Baller Jetsetr Posted October 21, 2018 Baller Share Posted October 21, 2018 Anyone experiment with balast in front of the driver/observer to flatten the wake out a bit? Thinking 100-150 pounds (maybe more?) to move the CG forward a bit, thus flattening the wake (in theory). How FAR forward also makes a huge difference as well for the same weight. Was thinking of moving the fuel tank forward (easily enough to do) but as the fuel burns off the CG moves back aft. Obviously if you get too much weight forward the boat is going to start driving goofy... I usually practice between 24-32mph... The wake is not REALLY an issue, my theory is if I can ski well (defining ”well” is another issue!) behind my ‘89 Brendella I can ski well behind anything. Skied behind a early 90’s Malibu Sunsetter the other day and my Brendella’s wake was MUCH better at the same speed (28-30). The Malibu is heavier, wider and longer though...probably better at higher speeds. Thoughts??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller DavidN Posted October 21, 2018 Baller Share Posted October 21, 2018 If you just want to flatten the wake, the most effective thing you can do is to get rid of overall weight in the boat. Empty out what you can. Remove backseat, keep the tank below 1/3, ... Putting ballast upfront usually helps tracking, not so much flattening the wake. I hid a 40lbs weight disc plate in the bow of my Response which noticeably improved tracking at slower speeds (30/32). It didn’t effect the wake (which is pretty good anyway) at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Jetsetr Posted October 21, 2018 Author Baller Share Posted October 21, 2018 I put the boat on a weight loss program-back seat is out and removed whatever is not needed. I do start with full fuel since I usually burn a full tank off, and refueling isn’t a easy option. Only holds 16 gallons so that’s 96 pounds...you would think if you could raise the stern by moving the CG forward it would also flatten the wake...making the boat plane “flatter” vs a stern low attitude. We can easily change an airplanes attitude at any speed by shifting weight...ya think this would be the same. I have a digital inclinometer- I guess I could put it on the dash and see where it ends up with at “x” speed and then move some weight around... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller DavidN Posted October 21, 2018 Baller Share Posted October 21, 2018 Try it out. But remember it’s not only the stern of the boat that affects wake size, it’s the overall displacement of water while in motion that shapes and builds up a wake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Jetsetr Posted October 21, 2018 Author Baller Share Posted October 21, 2018 Worth a shot since I’m bored and can’t ski. Might make it worse or no improvement...something to play with before I put the boat away for winter... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Horton Posted October 21, 2018 Administrators Share Posted October 21, 2018 @Jetsetr I would guess adding bow weight will make the wakes bigger. I would also think a hundred pounds at the very back of the boat makes very little difference. A 89 Brendella already has a pretty darn small wake. That wake may be hard but is it not big. If this is a hobby knock yourself out but if you really think you are going to make the boat better it may be a boondoggle. Goode ★ HO Syndicate ★ KD Skis ★ MasterCraft ★ PerfSki Radar ★ Reflex ★ S Lines ★ Stokes Drop a dime in the can Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller eleeski Posted October 21, 2018 Baller Share Posted October 21, 2018 At trick speed, weight in the back of the boat has a significant effect on the wake. Weight in the front has a minor effect but still makes the wake bigger. That's why we typically weight the back of the boat to make the trick wake bigger. At slalom speeds, hull dynamics dominate the wake shaping. There's a lot of energy in the speed to lift spot loading. Getting more of the front of the boat in the water might help tracking without doing much to the wake. Lighter weight to push will certainly make the wake smaller. Run the tank light and stash a couple fivers on the dock. Different hulls will react differently so testing could be worthwhile. But that Brendella wake is pretty small to start with. I can't remember if it has a trim tab but playing with trim tabs can make a huge difference. Easier than moving a fuel tank. Note that the aircraft will be able to trim out any allowable CG loading with a quite small trim tab on the elevator. Keep experimenting and update us. Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Jetsetr Posted October 21, 2018 Author Baller Share Posted October 21, 2018 @eleeski - no trim tab on this Brendella...it’s just an experiment at this point (and a excuse to be on the water) the most logical thing would be to run the fuel tank lighter and use the 5er’s... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Horton Posted October 22, 2018 Administrators Share Posted October 22, 2018 You could bondo a hook on the back of the boat... Goode ★ HO Syndicate ★ KD Skis ★ MasterCraft ★ PerfSki Radar ★ Reflex ★ S Lines ★ Stokes Drop a dime in the can Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller eleeski Posted October 22, 2018 Baller Share Posted October 22, 2018 Adjustable aftermarket trim tabs are way easier than bondo. The Brendella is a nice boat. Take off the trim tab and you are back to a quality baseline. If it helps, great! If not, patch a couple of little holes. Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Jetsetr Posted October 22, 2018 Author Baller Share Posted October 22, 2018 Will see if I can find some tabs... It’s a pretty nice little boat- motor runs like new, I added the Stargazer 3 event PP (know the hardcore guys don’t like Stargazer but it works great for me) separate GPS speedo (purchased that before the PP) a nice bimini, appropriate tasteful Radar stickers and it sounds bad ass... @Brooks- an older boat can use some “Radar Love” too...like a rope holder/engine cover sleeve -just say’n! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Jetsetr Posted October 27, 2018 Author Baller Share Posted October 27, 2018 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted October 30, 2018 Baller Share Posted October 30, 2018 Dont these have the same running surface as a mid 80s prostar 190? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Jetsetr Posted October 30, 2018 Author Baller Share Posted October 30, 2018 Don’t really know...I’m sure someone here does-mine is a ‘89... I do know it has a better wake than the ‘79 Stars and Stripes I also ski behind... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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