Yes, another ballast discussion

[IDBoating]

Here is Fly High's diagram. It seem easier to just fill and drain out of the same thru hull for each sac. Thoughts??

Impeller style pumps do not like to run dry. They also require more maintenance, since water can be trapped between the vanes. If you live in a freeze-prone area you will likely want to pull the impellers from your pumps when winterizing. The impellers will wear and need replacement from time to time. Impeller pumps draw much more current than aerator pumps of similar flow ratings. They are more expensive. The one huge plus for impeller pumps is that they can draw a vacuum and are thus self-priming.

Aerator style pumps can run dry indefinitely. They require no maintenance since they self-drain right back into the lake; any residual water is in the open chamber within the pump and thus has plenty of room to expand if it freezes. They do not wear and do not need periodic maintenance. They draw much less current than same-sized impeller pumps. There are many more choices and sizes of aerator pumps, and it is possible to build a much faster system while still keeping things simple. On a per-GPM basis aerator pumps are less expensive. Their one drawback is that they are not self-priming and thus their intake must be mounted below the waterline, but this is not a big problem.

Speaking solely for myself, I considered everything and ultimately went with aerator pumps. I have a full season on my system now and wouldn't change my mind. But impellers are a fine choice, it's just a matter of what tradeoffs you want to make. Everything is a compromise, so rank the features in order of importance to you and then pick the pumps that best deliver what you personally want.

Whatever you choose, there are lots of helpful people here who will be glad to assist with Q&A, photo examples, advice, and encouragement.

Report back!

[KyleRass41]

Finally going to be putting in the ballast. I am going to order the Rule 1100gph ballast package from wakemakers.com. I am going to tackle this project with a few friends. I'm sure I'll have a few questions come up. I'll post pics in a few weeks when we get started. I will have 2 enzo sacs to hook up to these Rules, anyone know what fill times would be on these with the 1100gph pump?

[chpthril]

Finally going to be putting in the ballast. I am going to order the Rule 1100gph ballast package from wakemakers.com. I am going to tackle this project with a few friends. I'm sure I'll have a few questions come up. I'll post pics in a few weeks when we get started. I will have 2 enzo sacs to hook up to these Rules, anyone know what fill times would be on these with the 1100gph pump?

The rule is rated @ 1100 GPH, so about 18.3 gals a minute, the Fly High W712 Enzo will hold about 1300 lbs in your 24V and a gallon of water weighs 8.34 lbs.