2010 Pro Ballast RZ2, Front System Issue

[ragboy]

So, I have already put close to 50 hours on this boat, but we are having intermittent issues with the front ballast. It usually happens when we first head out, and try to fill front. You can't tell if its filling, the % guage is based on timer, and they are sealed. The pump is running, but then after the amount of time it should take, the sac isn't filling and overflowing. The overflowing is the only indication, other than maybe the boat feeling weighted.

We have learned to fill for a bit, then try to drain and see if anything is in there. Then we try to reverse, pull forward, try to prime that pump, nothing. Can't find anything wrong or pinched. Then, we give up, but then for some reason, an hour later, it will just work. Has anyone else experienced this? It also seems to effect both sides when it happens, but not always. The last 3 times we have been out, more than likely it doesn't work at first, and then an hour later or so, it does.

If anyone else has a quick fix, or something to look for, that would be great.

[hycosurf]

I haven't noticed any issues with mine. It doesn't get to the overflow within the timer, but it is not far from it. I did notice when I got my boat that it was set up for surf ballast and not pro, able to change it in settings. I do wish there were more increments in percentages or a way to tell how full in hard tanks.

[kerlee]

Ragboy,
I have an 09 RZ2, no touch screen but had similar problems with my starboard rear in stock ballast and front sacs. I traced the lines out and even put a high loop into the line thinking I was having some type of air lock that the pump could not overcome. I finally put anti-siphon valves on all the lines at their highest point and it seems to have cleared up the problems. My starboard ballast still gives me a problem occasionally. I know you have plumbed your last boat but you may want to check and see where all the lines are run and then consider an anti-siphon valve.
Kerlee

[spenchey2]

My buddy on this board, rensink, has the same problem with his 2010 rz2. Never seems to want to fill or empty on command.

[talltigeguy]

This is a little off topic, but I looked at that and wondered how awesome a place that is to grow mold since the front is sealed...but there is always a way to get a little water in there, especially if you dunk the bow.

Do you see that as an issue with the 2010 ballast structure as well?

I agree with others that there seems to be a way that the pump cannot prime somehow. I wonder if you were to leave a little water in the sack when you finish if that might help you next time out to get the pump primed easier.

[ImaPigDog]

We have had the issue a twice (in ~100 hours). The first time, in May, I could hear the pump(s) running but definitely was not filling. After it happened, I removed the front panel (in 22Ve) under the bow cushion and moved the ballast sacs around a bit, making sure nothing was kinked up. I don't know how the access is in the RZ2 but you may want to try it.

The other time happened about a month ago and I didn't do anything and it worked the next time out.

[rushin]

where is the ballast intake and pumps located on the 2010's ? are they the cartridge pumps?

if the pumps are the same as the 07's and in the same type manifold it could be the orientation of the pumps. i changed my manifold to lay the pumps over instead of having them standing straight up so they would get water better.

[talltigeguy]

where is the ballast intake and pumps located on the 2010's ? are they the cartridge pumps?

if the pumps are the same as the 07's and in the same type manifold it could be the orientation of the pumps. i changed my manifold to lay the pumps over instead of having them standing straight up so they would get water better.

They are aerator type pumps, IIUC, but I think each pump has its own intake, so there is not a manifold. right?

[rensink]

front port sac on my 2010 pro ballast never wants to fill so always have to reprime the pump and at times doesnt ever reprime annoying problem. Emptying is never a problem once filled.

edit: ragboy i took the bow center cushion and up and theres 1 screw that holds the front triangles to close off the bow i took that screw off on the front so i could just walk up and pull the front seat up and then feel to see if they are filling.

[ragboy]

@rensink, how do you reprime?

I will check pulling out that screw.

[rensink]

Open up the white hatch on the back under the rear seat and then when you look in there are the 4 pumps for the sacs. They are staggered with 2 pumps close to the door then 2 more further back kind of diagnaled back. The one for the front sacs are the two closest to the door. Easiest way to do it is to flip the little lever up on the pump and take the cartridge out then put it back in and it should kick in.

[ragboy]

Well, see now, thats a good piece of information. I think I may replace the tops to those sacs with plexiglass, so easy to inspect. Too many demos, you know.

Thanks for that, that will help a lot.

[chpthril]

I cant remember from when I looked over Gibb's demo, but is Tige still using the bronze check-valves? It does sound like a priming problem. Baring a kinked hose, I may look at removing the check valve and adding a vented loop up near the sac.

[rensink]

I had my dealer get intouch with tige and they said they thought the problem comes from trailering and or sitting in a hoist at a weird angle.

[ragboy]

I don't trailer, but def on a hoist. It is level on hoist. What would that do?