2016 230 bow ballast bag losing water.

[doug69]

Hi. I have a 2016 230 with the upgraded bow ballast bag. It seems to fill ok but then am losing water and it seems to be ending up in the bilge. The bow bag is connected to belly tank and the belly tank is holding water so am guessing maybe the connection between the belly hard tank and the bow bag is loose. Problem is I lifted the floor and hoped this connection would be accessible but I can’t see anything.

Anyone have this issue or have ideas on how to access the necessary connections and resolve?

Probably on warranty but am not close to dealer so was hoping this would be an easy fix that I could DIY.

Thanks.


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[markj]

Is that bow ballast bag from the factory or aftermarket? I had a warranty claim last year when my bow tank developed a crack at the top of it. They replaced the tank.

[doug69]

It was installed from the dealer with the upgraded rear sacs. The hard belly tank is holding water but I can’t see where the top of the tank connects to the hose for the bow bag. From what I see of the tank there is no damage but it seems I can only access about 1/2 of it and the other 1/2 is under the bow. It looks like you’d have to remove fuel tanks to get at it....


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[markj]

Okay, this problem drove me crazy until I found where it was coming from. To access the hose fitting, you'll need to remove the starboard seat back which backs up to the helm in the bow. For a better view of the top of the tank (where mine leaked), you'll need to remove the little divider panel between the bow storage and helm (two screws) and stick your head in there. This is where being a contortionist helps. They had to empty and remove the fuel tank when they replaced my ballast tank. I'll post a sketch of where my tank leaked. I was able to make a good temporary fix by patching the crack with some duct seal tape from Target for $12. It's almost impossible to find anything to stick to that tank material.

[markj]

[doug69]

Thanks. I was out today and reached back and felt where the hose attached to the hard tank and felt nothing wet so am thinking it must be a leak I the hard tank and the bow bag and leaking back into the hard tank. Sounds like time to bring in the pros....


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[thejean]

Can you feel the hard tank side where Mark had his leak? Does it feel wet?

[thejean]

The other thing you can do if you can get to where the hose to the bow bag connects to the hard tank is to put a valve there. Then fill the system and close that valve. If the main tank empties and bow bag stays full you know where your problem likely is. Then you can just leave the valve there in case you ever have issues down the road. Allows you to fill your bow bag still even if your hard tank below is leaking to keep some weight up front. I also suggest adding a valve back near the ballast pump so that you can always isolate that entire leg of the system for situations like these. Two valves is cheap insurance to be able to have flexibility in how you manage water on the boat. Buy the valves this week and I’ll help you install them this weekend.

[thejean]

Oh and remember when I warned you about pulling on your hose? I told you something would eventually break!