t raw water

spudski67 · Newbie Joined: 24 Mar 2006 Posts: 15 City: burlington

i am thinking about t'ing the raw water intake to install a ballast system. i know not to fill while moving but it seems that a powerful pump could rob the engine of water even at idle speed. So, what is the largest pump that i should install if i were to t into the raw water intake?

wesgardner · Posted: Apr 07, 2006 7:31 am Post subject:

Heyspudski67,

It would probably very depending on engine size/ raw water pump hose size.

My two cents - install an independant thru-hull, takes 5 minutes - use a bronze one, bed it in 5200, you'll never have a problem.

DizzyG · Soul Rider Joined: 11 Jun 2003 Posts: 266 City: Oconomowoc

I've used a T on 2 boats now, and ride with several people who have done the same on multiples as well. No problems to report. I ran 3 simer pumps (similar to the ballast puppies) and am now running 2 off of the T. The raw intake was a 1 1/4" hose, my T went down to a 3/4 so you can't exactly take all of the water. I never had a problem and you can just watch the engine temp if you're filling on the fly. I usually fill while idling, but I've adjusted and filled while cruising without an issue too.

You can only pull so much water through the 3/4" side, so you can't fully starve the engine.
I'll tell you it's a heck of a lot easier than doing your own intake and if you're nervous about putting a hole in your hull it's a great alternative.

I've seen this on a '95 malibu D-Drive, our '06 VLX, a 90's mastercraft (with 3 simers), a moomba and now another correct craft v-drive with 3 pumps. no issues to report

SnivesAtGT · Newbie Joined: 23 Feb 2006 Posts: 26

I did the same thing w/ my MC Prostar 190. I'm currently running two Jabsco pumps off of it.

pennery · Newbie Joined: 10 Jul 2005 Posts: 4

Do you install a valve off of the TEE so you can turn it on and off.

SnivesAtGT · Newbie Joined: 23 Feb 2006 Posts: 26

DizzyG · Soul Rider Joined: 11 Jun 2003 Posts: 266 City: Oconomowoc

I didn't install a valve, the Simers don't allow water through when they're not running. I guess if I have to disconnect a hose while out on the lake I could end up with water in the boat, but for now I haven't bothered with a valve

pennery · Newbie Joined: 10 Jul 2005 Posts: 4

I am T-ing my Raw Water on my Direct Drive Echelon to go to 2 Tsunami 1200 Aerator pumps. I am going from a 1-1/4" line to 1" to feed the pumps. I am using that cheap vinyl hose as well after the ball valve. My question is will that vinyl hose be okay (it runs right underneath the engine) and will the 1" intake starve my engine of water. Any help would be appreciated. ( i don't really need to have the engine running while filling but would be nice.)
Thanks

DizzyG · Soul Rider Joined: 11 Jun 2003 Posts: 266 City: Oconomowoc

I've had no problems starving the engine and neither have my friends with theirs. I would say you may run into problems if it's too close to a hot spot and melts, but otherwise the problem you'll have with a really flexible hose is that it slowly caves in when you reverse and the pumps suck hard. They slowly cause the hose to pinch and you'll find it pumps slower over time.

I found some ribbed hose at the local marine supply, I think it's for sinks and things on bigger boats. It's flexible but doesn't cave in at all. It's like the cheap hose with a piece of hard rubber that spirals all the way down it to keep it in shape.