2021 GS22 ballast pump problem

[Phil L.]

I am seeking for some advice...

I've been having issues with the gauge on my port ballast pump since I got my boat. The reading is always off, and the port side always takes more time to fill/empty than starboard.

After verifying the voltage readings, the dealer helped me reset the timer for the gauge. Worked well once, but than went back off track the following session. So I'd fill until overflowing and empty by ear... when I'd hear the pump squeal, i'd shut if off. I owned a 2008 SAN 230 for a few years and never had any issues working this way.

This is until saturday PM on the lake, the port pump would not empty the ballast. I would hit drain, I would hear the pump trying to start up, but the sound would muffle up and a few seconds after, nada.

I had no alerts or indications on the Linc Panoray. I opened the hatch and saw the actuator would open and close the valve when we hit "drain". But nothing else happened. After 30 min of looking for wiring or plumbing issues, the pump started working again for no particular reason...

We have to drive across the lake (20 minutes) to get into 15+ feet of water. So riding a ballast full boat back home would of been a bummer. Plus, my boat lift is not strong enough to get the boat up and waves due to wind are an issue for us. Can't really leave it floating.

If someone has had this type of problem, and has an idea what is going on, I'd appreciate some input.

[greggmck]

Have you checked the ballast pump impellers? There is a service window on each ballast pump held on by three screws. I would check to insure the impeller is not needing replacement.

[Scooter G]

Definitely sounds like an impeller issue.

https://nautiqueparts.com/impeller-pink-ballast-pump/

[jpwhit]

Did you go into the LINC PDM diagnostic screen and check for any warnings or errors? I'm aware that certain errors put a popup message on the main LINC screen. But I've seen some issues that only showed on the diag screen.

I'm not completely familiar with the ballast setup on that boat, but it sounds like there are valves with actuators involved in addition to the pumps themselves. Can't hurt to check the impellers, but it doesn't sound like an impeller issue to me. If you describe the ballast setup in a little more detail, may be able to over some other thoughts.

[Scooter G]

Good call jpwhit.
The impellers are a 5 minute check also in the process, remove 2 screws, loosen the 3rd, and slide the cover out of the way for a visual inspection.

[Phil L.]

I finally took some time to open the pump to look at the impeller. IMO all looks good. The powerdiagnostics screen on the Linc revealed no faults either.

I am probably going to remove the floor in the rear port compartment to see the subfloor bag fill and empty while staying the dock.

I was hoping for an ahh ha ! here's the problem, here's the quick fix... but it ain't so.

[ESP]

Does the Linc Panoray show the Ballast as full? Nautique has an upgrade for the Ballast Pressure sensors, there are a quite a few discussions on the forum in this regard.

The Ballast sensors are a known problem on these boats because they short internally and will prevent a pump from running. The port and starboard ballast sensor pigtails are way back in the lower outboard aft corners of the engine compartment. Try unplugging the effected side and see if that pump will run.

[GMLIII]

ESP is on to something here. I have replaced my ballast pressure sensors not once but twice on my 2017 G23 do to fill and drain problems. I also noticed on your Linc screen, your voltage on your belly tank is much lower than your port and starboard side. I had similar problem when I had to replace my ballast pressure sensors. If you do replace them, I would replace all 3 at the same time.

[Scooter G]

Check, impellers look great. Next stop, sensors...