2003 SANTE ballast upgrade

[core-rider]

Really nothing new here to see other than I decided to make some boards to protect the rear empty pumps from the bag sitting on them that I haven't really seen anyone address before. This is just your standard "remove hard tanks/replace with 750# sacs" install. I used cutting boards I picked up from the local big box store and cut them out to a template I'd made with cardboard. There is a nice 1" wide ledge on the stringer and a small shelf on the other side for the boards to sit and be even with the floor level. The hole in the center will allow the empty pump hose to attach to the sac via quick connect. I reused 2 screws from hard tank removal on either side to hold the boards in place. Very simple install and the guys at WakeMakers were great to deal with. I did have to replace both empty pumps because the outlet on them had cracked and started to separate from the pump housing.

I went with a 1000# triangle sac that will sit in the bow and plan to keep the bow tank for extra weight. 2800# of ballast should be a noticeable difference from the 1780# I had! I can't believe how much more room there is for engine access now. 12 years of sliding down those tanks... Can't believe I waited this long for tank removal.

[cjohnsen1611]

Very Nice! What size cutting board did you use? Specifically the thickness.

[core-rider]

I would say it was either 3/8" or 1/2" eyeballing it. I didn't put a tape on the thickness as I was more interested in HxW. It flexes just a bit when I tried to bend it, but not enough to worry about. It seemed to hold strong last weekend when I filled everything.

[cjohnsen1611]

Awesome. Thanks for the info!

[obd666]

I can't believe how much more room there is for engine access now. 12 years of sliding down those tanks... Can't believe I waited this long for tank removal.

yeah man, is one of those things you can't believe you ever lived without. is just awesome to be able to stand in there and get to everything ... nice call on the planks for the empty pumps. i did the very same thing with mine minus the hole in the middle. i just mounted the pumps to the underside of the boards and brought the hoses around the end. nice work and enjoy all the new space!

[OzEmu]

Hey CORERIDER, mate this is a great idea.

I just removed my tanks as one of the drain pumps had the same issue as you.



What are you using to fill the sacs now?

After two years, I only just realised that my system didn't have a 'fill' mechanism except when underway and the vents open (I think anyway).

I'm thinking of setting up a Johnson or Jabsco (reversible) pump with a three way plumbed switch to 'fill' both bags...
I'll use that and the two replacement rule 1100s to drain when I need to or if I want to do them individually...

Thoughts?


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[core-rider]

Unless they were removed you should have 2 750 aerator pumps located under the port (or passenger side) of the engine. Each one will fill a separate tank. The empty pumps you already found under the rear of the tanks.

Honestly as far as your idea, if you are going to bother putting in a Jabsco you might as well ditch the empty pumps and just use the Jabsco to do everything. I'm not sure how well it will work using 1 pump for 2 tanks, but with shutoff valves I'm sure it should be done. I highly suggest ditching the tanks and going with sacs though. Best money I've ever spent!

[Fluid63]

OzEmu I also had this problem a little while back and managed a repair using electrical conduit. see Pictures.

[gilbertnautique]

How difficult it is it to remove hard tanks?

[core-rider]

How difficult it is it to remove hard tanks?

Remove 2 bolts per tank that hold the tanks in place on little metal brackets (I removed the brackets too), remove the fill hose and vent hose at the top of the tanks, lift the tank from the rear, remove the drain hose from the empty pump and unplug wiring connector. After that the tank lifts right out. Doesn't take much time at all.

[gilbertnautique]

Thanks

[slidin_out]

are you going to manually fill the bow sac or run it off the overflow from the belly tank?

[Oletela]

I had thought about making some boards to put over the empty pumps but it stayed just a thought. I may have to go back and make it happen now!
For your bow triangle get a jabsco on ebay I think I paid 150 for it, drill a new intake hole, mount it under the dash run a hose to the bow wall and install a quick lock bulkhead fitting mount it under the bow filler and make a small section of hose with 2 quick connects so you can attach to the sac and the bulk head fitting. Having the automated 750s is great then a pain to have to sit and wait for that big triangle to fill via tsunami pump over the side.

[core-rider]

I fill the bow sac with a Tsunami pump over the side. It's not really that bad as it gives time for people/kids to swim and a rider to get ready. One of these days I may swap out all the pumps for Jabscos, but that factory pumps are working for now so no reason to spend the money.

[gdhall]

Any idea why they had 750gph to fill but 1100 to empty? You would think this would be the opposite. I discovered this on my boat yesterday. Did you mount your empty 1100 pumps to anything of just protect with the boards?