Draining Air Nautique Balast Tanks

[AirJeff]

We've got an Air Nautique (direct-drive) and need to figure out how to winterize the balast tanks. I figure if I unhook the tubes from the pumps that should get them empty enough. Here's my problem, how do I get to the the pumps in back?(the ones that empty the tanks) I can hear them but can't see them. I would take out the driveshaft/exhaust floor access piece, but I can't figure out how to get the base of the back seat off. Thanks for any insight!

[ssaxet]

I think it would be eaiser to pull the hose at the supply (thru hull fitting) and put it in a gallon jug of rv anti freeze and turn on the fill pump... thats what I do with my PAN..... it has a single fill and empty pump in series... it works for me... your system may be different....

[AirJeff]

I think we figured this one out. The tanks aren't removable unless you remove the fuel tank. So...take off the prop shaft acces and stand on you head in the bilge. There is a drain hose coming off each tank with a cap on the end. Pop off the cap off. Now the tanks are drained, but you need to drain the hoses. While still standing on your head look at the pumps in back. I think mine have been modified, they have a drain hose coming off of them. I'm assuming they had a plug to begin with. Pop the cap/plug off and it will drain the rear hose and pump. Then open the valves up front and pull the hose off the front pumps if you want. Now it's all drained!

[Downsideup]

I detached the overflow lines doing something else and water started pouring out the ballast intake. Try that. To take off the access panel, you have to take off the engine cover completely.