Electric valves

[XStar08]

Hi

Anyone considered to use an electric valve (instead of the hand driven switch valves you get if you order for example a ballast system with wakemakers).

I just read something about the p&p system MC has as an option (and how it is supposed to work/to be operated) and was wondering why an aftermarket ballast system needs to be hand driven (having in mind that the 3way valves are possibly mounted on the rear of a rear locker where it is not very comfortable to operate them).

Here is the excerpt of the website of wakemakers which brought me to the idea:
"Once the bags are installed, you are ready to go. In order to fill the ballast bags, after the hard tanks are filled find the Plug 'n Play switches and simply move the switch to the right so the indicator light turns from green light (tanks) to a red light (bags). This activates the electronic valve that switches water flow from the hard tanks to the bags. Once red, the bags are ready to fill by selecting the appropriate ballast switch. Please note that the Plug 'n Play switches control the forward and aft systems separately. Pressing and holding the Up button will cause the center tab to retract and then the surf tabs will retract."

http://www.aalborg.com/index.php/mai...74b6481bc65990

That is just an example...

What do you think?

[CantRepeat]

For me, $500 for a 12volt valve seems a bit pricy for how many times I use them.

If they could get the price down and make a truly automated system it would be nice.

[JRW160]

I never understood the purpose of these valves. Why wouldn't you just run the overflow of the factory tanks into the aftermarket bags and avoid the valves altogether?

[KahunaCraft]

I think eBay has a few more cost efficient models of 3-way 12 volt electric solenoid valves.

[CantRepeat]

Originally Posted by JRW160

I never understood the purpose of these valves. Why wouldn't you just run the overflow of the factory tanks into the aftermarket bags and avoid the valves altogether?

Well, I use the starboard pump to help fill the starboard surf sac. Rather then add another through hull, pump and switch I just use the valve.

[KahunaCraft]

Also, there is a point where it is cheaper to just add another pump and thru-hull.

[CantRepeat]

Originally Posted by KahunaCraft

Also, there is a point where it is cheaper to just add another pump and thru-hull.

I don't see how that can be. Even if you buy the top of the line 3 valve from wakemakers the pumps are at least a 100 bucks more.

edit

Ah, you are talking about the $550 electric valve. I agree, it would be cheaper to add another pump then that valve.

[KahunaCraft]

Yeah, at 5-600 bucks is what i meant by thru hulls / pump cheaper...seems like there are some pretty expensive valves out there.

[JRW160]

Originally Posted by CantRepeat

Well, I use the starboard pump to help fill the starboard surf sac. Rather then add another through hull, pump and switch I just use the valve.

I understand that. I have a manual 3 way valve I use to help fill my bow sac. I was assuming the OP was looking at valves to replace the manual ones that come with the fly high kits and switch the flow from the factory tanks to the additional aftermarket ballast.

[CantRepeat]

Yeah, it there are a lot of ways to skin this cat.

I'm sure it wont be long before wired valves find their way into ballast systems.