My Ballast System

[xpjim1]

[QUOTE=lee;41075]Nice looking switch covers.


Lee
Made sure they were in the picture for you.

[Jeff T]

I just read all of that. I feel like my head is going to explode. I applaud you guys for doing what you do. After reading this, I know with out a doubt, that will never install a plumbed ballast system. Bag and Pump only for me.

[Coach]

I just read all of that. I feel like my head is going to explode. I applaud you guys for doing what you do. After reading this, I know with out a doubt, that will never install a plumbed ballast system. Bag and Pump only for me.

If I ever find I need a plumbed system I am calling xpJim and pay him to do the install. Plus with both kids out of the house and in college next year you might need the side business.

[xpjim1]

More parts came today. Received the 1" hose and the Stainless Steel Thru Hulls. I have received everything or it is in the mail. I have the complete parts list and cost if you are interested, just PM me with your email. The costs do not include the fatsacs or tanks.

Here is a quick comparison with the Rival system. Tried to make it apples to apples. The prices include tax and shipping where applicable:

[xpjim1]

All the parts are in. Now if i can get a weekend to go start the install. I will tell you fittings for 1 inch inside diameter hose sure do vary. I remember talltigeguy saying how dificult it was to put the hose on the fittings. The thru hulls and the tee for the vent and drain were simple. I then tried on the fly high quick connects. Need to put the end of the hose in boiling water to get them to go on, same with the fittings on the check valves and the pumps. Already ripped half the thumpnail off.

The fun is just beginning

[lee]

You could also use a heat gun or hair dryer to soften the hose.

[xpjim1]

Lee
I tried the hair dryer. It did not get hot enough. Might have to buy the wife and daughter a Heavy Duty hair dryer.

[talltigeguy]

The best part is when you get the hose on and then realize you forgot to put the clamp on.

Or then you realize that you put the clamp on in such a way that you can't easily get a screwdriver at it to tighten it. I trust you are much smarter than I am! I've got adult ADD so these things always happen to me.

[spharis]

Run to Harbor Freight and pick up a heat gun. They get plenty hot. Cost about $15.

[tarheeler]

Or then you realize that you put the clamp on in such a way that you can't easily get a screwdriver at it to tighten it.

try a 5/16 socket next time.

[chpthril]

The best thing is a flexi nut driver w/ a socket on the end.

[xpjim1]

Hard to believe it has been 25 days since my last update. Lack of time due to the fire on my rental property in Missouri and my daughters song/pom team competing at Nationals. Did I say that they are the National Champions . I am a very proud father!!!

After this update I am going to post in the how to section. So far I have drilled the drain and vent holes and completed the hose. My custom fatsacs came today (special thanks to Dr Mann). The surf sac is a monster.!! Where I ordered the wire sent the wrong stuff so I need to wait on that. Hopefully this weekend it should be complete barring any unforseen changes. I have decided to go thru the transom and eliminate the gate valve.

Lessons learned

1) Read talltigeguy's post many times.
2) Do not believe any packaging telling you what size hole saw to use (1st hole too big)
3) If going with Stainless steel thru hull's for vents use a company called GemLux. The make the fitting which is 1 1/2 inches shorter than the Attwood. Attwood said they make one but I could not find anyone who stocks it. I originally used the 4 inch Attwood but did not like how far it stuck in the boat. Also would never work in the bow. Accidently found the 1 GemLux at a swap meet and ordered 2 more.
4) Go with normal sized pumps. The 1200 tsunamis sound great but all the adapters you need to buy and various pieces of diferrent size hose is not worth it. The 800 would only require some 3/4 inch hose and some short pieces of 1 inch hose. I did not like the fittings on the Tsunamis so I ordered more adapters. While the 2 inch manifold for the pumps work, it makes running a few of the hoses difficult. The smaller pumps would use a 1 1/2 inch manifold giving you more options.
5) Test all the fittings with the hose you will end up using as all 1 inch inside diameter hose is not the same, nor are fittings that take 1 inch I.D hose.
6) I placed my vent holes in spots that I thought were good. Then running the hoses all I can recommend go as high as you can.
7) The check valves are very large for the 1 inch hose. Had to rethink my hose runs to get them oriented the way i wanted.

So far this has been a good exercise as I found out why my bilge pump has never drained water from my boat. The outlet had a big crack in the bottom and the water was always thrown back in the boat. Special thanks to Tige for replacing my bilge pump.

Hopefully I can find my Digital Camera as it seems to have disappearred.

Here are a few pics as a tease of whats to come.

[Original Wing Nut]

1.5" thru-hull on the transom running to a manifold holding four pumps to fill the tanks/bag. With the thru-hull you will not need to use a pesky gate valve that will lock up on you at some time. Call Jeff @ the shop and ask him how many he replaced last summer as we used to use them in the past.

If you use a SPDT switch you will not have to run the ground wires from the pumps to the switch, you could use the short wire that is on the pump and attach it to the engine for a ground.

We have two ballast installs going on right now and I could take pictures and makes notes if needed for you guys if needed.

Lee.

I am going against your better judgement and doing a gate valve. Do you have a suggestion on a gate valve? With your experience have you found one that is better than another? My reason for going gate valve is my wife can get impatiant at times and I need a system that can fill and empty with out having to wait. Thanks for all your info and knowledge.

[lee]

If you go with some 950gph Johnson pumps. Stop the boat, turn on pumps, put jacket on , put, board on, throw rope out, the bags should be close to full. We have only found one electric 1.5" gate, do not remember the brand.

[xpjim1]

Here is the link to the gate valve. You will also need the 1 1/2 inch reducer adapters.

http://www.phasefourindustries.com/s...ex.php/dm_cart