In Search of Ballast Switches

Juice75 · Outlaw Joined: 09 Jul 2004 Posts: 218 City: Austin

I'm getting ready to put in my auto-ballast system, and I need some switches. Does anybody know where to get some like the one pictured, but straight instead of curved?

wesgardner · Posted: Jun 08, 2006 9:02 am Post subject:

Hey Juice75,

You can get 'em from MasterCraft of Charlotte, NC I think...go2Marine has them but they don't say "Ballast" on them

Here's a link to my parts list and a pic of the go2Marine switches I used

http://forums.wakeboarder.com/viewtopic.php?t=52208

Good luck

Juice75 · Outlaw Joined: 09 Jul 2004 Posts: 218 City: Austin

Thanks. I've actually been following you install for awhile. I'm using the same pumps, but I'm going with a dedicated thru-hull for each pump. I'll post a write-up once it's all done.

Kraig

WakeTech · Addict Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 949 City: Edmonton

I believe Carling is the maker of those switches, if you go to certain electronic stores they will have them for 1/2 the price of ones you will get off wake sites or dealers, althought they don't have the fancy silk screening (fill,empty, etc)

Juice75 · Outlaw Joined: 09 Jul 2004 Posts: 218 City: Austin

Call me silly, but it's the silk screening that really catches my eye. I figure if I'm going to do this once, do it right. Very Happy

wesgardner · Posted: Jun 09, 2006 4:20 am Post subject:

Juice75, Hey...you mean you have a thru hull for EACH "fill" pump? Wow lots of plumbing...

Good luck - yeah my buddy ordered ballast switches for his PS 205V that said "Port" and "stbd" ballast on 'em - then he gave 'em to me 'cause I think he has the curved ones...

Lemme know if I can be of any help...

mantaray · Addict Joined: 14 May 2004 Posts: 639

I like the curves.

BTW, 3 thru-hulls is overkill. One 1.5" is plenty for three pumps.

I got mine from MC of Charlotte. They sent me these first by accident.

I think you can get the straight ones from Malibu maybe.

P hat in Cincy · Posted: Jun 13, 2006 8:35 am Post subject:

www.waytekwire.com

"products/switches/Contura rocker"

As others stated, I'm not sure you can get the printing you want. You might have to go to a dealer for that.

Juice75 · Outlaw Joined: 09 Jul 2004 Posts: 218 City: Austin

mantaray, that looks nice! Where did you get the pod to hold the switches? Did it come from MC also?

I was doing the dedicated thru hulls, because that's how the factory does it. Figured they know more than I do. Wink

wesgardner, how's that single 1 1/2" thru-hull working out for you? I might consider doing something similar to minimize the number of holes I have to cut in my boat. Also, did you use the scoop or flat thru-hull?

Thanks for all your help guys.

wesgardner · Posted: Jun 23, 2006 6:59 am Post subject:

Juice75, Hey

Mine works great...I used a flat thru hull....the 2" manifold doesn't seem to have any problem when all four pumps are sucking on it, or if so, the fill times don't reflect it...I load about 2800 lbs in about 2 minutes, that's probably quicker than you can get your board on!

I also took some time/expense to run BIG line all the way to my sacs - hose is 1 1/4" - the smallest is 1" pvc pipe (same I.D. as the pump outlet)

If you're ever in Annapolis/D.C. area, look me up on DCWake for a pull...

Wes

mantaray · Addict Joined: 14 May 2004 Posts: 639

Juice75,

I used a 1.5" as well. I have the switch housings and switches for sale if you want some. You'll have to get the covers from MC, but I have the rest.

http://forums.wakeboarder.com/viewtopic.php?p=835342#835342

Let me know,
Keith

Juice75 · Outlaw Joined: 09 Jul 2004 Posts: 218 City: Austin

Well, you talked me into it. I just ordered a 1 1/2" thru-hull. I have to say, drilling one hole below the water line sounds better than drilling three!

What did you guys use to drill the hole in the bottom of the boat? I have some uni-bits, but nothing that big. Did you use a hole saw? If so, how big of one?

Thanks!

wesgardner · Posted: Jun 26, 2006 6:15 am Post subject:

Juice75, Hey

Yep, hole saw...I always just size mine to the thru-hull, if it's a tad small, a wood rasp makes quick work of enlarging the hole to fit, if it's a tad big (not too big now...) the 3M 5200 will more than make up the "gap" - I will ONLY use 52 below the waterline and with almost 30 years of install time, I've NEVER had a leak or a call-back, never....just my 2 cents.

Juice75 · Outlaw Joined: 09 Jul 2004 Posts: 218 City: Austin

wesgardner, thanks again! I know I've asked a million questions, but drilling holes in the bottom of my boat just makes me a little nervous.

I used the 3M 5200 when I had to replace the strut on my old boat (long story). It worked like a charm.

All my parts are on the way, so post pics as I make progress.

m3the01 · Newbie Joined: 29 Jul 2003 Posts: 43

damn i like those better,

Is there something im missing, are the ones you kept better quality or sealed better?