quick question on ballast filling

[callynoah]

does the boat have to be running to fill/drain the ballasts or will the pumps run when the boat is off?

[mikenehrkorn]

The pumps on my '13 run even when the key is off.

[gregski]

What kind of pumps? The "reversible" impeller style draw >10A each. I prefer to have the engine running so it's not pulling off of the battery even though that works fine. They also run faster at 14V. Neither point is much of a consideration for the aerator style.

[mjr119]

Same, my pumps will run as long as the battery is connected.

[JoelFett]

My pumps won't run unless the key is in the run position. 2 way impeller ones. And it is a ton slower, which messes up the levels with the way the timers work, but I make due by bumping the fill as many times as needed until it spits out the overflow lines.

[kaneboats]

You can get much more accurate help by posting your boat model and year in your signature. Welcome!

[callynoah]

Sorry I have a 2015 mondo with the factory surf system

[JoelFett]

Your ballast system is the same as mine then. 2015 needs the key in the on position to fill, but it does so at about 60% capacity. Best way is to have it running, or take a swim break and wait the extra time needed.

[mmandley]

I prefer to wait on it to fill with the engine off, it might seem trivial now but over time your talking hours and hours of wasted engine run time.

I have not noticed a significant fill time difference between engine running and engine off. I generally fill while floating in the water and letting the dog fetch his toy. Then at the end of the day I drain while slowly cruising back to the dock.