Ballast System Install

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I have started the ballast system install on my 2007 200VRS and I thought I would share in case anyone else was pondering the idea:

I started by ordering a set of factory gauges and breaker/relay box from Great Lakes Skipper. This was new and was slated for a 2006 230. I wanted this set up for two reasons, 1. No timers and 2. I would look fairly factory.

Here is a picture of what came with it. The gauges/switch panel, wiring harness and relay/breaker box.

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I started last night by installing the gauge/switch panel, running all the wires, extending the battery harness, mounting the relay/breaker box and picking fiberglass splinters out of my hands and arms.

Here is what the area next to the dash looked like before:

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And with the panel installed:

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I mounted the relay/breaker box in the port locker on the back of the seat. This is where some of the factory models put it and it worked the best with the harness I had:

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Harness wiring ready to connect to the pumps in the factory locations on the transom.

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That's about all I can do until the rest of my stuff gets here. I placed a nice order with Wake Makers yesterday:
750 Sacs for the rear compartments
690 X2 Sac for under the bow seats
3 Johnson pumps
3 thru hulls and ball valves
3 vents
65 feet of 1" ballast hose

BTW: WakeMakers are AWESOME to deal with!

[rek]

Sweet will be following this thread!

[TOO-TALL]

Awesome.....looks good so far

[CantRepeat]

Did you order some deutsch connector to the pump leads and run to your pumps?

I have the connectors and the $200 pliers for the ends. If you want I can make you three pigtails and send them to you. In return just send the the female deutsch connectors and the green inserts. I have a bunch of the leads.

You'd still end up either soldering the leads or using but connectors. I know the leads on the pumps aren't normally long enough to just put the deutsch connector on the pump leads.

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Did you order some deutsch connector to the pump leads and run to your pumps?

I have the connectors and the $200 pliers for the ends. If you want I can make you three pigtails and send them to you. In return just send the the female deutsch connectors and the green inserts. I have a bunch of the leads.

You'd still end up either soldering the leads or using but connectors. I know the leads on the pumps aren't normally long enough to just put the deutsch connector on the pump leads.

Thanks for the offer, I will let you know as I have not decided what to do yet, I do have weatherproof spade crimp connectors I could use.....just have not decided yet.
Someone told me you can install the deutsch connecters with a punch and not use the $200 tool? The only pump that will need wire added to the harness is the starboard one, the other two have long enough leads.

[CantRepeat]

I guess you could try and just fold them over. The tool just does the fold and curl back on both tangs at once.



The thing about the deutsch connectors is they are water tight. Where I needed to extend the pump leads I soldered and then used double shrink wrap on them.

[CantRepeat]

The relay box fits nicely where you have it. That's where mine is factory.

[KnoxX2]

It's about time you got some work done on that boat!!!! I can't wait to ride behind it this summer.

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It's about time you got some work done on that boat!!!! I can't wait to ride behind it this summer.

Only if you were a Buckeye Jersey.

[bturner2]

Nice work. I'd go for the connectors. If you ever have to swap out pumps it'll be easier to do on the water.