Anyone Have Trouble With Helm Control Ballast Valves?

[awake4air]

Jeff, How did the new test valves work out?

[NautiqueJeff]

I just got everything put back together this past weekend. The test drive will be this weekend. I did pump some water through the tanks from a bucket, and they seem to work very well, but I don't want to say for sure until I really water test them. I have very high hopes though.

[FatBoy]

Test them at Hyco Jeff. E@H

[NautiqueJeff]

Test them at Hyco Jeff. E@H

Yeah, yeah.... I want to go badly, but it would be Sunday morning before I could get down there. I MIGHT be there Sunday morning. You still going to be around?

[FatBoy]

Oh yea, I'll be there. Sunday looks to be the best day anyway.

[NautiqueJeff]

Well, I might just make it down. I just spoke to my wife, and she isn't totally against it.

[wake_fun]

Three reversable Jabsco Ballast Puppies, that's what I have. When they are off, water can't get past them!

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: ballast valves replacements

These valves work great! I finally was able to get out on the water today to try them out, and they work MUCH better than the factory helm control valves. I pulled the factory-installed red and black livewell valves, which were way too weak to hold back the water forced up the intakes as the boat goes through the water, and installed these in their place. They're wired directly to the fill pumps, so that when the fill pump is turned on, the valve opens. When the pump is off, the valve closes. I am so happy with the way they work. This is the way the ballast system should work! No more messing with those controls by the driver's feet!

For those who are just viewing this thread for the first time, the problem was that with the helm control valves closed, and the main ball valves open, my tanks would slowly take on water while driving down the lake. The helm control valves were replaced once, and that didn't help. I had been looking for replacement valves that I could control electronically with the pump switch for a few months, and these are just what I was looking for. I would recommend these to anyone who has a similar problem.

[AbunDiga909]

RE: ballast valves replacements

I hope CC is reading this thread!!! Nice job Jeff!!! Looks awesome!!!

[Dr.John]

Three reversable Jabsco Ballast Puppies, that's what I have. When they are off, water can't get past them!

Why do you have 3 Puppies...... 3 separate tanks?

[AbunDiga909]

3 tanks in the SAN 210. Port, Starboard, and Belly Ballast.

[Dr.John]

3 tanks in the SAN 210. Port, Starboard, and Belly Ballast.

Ahaa! My 01 Sport/Air only has the two p&s rears.

Seems like the Puppies would be a cleaner way to go since there is no other plumbing involved, just one pump/valve combo. Would there be a downside for my '01 application?

[AirJeff]

Where is the best place to find these valves and what are they going to cost? Does 3/4" flow enough? I think our boat has 1 1/4" lines and valves. (Hmm, I wonder what size the pumps are...could be 3/4" I suppose) Thanks for working on this! I'd been looking at motorized ball valves, but those are WAY to expensive.

[bbc3]

Did you take any install pics? What do you think about starting a "How To" section for threads like this. I think a lot of people might do this mod if you posted step by step how to successfully replace the valves.

Good work Jeff! I agree, hope CC is taking notes.

[Dr.John]

Did you take any install pics? What do you think about starting a "How To" section for threads like this. I think a lot of people might do this mod if you posted step by step how to successfully replace the valves.

Good work Jeff! I agree, hope CC is taking notes.

I second the above! It (balast tank pumping) is clearly something that is on the cutting edge of CC's brain trust. BTW, other manufacturers haven't figured it out either, although it looks like MC has come closest in their newest incarnation.