I KNOW! - ballast stuff

Doug · Posted: Apr 16, 2003 5:03 am Post subject: I KNOW! - ballast stuff

I know this is a popular topic and has been covered before.

Aerator pumps pump more volume at less pressure.

Impellar type pumps are less volume and more pressure.

I keep hearing conflicting stories. I hear that the impellar pumps are a pain because they are not self primping. The impellar type pumps can burn out if you run them dry. Also, the pressure is enough to burst your fat sack. So what is the best way to go?

Also,what are the best quick connect fittings out there, Flo-rite?

If using a impellar type pump, where is the best source too buy them?

Hopefully I will be plumbing the boat next week!

Doug G

jim Bogden · Outlaw Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 178 City: Sandy, UT

an aerator will have no problems priming if you are filling by use of a thru hull scoop strainer. I would use an aerator for filling because the GPHs are alot more and a self priming impeller for draining because they will suck your sacks dry.

Boatersworld.com has good prices on Rule pumps, especially the 2000.

Be Atlas has the Simer reversible self priming pumps for only 64 bucks -way cheaper than jabsco. ( I dont know their # or website, go to wakeworld discussions to find out that info)

Doug · Posted: Apr 16, 2003 8:55 am Post subject:

But I keep on readiing conflicting stories. Alot of people want nothing to do with aerator pumps. You don't need to use valves, because the rubber impellar will block water from coming thru when not running. You can reverse the pump to drain. You don't need a scoop type intake. I would like to hear from others on there system cofig.

Doug G

jim Bogden · Outlaw Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 178 City: Sandy, UT

as far as I know there are only 3 intakes: scoop, drain hole, t off fresh water. the scoop will give you alot faster fill times than the others. wakeworld has tons of ballast discussions, go there to find out what everyones doing

healing · Newbie Joined: 16 Mar 2003 Posts: 9 City: Montrose

I have a Jabsco reversable impeller type pump. It is self priming I timed it last weekend 2 1/2 minutes to fill 25 gallons = right at 10 gallons a minute. This pump has a run dry shut down. However I never intend to see if the emergency shut down works. As soon as the pump starts sucking air ( you can hear it easily) shut it off no big deal. This pump came stock with the boat and I am going to T into the system and fill two more sacs up front. I also have bought a simer reversable to install and fill two sacs in the back storage V-drive. I should be able to load 1200 pounds in around 10 minutes with the two pumps (plenty fast by the time I get my gear out ready for the first set). Also each bag will have a vent line back to the lake so I will not have to worry about over filling (bursting bag).
Impeller pumps do draw more amps than aerators so I plan on runnin 10 gauge wire. keep that in mind. Impellors are going to be the best bet for my situation they do cost more but I think the bennefits are worth it. especially after throwing an aereotor pump over the side of the boat trying to keep it primed what a pain in the a$$

Doug · Posted: Apr 17, 2003 7:16 pm Post subject:

OK, my next question is, what size plumbing is everyone running? If you're using Simer pumps, 3/4. 1, 1.125, 1.25?

Doug G

Jon · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 1176

I believe most ballast systems use 1". My stock ballast in my Mobius uses 1" for filling and 3/4" for emptying.

Doug · Posted: Apr 18, 2003 3:14 am Post subject:

If I were to get custom bags made by letsgoride, I understand that you can get 1" hose fittings!?. What type of fitting do you use to mate with the fitting on the bag?

Jon · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 1176

Go to any hardware store and you can buy a male PVC fitting to fit inside your hose. You will then have to buy a brass fitting to screw onto that and then screw your blue Magic waterbed (or standard fat sack) fitting onto the brass fitting. I hope that makes sense. Thats what I've done with my ballast system and it works great. Make sure to clamp the hose around the PVC fitting.