Ballast dumping through exhaust manifolfds? Oregon....

[jwhposon]

I have a lot of winter projects so I obviously will have a lot of questions here. In our area (Oregon) they have started to post restrictions against wake enhancement devices - rivers, lakes, etc.... it's very disappointing but I can partially agree with the concerns, just believe in different solutions. that aside I was curious if it is possible to drain the ballast tanks into the exhaust of the boat somehow since that exists under water level unseen by suspecting patrols. I am not sure if it makes sense to dump them into the to exhaust manifolds through the copper plug on each side of the engine or maybe dump into the big black fiberglass tube that is just above where the exhaust exists. is this a crazy idea?

2004 super air 210 team limited

[johnboyy7]

why not a through hole on the bottom of the boat or bottom of the transom?

[Sac Surfer]

is not the emptying, it's when running, sitting full of ballast. People always come over an ask if everything is alright with the boat, "Looks like it's sinking!" If it's outlawed your going to stick out like a sore thumb, but you can always hit the empty quickly when you see them coming.

[jwhposon]

I know some folks do empty from the bottom but I am not very comfortable putting a hole in the boat - I would just freak too much. But putting a hole in the black tube (whatever this thing is called that is just after the exhaust hoses - seems like it could be easily repaired if things didn't work. I wasn't sure about how much pressure would build, etc... I agree the issue is running and they see how loaded the boat is, but one sure fire way they have been checking is to have people hit the empty button - otherwise we can always blame it on people, bags, etc... - next season they will be hard on folks. Does anyone know if there would be any issue with back pressure if I tapped into the copper plug on the exhaust manifolds, even with a check valve?

[bchesley]

100% of new and old inboard boats come with hole in the bottom. They have to get raw water for the engine. Putting one in for a ballast system is not dangerous, it is smart. There are tons of threads on hear about it including one of my own. Read up, and get to work....

[jwhposon]

, dam that's straight to the point!

I understand - I was always wondering why the ballast pumps don't draw from the same hole, since there are two holes in the hull one for each wedge in back, I might steal one and make one of them the exit, however it seemed a little easier to use the exhaust - but apparently that might be a little too different or cause other issues. Thanks for all the feedback, now apparently I have to get to work.

[wake_fun]

Fill and empty in one hole in the bottom of the boat. I've got 3 pumps and 3 bags. Works perfect! Simple.

[WakeSlayer]

You do not want to mess with your exhaust. As Brad mentioned above, your boat has a bunch of holes in hull. Go count them.

[bchesley]

Haha, not meant to sound quite like it read. But, none the less, it really is easy and safe. The reversible pumps are also the most effecient.

[jwhposon]

I like the idea of filling and dumping through the same port - the reversible pumps mentioned above - do you have any info as to where I can get them? Then I assume some wiring needs to take place as I don't want to change anything from the driver seat. I am starting a Winter project list to gather your professional experiences and advice - lots to do this Winter, especially with the Stereo (no major frills - just rearranging the way I prefer it). Thanks again for all your feedback.

On the side - yes I am completely aware of how many holes are in the hull, but I don't want to add one more. The dealer that installed the perfect pass put it so close to the trailer bunk that I have to load heavy to the right or I will break a paddle wheel. I have had the boat six years - and broke 13 wheels so far. If everything is perfect then the wheel misses the bunk 1/4 of an inch - not much wiggle room. Yes - I actually did move the bunk over a little when I recarpeted them.

[Chexi]

See my 99 Air Ballast install thread. Wakemakers.com has reasonable prices.

[Super_sport]

Check also my Ballast install link - I drilled a hole in the bottom and no problems... fill and empty from the same hole in the bottom.... works like it should.

[malibu]

i wouldnt tap into exhaust if your motor is not running it can back fill into motor... i wouldput a port on bottom of hull all the super air models take in and empty out the same port in the hull...the over flow is on side of boat. but my question is how you going to get by with pulling a rider if they are cracking down on moster wakes.. water police will know the difference ... and they will know that wake boats put out big wakes over other boats.