Ballast System Install

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Got the three holes drilled, the fittings glued in and all three ball valves installed.

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That's all for this weekend. Next weekend I should be able to finish the hoses and drill and install the vent fittings.

[CantRepeat]

Looking good!!!

The only suggestion I'd make is: when working on boat, drink more beer!! It's almost like being out on the water!

[Rossterman]

Looking good!!!

The only suggestion I'd make is: when working on boat, drink more beer!! It's almost like being out on the water!

I made sure to keep the beer drinking until after the drilling was done...

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I look forward to a beer or six every time I get done working on this project.

I wasn't sure if I would start this thread, but I has been kind of fun and maybe it will help someone else in the future and I guess we need something to read in the winter.

[MC25]

Very good choice on using the brass valve vs what mc puts on the new boats, plastic. You have more patients than I!

[uplander]

I am impressed you are drilling the holes, not sure I could do it

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I am impressed you are drilling the holes, not sure I could do it

Actually it was one of the easiest parts, I used the "magnet method", a magnet on the inside and on the outside, it takes the guess work out. My daughter was a lot of help while positioning the magnets.

We had the three holes done in less than an hour.

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Worked on it for a few hours today. First I wanted to test the pumps to make sure they were not wired backwards.
Everything worked well:

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Then I finished plumbing the thru hulls to the pumps:

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And the two rear pumps:

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Bag fits well, I used a shop vac to inflate it to measure for the fill fitting locations.

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Now for my mistake, I cut the bottom of the rear panel to allow the hose to go under it to the rear of the sac. Needless to say I cut to opening to wide. I don't like how this turned out.

I am going to install a 90 degree fitting after the pump so I can go straight into the sac (I will have to drill a 1 1/2 hole next to the mistake for the hose to pass thru) this is a hard place to work as the hose is not staying at the angles I need it too. I might have to sleep on this one before I start drilling and cutting again. Luckily the sac will cover the mistake.

It will be a large ventilation hole I guess????

[uplander]

You will want the extra room for the hose, I found that once the bag is full it is putting a massive amount of force against the hose and fitting. I tried to route my hose up the side and then down to the bag. I actually cut an angle on the back panel to the get the hose higher. After I changed the angle of the hose my fill and empty time decreased.

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Good point, maybe I should leave it like it is in the picture and use a 90 into the bag?