Reusing factory ballast bags

[fordbrent1]

When we upgraded our rear ballast bags, we kept the old fat sacs that came stock with the boat as wakemakers suggested it. They sell fitting so you can use the bags. I however cannot get the glued in fittings that allowed the hookup of the factory ballast pumps.

Has anyone had any luck? I tried using a hair dryer and a propane torch to heat the glue, but it was unsuccessful.

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[Willyourun]

I just successfully did the same thing with my 2016 Helix bags. It took two grown men, a vice grips, and a channel locks pliers to get mine loose. We were just about to quit when we got it to break loose. Not easy.


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[fordbrent1]

I just successfully did the same thing with my 2016 Helix bags. It took two grown men, a vice grips, and a channel locks pliars to get mine loose. We were just about to quit when we got it to break loose. Not easy.


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Did you use a hair dryer?

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[Willyourun]

I did but I’m not sure it did any good. There’s no way I could have done it by myself.


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[trayson]

I used a heat gun to get mine out. I don't have enough hair to need a hairdryer. LOL

[fordbrent1]

I used a heat gun to get mine out. I don't have enough hair to need a hairdryer. LOL

Was it super difficult? How long did you leave the gun on?

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[trayson]

Was it super difficult? How long did you leave the gun on?

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It was a pain. I think I sprayed some solvent on it to weaken the glue. It really varies. Some come right out, others take tons of effort, and others the bag gets destroyed.

[LAwake]

Was it super difficult? How long did you leave the gun on?

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It’s a pain in the butt! I had two bags I had to remove stock glued in fittings from. I used a hairdryer and the first one took me about 25 minutes to get out. The hardest part is being able to stand on the little black edge of the valve while trying to pry the fitting out sideways. It isn’t as easy as the video suggests. I’d try to find something narrow that you can stand on that will go on top of the black ring and hold it down
While you pry once the glue loosens from the heat. 2 of the 4 came out for me. 2 were fairly easy, the third took close to 2 and a half hours, the fourth, well, the entire weld came apart from the inside and the entire valve assembly attached to the flange came out leaving a hole in the bag. The bag is trashed. Got in contact with FatSac and nothing they can do. Told me to go through my local dealer and FatSac said they would warranty it since it was a brand new bag. It’s still laying on the floor of my office. I’ve ordered LeadWake bags and said screw trying to fool with the portable pump and lugging ballast bags around the boat.

[KnoxMojo]

I talked to fatsac today about the bags and some fittings. They told me that the cement they use now is no longer rubber cement, but rather permanent for the ports. Guys, you are better off spending a few more dollars on fittings rather than struggling and damaging the old bags.

[fordbrent1]

I talked to fatsac today about the bags and some fittings. They told me that the cement they use now is no longer rubber cement, but rather permanent for the ports. Guys, you are better off spending a few more dollars on fittings rather than struggling and damaging the old bags.

Is there a fitting I can add to the factory fitting and be able to make it work?

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