Runaway Ballast

[John L]

I bought a 2003 Air Nautique about a month ago and we've been trying to work out all the bugs. Anyway, we were out at the lake today and had issues with the ballast tanks. They decided they wanted to keep filling themselves no matter what position the switches were in. They filled themselves with the switches in the off position. I drained them and they filled right back up, even with the switches still in the off position. So I drained them again and left the switches in the drain position. After pulling a skier they had water in them again. It seems like they would drain when we were sitting still, but would fill again with the boat at speed. Any ideas as to what might be going on?

[TRDon]

If you havent replaaced or the previous owner didnt replace the cable actuated valves, that is your problem. If the valves are red and black, you have flow-rite valves that with let water push past it regardless of which position it is in.

[NautiqueJeff]

Grab a drink, sit back, and start reading. All you could ever want to know about this problem is in the link below.

http://www.planetnautique.com/vb3/sh...Ballast-Valves

[John L]

Where are the cable actuated valves located? I am familiar with the two ballast inlet valves in the engine compartment. Thanks.

[John L]

Thanks NautiqueJeff;

I took your advise and mixed a stiff gin and tonic. I have to tell you I thought I was going crazy. The switch is on drain and the tanks are still filling up. What the ??? I did finally shut off the two inlet valves located in the engine compartment and that seemed to fix the problem.

[johnboyy7]

a common fix some of us have done is replace the "flow wrong" valves with electric/automatic valves. i wired my into my fill pump, thus when i turn it on to fill they open.

[tp311]

What years is this a common problem. I'm in the market for a nautique, this seems like something to look into

[TRDon]

up to 2005

[johnboyy7]

What years is this a common problem. I'm in the market for a nautique, this seems like something to look into

dont let this deter you from getting a boat from this era. it is a very easy fix. its not worth passing on a good boat.

[tp311]

dont let this deter you from getting a boat from this era. it is a very easy fix. its not worth passing on a good boat.

Oh ya, it definitely isn't changing my mind, just something to check into/ask about. I'm actually in line for an almost brand new 05 sante, trading my boss for building his garage/granny unit. Hopefully it goes through....

[johnboyy7]

hope it works out for ya. dont forget to post pics. we like looking at boats.

also if you have questions about how to fix.... there are several threads and i can help.

[tp311]

hope it works out for ya. dont forget to post pics. we like looking at boats.

also if you have questions about how to fix.... there are several threads and i can help.

I hope so to and will do. Any know problems with the 05's?