Closing ballast valve underway??

[Doug W]

Like Marc, I simply reach back with the boat hook and push the valve down. I hang my boat hook on one of the companionway handles and it's easy to get to.

Doug

[RobertB]

Seahouse.

Dowsar has, as an option, an extension which is bent so as to fit flush with the inside wall of the tansom, above the well. A small pipe clamp-type of fitting loosely secures the 1/4" or so diameter rod in place, and it makes the reach much more accessible and safe.

I went to the Dowsar site and could not find what you described. Do you have any more information?

[Ixneigh]

I might be inclined to use a tele flex push pull cable and mount the ballast gate valve so it's rotated a bit, and have the cable come up on the corner of the engine well.
I am going to find a different valve for my boat however. That one is not water tight enough. I have problems with the water leaking out of the tank while under sail even with a new valve and vent plug.

Am I wrong in thinking that if I had a securely closing valve, I could eliminate the vent plug by running a small diameter plastic tube high enough up the bulkhead?

Ixneigh

[Sea Wind]

BWY has an extension rod for $10.
Sea Wind.

[c130king]

BWY has an extension rod for $10.
Sea Wind.

Pedro (or anyone else),

Got a picture?

I noticed that mine is very tight...probably need to figure out how to lube that thing so it closes easier/better.

Cheers,
Jim

BTW -- Where is Sea Wind? When I picked up my boat a couple of weeks ago I drove around but didn't see yours. Not in the back corner anymore?

[DaveB]

Mine had a plastic T handle that broke so I got a stainless steel 1 inch long (both ends) female nut and screwed a stainless steel male (both ends) rod 8 inches long and screwed one end into the 1 inch nut and other end put on two nuts with a 1 -1/2 inch washer inbetween as a handle.(all parts are stainless steel)
Can easy reach it while seat is down, looks much like you have.
Dave

Mine is long enough to just reach over the helm seat while it's down and push or pull it. I don't know if that's OEM or the PO extended it, but it's pretty long.

Edit: Found this pic of my stern in a trailer lighting thread, but it shows the long valve stem. The handle is almost to the top of the light, though you can't see it here.

[Wind Chime]

I saw a better mod for this somewhere and it is on my wish list. Install an electric gate using the hardware they use on RV grey water discharge tank, as it is the same size valve.Install the switch on the pedestal, and just push the button to open and close. A light comes on or off to tell you when the gate is fully open or closed.

Here a link to the electric one I was thinking of. Corrosion may be the only concern.
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/it ... alve/36150

[mdeane]

I saw a better mod for this somewhere and it is on my wish list. Install an electric gate using the hardware they use on RV grey water discharge tank, as it is the same size valve.Install the switch on the pedestal, and just push the button to open and close. A light comes on or off to tell you when the gate is fully open or closed.

Here a link to the electric one I was thinking of. Corrosion may be the only concern.
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/it ... alve/36150

Even though the tech writeup indicates the motor is waterproof, the wire harness is weatherproof and no rating given on the actuator. If it is to survive underwater, it should be rated waterproof to a depth. I am skeptical this would work for any length of time.

Marc

[aya16]

I had replaced my valve with the electric RV valve, although it was neat and worked great, it didn't last long. I believe it was about 3 months and the salt water got to it. I sealed it up best I could from the salt water with 5200 before I installed it, but water still got into the motor. Its not made to be submerged, just splash proof. The one in the link above is diff. than the one I used, from camper world, Mine had internal plunger, maybe this newer one would work better.

Now a better idea would be an electric vent valve, that would be great. I haven't looked into them, but I would guess something in the line of an electric lawn sprinkler valve would work, although there might be some issues with the salt water again. I'm sure there is some kind of electric valve that could be used for our vent, I don't think anyone has posted that kind of mod before. What ever is used it would have to have a manual over ride, just in case....maybe something like this, although its 24 volts, must be some way to make it work. http://www.homedepot.com/buy/outdoors/g ... 62219.html
Mike

[raycarlson]

whats the need for and electric vent valve. I know most of us M owners who have done the vent mod just run it up to the anchor locker and tie in to the anchor locker drain tube.It is all automatic no valves or any parts needed other than tubing and whatever parts you use to convert your factory vent plug system to a 3/4" tube.All that's required is to open and close the gate valve which is really simple weather your stopped or moving, it.s hard to believe there's this much discussion on the subject,I'm positive even the most feable of us can open the seat up,reach down and push the gate closed or pull to open and tilt your seat back down in under ten seconds.in gear at idle that is about what 50 feet?

[Sea Wind]

BWY has an extension rod for $10.
Sea Wind.

Pedro (or anyone else),

Got a picture?

I noticed that mine is very tight...probably need to figure out how to lube that thing so it closes easier/better.

Cheers,
Jim

BTW -- Where is Sea Wind? When I picked up my boat a couple of weeks ago I drove around but didn't see yours. Not in the back corner anymore?

Jim,
I bought the rod last week, I have not installed it yet, hopefully this weekend. Spraying marine grease is much better than WD40.
Sea Wind is overshadowed by a 40 something yatch, next to one of the buildings. I am going this weekend to finish cleaning and put the mast down for the Florida Keys trip.

[Terry]

All that's required is to open and close the gate valve which is really simple weather your stopped or moving, it.s hard to believe there's this much discussion on the subject,I'm positive even the most feable of us can open the seat up,reach down and push the gate closed or pull to open and tilt your seat back down in under ten seconds.in gear at idle that is about what 50 feet?

So, we are a bunch of FEEBS!
I suppose it is easy enough to open the valve in preparation for fill/empty, but I believe there are some who are a bit apprehensive about taking their eyes off navigating to turn their backs and reach down to close it while travelling in excess of 10 knots. Even though I can do it all in 10 seconds and there is no other boat within a mile, or 10 miles for that matter, I still feel a slight nervous about any mishaps. In a busy channel or on a river I would be excessively nervous. I do it all the time, it is not a big deal, but I can understand how some might feel, especially single handed.

[parrothead]

I've done the vent hose to the anchor locker drain tube that's mentioned by Raycarlson, and highly encourage it, not only for its "automatic" operation, but for keeping the ballast tank odor out of the cabin.

What I still don't understand is why closing the transom valve while powering along with the tank empty is an issue at all. No water is going to enter the tank while you're speeding along.

[Wind Chime]

by parrothead » Tue Feb 28, 2012 12:52 pm
What I still don't understand is why closing the transom valve while powering along with the tank empty is an issue at all. No water is going to enter the tank while you're speeding along.

I prefer to close the valve while still under high speed, so that I don’t forget to close it when I slow down.
I single hand a lot, and it’s very easy with the extension to just reach back and close the valve. I am still able to have one hand on the wheel, or engage the auto pilot if necessary. For me, it’s just easier and safer.

[roril]

What is the difference in speed between open and closed? If sh#%^ happens with it empty, how safe would you be?

My 26D is very tippy with the tank empty and mast up, did this by accident.

I like the electric open, close with a light indicator.