Auot ballast Q

[Dave K]

Here is the pump I am planning on using for my boat, (Tsunami T-800) 2 pumps per bag

Do I need a 1 way check value to prevent water from draining from bags?

Will I have a problem with the bags filling up with water while boat is moving? I don't really want to have to shut gate value off once bag is full? I suppose I could shut gate value on the ski locker bag as it will be easy to get to, but the pumps at the back for the 2 bags in the locker will be too difficult to get at.

I was going to drill holes in the bottom of my boat for the 2 pumps in the back, but maybe I should go through the back of the transom? I would probably have to be stopped to fill, but would that help problem of continuing to fill while pump is off?

[RiverRunner]

Here is the pump I am planning on using for my boat, (Tsunami T-800) 2 pumps per bag

I would at least use the 1200's for the fill side and the 800 to drain

Do I need a 1 way check value to prevent water from draining from bags?

yes you do on the fill line, I tested the pvc style from Home Depot and there is very little if any fill time difference.

Will I have a problem with the bags filling up with water while boat is moving? I don't really want to have to shut gate value off once bag is full? I suppose I could shut gate value on the ski locker bag as it will be easy to get to, but the pumps at the back for the 2 bags in the locker will be too difficult to get at.

I have never seen an issue with this worst case if it is a problem add them after the install.

I was going to drill holes in the bottom of my boat for the 2 pumps in the back, but maybe I should go through the back of the transom? I would probably have to be stopped to fill, but would that help problem of continuing to fill while pump is off?

Filling should not be a problem will under way if you are using a standard strainer on the bottom of the boat I would not put it through the transom. If you need to lines in you should t-off of one stainer you do not need to through hulls.

[WakeGirl]

Do I need a 1 way check value to prevent water from draining from bags?

Possibly.

Will I have a problem with the bags filling up with water while boat is moving? I don't really want to have to shut gate value off once bag is full? I suppose I could shut gate value on the ski locker bag as it will be easy to get to, but the pumps at the back for the 2 bags in the locker will be too difficult to get at.

Again, possibly, but it's more likely that you'll have issues with keeping water in the bags, not out.. The way to start would be to put a loop in the line & get the top of the loop as high as possible. That should stop the water from flowing in or out when the pump is off, but it doesn't always work. Best to start as simple as possible & add things as you need to. If it doesn't work then you can always add a check valve later.

I was going to drill holes in the bottom of my boat for the 2 pumps in the back, but maybe I should go through the back of the transom? I would probably have to be stopped to fill, but would that help problem of continuing to fill while pump is off?

It's JMO, but I think you're better off going through the bottom. There's turbulence & wash a the rear of the boat that could affect prime, & as you said you'd probably have to be stopped to fill. You won't like that over time, trust me. Going through the bottom is a slam dunk. Just make sure that you don't put anything ahead of the speedo paddlewheel, that could hose up your speed control.