ballast pump - dumb question - how does it work? 2008 sante 210

[scottb7]

In back above engine is one pump for each of the 3 tanks. Does it just spin one way to fill and the other way to empty? They pump in from bottom of boat and overflow thru side of boat? When they empty they don't empty side of boat they pump back out bottom of boat? I would guess that water pressure on bottom of boat starts/primes for pumping action? But when you empty how does it work? Does it suck in air from overflow and then push water out bottom of boat?

Do many of you carry spare impellers on board? I am a bit nervous about it failing and not being able to empty. But I suppose following maintenance schedule mitigates that.

Sorry for dumb questions!

[HS]

I just wrote in my answers as I could. . .but i see it as you do for the most part.

In back above engine is one pump for each of the 3 tanks. Does it just spin one way to fill and the other way to empty?

That is my understanding.

They pump in from bottom of boat and overflow thru side of boat? When they empty they don't empty side of boat they pump back out bottom of boat?

Yup, think so.

I would guess that water pressure on bottom of boat starts/primes for pumping action? But when you empty how does it work? Does it suck in air from overflow and then push water out bottom of boat?

Exactly, the venting action is essential for the pumps to be effective. This is why we see threads about collapsed hard tanks in piggy backed set ups.


Do many of you carry spare impellers on board?

I do now.

I am a bit nervous about it failing and not being able to empty. But I suppose following maintenance schedule mitigates that.

Sorry for dumb questions!

[Mrbigbirdmk]

The Ballast pumps operate as you said, they suck from the bottom of the boat to fill and when emptying they push the water back out of the bottom of the boat.

The pumps pull enough vacuum that they are able to pull water, there is enough pressure from under the boat to help fill and the overflow provides air to the tank to help empty.

As far as the impeller goes, ifyou have yellow impellers then you may need spares. The green ones are designed to last a very long time. But if you have doubts it is always good to have a spare on hand to maintain that comfort level.

[HS]

Wakemakers has an impeller replacement video on You Tube

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...Z2nBOiuAx5lz7Q

[Chexi]

That video is helpful, but I would add in some lube like liquid dish soap and you dont need the fins clockwise. It makes it easier to replace if they are all going the same direction, but they will correctly orient themselves for whichever way the pump is spinning.