Air in ballast bags

[aaroncat]

Hey guys,

I remember reading at least 1 thread regarding air in ballast bags and the forum wont let me search for the word "air" because apparently its too common

I have the G3 in my 09 OBV and I just got the boat back from the dealership after the de-winterization. When I got home after driving 3 hours there was a load of air in every bag. They were all filled like balloons!!

1. Is this normal?
2. Should I be getting all of the air out before attempting to fill the bags when I'm out on the water?

Cheers,
Aaron

[DOCDRS]

are the bags vented?, if not then yes you have to get the air out, if so then they should not balloon, maybe they plugged them up for some bizarre dewinterization procedure for which someone may explain who is in the know????

[brain_rinse]

The air comes from the thru-hulls when trailering, though I've only had it happen on the ski locker bag. I just unhook the quick disconnects before towing, others put tape over the thru-hull. You can add a vent line that ties into the drain line that will solve the problem too, but until you do that you'll need to make sure all the air is gone before filling otherwise they wont fill all the way with water.

[aaroncat]

Good info guys, thanks!

[kaneboats]

Try searching on "vent" or "vented" and "loop".

[brain_rinse]

If they are already vented I don't think the air in the bags would matter... as you fill with water the air will be pushed out the vent lines. Or am I missing something? Ed, how is the new system vented? Tied into the drain line with a check valve?

My boat came with a "blank" to replace the paddle wheel housing when trailering. I only use it on long distance pulls, but it's an option.