Ballest Pump Operation

[emnesto]

I'd like to begin using my stock ballest. Is there a recommended process for filling and emptying the tanks. For example: I know there are 3 controls for 3 tanks. Can I fill all 3 at the same time? Should I leave the switches in the fill position until the pump stops? I've seen the engin should be running at about 1500 rpm. Should the boat be moving, or not. When emptying, will the water come out through vents in the side of the boat, or below the water line? Again, drain all 3 at once or one at a time. And should the boat be moving during the drain down. Mastercraft Manual has very little about the operation. Thought member experience would be more useful. Thanks.

[CantRepeat]

Originally Posted by emnesto

I'd like to begin using my stock ballest. Is there a recommended process for filling and emptying the tanks. For example: I know there are 3 controls for 3 tanks. Can I fill all 3 at the same time? Should I leave the switches in the fill position until the pump stops? I've seen the engin should be running at about 1500 rpm. Should the boat be moving, or not. When emptying, will the water come out through vents in the side of the boat, or below the water line? Again, drain all 3 at once or one at a time. And should the boat be moving during the drain down. Mastercraft Manual has very little about the operation. Thought member experience would be more useful. Thanks.

I think the all the 06s came with the larger mainfold so you should be able to fill them all at the same time.

[swatguy]

All at once is fine. I like filling while moving to the riding spot.........others like sitting and filling while they stretch before the set...........Just keep the boat running to maximize the "juice".

[JRW160]

I typically fill one at a time, but it seems to take forever. I looked at the manifold and it looks like a 1" hose from the thru hull that gets split into 3 3/4" hoses that run to the pumps. I am planning to add a couple more thru hull intakes this winter, so each pump has its own water source. I'm no fluid engineer, but it seems like that 1" can almost supply enough water for 2 pumps running simultaneously, but definitely not for all 3.

[CantRepeat]

Originally Posted by JRW160

I typically fill one at a time, but it seems to take forever. I looked at the manifold and it looks like a 1" hose from the thru hull that gets split into 3 3/4" hoses that run to the pumps. I am planning to add a couple more thru hull intakes this winter, so each pump has its own water source. I'm no fluid engineer, but it seems like that 1" can almost supply enough water for 2 pumps running simultaneously, but definitely not for all 3.

What year is your boat? On my 06 I have at least a 2.5 inch and could be a 3 inch thru hull with 1 inch feeder lines.

[kevkan]

I've got a 2008 X-1. I fill the tanks till water comes out the side of the boat. But when draining, is there some way to know when the tanks are empty?

[JRW160]

Originally Posted by kevkan

I've got a 2008 X-1. I fill the tanks till water comes out the side of the boat. But when draining, is there some way to know when the tanks are empty?

I haven't looked, but I assume on mine there is a check valve on the fill line and that is how water is forced out the sides of the boat when draining. I could be completely wrong, but it doesn't seem like that we be much trouble to add.

[JRW160]

Originally Posted by CantRepeat

What year is your boat? On my 06 I have at least a 2.5 inch and could be a 3 inch thru hull with 1 inch feeder lines.

Mine is a 2003 X2.

[agarabaghi]

I fill all 3 at the same time. But i empty the front 1st and the back last because the front will drain much quick and then the pump will run dry and risk dying.

[agarabaghi]

when you drain water will come out of the sides of the boat, just watch till it starts the sputter and stop then turn the pumps off...