05 211 ballast tanks keep filling hard to empty

[ETConaway]

I have a new to me ’05 211 team and can not figure out the ballast tanks either something isn’t working right or it’s owner error. The starboard tank will read full I will open the valve and hit the Starboard ballast button about 75% of the time it just lights up but is discharging water (maybe it’s just recycling) the other 25% it blinks (which what I want I believe) and really is discharging water. Once the water begins to die out I close the valve. I will run the boat for awhile and notice that the tank has refilled. The two sentences in the manual would lead you to believe that with the valve open it should blink and discharge every time. I now have the same thing happening on my port ballast. Should I have any water enter the tanks in the closed position? Likewise in the open position then hitting the ballast button should it blink and empty every time? Any differences if the boats in AUX/Ready mode vs actually running other than you can’t monitor the gauges if not fully running.

Any ideas help is very much appreciated. Thanks folks


ETC

[WakeSlayer]

RE: 05 211 ballast tanks keep filling hard to empty

The valves are notoriously poor in those boats. I believe there was a recall on them at some point. The whole system leaves a lot to be desired. They changed it in, I think, 2007.

The best idea is to remove the system and install a Jabsco / fatsac system. You won't regret it.

[MarkSkelton]

RE: 05 211 ballast tanks keep filling hard to empty

When the light is on and not blinking and the valves are open, it is filling; when it is full, it will discharge. When the light is blinking, it is emptying. Press the button once to fill, press and hold to empty. It may fill on it's own when the valves are closed and the pumps are off but that is another issue.