Nautique Ballast Upgrade Installation Guide

WakeBallast | Nautique Tank Buster Rear Factory Ballast Upgrade - Installation Guide
Installation Guide

Nautique Tank Buster
Rear Factory Ballast Upgrade

Replace your factory rear hard tanks with high-capacity WakeBallast bags. More ballast volume, bigger wave, factory-style integration.

Install Time
30 - 60 min
Difficulty
Moderate
Steps
5 Steps
Warranty
12 Months
Application & Fitment
Compatible Models
1999 - 2002 Super Air Nautique
Select 1999 - 2006 Nautique V-Drive models with rear hard tank ballast
Always verify locker dimensions and hose routing before installation.
Included Components
  • 2xWakeBallast Rear Ballast Bags
  • 2x1" Quick Connect Fill Hose Assemblies
  • 2x3/4" Vent / Overflow Extensions
  • 2xDrain Pump Adapter Assemblies
  • 6xWakeBallast Quick Release Fittings
  • 2x1" Flow-Rite Straight Connectors
  • 2x3/4" Flow-Rite Elbow Connectors
  • 4xStainless Hose Clamps
  • 1xInstallation Guide
Tools
Required
Phillips Head Screwdriver
Flat Head Screwdriver
Socket or Nut Driver
Utility Knife
Heat Gun or Hair Dryer
Shop Towels
Recommended
Cordless Drill
Panel Clip Tool
Flashlight or Headlamp
Wet / Dry Vacuum
Before You Begin

Pre-Flight Checks

  • Verify factory hard tanks are empty
  • Disconnect battery power before working around pumps
  • Remove gear from rear lockers
  • Confirm all fittings and hoses are present
  • Inspect bags and fittings for shipping damage

Good to Know

  • Residual water in factory tanks and hoses is normal
  • Both rear lockers follow identical install steps
  • Warm hose ends before pushing over barbed fittings
  • Keep factory hardware in case you need to reinstall
Installer Tip: Warm hose ends with a heat gun or hair dryer before pushing over barbed fittings. This makes installation easier and ensures a tighter seal.
Hose Identification

Throughout this guide, hose lines are color-coded for clarity.

Fill (1")
Vent / Overflow (3/4")
Drain
1
Remove Factory Hard Tank
VENT 1A. Disconnect Vent / Overflow Hose
Locate the factory 3/4" vent / overflow hose connected to the top of the rear hard tank. Loosen the clamp and remove the hose from the upper barbed fitting.

Do not remove the through-hull vent connection.
FILL 1B. Disconnect Fill Hose
Locate the 1" fill hose connected to the top of the factory hard tank. Loosen the clamp and remove the hose from the upper fill fitting. This is the larger diameter hose routed from the factory ballast fill line.
HARDWARE 1C. Remove Tank Retaining Hardware
Remove the screws or retaining bracket securing the hard tank in place. Retain all hardware in case future reinstallation is needed.
REMOVE 1D. Remove Factory Hard Tank
Lift and remove the factory hard tank from the rear locker. Some residual water may remain in the tank. Keep towels nearby. Set the tank aside.
Before / After Routing Diagram
Factory hard tank layout vs. WakeBallast bag upgrade
BEFORE STERN BOW ENGINE COMPARTMENT REAR LOCKER FACTORY HARD TANK FILL VENT DRAIN REAR LOCKER FACTORY HARD TANK UPGRADE AFTER STERN BOW ENGINE COMPARTMENT REAR LOCKER WAKEBALLAST BALLAST BAG FILL VENT DRAIN REAR LOCKER WAKEBALLAST BALLAST BAG = Quick Connect
Fill (1")
Vent / Overflow (3/4")
Drain
Quick Connect
2
Prep Factory Hoses
VENT 2A. Install Vent Extension
Locate the supplied 3/4" vent extension hose. Connect the extension to the factory vent / overflow hose using the supplied 3/4" straight connector. Secure with hose clamp.
FILL 2B. Install Fill Extension
Locate the supplied 1" fill extension hose. Connect the extension to the factory fill hose using the supplied 1" straight connector. Secure with hose clamp.
DRAIN 2C. Install Drain Adapter
Thread the supplied drain pump adapter onto the factory drain pump outlet. Hand tighten only - do not overtighten. Confirm O-ring is seated correctly before threading.
Do not overtighten the drain adapter. Hand tight with a confirmed O-ring seat is sufficient.
Step 2 Checkpoint
  • Vent extension installed
  • Fill extension installed
  • Drain adapter threaded and secure
  • All clamps tightened
  • No kinks in hose routing
3
Install Ballast Bag
POSITION 3A. Position Ballast Bag
Place the WakeBallast ballast bag into the rear locker with fittings facing upward. Orient the bag so the rear port faces stern, front port faces bow, and top ports face upward for fill and vent. Lay the bag flat and untwisted.
Bag Orientation
FILL VENT DRAIN WAKEBALLAST BAG Fittings facing up STERN BOW
FILL 3B. Install Fill Hose
Connect the 1" fill hose assembly to the lower fill port on the ballast bag. Press firmly until the quick-connect collar locks into place. Pull lightly to confirm engagement.
DRAIN 3C. Install Drain Hose
Connect the drain pump adapter assembly to the lower rear drain port on the ballast bag. Press firmly until fully seated and locked.
VENT 3D. Install Vent / Overflow Hose
Connect the 3/4" vent extension to the upper vent port on the ballast bag. Route the hose upward with a smooth rise to prevent air trapping and false venting. Avoid dips or low spots in the vent line.
Vent routing matters. A smooth upward rise prevents air locks that cause false full readings on your ballast gauge.
4
Final Hose Routing
CHECK 4A. Check Hose Routing
Verify all hose runs are smooth and unrestricted. Confirm no kinks, no collapsed bends, no pinched lines, and no interference with hinges or panels.
VERIFY 4B. Verify Fitting Lock Engagement
Check all quick-connect fittings. Each collar should be fully seated in the locked position. Pull gently on each connection to verify retention.
REPEAT 4C. Repeat Opposite Side
Repeat Steps 1 through 4 for the opposite rear locker. Mirror hose routing and fitting orientation on both sides.
5
System Test & Final Check
TEST 5A. Fill Test
Activate the ballast fill system and begin filling each rear bag. Monitor the fill hose connection, vent connection, drain fitting, and bag expansion. Inspect all fittings for leaks during fill.
TEST 5B. Drain Test
Activate the ballast drain system. Confirm water evacuates properly and bag collapses evenly. Inspect drain connection for leaks or restriction.
INSPECT 5C. Inspect Final Fitment
With bags both empty and full, verify bags expand freely, no hose strain exists, no locker interference, no contact with sharp edges, and no pinched fittings.
Final Installation Checklist
  • All fittings locked
  • All clamps secure
  • Hoses routed cleanly
  • Pumps functioning properly
  • No leaks present
  • Both sides complete
Installation Complete.
Go make the wave bigger.

12-Month Limited Warranty

WakeBallast warrants this product against defects in materials and workmanship for twelve (12) months from the original date of purchase. This warranty is limited to repair or replacement of defective components at WakeBallast's discretion and does not cover damage caused by improper installation, misuse, overloading, alteration, neglect, freezing, impact, abrasion, or normal wear and tear. WakeBallast is not responsible for incidental, consequential, or watercraft-related damages resulting from product use or installation. Installer assumes all responsibility for proper fitment, routing, and secure connection of all ballast system components.

Need Help?

support@wakeballast.com
877-321-7962
wakeballast.com
WakeBallast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Nautique Boat Company. Nautique is a registered trademark of its respective owner and is used for fitment reference only.