Flow-Rite Actuators & COntrol cables.

[actiondcpd]

My SAN does not currently have any of the remote vavles or actuators for the ballast tanks. I use the manual valves that work great but are a pain to use sometimes. I read the many complaints on this site about the FLow-Rite valves being pretty bad but if I used different valves with the flow-rite actuators and cables it shouldn't be too bad correct?

On a related note, if I do use the flow-rite actuators does anyone know where or how you would mount them? I belive the stock location is under the dash in a SAN... any ideas where I would get the piece to mount them in?

[Roddbod]

Im assuming your taking about the mounting bracket that the controls mount to (ie..open and close). How many tanks are you going to be using these valves and control for. I have a spare bracket that has a mounting for two of the controls. If you are interested in it let me know. I had to purchase one from my dealer that had three spaces because I added a belly tank to my boat. It cost me $60.00.
You can use other valves with the flow rite controls. I purchased three valves from thmarine and they work so much better. There has been quite a discussion about the flow rite valves and how bad they are. If your going to be installing a system from scratch get the flow rite cables and controls but get the thmarine valves.

[actiondcpd]

I have the belly tank as well. So bascially I'm at the mercy of the dealer for the mount. Do the thmarine valves mount to anything or do you just screw them in between the ball valve and pump? If anyone has pictures of the remote valves in place I would love to see them.

[jhiestand]

Hey actiondcpd -- I'm using two Flow-rite actuators along with the thmarine valves and I mounted my actuators similar to stock place on the left wall under the dash. The stock bracket would be a smooth setup, but I went less expensive and purchased a small hobby box from Radio Shack. Mounted my two pump switches on the front of the box.

[actiondcpd]

jhiestand, You are a genious... I was trying to find a spot of my switches as well! Thanks for the pictures. Where are the remote valves? In the stock locations? Do you remeber how long your control cables were? I'm trying to figure out how long to get.... I guess better too long than too short!

[jhiestand]

I'm DEFINITELY not genius, but thanks! The bottom valve goes to my locker sack and the top goes to my front bag. That effectually isolates my two rear sacks so I can fill/empty with those two switches on the fly, as-needed to level out the boat.

There weren't any stock valves in my boat, per se. Just the two valves that cut off venting of the rear tanks so they won't fill or empty. I left those alone. Initially I ordered my control cables too short and they placed stress on the actuators, making them difficult to turn. Just a week ago I ordered 12' cables which were too long, but I managed to get them to work. The problem with cables too long is you have to find somewhere to store the extra cable but it can only be wrapped at VERY gradual angles for them to work smoothly. Ideally, you probably want to order a foot or two longer length than what you need.

[OldFart]

do NOT use the flow-wrongs; use the T-H Marine valves. remember, we warned u here first

[actiondcpd]

OldFart.. haha don't worry I just ordered the T-H valves. I did order the flow-rite actuators and cables though. Can't wait to get it all installed.

[jhiestand]

By the way, there was a good thread on setting up the TH valves earlier on that worked great for me. Be sure to check it out.

http://www.planetnautique.com/index....ewtopic&t=2969

[actiondcpd]

Does anyone have any pictures of the remote valves installed? I't would help out a lot to see how it is supposed to be set up. I'm imagining it is just the remote valve after the manual ball valve but before the fill pump? Are they mounted to anything? Thanks!

[jhiestand]

My valves are kind of tucked in so the pictures aren't super clear. I'm not sure what you mean by the "remote valve after the manual ball valve" since the T-H valves are a straight-up replacement for manual valves.

The T-H valves don't have mounting fittings on them so there isn't any direct way to mount them. As long as your control cables are long enough to reach them, the hoses should hold them in place.

[wakejunky]

JH,

Why did you mount the pump in Plexi?

Chris

[jhiestand]

Needed something that would be able to handle moisture. That, plus it's nice to be able to see what's going on down there, if needed. Originally I also had the switches mounted on top of the plexi, but didn't take long before I got tired of opening/closing the locker, hence the remote valves and moving the switches.