Anyone Have Trouble With Helm Control Ballast Valves?

[Mikeski]

There may be an easier fix for this problem. The main problem is that the scoop produces enough pressure to bypass the valves and fill the bags. Simply drilling a hole in the downstream side of the scoops under the boat may eliminate the problem. I am going to try this if I don't have trouble priming my pumps and I do have trouble with the valves being bypassed. If the scoops were completely eliminated I don't even think we would need the valves, but the pumps might be harder to keep primed.

[Dr.John]

There may be an easier fix for this problem. The main problem is that the scoop produces enough pressure to bypass the valves and fill the bags. Simply drilling a hole in the downstream side of the scoops under the boat may eliminate the problem. I am going to try this if I don't have trouble priming my pumps and I do have trouble with the valves being bypassed. If the scoops were completely eliminated I don't even think we would need the valves, but the pumps might be harder to keep primed.

Interesting idea. Could you just reverse the scoop (turn 180*)?

I just figured the scoop was from the thought that you would fill as you drive, and therefore the assist thus provided would require a smaller fill pump. No?

[Mikeski]

Reversing the scoop will most likely create a vacuum eliminating the ability to prime the pump. We are really just trying to reduce the pressure, I think a 1/2" hole may do the trick. Alternatively the you could use a grinder and elongate the slots through the backside of the "cup".

[mike-d]

Dr. John,
what happened to your tower situation? any pic's?

Mike

[mike-d]

I also have a better replacement valve for the ballast system. If only I can get my camera to work.

Mike

[Mikeski]

My 2005 SV211 is now showing just under 15 hours, and guess what??? The ballast valves are leaking. The two rear tanks emptied for about 30 seconds after taking 4 slalom passes. I will be talking to my dealer but my gut feeling is that my scoops will be getting the pressure relief holes.

[Dr.John]

Dr. John,
what happened to your tower situation? any pic's?

Mike

Hi Mike! The dealership did the best they could by tweeking and they said that after a while it (the fit) would get better. I guess aluminum does creep some, but so does fiberglass so I don't know which will move. I have left it in the up position so we will just wait and see. I have noticed several areas where the powdwercoat has microcracks (like spider cracks), so something is/has occured.

When I was dealing with this, I went out to their lot and checked probably 5 or 6 used Airs/SAN's and I think I only found one that actually lined up correctly (when the two locking bolts were loosened) without some force applied to re-align, so I was hard-pressed to demonstrate my concerns.

I'm sure the dealership doesn't want to see me again, and it would be a real pain to replace it, so I'll wait until the end of the season, as they suggested, to make a decision.

J

[FatBoy]

Mikeski,

That is a really smart idea, let me know if it works.

[bbc3]

mike-d-----crank that camera up!!! I'm very interested in your valve fix. If it's cheaper than $100 per valve, I'd bet a lot of people would like to hear about it. Let us know what's brewing in the lab... PDT_002

[jeffsv211]

I'm very interested also.. as I have a 2005 SV211.. with 0 hrs on it.. so in a few weeks, I 'll probably be back here asking for help...would love some good pics... Not sure how any of the other non-CC owners survive without a site like this one! Keep up the good work all!

[jroyal]

Jeff, any update on these ASCO valves?

I'm interested as well.

Thanks.

[NautiqueJeff]

I'm waiting to hear back from the manufacturer on the explosion proof version of these valves. The ones I have are not explosion-proof, and I am not comfortable passing along information about non-explosion-proof valves. I should have more information soon.

[hundo]

15hrs on my 210 and both rear tanks letting water in Yellow_Flash_Colorz:

[Brownie]

Correct me if I am wrong but don't CC use a flat skim fitting for the centre ballast pick up so as not muck up the perfect pass. If so does anyone with the centre tank with the flat pick up have the problem of bypassing the valves? I only have rear tanks in my SAN. I like the idea of drilling a hole in the back of the scoops.

[rustans]

Anything yet on these valves? I'm interesting in switching mine out on my 03 sante as well.