Piggy-back ballast

[wcherashore]

The boat is a direct drive, a 2000 Air Nautique to be more specific, which does already have factory ballast and I'm assuming its own dedicated thru-hull fitting. Accordingly, the additional bag I would consider adding would be a tube sack located behind the enine on the floor in front of the seats (because putting one in the trunk would risk collapsing the hard tanks).

I have attached a parts list provided to me for the install.

[jasonwm]

I finished my install and plan on testing it this weekend. I'm sure it will fill, but I dont know how well it will empty. Will this work with the stock Aerator pumps?

Sorry this message is a little late, I wasn't receiving notifications about this thread.

Let us know how the system worked for you, I'm not sure what some of the icons are, but with aerator pumps (not self-priming), I think you'll have some big issues draining with that setup.

The boat is a direct drive, a 2000 Air Nautique to be more specific, which does already have factory ballast and I'm assuming its own dedicated thru-hull fitting. Accordingly, the additional bag I would consider adding would be a tube sack located behind the enine on the floor in front of the seats (because putting one in the trunk would risk collapsing the hard tanks).

I have attached a parts list provided to me for the install.

Like WakeSlayer said, there are lots of ways to go about setting up a ballast system (most of which I think we've discussed). I believe that the latest system we decided on is the best setup for your needs, but let me know if you have any other questions.

[Shooter]

The icons are just the male / female flow-rite quick connect fittings. I set it up so the bag can be removed and the stock vent line reconnected.

The system works great. I originally installed a valve on the vent line, but later discovered that the discharge line also needed to be plugged. I decided to use two expansion plugs rather than over complicate the system with two valves.

I never connected the "sipper line" to the forward port as planned. The sipper line just runs from the rear port to the bottom of the bag. The bag will drain completely with no assistance, but can air-lock when empty. I expected this problem and will try to find a better fix for it next season.

I may try to complete my plan and install a Fly-High check valve to allow air to vent from the forward port. I can also try running some PVC pipe in the bag to keep the bag from collapsing.

I suspect air-lock is a double edged sword. Without some level of lock, I don’t believe the bag will drain completely. The trick it allowing the vent to pass air after the bag is empty. I was looking at some vacuum break valves. These valves only open after a certain amount of pressure is given. I planned on doing a write up, but I wasn’t able to get the system dialed before the end of the season. Maybe next year.