G-Money's ballast systems

[SPBFAN]

One variation of this system that I've seen, is to use a single check-valve on the intake, and then "T" a drain line in between the main c/v and the pump, and "T" it into the vent. When the pump is in reverse to drain the check-valve diverts the flow out the "vent" thru-hull. Because the hose is routed up higher then the sac, water will not self drain while riding.

This was G's and I thought also. Remember there is only two boats so far that have this system. The nice thing about the system is that it can be changed around so easy. If EKSilva has the same problem we may rerout a few things and he may run into a problem where we have to fill from the top of the bag rather than the bottom.

[chpthril]

This was G's and I thought also. Remember there is only two boats so far that have this system. The nice thing about the system is that it can be changed around so easy. If EKSilva has the same problem we may reroute a few things and he may run into a problem where we have to fill from the top of the bag rather than the bottom.

Filling from the top will probably solve the back-flow, but you will still need to drain from the bottom.

[G-MONEY]

Filling from the top will probably solve the back-flow, but you will still need to drain from the bottom.

I was thinking about doing a T In to the top of the sac with a on way check at the bottom forcing the water to fill from the top.....

but that wont stop the water flowing out from the bottom.

I don't have a problem with reaching through the seat with the easy access hole we put in and closing the manifold when the sacs are full.

[talltigeguy]

Filling from the top will probably solve the back-flow, but you will still need to drain from the bottom.

Isn't it true that with a pump that sucks air you can actually empty from the top?

I think you only have to empty from the bottom if you have aerators, right?

[chpthril]

Isn't it true that with a pump that sucks air you can actually empty from the top?

I think you only have to empty from the bottom if you have aerators, right?

True, sucking air is wat makes them self-priming just like the raw water impellers, but because of the vent line, it will prevent a vacuum in the sac, and this may slow or prevent the emptying by drawing too much air instead of water.

Anyway, running these dry is what leads to impeller failure. The more often it draws air, the shorter it's lifespan.

[dogbert]

True, sucking air is wat makes them self-priming just like the raw water impellers, but because of the vent line, it will prevent a vacuum in the sac, and this may slow or prevent the emptying by drawing too much air instead of water.

Anyway, running these dry is what leads to impeller failure. The more often it draws air, the shorter it's lifespan.

Not if you put in a check valve that would prevent air from getting sucked back into the sack.

As for the pumps, they have a run-dry protection that shuts them off when they do.

[chpthril]

Not if you put in a check valve that would prevent air from getting sucked back into the sack.

As for the pumps, they have a run-dry protection that shuts them off when they do.

The whole hype of this reversible pump system is less plumbing then the aerator style pumps. Now we are throwing extra hose and check valves in in order to stop a common problem with the cheaper aerators.

I feel the run-dry protection will one of the factors to come into play when draining from the top of the sac.

[dogbert]

Well, my thought was to just raise the level of the hose somewhere between the pump and the sack. This would minimize the back pressure. That's what I plan to do.

[chpthril]

Well, my thought was to just raise the level of the hose somewhere between the pump and the sack. This would minimize the back pressure. That's what I plan to do.

When you fill through the top with a typical aerator pump system, this seems to be almost done by accedent, and most times, seems to work.

[G-MONEY]

Not if you put in a check valve that would prevent air from getting sucked back into the sack.

As for the pumps, they have a run-dry protection that shuts them off when they do.

The whole hype of this reversible pump system is less plumbing then the aerator style pumps. Now we are throwing extra hose and check valves in in order to stop a common problem with the cheaper aerators.

I feel the run-dry protection will one of the factors to come into play when draining from the top of the sac.

If I put a check valve in the vent it will allow me to fill and drain from the top and all I would need to do is add only one check valve to each sac and no extra hose.

This will also prevent the water from draining from the sac.

[xpjim1]

Just goes to show that whatever type of ballast system is installed, there will always be some sort of tweaking to get the bugs out. Either way the systems accomplish the goal of filling and draining sacs with minimal manual effort

[SPBFAN]

That is true. We sure gave it our best shot though. G has a good idea that I think will work though. The main thing is that it hold water and it adds weight to the boat.

[dogbert]

here is my last picture from a guy who instaled the jabsco. People told him Seven should be connected to 2

xpjim, this was gold!

I had three switches, each wired a different way. I guess they don't have QC at Jabsco.

I finally got my ballast system installed. I had to tap into the raw water intake, but overall I'm happy with the results. Those ballast puppies are sweet!

I also got my fuel flow meter installed a couple of weeks ago...now I have to learn how to use it.

After some clean-up my boat is ready for the lake!


Sorry, no pics yet, but I'll get them next weekend.

[TigeDuner]

Dog, do you know the size of the cut out for the switches. My pumps and bags are do in this week and I want to lay out the switch locations.

[dogbert]

I know they are 1 5/8" length wise. I mounted all 3 of mine right next to each other because didn't have a lot of room, so I cut a rectangle that was 1 5/8" x 3 7/8". It turned out looking pretty good.