Trayson's 2008 XLV ballast system upgrade

[wolfeman131]

That is the most disturbing description I've ever seen on here...

I debating on scrolling any further for fear of the pics that may have been posted.

[trayson]

That carpeted wall you are thinking of leaving out, at least on the starboard side, is protection for your gas filler and vent lines from anything that gets stuffed into the rear compartment - not just cosmetic. May protect your bilge line as well if it is routed through there.

I'd strongly suggest putting it back in place and deal with a crumpled bag.

Something to consider. Especially for all the swords, knives, throwing stars and axes I carry in there along with the running chainsaw and random explosives.


At least it wouldn't affect me when I weight for surfing regular! hehe.

[trayson]

So, last night I got a little bit more done. I measured out the run of hose that will go from my fill pump in the bilge to the front center bag. I can feel that it's zip tied to the electrical wiring about 6" up under the floor forward of the bilge. I have a bad feeling that it's likewise zip tied along the run and that I'm going to have to remove the floor to get the new hose in and old hose out. We shall see.

I picked the spots for my rear drain thru hulls and drilled the holes and then installed the new thru-hull ports for the drains. I placed them about a foot forward of the existing drain holes (that are being repurposed as vents). I also did my run so that they are criss crossed. and I used a 90 degree thru hull to keep the hose at the TOP of the gunwale. Hopefully all that will prevent passive draining.

I mounted one of my drain pumps. it's going to be just behind the locker to engine compartment divider with the barb sticking through the hole in the corner of that divider. I enlarged the hole a little on the divider to accommodate this. I didn't like the idea of the bag putting all that weight on the pump (I'm sure it would have been fine) and it frees up a smidge more capacity in the bag without that hose and pump taking up bag space. I'll still have a very short run to the drain port on the bag (just a few inches), so I'm sure priming won't be an issue.

I ended up with just the right amount of hose. I've got a couple feet left to make the drain port to drain pump adapters, which is more than enough for the two I have left to make. All my runs are measured out or installed. with a little extra to spare. The only runs that might be a smidge short are the drain lines that are repurposed to vents. if that's the case, I can easily lengthen them or run new hose. Those are easy to get to and I have some extra 3/4" hose laying around.

I put in my order to wakemakers for the remainder of fittings I ended up needing. I changed my mind part way in and decided to go 1" for drains instead of just using my 3/4". so that meant 3 flow rite ports on the bag and 3 more flow rite barb connectors. I also guessed on the fittings I'd need off my pumps (straight vs. 90 degree) and I ended up wanting more straight and very few 90's, so I ordered more of the straights and will be returning the 90's. Since wakemakers is so close that stuff should arrive in a day or two.

So once I get the fittings I can install the last pump. And then I'll have my buddy come over for the final installation of the fill thru hulls. I've waiting to install them with the 3m 5200 until I have another set of hands to help me out.

[bergermaister]

What, no pictures?

[sivs1]

Forget pictures, I want detailed diagrams so when I tackle this I can reference everything trayson did.

[trayson]

What, no pictures?

I was hurrying to try and get as much as I could done and it was dark by the time I finished. I promised the wife that I'd finish up working on the boat in time for us to watch the previous night's episode of Walking Dead before we went to sleep!

I'll take pics later and post em. You can count on that.

Forget pictures, I want detailed diagrams so when I tackle this I can reference everything trayson did.

Don't worry, I'll be around and will be happy to lend any insight and advice...

[jester]

I was hurrying to try and get as much as I could done and it was dark by the time I finished. I promised the wife that I'd finish up working on the boat in time for us to watch the previous night's episode of Walking Dead before we went to sleep!

I'll take pics later and post em. You can count on that.

.

I am sorry I do not accept the in a hurry thing. The wife should understand the boat and needing photos, I mean she lets you go out on the water in January and February so she should understand by now. Photos or it did not happen

[trayson]

I am sorry I do not accept the in a hurry thing. The wife should understand the boat and needing photos, I mean she lets you go out on the water in January and February so she should understand by now. Photos or it did not happen

Okay, okay. This morning before leaving for work, I got some pics.

This is where the drain pump will live. just peaking out from the engine side of the divider, and I made the hole a little bigger in the divider accordingly.


For the drain thru-hulls, I used the 90 degree fittings to ensure I could loop the hose to the highest point to prevent passive draining. This is the bow, and the original 3/4" drain was repurposed to a vent.


The drain for the Port bag goes behind the engine, along the top of the gunwales, and exits in front of the Starboard bag. So criss crossed and located decently forward. The 90 degree fitting keeps the hose pointing up.


The outside view of this drain port. it's on the right, forward of the bilge pump output and what was another drain but is now the opposite side bag's vent.

[trayson]

Drain pump mounted in center front locker. I re-used the bracket, but bore out the center of it more with a step drill bit. Tape was put around the hose clamps to smooth out any sharp edges.



My wakemakers shipment should arrive today with the rest of my fittings. so I can make a little more progress soon.

[jmvotto]

nice ballast work, I was way too cautious about drilling into the bottom of the hull.. Now I am a pro after a heater install and the the ballast upgrade. but below water line still scares me..