Ballast for 2009 196SN / Pro Ski Coach Water Ski Forum

PatM · #1 Tue, Jun 1, 2010 10:36 PM

I am trying to counterweight my 196sn. What is the approximate weight with no observer and with one observer (130-190lbs)? I am currently have put lead weights from my tire dealer in a new 5 gallon gas tank. I am at a little under 90lbs and looking to add more, but how much? Anyone with experience with this? Thank for the Help.

Pat Morrill

Thomas Wayne · #2 Tue, Jun 1, 2010 11:41 PM

I would recommend you break your counterweight up into two equal quantities. A very nice way is to have them sewn into a HEAVY-GAUGE canvas sack by a local tent & awning company. Make them somewhere between 50 and 65 lbs each, and have handles sewn on as well.

Now, if you're just a skier and a driver you put both sacks on the observer side, as outboard as possible, Since the driver sits a little inboard this ought to be more than enough weight. But the real beauty of this idea comes up when you've occasionally got an extra person along for the ride. Instead of having to heave 100+ lbs out of the boat and onto the dock (or centered in the boat or whatever), you simply move ONE of the sacks over behind the driver's seat and the two sacks equalize each other automatically.

A lot less weight to move around, and easier to take ALL weight out of the boat if so desired.

TW

Last edited by Thomas Wayne (Tue, Jun 1, 2010 11:42 PM)

2gofaster · #3 Wed, Jun 2, 2010 12:59 AM

We all have 50 pounds hanging in the nose as far forward as it can go and tied to the base of the bow eye. Then we have a 50 lb weight that goes against the passenger wall just under the edge of the observer seat. The bow weight is very important on these boats.