211SV TE (2005) - Original ballast - gauge switches don't work - how do I use it?!!

[IanDB]

I've a 2005 Nautique 211SV (TE) and the balast gauges dont seem to work and the manual (cable i assume?) switches for open and closed don't seem to work either.

Each of the 3 tanks has a manual lever to it.
So - how do I fill and empty the tanks using these?

might seem a silly question but I've never seen any water flowing out of an overflow so no idea if there is water in them or not - I've just been using fatsacs but would like to use the hard tanks too.

[homer12]

First off, do you have original aerator fill and drain pumps or has someone upgraded to the impeller style pumps? Post a pic of you don't know the difference or just go to Wakemakers.com and look there for the difference.
Second, it is pretty common I think for those cable operated valves to bind up in the cables or valve gets tight. I use my belly remote valve but manually open/close my rear tanks. On the valves: handle point to stern is open, pointed to port is closed.
Third, if you have the aerator pumps and both valves open they will fill as you drive the boat because of the scoop style hull penetrations. You can access the ballast gauge senders very easily by pulling up the carpet covers in the rear and floor panel for belly. You could pop it out to see if tanks have water and manually move the float to see of the gauge does anything. I'd start with verifying valves are open and your pumps do work.

Does the drain pump shoot water out the side?


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[IanDB]

Thanks. I believe it to be original as the last owner had it from 2009 and said it's been like that since he had it.
Ill try and get pics on Saturday when we take it out next. - pics of the pumps I assume?

[IanDB]

First off, do you have original aerator fill and drain pumps or has someone upgraded to the impeller style pumps? Post a pic of you don't know the difference or just go to Wakemakers.com and look there for the difference.
Second, it is pretty common I think for those cable operated valves to bind up in the cables or valve gets tight. I use my belly remote valve but manually open/close my rear tanks. On the valves: handle point to stern is open, pointed to port is closed.
Third, if you have the aerator pumps and both valves open they will fill as you drive the boat because of the scoop style hull penetrations. You can access the ballast gauge senders very easily by pulling up the carpet covers in the rear and floor panel for belly. You could pop it out to see if tanks have water and manually move the float to see of the gauge does anything. I'd start with verifying valves are open and your pumps do work.

Does the drain pump shoot water out the side?


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Assuming the original, Silly question but I assume I fill with handle valves open?

how do I empty? Do I run the pumps with it closed?

[homer12]

Just leave the valves open unless you're not using the ballast tanks. Once you're done using them, close them so they don't fill while underway. You can empty with them open or closed.

[IanDB]

Ok thank you.

How do you empty them then? ! The "open/close" switch below the gauges don't work.

Do I leave the ballast switch on all the time I want them filled and switch them off when I want it to drain?

[MikeC]

Ian,
to fill - open the valves; the handles and valves are notorious for not working after a while, you can check by opening the engine hatch and looking forward, there should be the smaller black hoses with black plastic valves. Then press the appropriate tank pump once, this will cause the light on the button to turn steady on. When full, close the valves. (The original pumps also may need to be primed which I did by traveling forward forcing water into the pump.)
To empty - make sure the valves are closed, press the button on the keypad and hold for a few seconds (or press it twice, I honestly can't remember and the owner's manual doesn't say) the light on the button will flash energizing the drain pumps. The fill and drain pumps are different pumps in different locations.

[IanDB]

Thanks MikeC. I'll be trying it Saturday!

[homer12]

To empty - press and hold that tank's key until the indicator light blinks. After the tanks are full, you don't need to leave the pumps on. Turn off when full. I don't think it matters if you close the valves or not but you'll probably need to use your manual valves.

[IanDB]

Thanks for the answers. Looking forward to seeing if I can get them working Saturday!!

[IanDB]

Update after our boat trip Saturday - the ballast works perfectly now I know how to use it!


Thanks for everyone's help !

[homer12]

Great to hear Ian!


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