I am getting water into my ballast tank even when I don't want to (e.g., the fill valves are closed prior to launching) and I can NOT figure out how it's getting in there. I could accept a little leaking-by in the fill valves, but this is a LOT of water, almost like I deliberately filled it to sail. Second or third hand boat, and it didn't do this when I first got it. I DON'T get water into the cabin itself, fortunately, but there are times I don't want the ballast full and it's aggravating. Can't find any holes in the hull and the fill valves seem to be OK. I have pulled the boat out full (onto the trailer) and looked for water running OUT - nothing! Anybody have this problem or figure it out?
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E
ED
Try this
I have an X too, and may have the solution for you. There are two ports for water to enter and escape the ballast tank, at least on the early models before they increased the size of the stern port. One is about 2" in diameter and is on the rear of the boat. The other is on the bottom and is operated with a threaded bar on a screw which goes to the other port. Turn to the right to open, left to close. This is located in the stair well right next to the ballast air plug. Using both ports greatly improves the speed of filling and expelling water. If you left the bottom port open, a lot of water would come in and it would drain quickly when the boat is on the trailer. Hope this solves your problem.
I have an X too, and may have the solution for you. There are two ports for water to enter and escape the ballast tank, at least on the early models before they increased the size of the stern port. One is about 2" in diameter and is on the rear of the boat. The other is on the bottom and is operated with a threaded bar on a screw which goes to the other port. Turn to the right to open, left to close. This is located in the stair well right next to the ballast air plug. Using both ports greatly improves the speed of filling and expelling water. If you left the bottom port open, a lot of water would come in and it would drain quickly when the boat is on the trailer. Hope this solves your problem.
Gaskets
I had the same problem last year. I just had to replace the gaskets on the valve on the transom as well as the valve amidship, under the step. inexpensive and easy fix. Call gail at Blue Water Yachts,(800) 688-8626, tell her Steve sent you, she'll get you dialed in. Good luck and don't sweat it, your ballast will be dry in no time.
I had the same problem last year. I just had to replace the gaskets on the valve on the transom as well as the valve amidship, under the step. inexpensive and easy fix. Call gail at Blue Water Yachts,(800) 688-8626, tell her Steve sent you, she'll get you dialed in. Good luck and don't sweat it, your ballast will be dry in no time.
G
Gstetlerg
Thanks
Thanks Ed and Steve - I do have one of the old ones (96) and I have looked at both the rear port valve and the dual port valve (centerline) gaskets. Actually, the gaskets/valves looked OK to me (I took them both all the way off to inspect them). And if they were leaking, wouldn't they also leak OUT when the boat is pulled out full? But I guess I'll look at the center ports again - the gasket was semi-hard rubber and maybe it just got old.
Thanks Ed and Steve - I do have one of the old ones (96) and I have looked at both the rear port valve and the dual port valve (centerline) gaskets. Actually, the gaskets/valves looked OK to me (I took them both all the way off to inspect them). And if they were leaking, wouldn't they also leak OUT when the boat is pulled out full? But I guess I'll look at the center ports again - the gasket was semi-hard rubber and maybe it just got old.
You'd think, but.....
You'd think they would leak when you pull the boat our with a full ballast however, my guess is that they leak slowly and when you pulled the boat our it was already probably dripping which may have hidden the slow leak from the valves. OR, they leak in but not out, wierd but not totally impossible. If the gaskets are hard, I would bet they are faulty. the rubber should be soft and flexible. Keep me informed.
You'd think they would leak when you pull the boat our with a full ballast however, my guess is that they leak slowly and when you pulled the boat our it was already probably dripping which may have hidden the slow leak from the valves. OR, they leak in but not out, wierd but not totally impossible. If the gaskets are hard, I would bet they are faulty. the rubber should be soft and flexible. Keep me informed.
G
gstetlerg
OK, maybe
Well I waited quite a while to let the dripping stop.....maybe. But that rubber on the centerline twin ports was pretty hard so I guess I'll replace it soon and see what happens.
Well I waited quite a while to let the dripping stop.....maybe. But that rubber on the centerline twin ports was pretty hard so I guess I'll replace it soon and see what happens.
S
Steve Paul
Plumber's silicone grease
Wipe a little plumber's silicone grease on that gasket. If the leak stops, then replace the gasket. Might save you some time unless replacing it is pretty easy. Just thoughts here. Steve P.
Wipe a little plumber's silicone grease on that gasket. If the leak stops, then replace the gasket. Might save you some time unless replacing it is pretty easy. Just thoughts here. Steve P.
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