Ballast pump issues

[Chad]

I've just replaced my intake ballest pumps. The old ones were horrible filling, one couldn't fill without running the boat at a moderate speed to provide pressure. Well the new ones act exactly the same. Is there a priming procedure that I missed or a mystery setting that I'm not aware of?
Even when the tanks are full (after providing) pressure the overflow from the new pumps are similar to the old ones I took out.
I was expecting a HUGE difference in pressure.
Thanks for any enlightenment

[JoeA]

I am not sure if there is a priming procedure.

Is it possible that there is some sort of obstruction in the hull fitting or a crimped hose?

[Chad]

No obstructions at all. I replaced both helm valves which are upstream and verified open. My lines are straight too.

It's just that my results are exactly what I had before. So am I right to assume these pumps should easily be able to draw water in sitting idle?
I'm going to lower the lift and try again I guess.
Thanks

[JoeA]

I am new to the Nautique brand but my brother in law was told by Mastercraft that the ballast will fill up faster when moving forward at 1,500 RPM. Give it a try and see what happens.

[xrichard]

IIRC, your boat has aerator/non-self-priming pumps. I had such pumps in a 95 Sport Nautique (I installed a home-made-o ballast system in it.) Even though they were below the water line, I often had problems getting them primed...driving forward at 5-7mph (e.g. plowing a bit) always got them going. I think they just needed to have water forced up the intake line to the pumps.

[lucky7t]

With my 03 and 07 I had to be moving to fill ballast. The 12 and 15 I don't have to move . Hope this helps as I have no idea what year boat you have

[4th ski-doo]

you can always just change the impellers to aftermarket ones too. Most likely depends on the idle speed and voltage.