Ballast timers & cross-over pump

[BJM]

How do you guys with cross-over pumps and ballast timers manage the two together? I can't wrap my mind around getting the timers accurate when switching sides vs just filling and draining.

Thanks,

Billy

[chpthril]

You can reset the timer to accommodate for the larger surf sacs, but the addition of a transfer pump will throw it off. Also keep in mind, the transfer pump will only move the water in the sacs, leaving the water in the hard tank unaccounted for. You will basically go back to the early days and just learn when the sacs are full or empty.

[007]

If you are using a reversible pump, do you have to worry about the impeller running dry in it? Assuming it is an impeller pump.

[chpthril]

Yes, the preferred transfer pump is a reversible impeller pump. These pumps now use silicone impellers and incorporate run-dry protection on the motor. Even so, I dont like to run them dry any longer than I have to. You can listen for a noticeable change in the sound of the pump when the sac it dry. Also, after a few cycles, you begin to get feel for the drain and fill times.

[Robmc9]

impossible to use the timer, its all about sound and guesstimates. I have all 3 pumps going when transferring water over and I've just got used to an aprox time. Does the cross over pump run dry sometimes 100% but as MLA says the new style pumps have put safe blocks into their pumps so I'm not too worried and at most it might run dry for 5-10 seconds. Then of course the other 2 pumps (stock pumps) are all about watching for the water pouring out the sides holes. All I can say is I love the cross over pumps, makes things go so much faster while you're out on the water and if I need to replace my cross over pump due to running dry thats a $100 I'm ok with.

[BJM]

Here is my plan and I need you guys to critique it.....

This is on a 2015 Z3 with no hard tanks.

Just added MLA custom bags and a crossover pump. I'm trying to keep things all on the timers & accurate. My plan is to set the drain times for the time to drain using the drain pump & the crossover pump. I plan to do this for both sides. At the end of the day, turn on the drain pumps manually to completely empty.

I'm just trying to keep the %'s correct for the offside weight for when I'm not at the helm. I'll be able to test this theory Thursday. Any thoughts?

[Travism]

I have wake 9 sacks and a extra fill and drain pumps from mike as well as the cross over in my Z3. It is pretty much impossible to use the timers. Once you switch sides a few times and know what you like in each side you can time it and do the switch really easily or go by looks of the sack under the seat.

[007]

So @Travism and @BJM, was it hard to plumb in the cross-over pump into the bags? Where did you mount the pump and the switches?

[BJM]

I mounted the pump behind the access hatch in the starboard locker. I used a 2" hole saw to make a hole for the tubing to come through the divider to the back of the bag.

I mounted my my switch like Mike recommend. I could not bring myself to cut a hole.
http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/show...ossover-Switch