Circuit breaker and other questions 1999 SAN

[steve-o]

I've searched and can't find the following info.

I just bought a 99 SAN and finished up a few minor things today and familiarized myself with all the mechanics on the boat. I have a few questions:

I have circuit breakers for both a heater and a shower, but I have no idea where these are. Were all the panels the same for this year regardless of installed equipment, or do I have these probably never to be used "luxuries"?

I have the air vent ballast knobs below the driver's throttle. The port side has a mysterious leak I can't track down that occurs when the tank is full. Is this something that is common?

The same side has a malfunctioning sending unit I assume. It always reads full. Is this common and what is the usual fix?

Both of the Attwood A750 pumps no longer power on. What is the usual replacement? Will a newer Tsunami 800 fit in place without modifying the hoses?

The previous owner used the under seat of the port side as a cooler. Is there a way to make it drain into the bilge? Should it drain to the bilge? It looks like it has some holes in the bottom. it might have been drilled by a previous owner, but it only drains into the floor it appears.

Thanks in advance. I am sure I will have more questions in the future. BTW the boat has 99 Air Nautique graphics (that are gonna go away soon) and a second gen flight control tower. I am coming to this boat from a Tige', albiet an older one, and so far it is night and day in comparison and quality. I'll take some pics soon.

[bkhallpass]

RE: Circuit breaker and other questions 1999 SAN

Yes, the same panel was used whether the heater/shower were installed, or not.

I've taken my ballast apart before, but not really qualified to answer those questions. Someone will be along. BKH

[DavidF]

RE: Circuit breaker and other questions 1999 SAN

Well, I too had a major ballast tank leak this weekend...completely filled the bilge to the point of engine belts slinging water around. Anyway, spent Sunday looking for the source of water. I used a fake-a-lake to fill the ballast tanks up but was not seeing any water entering the bilge. Until that is the port tank reached full, then water started running out the bilge drain. Turns out the port tank sending unit mounting flange had cracked and allowed significant amounts of water past. Incidently, that tank was not operating properly over the weekend.

Just this morning, I order a new sending unit from WEMA USA. You need to order a SSS/SSL at 6.0 inches long to fix your non-functioning gauge.

As far as the pumps functioning, my pumps are wired directly to the ignition switch and have an inline fuse behind the instrument pod. So, the pumps will only run if the ignition switch is on and the fuse is good. Unfortunately, you have to pull the instrument pod to replace the fuse. Make sure the "Fill/Empty" switch is getting power (you can check the fuse this way) by removing the red center terminal wire from the switch and using a mulit-meter to check for 12v. Don't forget to turn the ignition breaker and key on first.

No easy way to add a drain for the under seat area as it sits over an area that is not connected to the bilge (i.e. solid foam filled floor section). The holes in the plastic are there to drain away any water that might otherwise get in. Yes, it just drains onto the carpet.

BTW, you can test the air valves and hose integrity by disconnecting the vent lines from the ballast tanks, making sure the valves are closed, then try to blow through the lines. If you can, then the valves are leaking or a hose has a hole in it. If you can't, then all is good.

[bchesley]

RE: Circuit breaker and other questions 1999 SAN

If you have a heater on a 99 you will have two vents on the kick board at your feet and a heater fan switch over next to the switch that raises and lowers the rear deck. The heater is usually installed in one of the side cubby holes and the hose and sprayer are stored under one of the side seats.

The ballast system can be tricky. Where is the leak that you are describing? Is is a water leak? Air leak letting the tanks drain? I need more info....

[steve-o]

RE: Circuit breaker and other questions 1999 SAN

I am not certain on the ballast leak yet. Thanks for the heads up on the fuse. I saw it yesterday when I had my dash off and should have checked it then. I don't have a heater or a shower, which I would never use anyway being 102+ out for the past week.

Thanks for the answers so far. Ironically, I know everyone says that direct drives are easier to work on, but I am finding that the V-Drive really isn't that much more cramped as far as access to things. It does have some tight spots, but my DD did as well. I think it's just a different beast.

[DavidF]

RE: Circuit breaker and other questions 1999 SAN

Sure, just wait. Nothing on the front (stern) of the engine is fun to work on. Want to change the packing for the rudder or shaft...not fun.

I live in Austin, TX. First thing I did was rip the heater out of my boat. Won't ever use it here and I did not want the add hassle of winterizing, etc. I did leave the shower installed, but more as a novelty than anything I will ever use.

I met the PO (original) Owner last week and we discussed the boat. He purchased it through the local dealer and ordered the Nautique Super Sport with ALL factory/dealer options. I asked why he did not just order a SAN and he said he did not like the graphics. He remembered paying over $50k for the boat in '99

[steve-o]

RE: Circuit breaker and other questions 1999 SAN

If I need to change the packing, I am going to try and fit a shaft seal in there. I do know that is a tight space.

I pulled all my panels out and the front of the engine didn't seem too bad. Not ideal, but not too bad. I am sure when the time comes I'll be cussing it though.