My 3 pump impeller ballast install, 01 Sunsetter VLX

[Nitrousbird]

I did a 3 impeller pump ballast system for our Sunsetter. I chose impeller over aerator pumps due to the complexity of all the additional fittings needed on an aerator setup – too many chances for problems, and they make for a less professional looking install. I took the boat out yesterday – everything worked the first shot, no issues, no leaks.

Locker bags are Fly High W707 750lb bags. I got the pair used off another Crew member for $200. Front bag is the Fly High W711 I got used (but never actually used) off of E-bay for an insane steal @ $125 shipped.

All 3 pumps are from Wakemakers, all Johnson pumps.

For the thru-hull stuff, Gander Mountain had the best price at $15/shipped each. It is not what is pictured, it is the actual Bronze unit just like what Wakemakers sells: http://www.gandermou...=view&from=grid

For the ball valves, I went with the Apollo 70-100 for the 1” Thru-hulls: http://www.amazon.co...760_cs_sce_dp_1

¾” I went with the Apollo 32-100, as I used the T-handle drain to feed the pump for the front bag: http://www.amazon.co...760_cs_sce_dp_2

Adhesive, had to go with the 3M 4000: http://www.amazon.co..._cs_sce_3p_dp_1

I did a big Wakemakers order, consisting of the 3 pumps, ¾” Check vales (2), 1” sack adapters (3), 10’ of ¾” ballast hose, 30’ of 1” ballast hose (I already had from a purchase I made last year), stainless steel ¾” thru-hull’s (2 for the rear bag vents, 1 to replace the bilge dump), ¾” Quick Release 90 degree connectors (2), ¾” quick release connects (2), ¾” hose barb fitting (1), and 1” hose barb fittings (2).

I also purchased a 1” elbow for the starboard thru-hull: http://www.amazon.co..._A1_cs_sce_dp_1

Bakes, I ordered three of these: http://www.bakesonli...il.aspx?ID=1097

Front switch: http://www.bakesonli...il.aspx?ID=1312

Port switch: http://www.bakesonli...il.aspx?ID=1099

Starboard switch: http://www.bakesonli...il.aspx?ID=1100

I ordered 50’ of wire, but had to get another 25’ locally as it wasn’t long enough to replace the power/ground wiring to the switches and had to do 10awg as that was available when I really wanted 12awg. I suggest just getting 75’ of marine grade 12awg. I paid $37 shipped for my 50’ of wire. I could have scored 75’ for about $50.

Lowes also had some stuff I needed. I bought the stainless steel hose clamps (1”) in the contractor bulk packages, I also did the ¾” elbow and male-to-male threaded adapter there as well, plus the Teflon paste.

For powering everything, I used the built-in breakers, but this is something I plan to change up a bit. My boat doesn’t have tower lights or power seat, so I used those two breakers. The MLS 10amp breaker wasn’t big enough, so I swapped it with the heater breaker, though I’ll need to swap that breaker for a bigger one when the weather gets cooler. I did discover a 15amp breaker is enough for each pump, even though it calls for a 25amp.

Thru-hull placement was key (and a BIG pain in the butt). I made sure everything was staggered for proper water flow. As you can see from the pictures, I kept everything nice and tight in order to allow for room to work on the boat; this of course made it a huge pain to do the install. The pumps, which I am told are supposed to get warm, didn’t seem to get warm at all. I pumped one locker bag all the way up then drained it back down, yet the pump motor was cool to the touch.

My future upgrades to this:

- I need to do a vent line for the front bag. I thought I could go without one, but after doing the install I wish it was there

- Center locker bag with its own dedicated pump.

- Considering a port side surf bag under the seats. I would use a Y-valve and run it off the starboard pump if I do it. That’s a next year project if I find throwing a bag on the seat to be too much of a pain.

Overall it was a decent project, and the results are well worth it.

Edited May 7, 2012 by Nitrousbird

[Slurpee]

I;ve got the same boat and done a lot of the same install including ski locker and bow ballast if you want to peruse it for any inspiration.

Thread is here.

Skip to the end as I had to rip out my first aerator install after a few years and do it again with reversible pumps.

A suggestion. Make it easy to get the lids off those pumps so you can replace impellars as needed and polish the gunk off them yearly so they don't stick.

Edited May 8, 2012 by Slurpee