ballast tank taking on water

[bpwsross]

When cruising my ballast tank is taking on water, particularly on port side. I have been just empting ballast while pulling water skiers to keep wakes smaller. Any suggestions as to how to fix this issue. Where do I begin to look for the issues? Thanks

[s_kelley2000]

What year boat? If its an impeller system then it could be wearing out and you just need to replace the impeller. If its an older aerator system then its probably a valve issue.

[bpwsross]

Shawn, It is a 2004, 211SV Air Nautique, team edition....thanks, and if possible how do I begin or where do I begin to check and see how the water is coming into the ballast?

[s_kelley2000]

You have an aerator system with valves. Hopefully somebody that understands that system better than me can chime in but if you are taking on water while underway then I think the valve is not closing all the way. I think your boat has the helm controls where you spin the dial to open and close the valves right? If so it could be the cable is stretched out and it is not pulling the valve all the way shut. Or it could be the valve itself that has broken and no longer prevents water from coming in while under way. I think the valves are located in the bilge by the transmission but I am not sure on that. My apologies if my information is wrong because I have a much better understanding of impeller systems than I do aerator systems.

[bpwsross]

I will check it out, thanks...

[wakeskier]

If it's anything like my old '03 210, the helm controlled valves were worthless. There was a second set of ballast valves in the engine compartment (brass ball valves) that I could count on.

[Chexi]

I think Jeff (as in the Jeff, the creator of this site) has a huge thread on this, including the fix.

[slob02]

if it's anything like my old '03 210, the helm controlled valves were worthless. There was a second set of ballast valves in the engine compartment (brass ball valves) that i could count on.

yep!!!!