Need an answer quickly guys, thanks

[1sicknautique]

i just took the boat out for the first time today since last year and ran into a little problem. i just wanted to make sure everything was ready to go for this season. i wanted to fill the ballast so i turned on the valves and my switches and no filling took place. i then hit the empty switch and the pump kicked in and wanted to pump something out, what's my problem??? any input would be great guys thanks for the info.

[Shooter]

It would help to know what year & model you have. Sounds like you have aerator pumps. Try giving it gas to prime the pumps. Also check to make sure all the main thru-hull ball valves are open. Lastly, check to make sure the thru hull intake is clear of debris.

[1sicknautique]

It would help to know what year & model you have. Sounds like you have aerator pumps. Try giving it gas to prime the pumps. Also check to make sure all the main thru-hull ball valves are open. Lastly, check to make sure the thru hull intake is clear of debris.

Sorry 2000 Air Nautique, is this going to be a pricey fix?? if its the aerator

[Chexi]

The ballcock system takes a while to fill and requires you to be moving 20+ mph. You should not need the pump to fill, although it speeds things up. The aerator pump should be relatively cheap to replace (maybe $40) if that is your problem. My gauges won't read anything for a while (maybe 2-3 minutes) and then they start moving up fast. The gauges are not perfect on these old ballast systems.

As mentioned earlier, check you scoop intake for debris. Check to make sure your ball valve is open. If you had someone else winterize, they might have closed it. Also, make sure you opened the sea cocks. I believe it it counterclockwise to open, but I have to double check at the beginning of every season since they are not marked for open and close. The old system is pretty simple. Not much to go wrong.