2002 SAN ballast tank issue (filling/leaking in while driving)

[youngunz]

Hello Everyone,
I am fairly new to PN yet I just recently purchased a '02 SAN that I took out for the first time last week and the only issue I foresee with the boat is that my ballast tank (port/starboard) leak or filling while I am at a cruise speed. I have for the most part read the ballast tank forum from 2005 but I am curious to know if there have been any recent findings for upgrades or modification to solve this issue. If anyone has any insight or advice for what direction I should pursue I would really appreciate it. I have attached a few photos of what I think is the pumping mechanism that fills the rear ballast tanks. Regards,

'youngunz
2002 SAN

[Shooter]

Those are you pumps, but that's not your problem...first, the thru hull valves are to the left of the pumps in the first picture and it looks like the extension rod is missing on your Port side valve. If both of those valve are closed, do you still have a issue? Do you have the remote valves under the helm and do you use those?

The valves on the old SAN suck and you have a few options (Cheapest to most expensive)

1. Replace the old remote valves (flow right) with the updated ones. This was a recall on my 03 and i got the valves for free from nautique.

2. I have heard of people removing the remote valves and using a vented loop..you will need to cut off the scoop to your intake under the boat and install a loop for each side

3. Replace the remote valves with electric valves. This is what I would do, but it will cost around $300+ There are a few write up on the site.

4. Replace those pumps with impeller style pumps. Impeller pumps are expensive and you will need to rewire

[aztaco]

My '02 has the same manual valve set up as yours (open when handle is pointing to the stern of the boat, closed when handle is pointing to port). When the valves are closed you should not have any water leaking into the tanks. If your valves are closed and the tanks are filling, I would assume the valves are no good. They are simple brass ball valves, I'm sure you could pull them out and see if they are serviceable or not (I would assume pulling them apart followed by a good cleaning and reassembly might fix your issue). If not they should be cheap to replace.

As far as upgrades I know if you do a search you will find tons of info. Call me crazy but I really like the simplicity of opening a valve and filling, and closing it when full. That and aerator pumps are cheap and easy to replace if they do go bad, which they rarely do. Also they seem to fill and empty quicker than most impeller pump ballast systems I've seen.

[intrlaz]

I have had the original system like you have, the electric valves as mentioned, and am now on the impeller style, which I believe are worth the cost.

I can reply to any other questions you have, but I wanted to mention that whatever you do you must have functioning bronze valves at the thru hulls. These are here for safety purposes. Bronze is not brass. Brass is available at home depot and lowes. Bronze is not. I'm sure some people would tell you brass is fine, and it might be for fresh water, but if your boat is ever used in even brackish water the brass will eventually disintegrate, leaving you with a serious problem in case of emergency.

Sorry I cant expound more, replying on smart phone. Let me know if you have any other questions.