now but haven't used them yet. Would it be better to put the weight in the rear storage lockers, or in the bow walkway?

[blr]

go out and get a 600 lbs sac for the front if you can. if npt put one behind the engine and one in the walk way. putting them in the lockers w/o any front weight will just make you have a washed out wake and take longer to plane.

[Tige22ityper]

I wish I could get a 600# sac now, but will have to wait for some more dough.
Will I notice a difference with a sac behind the motor and in the walkway?
thanks for the quick reply!

[blr]

you should notice a difference. not as much as when you get both 350's to the lockers and the 600 up front, but will be a difference. until you get your 600, you could use sand bags or lead up front. sand bags are typically pretty cheap (around $3-$4 for 65lbs) but you may get a little bit of sand in your boat, but that vaccums up easy.

[ssrgeoff]

Does anyone have pics of there wakes when weighted? Interested in seeing the direct drive wake.

[ssrgeoff]

Alright this weekend while I was in Northern CA I stoped by Ultimate Waterpsorts. They had a 20-60% off sale on accessories. I picked up 2 pairs of FATBUDDIES HD by Skylon giving me a total of 1120 lbs. They only had the 1100gph pump so I can only imagine its going to take for ever to fill. This should do until I can save for the Rival system. My question is..... do any of you run these and where should I start with the placement. My boat is in storage and I will not get to measure any spaces till the weekend so without spending my whole day measuring I will check with anyone else....

After reading this thread I see that 600 lbs. in the front is recommended. I dont think these will work however since they are 20x28. Unless I can stuff two of them in the bow. Hmmmm.......

Any ideas?

[Sammamish22V]

You will probably have to put them in the walkway for now. They are too big to fit under the seats. Once you get your Rival system, you can get about 300 pounds upfront with ballast, and then add some lead. You might want to start acquiring lead and then you would only need 1 of the sacs upfront in the walkway.

[ssrgeoff]

Yeah I thought of that... I dont know of anyone here selling it. I damn sure am not going through mailorder. Shipping would kill me.

[rock_n_boardin]

Check out letsgoride.com they have great sacs for a great price. They are very tough and don't need a cover. I put the 350# in each back storage area and a 600# in the bow walkway. The wake is sick!! I might even add some lead to get it up to 2000#s. Spread it out evenly.

[ssrgeoff]

Dont suppose you have any pics? I think your weight set up would work for me just fine. Maybe another 300lbs in lead.

[rock_n_boardin]

No pics that I can think of. But it's pretty earsy to visualize. On the 22I you have the 2 back corner storage areas. I set one 350# sac in each and fill "sometimes I leave the one on the drivers side a little less full to make up for the drivers weight, ince chest I sit behind the driver and the prop rotation. Anyway one in each and a 600# one in the bow walk area. I want to replace the 600# one up front with lead in the future to save room. I only trailer my boat less than a mile at a time so the weight is no big deal.

[ssrgeoff]

Are you in Canyon Lake? I see how weight wouldnt be a problem. yeah I can visualize where you put the ballast I was wondering if you had any pics of the wake when weighted.

[rock_n_boardin]

Yep Canyon Lake. I might have some pics of the wake at home. But if not I will take some next time we are out and fully weighted. I have a lot of pics, but we have been shooting with a pretty big zoom lens. So it's hard to get a feel for how big the wake is. I will take a few with the normal lense so you can see the whole wake next time. Probably be over Memorial Day Weekend.

[ssrgeoff]

Are you weighted when your in Canyon? You have the citrus green 22i right?

[ssrgeoff]

I posted that the boat was running weird my last outing since I had quite a bit of people and everyone was in the back except for 2 young kids in the front. It may have been because the water sucked but we will see this weekend when its just my wife and I so I can get her more time behind the wheel.

Anyhow........
When can I start weighing the boat down? Should I wait till after the 20hr. service? I was told not to go over 4000 rpm until after the service so I have been waiting on filling up the ballast, but Im impatient. Any one know? I have 15hrs so I can "weight" if its highly recommended.

[rock_n_boardin]

That is me. Citrus or Lime green Tige'. I add weight only on the backwater, not on the main lake where it's not allowed. Plus I don't want to contribute to the banging of boats on the docks or any erosion. Also it's usually a lot better on the backwater if you want to do serious boarding.

As far as weighting it before the 20 hour service. I would hate to advise your any different than they have and then you run into a problem. Probably better to wait until after the 20 hour mark at least if not the 20 hour service.

Did you buy you Tige' at Tige' watersports?

[rock_n_boardin]

BTW you could weight it and probably not go over 4000 RPMs if your careful. BUt it will still be more strain on the engine.

How was it running when you say it was running crappy? Explain.

[rock_n_boardin]

I might be on the backwater tomorrow, I will be sure to take some pics of the bags and the wake without the zoom lense so you can get an ideal on how big it will get.

[ssrgeoff]

Yeah I saw you over Memorial Weekend. You had just pulled up and we were on our way back out to the main lake after being tied up to 5 other boats. It was a nice weekend. Lots of Harbor Patrol. I didnt want to yell out like a groupie so I am sure I will see you again out there when its not so crowded. (This was Sunday)

Monday I headed over to Elsinore and decided to run in chop all day long and dodge waverunners. What was weird this go around is that I actually had about 9 people in the back of the boat with me varying in size and as soon as I would get up to speed, the power would drop I had to keep giving it gas just to stay at 20 mph. At some points it would get a thrust of energy and then blast up to 30-35 mph. Even with the PP set it seemed like the motor was working overtime. Not to mention, this was the first time that my bilge had to kick on itself. I am going to try and make it out to Elsinore again this weekend for a little bit to run the boat in the chop again without all the neighbors and see if it runs any different.

Yes, bought from Tige Watersports...... Picture is in the gallery.

[rock_n_boardin]

Sounds like a problem with the perfect pass maybe. Was it turned on when this was happening? If you have Perfect Pass on and try to run up on speed it sometimes will engage and pull you slower to you original speed.

When running with PP we had a problem once that sounds like your's too, it happened because the PP paddle wheel was damaged on the bottom on the boat and did not spin freely. Otherwise it might be electrical, is your volt meter needle moving around a lot? They had a problem with the wire harness on our 22I, it shakes loose because of the angle it plugs in at. It was a recall item, they fixed it but it happened again. Just got it fixed permanitely last week. They rerouted the wires and zip tied it down. Now it's golden.

I saw you too, not many 22Is out there.

[rock_n_boardin]

What my thoughts are if it happened to be the problem I explained with the eletrical the heavy chop could shake the boat and loosen the wire harness. With us it did not bother the performance of the boat, but it kept shutting down the perfect pass whenever the volt meter would drop real low. The needle would shake back and forth violently.

[ssrgeoff]

You know I thought that too.... but I ran it without the PP to see what was happening. Same thing......

I havent been using the PP lately because as soon as I pull someone up out of the water there is massive speed loss then it picks up. I read in the PP manual to adjust a black knob where the (servo?) is located on the motor. I am not mechanicaly inclined so I rather have the guys at Tige Watersports try and fix that during the 20hr service. I can still pull with it it just bugs that this surge happens. Like I said I willl see what it does with just my wife and I this weekend I am just worried if this will be an on going problem especially when I decide to add balast.

BTW I wasnt in my boat last weekend but there was a 21i same color combo as mine.

[rock_n_boardin]

So once the PP engages you get the surge "loss of power". Yeah might be the problem they talk mention.

I know with my PP I get it up to speed and once it engages I play with the throttle and help the PP settle in. If you over shoot the speed that it engages at and just let off the throttle it takes the PP a while to settle in. But if you kinda feather the throttle when the PP slows to get back to the proper speed you can keep it from overshooting below the speed you set. Kinda help it along. Then you can get to the proper speed much quicker without the overshoot undershoot situation. It takes a little pracitce, but after a while it's easy.

I do the same thing on turns, you can feather the throttle and help out the PP so it doesn's fight to get back to speed. It keeps the speed more constant, expecially on double ups. Usually when you enter the turn it will slow down and exit it will speed up and usually overshoot the desired speed. So I add a little throttle at the beg. of the turn and feather it back when I exit the turn.

[ssrgeoff]

yes, as soon as the PP engages it slows incredibly. Since last I posted I have yet been able to go out again but like I mentioned before even without the PP on it would not hold a steady speed. Couple times after a rider fell the RPM's would be way high and it took a few moments for the idle to drop to normal. I did not want to kick it in gear when it was revving so high so that bothered me. It seems as if all fingers point to the PP. So I will have them check and adjust if needed.

Jon what do you have the Taps set too when fully weighted?

[ssrgeoff]

Has anyone been quoted price for stock ballast in the 21 or 22i? How much weight was it? Just curious......

[ssrgeoff]

Went out to Elsinore yesterday afternoon to brave the wind and the boat seems to run fine. Holds steady and figured out the PP issue. As some may have mentioned I slowly brought it up to speed before and then the PP would kick on giving us a surge where I had to give it more throttle to get it where it need be for the PP to take over. Figured out to hammer a bit more and bring it back. Smooooth........

Still have the revving issue, so I will wait for servicing on that one but everything else is back the way it was.... Woo Hoo!

[rock_n_boardin]

Just logged back on. I usually use the Taps when fully weighted to start out on full waterski setting to get the boat on plane quicker. Then usually I settle it in about half way between wakeboard and waterski setting. That seems to work the best to clean up the wake. Tomorrow I am going to have 8 or 9 in my boat and full ballast #1400 pounds. Should be interesting. This will be the most it's been weighted before. I will let you know about the wake and take some pictures for you. We are heading out to the Canyon backwater around noon.

[rock_n_boardin]

Ended up having 10 in the boat and only filled the front sac 600#s. The wake was sick. I will post some pics tonight or tomorrow.

[ssrgeoff]

I would be interested in seeing that.

[rhysthow]

Jsut replying to ssrgeoff. I got an 04 22iR with the stock ballast. its got the four tanks, under the stereo where the battery is. in the compartment under the dash board and then in the back two side lockers. i know the guy where we bought it from and im pretty sure it is 1000 pounds. it throws the wakeup. its kinda slow to fill, at only 500gph. but it gets the job done.

[ssrgeoff]

Thanks for the info. Where are the switches located for the ballast?

[rmarion]

SSR

My boat has the same tendencies regarding the RPM's and I don't have the PP as of yet (I hope soon)

[ssrgeoff]

Originally posted by rmarion
SSR

My boat has the same tendencies regarding the RPM's and I don't have the PP as of yet (I hope soon)

When you schedule for your 20hr service let them know. My ECU needed to be replaced. We'll see how it works when I get it back.

[rmarion]

Originally posted by ssrgeoff
When you schedule for your 20hr service let them know. My ECU needed to be replaced. We'll see how it works when I get it back.

We already had our 20 hr service, we have 76 hrs on her now. :D

Thanks for the info, I'll be sure to let them know. I'm going take her in at the end of summer.

[ssrgeoff]

ECM...sorry. Let them know and schedule a service. Wow 76 hrs. when did you pick up your boat?

[rmarion]

We got it May 14th. I have three teenage boys that are enjoying it to the fullest with us.;) It's one way to keep track of our kids..........