Ballast Valves not opening - Can they be left open??

[jharris]

We were out for a wakeboard set this morning (2022 G23 will supplemental ballast) and the ballast would not fill or empty. After a quick look I realized that the actuator that moves the valves to open to flow for the ballast pumps was not working. I disconnected all 5 valves from the actuator and was able to open all 5 to dump the ballast so I could put the boat on the lift. With the valves manually opened everything worked fine.

Talked to dealer and the earliest appt is in 10 days. I'm also only at 17 hours on the boat so I wanted to get closer to the 25 hour check point. I can't see any reason I can't use the boat as normal with the valves manually left open. I remember years ago they added the valve because of water entering the ballast tanks when sitting in the water overnight. Since our boat doesn't sit in the water at night and stored on a lift unless in use I don't see a problem. Is there something I'm missing? Summer is to short in Michigan to lose any days on the water.

[greggmck]

Your ballast valves can be left open. The automated open/close actuators are there to prevent the boat from sinking if a leak occurs in any ballast tank. If you don't keep the boat in the water this risk is quite low. If you should ever have extensive water in the bilge you should quickly close all valves.

This failure is typically caused by a PDM power distribution module under the dash that sends current to the actuators. It is a pretty simple repair for your dealer.

Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk

[jharris]

Thanks for the feedback. That was my idea as well. I'm going to keep the valves open and keep riding until our service appt. Loving the new G23 for both wakeboarding and surfing.