Anyone Have Trouble With Helm Control Ballast Valves?

[NautiqueJeff]

I'll get some pictures when the boat comes home from the detailers. It really is an easy installation. I'll do a write-up with full instructions once I have the boat back.

[AbunDiga909]

From the detailers? Don't those cleanings cost an arm and a leg? I did my own detailing right before winterization and boat still smells new now.

[NautiqueJeff]

From the detailers? Don't those cleanings cost an arm and a leg? I did my own detailing right before winterization and boat still smells new now.

Yeah, but I like knowing that EVERYTHING has been done properly, and for me to do it myself, it would just take too much time. I normally wouldn't trust anyone else to do this type of work on my boat, but these people have proven themselves in the past, and their work is outstanding. I'll snap a couple of pictures when I get it back so you can see what I mean. They keep the boat looking brand new. If it had the new Air graphics, I bet I could pass it off as brand new. They make it look that good. It is hard to do that, especially with a black boat.

[wake_fun]

I installed 3 separate bags in my 95' SS. Very easy and clean. Fills fast and empties fast. I can control each bag independantly from each other (weight).

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]

Yeah, but I like knowing that EVERYTHING has been done properly, and for me to do it myself, it would just take too much time. I normally wouldn't trust anyone else to do this type of work on my boat, but these people have proven themselves in the past, and their work is outstanding. I'll snap a couple of pictures when I get it back so you can see what I mean. They keep the boat looking brand new. If it had the new Air graphics, I bet I could pass it off as brand new. They make it look that good. It is hard to do that, especially with a black boat.

I have to say that I probably wouldn't trust any detailer unless I knew the guy personally and he knew my boat personally. When I detailed it on my own I got pretty much everywhere. Can't think of a place I missed. I took the tanks out and vacumed under there, under the drivers seat, under side storage, mesh nets, under all stoarge, under all cushions, between all cushions, carpet, engine carpet and compartment, and think thats it, but that's pretty much everything. Then I used fabric/vynal cleaner on all the vinyl, and then 303ed the WHOLE boat. That part took a while. I put 303 on everything except the tower. Whole process took a couple hrs, but it was worth it. When I was done, the boat not only smelled new, but shined in the sun, even w/ the black hull. 303 is the key to detailing a boat in my oppinion.

I agree black hulls are very hard to keep clean. But when they are, they are the nicest hulls on the water!

[NautiqueJeff]

They start by doing a full exterior cleaning, then vacuum and shampoo the carpet. They clean the glass, brightwork, all storage compartments, engine compartment, coolers, etc. They condition the rubber, use 303 on the interior, clean and waterproof the bimini and bimini cover, clean and waterproof the boat cover, shine the propeller and rudder, clean the tower, tower speakers, and tower lights, and clean the dashboard extensively, getting in between the gauges with Q-Tips. The plastic dash is protected with 303. They apply a teflon wax to all gel-coat surfaces. This is a multi-stage process, and makes cleaning the boat a snap. It has to cure for a couple of days before it can go into the water, but it is worth the wait. It makes the black really shine, and it is durable and provides good UV protection. They use a different type of wax on the flat black paint of the tower. It makes cleaning the bugs off much easier. Next they start on the trailer. It is thoroughly cleaned and waxed, and the wheels are treated with a wheel wax. The tires are cleaned and blackened.

[AbunDiga909]

I stand corrected. Sounds great. Waxing the boat is still something I still need to learn...

[NautiqueJeff]

If anyone is interested, I'm working on getting discounted prices for the valves, an making them available to PlanetNautique members. My father-in-law sells them through his company, so I think I can get a pretty good price. The installation is a piece of cake, and it totally solves the problem of the tanks filling on their own. I'll post back when I have prices.

[Christopher-W.-Becker]

Exposion proof I hope? You plan on carrying a spare solenoid?

[hsmunoz]

ok keep us posted, I think this is a good fix

[AirJeff]

Sounds great!

[AbunDiga909]

I know about the service bullitian they sent out regarding this issue a while ago. But do you think it's possible that with enough support, they could turn it into another voluntary recall and have the dealers do this for free? Worth a shot...

And refund Jeff of course...

[WakeUp]

I don't think you'll get CC to use this fix approach. These valves are probably $100 each with several hours of time to install. I am interested in what the discount would be on a group buy. Keep me in the loop Jeff and thanks for making the effort in solving this problem.

[NautiqueJeff]

Still waiting on the prices. I should have something soon.

[JoeCos]

Jeff,

I'm interested with these upgraded valves. Please let me know about cost and if there were other options that you would recommend...ie explosion proof, higher psi rated valves etc.

You did Great Work on this.

Thanks !
JoeC