Bow ballast upgrade

[liljohn]

Ok I have completed some more of the project so here it goes. heres the tank installed and hooked up.

[liljohn]

hooked up.. ready to drain and fill.

[liljohn]

Ok now for the walk thru panel. I used the old seat base, the cleats from the bottom of the cushion, and a jig saw. walla factory cover!

[liljohn]

After! all I can say is measure measure measure.. go measure again.

[liljohn]

now for the install of the panel.

[liljohn]

A view from the back!

Edited May 1, 2009 by liljohn

[liljohn]

Coming soon the wireing of the sending unit and ill photo what I have already done for the pump. this might take a while as this weekend is opening day for boating season

[Bobby Light]

Coming soon the wireing of the sending unit and ill photo what I have already done for the pump. this might take a while as this weekend is opening day for boating season

And your B-day party don't forget. You can't outrun those years. See you Sat.

[Ndawg12]

A view from the back!

That's the one I was curious to see, looks good, thanks.

[Jimmypooh]

I'd be interested to do this to my 06 VLX. Will there be any differences (is it possible)? What do you expect the final price tag to be? Is the tank built with renforcements so that it will take the weight of people sitting on it? Thanks!

[Bobby Light]

I'd be interested to do this to my 06 VLX. Will there be any differences (is it possible)? What do you expect the final price tag to be? Is the tank built with renforcements so that it will take the weight of people sitting on it? Thanks!

Jimmypooh call up Paul the service manager at Bakesmarine.com. He can get you everything you need to make this happen. The tank is made for the cushions and people to go ontop of it.

[Jimmypooh]

I'd be interested to do this to my 06 VLX. Will there be any differences (is it possible)? What do you expect the final price tag to be? Is the tank built with renforcements so that it will take the weight of people sitting on it? Thanks!

Jimmypooh call up Paul the service manager at Bakesmarine.com. He can get you everything you need to make this happen. The tank is made for the cushions and people to go ontop of it.

Thanks! Any Idea on the price?

[skicrave]

Sorry for the hijack, but you need to make sure you can remove your walk-though style seats to make sure this is possible. Some VLX's do not have removable seating, and actually have a different deck than boats that were made with the bow ballast. I know John and I have gone back and forth about this, but after seeing his pictures, clearly some VLX's can be retrofitted.

The easiest way to tell is to lift out your bow cushions and look at the structure underneath them. If it's carpet covered HDPE with angle brackets holding it in place you're set. If it's finished fiberglass (in the same gelcoat color as your boat's deck), it's a no go.

[99response]

Sorry for the hijack, but you need to make sure you can remove your walk-though style seats to make sure this is possible. Some VLX's do not have removable seating, and actually have a different deck than boats that were made with the bow ballast. I know John and I have gone back and forth about this, but after seeing his pictures, clearly some VLX's can be retrofitted.

The easiest way to tell is to lift out your bow cushions and look at the structure underneath them. If it's carpet covered HDPE with angle brackets holding it in place you're set. If it's finished fiberglass (in the same gelcoat color as your boat's deck), it's a no go.

When did the switch happen Jason, although I would bet there is no discernable pattern as to when this changed, I'm guessing it was a mid production year change at different times during different model years at each factory...

[skicrave]

I think your assumption is correct, I haven't been able to find any pattern or information that would indicate when the change was made. I had actually never seen an '05-'08 VLX that had removable seat bases in the bow like the new boats. John called me out on in it a while ago, but prior to him posting pictures, I didn't know they existed.

[liljohn]

I think your assumption is correct, I haven't been able to find any pattern or information that would indicate when the change was made. I had actually never seen an '05-'08 VLX that had removable seat bases in the bow like the new boats. John called me out on in it a while ago, but prior to him posting pictures, I didn't know they existed.

I have to say you guys are right there is no when or were they changed the top deck mold. The only way you can tell if this is an option for you or not is to look. I have seen boats in both configurations although I have not seen an 07 or newer that could not be retro-ed. I wonder if it is a difference in the two plants?. could be.

[Bake's Marine]

Turned out sweet lil-J, nice addition to the bu'! Glad everything panned out!

Cheers!

-Paul

[liljohn]

Ok finaly got the job done. As factory as it gets from my garage.

[liljohn]

Running the wires!

[liljohn]

Connecting the wires at the tank.

[liljohn]

finding and connecting the wires at the dash.

[liljohn]

Over all this was a great upgrade. I do have to say that on a scale from 1-10 it was easily a 7-8 as far as difficulty goes. If anyone has any queshtions feel free to ask.

[liljohn]

Here is the parts list for any one doing this upgrade..

1 bow tank.

2 thru hulls (above the water) http://www.bakesonline.com/detail.aspx?ID=1106

1 thru hull (below the water) http://www.bakesonline.com/detail.aspx?ID=1219

6 S.S. hose clamps

1 shut off valve http://www.bakesonline.com/detail.aspx?ID=1220

2 pumps http://www.bakesonline.com/detail.aspx?ID=993

30' of hose ( you will have a little extra) http://www.bakesonline.com/detail.aspx?ID=1298

2 tank elbows http://www.bakesonline.com/detail.aspx?ID=1218

1 anti siphon http://www.bakesonline.com/detail.aspx?ID=994

on-off- on switch http://www.bakesonline.com/detail.aspx?ID=1097

switch cover http://www.bakesonline.com/detail.aspx?ID=1312

3/4" nipple 2" long anda 3/4" f to f 90 . I had to source this from the local hardware store.

18' of wire

8 butt connectors

Alot of patiance.

[VLXRonnie]

lil john,

did you have any info or pictures on how you accessed the factory MLS to wire up the sending unit? and thanks for the pm reply also i will be looking forward to converting my 06 VLX.

Ronnie

[liljohn]

lil john,

did you have any info or pictures on how you accessed the factory MLS to wire up the sending unit? and thanks for the pm reply also i will be looking forward to converting my 06 VLX.

Ronnie

See the picture in post number 43. that is the wire looms coming out of the floor at the drivers feet. they were already connected at the dash so all you need to do is connect the tank.