EK Ballast Install

[xpjim1]

But the check valve will stop that now

[eks]

You also can leave the pump as is. Does not have tobe higher than the bag

the reason I put it higher is to stop the sack from draining by itself after it is full. The pumps do not stop the watert from going out.

[chpthril]

I agree with mike except for one item. You need a check valve on the vent line between the bag and the T or you will recirculate water bag into the bag when draining

Agree. Good catch, Jim, thanks.

[da.bell]

That looks like a much better deal chpthril... don't have to cut any more holes than he already has.

[eks]

I do think that raising the pump higher then the sac will stop the unwanted back-flow, but, the pump will have to work harder to prime up as the water will drain away from the pump on both sides when off. Each time these pumps run dry, it shortens the impeller life. I still think it's best/easiest/most efficient, to drain from the bottom of the sac

This is a crude drawing of how a guy on WW did his DIY Ballast Puppy install.

I would have to install at least one more check valve to stop the pump from sucking air from the output vent. Perhaps another check valve after the T so water don't go back to the sack when empting.

[xpjim1]

You also can leave the pump as is. Does not have tobe higher than the bag

[xpjim1]

I agree with mike except for one item. You need a check valve on the vent line between the bag and the T or you will recirculate water bag into the bag when draining

[chpthril]

I thought that by putting the pumps higher than the bag I would prevent the trickle of water.

The pump would have to work to suck water out.

I do think that raising the pump higher then the sac will stop the unwanted back-flow, but, the pump will have to work harder to prime up as the water will drain away from the pump on both sides when off. Each time these pumps run dry, it shortens the impeller life. I still think it's best/easiest/most efficient, to drain from the bottom of the sac

This is a crude drawing of how a guy on WW did his DIY Ballast Puppy install.

[da.bell]

there are many, many different ways you could do this. You can try that way out and see if it works first. That way you don't have to drill another hole into the side of the boat.

[eks]

And by putting the intake on the top of the bag, I help the pump not to struggle with pressure when the bag is almost full.

[eks]

Yes, but the check values are there to direct flow. Per your schema (this is just my opinion) with or without the check values will do the exact same thing. Will allow the water to go into the bags via the pump and exit the bags without the pump. Someone posted a schema of the X-Star's ballast system and did you notice that the exit holes were on the side of the boat? This helps to promote the water to stay in the bags and not release a trickle of water..

I thought that by putting the pumps higher than the bag I would prevent the trickle of water.

The pump would have to work to suck water out.

[eks]

I agree, Let me play around with the diag and see if I can "draw" What I think will be the simplest solution.

Thanks!

[da.bell]

Yes, but the check values are there to direct flow. Per your schema (this is just my opinion) with or without the check values will do the exact same thing. Will allow the water to go into the bags via the pump and exit the bags without the pump. Someone posted a schema of the X-Star's ballast system and did you notice that the exit holes were on the side of the boat? This helps to promote the water to stay in the bags and not release a trickle of water..

[chpthril]

IMO, you are going to have the same problem of the bag being emptied if you use the same hole in the hull for your intake and outtake. I would take the outtake hole and put it up near the rubrails.

I agree, Let me play around with the diag and see if I can "draw" What I think will be the simplest solution.

[eks]

IMO, you are going to have the same problem of the bag being emptied if you use the same hole in the hull for your intake and outtake. I would take the outtake hole and put it up near the rubrails.

it is just one hose for both intake and outtake.